In just a few years, gaming on smartphones has become very accessible. The catalogs of games on Android and iOS are extensive and there is no need to spend a fortune on a high-end mobile to play. Find out what you need to know about mobile game controllers:
Which controller to play on smartphone?
All smartphones, at least on the Android side, are compatible with Bluetooth controllers. This means that game console controllers are functional with your mobile device.
But models have come onto the market specifically for smartphones. Usually they allow the smartphone to be housed in a slide that holds it in place. The connection is then made via Bluetooth or a USB-C port.
To choose your smartphone controller correctly, you should pay attention to several criteria:
- Check if the controller accepts smartphones of the same size as yours
- The number of buttons offered
- Is the controller itself powered by the smartphone or does it run on battery?
- Are there programmable buttons? Can you remap the buttons?
- Does the controller have vibrations?
Do all games support the use of a controller?
It is up to the developers to accept or not the use of controllers in their games. So it’s best to check in advance to make sure your favorite game is compatible.
Other games put up certain barriers to the use of smartphone controllers. For example, popular games like Call of Duty Mobile or Apex Legends Mobile only accept official PlayStation or Xbox controllers. It is possible to work around this, but smartphone controllers are not supported by default.
Which cloud gaming controller?
Smartphone controllers are very useful for enjoying cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Google Stadia or GeForce NOW.
Unlike native games, these services fully support the vast majority of smartphone game controllers. In addition, Microsoft has instituted a special certification – which benefits most models on the market – that guarantees the compatibility of its cloud with labeled controllers.
Bluetooth controller or USB controller for a smartphone?
Game controllers for smartphones are divided into two categories. On the one hand, self-powered controllers that connect to the phone’s USB-C or Lightning port, on the other, battery-powered models that pair via Bluetooth.
Each type has its pros and cons. With USB-C, you eliminate the risk of latency and the need to charge your controller. But the controller can be tricky to set up if it’s poorly designed.
A Bluetooth controller has the advantage that it can connect to the smartphone faster, but will need to be charged regularly to prevent the battery from running out during a game. In addition, wireless technology inevitably leads to higher latency. A detail that can be detrimental to those who play competitive games.
Can I use a controller on a smartphone emulator?
Smartphone game controllers are useful for cloud gaming and native games, as well as games launched through an emulator.
Of course you should check if the emulator you’re using supports joysticks, but in most cases this shouldn’t be a problem.
If the keys are not mapped correctly, some applications such as Octopus or Mantis GamePad Pro can remap them for a better gaming experience.
How do you play on a smartphone with a PlayStation or Xbox controller?
There are several options for gaming accessories for smartphones, the design of which will greatly affect your gaming experience. If you’re using a traditional controller like PlayStation DualSense or Xbox, you can put your phone or tablet on a stand and put your game screen on a table or desk. However, this is not very practical for mobile gaming and immersion, as the screen is away from the eyes. In this situation, a mobile game clip can act as a support for the phone, which is then attached to the controller. But the clip needs to be adjusted for comfortable use, both in terms of the weight of the smartphone and the viewing angles. Also be careful about compatibility with the controller you are using. Xbox has a certification program to ensure that a clip is compatible with its controllers.
Which controller do you play on Android?
Many, many controller models are compatible with an Android smartphone or tablet. This is especially true for wireless controllers with Bluetooth connectivity or controllers with USB-C connections. Make sure your Android device is compatible before buying, but there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises if your phone or tablet is recent.
Which controller to play on iPhone?
iPhones are compatible with most game console controllers on the market: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox series but recently also Nintendo Switch. On the other hand, Apple makes it difficult for manufacturers to offer controllers adapted for smartphone gaming. At the moment, no manufacturer offers a smartphone controller adapted to both the iPhone and an Android smartphone. They must have their product MFI (Made For iPhone) certified before they can market it. That is why you will find a Razer Kishi for Android and a Razer Kishi for iPhone on the market. The same goes for the Backbone controller, which comes in two editions: one for each operating system.
Which brand to choose for a smartphone controller?
The market for these types of products is exploding and more and more players are jumping on it. Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation are of course values, but the experts in gaming peripherals also have interesting proposals, such as Razer with its Kishi range. Don’t ditch brands like 8Bitdo if you’re sensitive to retro gaming design.
Photo by Daan Geurts on Unsplash
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