For gamers preferring PlayStation-style controllers: 8BitDo Professional 2
8BitDo has constructed itself a popularity for versatile gamepads that may work with a number of programs, from the Nintendo Change to the Raspberry Pi. And whereas the Professional 2 is one in every of our high controllers for the Change, it is also a fairly nice possibility for Android and iOS as nicely. The benefit to utilizing these along with your telephone can also be the free 8BitDo software program that provides you in depth customization choices for the buttons; it even has extra choices than you’ll discover on Nintendo’s system. In fact, being a Bluetooth gamepad means it’s simple sufficient to leap forwards and backwards, making this an excellent funding for individuals who personal a number of transportable gadgets (like a Change).
Execs: PlayStation-like design is snug; configuration software program is powerful; controller is on the market in a number of colours
Cons: Not small and can be best carried round in a case
For gamers who like Xbox-style controllers: SteelSeries Nimbus+ and Stratus+
Whereas the PlayStation’s DualShock design has gained its share of devotees over time, the Xbox gamepad is the stereotypical picture of the gamepad in many individuals’s minds (in addition to the Discord brand). So it is sensible that there are much more mobile gaming choices with that form, and the best ones come from SteelSeries: the Nimbus+ for Apple-made gadgets and the Stratus+ for Google-based gadgets (Android and Chromebook).
The two controllers are, for probably the most half, equivalent. They’ve shoulder buttons and triggers, the d-pad is identical, they usually each embrace sturdy telephone mounts for attaching your machine on the high — the kind that clamps in place mechanically. Not like a clamp from a extra generic firm, the one SteelSeries offers with each controllers gained’t battle you through the technique of mounting your telephone.
Execs: Extra gamers are prone to be accustomed to Xbox-style controllers; each fashions embrace sturdy clamps for clipping your telephone to the controller.
Cons: You need to purchase a unique controller primarily based on what OS you’re utilizing; the controller with the clamp connected is unwieldy
For gamers who wish to flip their Android telephone right into a Change or Steam Deck-like machine: Razer Kishi
Let’s be trustworthy, the shape issue is a giant purpose that gadgets just like the Change are so well-liked. They’re snug to carry, well-balanced and actually put the display entrance and middle. You don’t actually get that with a telephone clamp or desk stand. Fortunately, Razer’s Kishi is a brilliant inexpensive possibility that’s simple to slip your telephone into — although the setup admittedly wasn’t as fast for me because the SteelSeries choices. However a minimum of the direct connection it varieties with the telephone utilizing USB-C (or Lightning in the event you’re on an iPhone) is quicker than Bluetooth.
The Kishi’s largest benefits — in addition to Razer’s high-end construct high quality — are its passthrough charging, so that you by no means have to detach it to cost your telephone, and the scale it folds all the way down to while you do take it off your machine. It’s smaller than the SteelSeries controllers, making it superb for throwing right into a small bag.
Execs: Offers a direct connection to a telephone as an alternative of counting on Bluetooth; folds up compactly when not in use
Cons: Telephone with Kishi connected could really feel cumbersome
For gamers who wish to flip their iPhone right into a handheld console: Spine One
The new Spine One is just like Razer’s Kishi and made particularly for Apple gadgets, although at a better price (on account of being newer and from a smaller firm). My colleague Mat Smith was a giant fan of the One when he tried it, and in my very own use it has a couple of benefits over the Razer machine, specifically a cleaner design and a extra sweat-friendly matte texture. It additionally options Apple-specific buttons, ones which might be a lot greater and thus simpler to hit than those on the Kishi.
Execs: Good matte end; particularly made for iPhone customers
Cons: Costly; solely works with iPhones
For gamers who need probably the most transportable controller doable (or the cutest): 8BitDo Zero 2
When you have massive fingers, the 8BitDo Zero 2 is unquestionably not for you, and your fingers will doubtless cramp in the event you spend too lengthy enjoying with this diminutive Bluetooth controller. However for everybody else, it’s undoubtedly price a glance, if solely as a result of it’s so small there’s no purpose to maintain it on you always in case of an emergency. Not that we may let you know what constitutes a gaming emergency, but when one does come up you’ll be glad to have this readily available. It really is keychain-sized, so you possibly can clip it in your backpack or slide it right into a Change carrying case with ease. And we love the brilliant colours, that are primarily based on the Change Lite design and will mix in along with your spring and summertime attire.
Execs: Cute and tiny; comes with a strap for attaching to a bag
Cons: Too small for players with massive fingers
