The 7 Best Smartphone Gaming Controllers

The Razer Kishi is a USB-C gaming controller made by one of the foremost gaming manufacturers in the world. Its USB-C interface ensures that you get a lag-free, zero-latency experience during game time. Furthermore, the controller uses your phone's battery power, ensuring that you won't run out of juice during a match.

In case your phone runs low on power, you can charge it through the passthrough USB-C port on its lower-right hand side. When you're not using it, it collapses into a small, compact form. This means you can easily carry this around without adding bulk and weight to your bag.

The clickable analog sticks offer tactile feedback, offering a more immersive smartphone gaming experience. The only downside is that this controller can only be used on smartphones—the USB-C design with the phone cradled between the two sections means it's not compatible with tablets or iPhones. Razer offers an iPhone version of the Kishi, but it's sold separately.

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If you're using an iPhone, you can game on it comfortably with the SteelSeries Nimbus+. Made by SteelSeries, a respected gaming peripherals company, the Nimbus+ will give you a reliable gaming experience. The controller itself is also Apple-licensed, ensuring compatibility with iOS devices.

This means you won't have difficulty connecting it to your Apple device. If you get this controller, you'll also get up to four free months of Apple Arcade. In the box, you'll find the controller and an iPhone mount, ensuring you can game on your smartphone as soon as you get it.

The controller also has a lightning port, so you can charge it using your iPhone's cable and charging brick. The SteelSeries Nimbus+ features clickable joysticks as well as L3 and R3 buttons. This offers more flexibility across a range of smartphone games. Whether you're a casual gamer or prefer more intense gameplay with Battle Royale games, this smartphone gaming controller is versatile and affordable.

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Even though you're on a budget, you can still have an enjoyable gaming experience with the GAMR+ Four-Trigger Gamepad Controller. This manual gamepad lets you play with up to six touchpoints on your screen—two for each thumb, plus four more triggers. As long as you can remap the touch controls of your game, you can play with this gamepad.

And since it's fully analog, the game will not detect that you're using a controller. This ensures you retain your advantage over your opponents when playing.

This controller has built-in slots allowing you to charge your phone and use a headset, even as you game. And for those extended matches, this controller has a built-in fan, ensuring your phone won't overheat and performs optimally.

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The Popman Four-Trigger Controllers is a two-piece manual gaming controller. This lets you place them anywhere on your device, ensuring your maximum comfort. Furthermore, it can fit almost any device since it's not length constrained. You can assign each trigger to your preferred action—like jump, crouch, fire, and reload.

With those controls having their dedicated triggers, you can now move around and do those actions simultaneously. This improves your agility and control, giving you an advantage over one-on-one firefights.

Since this is an all-analog device, you don't have to worry about power and charging. Furthermore, it's small and compact, meaning you can easily slip it into your pocket when you're not gaming. With this controller, you can enjoy your playing your games almost anywhere.

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Console players will appreciate the familiar form factor of the GameSir G3s. This wireless controller will work with Android, Windows, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. So if you have any of these devices, you can use this controller at home and on the go.

The GameSir G3s offers you many connection options. You can pair it to your phone via Bluetooth or attach it via the 2.4GHz dongle to your computer. And if you want to charge it while playing, you can use the included micro-USB cord.

For additional immersion, the controller has dual vibration motors, responding to your every movement. And when you factor in its 18-hour battery life, you know you will enjoy your game for a long, long time.

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Many people don't consider ergonomics when looking at gaming gear. But if you're spending hours upon hours playing, you should have a comfortable controller. This lets you avoid stress and fatigue, which can negatively affect your well-being. That's the advantage of the PowerLead Wireless Controller's asymmetrical design.

It can help reduce tiredness for players, especially those that have extended matches and gaming sessions. The controller even has a built-in phone clip, ensuring you can focus on your game no matter what.

The controller's textured grips ensure ultimate gaming comfort. And if you're sweating during a fight, this feature guarantees the controller won't slip—allowing you to give 100% focus on your game.

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You can always get the best lag-free experience with a physical connection. That's why the GameSir X2's USB-C connection will give you the ultimate gaming experience. With this controller attached to your phone, you will get an advantage over your opponents. The controller itself supports phones up to 173mm tall and 1cm thick.

It also features a durable internal spring. This ensures it won't loosen as you spend hours playing on it. Each button is also solidly made and is designed to last up to three million button presses.

To ensure cooling, the controller has a built-in gap when you install your phone. That way, your device can perform optimally even after hours of gaming. And once you have achieved victory, you can quickly record it with a press of the dedicated screenshot button.

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