Mobile gaming has entered its golden years, whether you're streaming games from the cloud, downloading everything off of Google Play Pass, or just enjoying some of the great games that are getting released on Android and iOS these days.
We're past the days of developers just throwing their existing work on a mobile phone, slapping a touch UI on it, and calling it a day. Now games are built from the ground up for smaller screens and shorter playing sessions, and we're here to help you get in on the action.
Best controllers for Android
So many games support full controllers these days, so you don't have to clumsily aim in an FPS with a virtual disappearing joystick. We've sorted through some of the best controllers for Android we've used and reviewed and put them in one easy list to make it easier for you to decide which option to buy next.
Most compatible: Xbox One controller
![Best gaming controllers for Android [2021] 2](https://www.talkandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/xbox-one-controller-640x640.jpg)
It's hard to beat the old standby. Microsoft has done an excellent job of asserting their controller and button layout as the default for tons of users thanks to how easily the Xbox One controller works with, well, everything.
This also carries over into mobile gaming. Android will immediately recognize an Xbox One controller whether it's wired or via Bluetooth, and will work with most games that are controller-compatible with no additional tweaking.
Floating around $60 it's not the cheapest option, but it's reliable and works incredibly easily. You can also get a ton of mobile clips for it if you want to strap your phone to the controller, and Microsoft makes a new color or variant every other month, so you can get something that matches you case or your mood at the time. Can't go wrong here.
Xbox One Controller | $59 | Amazon, Best Buy, Microsoft
Save your battery: Razer Kishi
If you just don't like Bluetooth and hate the battery drain and lag that can come with it, something like the Razer Kishi might be a slightly better option for you.
Instead of dealing with wireless connections, the Kishi simply pulls apart and has a universal slot to put your phone into. The bottom of the controller has a USB-C that connects to your device, which is generally immediately recognized as an Xbox style controller for your favorite games.
Razer opted for Microsoft's button layout here, including the asymmetrical analog sticks, ABXY buttons, and even an Xbox button that integrates into Game Pass, if that's what you're using it for. It's a little more pricey than an Xbox controller at $99, but it frequently goes on sale for closer to the MSRP of a standard controller, making it a more attractive option for someone wanting to ditch Bluetooth.
Razer Kishi | $99 | Amazon, Best Buy, Microsoft
Switch style: GameSir X2
You can't talk about the renaissance of mobile gaming without mentioning the Nintendo Switch. It didn't directly cause this boom, but it definitely helped, and for good reason; that design is fantastic for gaming on the go.
You can have it on your smartphone, too. The GameSir X2 is maybe a little too Switch-inspired, including the offset red and blue color scheme, but it's an excellent controller either way.
The buttons and triggers feel great, and the D-Pad is significantly better than what's on the Switch. It's also a completely universal design thanks to its larger shell and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can turn any phone no matter the shape or size into a Switch clone and game away.
Some extra button functionality and a few variants to pick from make this a good alternative to the Razer Kishi.
GameSir X2 | $59 | Amazon, GameSir
Touchscreen gaming: HyperX ChargePlay Clutch
Alright, so adding buttons and control sticks to your phone is great, but only for supported games. Some games don't have controller support, though, and short of getting some remapping software, it's just not feasible to add it in. They might also be heavily touch-optimized where you don't want a controller, either.
Don't worry, you can still up your gaming experience with the HyperX ChargePlay Clutch.
The ChargePlay tweaks the traditional smartphone setup by adding grips and a wireless charging battery to the back of the controller, but nothing else. You'll still use your thumbs just like you were playing a game in landscape, but now you'll have a much better time gripping your phone and don't have to worry about the battery dying on you.
If you're looking to enhance your mobile gaming and not make it more like console gaming, HyperX has the answer.
HyperX ChargePlay Clutch | $59 | Amazon
Emulators and retro games: 8BitDo SN30 Pro
![Best gaming controllers for Android [2021] 3](https://www.talkandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/8bitdo-sn30-pro-640x640.jpg)
Smartphones make some of the best emulators these days, and while we aren't going to get into the specifics of emulation in this article, we will tell you that any of 8BitDo's controllers will easily make your retro gaming experience 100x better.
But for this pick, we're going with the SN30 Pro. You're getting a traditional SNES-style controller that's compatible with a ton of devices, but it'll work with your Android phone with little configuration. You get extra shoulder buttons and two analog sticks to cover more modern games, but most importantly you've got a layout that'll scratch that throwback Nintendo itch.
If you spend more time playing Pokemon Red & Blue or Super Mario World on your smartphone than anything from the Play Store, check this one out.
8BitDo SN30 Pro | $45 | Amazon
