While the Amazon Fire TV Stick lacks the power of a gaming-optimized streaming device like the Nvidia Shield, it still has plenty of fun titles that you can spend a few hours enjoying.
Your TV remote or phone isn’t going to suffice. So, to maximize the experience, you’ll need a Fire TV Stick game controller.
Keep reading to learn about the best Fire TV game controllers that are compatible with your device.
Best Fire TV Stick Game Controller:
Xbox One Wireless Controller
Xbox One Wireless Controller Xbox One Wireless Controller Buy Now On Amazon $ 64.99
Microsoft’s standard Xbox One Wireless Controller works perfectly with the Fire TV Stick thanks to its Bluetooth wireless connection. This means you can also use the controller with Windows 10 and Android tablets. The controller has textured grips, a 40-foot Bluetooth range, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you buy the Play and Charge kit (sold separately), you can also charge the device via USB.
Remember, a Fire TV Stick has only a single micro-USB port, and it’s used for the power supply. That means wired versions of the Xbox controller (or wired variants of any other controller) will not work. The situation is not the same on a Fire TV Cube; the Cube does have USB ports that you can use to connect a wired model.
Alternative Fire TV Stick Game Controller:
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
Similarly, Sony’s DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for the PlayStation 4 makes for a great Fire TV Stick game controller. The DualShock 4 has a built-in speaker, a stereo headset jack, USB recharging, and a clickable touchpad in the center of the device. Like the Xbox One controller, it will also work with Windows and Android.
In terms of usability, there is little between Sony’s offering and the Microsoft product. Each person has their own preference between the two, but if you already own either a PlayStation or Xbox, the difference is not sufficient to warrant going out and buying a new controller. Just pair the controller you already have with your Fire TV Stick.
Best Retro Fire TV Stick Game Controller:
8Bitdo SN30 Pro
8Bitdo SN30 Pro 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Buy Now On Amazon $ 48.99
For something a bit more retro-looking, check out the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro. Styled to resemble an original SNES controller, the device thankfully packs in considerably more features than the old Nintendo model. Those features include clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, and USB charging.
Of course, Bluetooth is supported, but the controller has wired connectivity for when the hardware allows. The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro is also a good choice if you’re the type of gamer who likes to take screenshots of your progress share with friends as it has a dedicated Screenshot button that sits alongside the home button.
Best Mini Fire TV Stick Game Controller:
PL-608 Mini
PL-608 Mini PL-608 Mini Buy Now On Amazon $ 12.49
Amazon Fire TV Sticks are often the streaming device of choice for secondary TVs in people’s homes. Their low cost makes them ideal for areas like kitchens and kids’ bedrooms which are often tight on space. If you want a discrete and lightweight Fire TV Stick gaming controller, consider buying the PL-608 Mini.
It only measures 3 x 1.4 x 0.7 inches. Space on the controller is at a premium, so you’ll have to make some compromises. The PL-608 Mini has a joystick but no D-pad, and there is no equivalent of the R1/R2 and L1/L2 buttons on the top of the device. The controller has a wireless range of 10 meters.
Best Budget Fire TV Stick Game Controller:
Matricom G-Pad
Matricom G-Pad Matricom G-Pad Buy Now On Amazon $ 69.99
Fire TV Sticks are not designed to be the main gaming console in a house; hardcore gamers will look to more powerful hardware for their regular fix. As such, you probably don’t need to spend a fortune on your Amazon Fire TV Stick controller. The quality of games available on the platform doesn’t really justify it.
The Matricom G-Pad is a cheap-yet-reliable Fire TV Stick game controller. It has a rechargeable battery, 16 buttons, two joysticks, and the possibility to flip between controller mode and mouse mode using a simple button combo. It even works with Samsung Gear VR hardware.
Best Fire TV Stick Game Controller for Battery Life:
Bigaint Pro
Bigaint Pro Bigaint Pro Buy Now On Amazon $ 19.99
Occasional and casual gamers will want their Fire TV game controller to be ready to use whenever needed—you don’t want to worry about recharging it all the time. For a low-price Amazon controller with solid rechargeable battery life, have a look at the Bigaint Pro.
The controller is notably cheaper than PS4 and Xbox controllers, yet it will last for more than five hours off a single charge. It has dual rumble vibration, a screen capture button, and support for gyro axis functionality. If you want to play on a PC or Fire TV Cube, you can use a USB cable to make the connection. For Fire TV Sticks, use the Bluetooth.
Best Premium Fire TV Stick Game Controller:
SteelSeries Stratus XL
SteelSeries Stratus XL SteelSeries Stratus XL Buy Now On Amazon $ 36.48
If you want a Fire TV Stick gaming controller that’ll make your friends jealous, it might be time to pick up a SteelSeries Stratus XL. It’s one of the best gaming controllers outside of the in-house products from Microsoft and Sony. The controller has pressure-sensitive buttons, and clickable joysticks.
There’s also left and right analog triggers, four LEDs that can be used to denote a gamer’s current status, and even a battery-saving mode so you can squeeze out a final few gaming sessions before you need to plug it in and recharge. The two AA batteries will last for around 40 hours and the controller weighs 10.2 ounces.
Which Fire TV Stick Game Controller Should You Buy?
Much depends on how much you plan to game on your device. Broadly speaking, the less you play, the less money you should spend. Also, have a think about the ergonomics of the design. Some designs might suit your hands better than others.
If you opt for one of these chargers, you may also be interested in how to connect a gaming controller to an iPad or iPhone.
Read the full article: The Best Fire TV Stick Gaming Controllers
