Other game controllers we tested
There were a number of other mobile controllers we tested that missed the mark or didn't make the grade.
Photo: Simon Hill
Gamesir X3 Pro for $80: This replaces the X3 and expands to put nearly every Android phone (or iPhone 15 series) in its rubber arms. It feels good, with a customizable grip, clicky buttons, and a Hall Effect joystick with removable covers of varying sizes in a nice zippered carrying case. The standout feature is the huge fan on the back that provides significant cooling, which can be useful as the smartphone can get uncomfortably hot when you play games for long periods of time, although I find that sound annoying and the X3 Pro is very annoying. voluminous. The customization options are welcome, but the GameSir app is a bit buggy and confusing. For a more compact sliding option, check out GameSir X2 Pro ($80) or much cheaper X2 ($40). I tested both and found them to be pretty good for the money.
Asus ROG Tessen for $90: My excitement at the prospect of having an Asus portable controller waned pretty quickly once I started using the ROG Tessen. It has a neat folding design, responsive controls, and pass-through charging. I like that the rear controls are programmable and have RGB lighting to highlight it. But the thumbsticks feel uncomfortable quite quickly and the buttons seem a bit noisy. This feature is also Android-only and doesn't work with any iPhone (even USB-C iPhones).
Gamesir X4 plane for $100: This controller has many benefits, including a compact design, RGB lighting, hall effect levers, and tactile buttons. It comes in two parts, which is great for folding it neatly, but means you have to join one side then the other and it can be finicky. It's not a bad effort, but there are better options above.
CRKD Atomizer for $20: This tiny controller is super cute and very portable, with a wrist strap, you can connect it to your bag. Battery life is up to 10 hours if using the USB-C port to recharge, although I sometimes found it turned on by itself in my bag. It's not big enough or comfortable enough for long-term use, but if you need an ultra-portable emergency controller it might fit the bill.
Photo: Simon Hill
Turtle Beach Atomizer for $80: With a smart two-piece design, this controller can be folded neatly but feels insecure without the back. The clips on each side are inconvenient, especially for phones with large camera modules. I had trouble connecting and didn't like having to turn on the right side separately (press B and menu button). The right side connects wirelessly (2.4 GHz), but the controller connects to your phone via Bluetooth. It mostly works fine for me, but when I play Jydge, The movement has been reversed in the left bar. You get about 20 hours of battery life. It takes about two hours to charge. If portability is your main concern, then it is maybe worth watching.
GameSir T4 Cyclone for $40: Relatively affordable, with a grippy finish and a Hall Effect joystick, this is a solid controller. There are several programmable buttons on the back, a rumbling motor in the handle, and a handy multi-function button. It also supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz with optional dongle, and USB-C connectivity. But the battery is only 860 mAh, the GameSir application is flickering, the LED light is annoyingly bright.
Nacon MG-X Pro for $54: It feels like Nacon cut the Xbox controller in half to fit into an extendable phone holder, but if you want this style of controller then the GameSir G8 listed above is what we recommend . The MG-X Pro is a bit wider, but the G8 is superior in every way.
PowerA XP Ultra for $130: I love the idea of combining tons of options into one controller, and PowerA's crazy XP Ultra is certainly versatile. It works wirelessly with your Xbox, Windows PC, or Android phone, delivering solid battery life (up to 40 hours via Bluetooth or 60 hours for Xbox). However, the ostentatious mini controller that slides out, Transformer-style, for on-the-go gaming is too small and difficult to hold comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and sticks are all good, and the clip works well to hold your phone, but the D-pad is stiff. All in all, it's an expensive mixed bag.
Razer Kishi V2 for $100: The Razer Kishi V2 is fine, but it's slower, larger, and less polished than the Backbone One. It's an expandable mobile controller available in Android and iPhone versions. Both can stream PlayStation or Xbox games and work with Windows. But ultimately, Backbone's superior software and headphone jack make it the better choice. —Louryn Strappe
Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller for $40: MFi certified controller for gaming on iPhone or iPad (devices with older Lightning port) with pass-through charging, direct Lightning cable connection, and 3.5mm audio port. It feels like an Xbox controller, supports Xbox Cloud Gaming or remote play, and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. On the downside, the cable is a bit messy. the MFi Riot PWR Controller for ($40) almost identical, but without the garish green styling and colored Xbox buttons. There's also a USB-C option.
Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for $47: This is another Xbox-branded controller that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play, and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. It feels great in the hand, has a sturdy phone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Windows. It also has some audio improvements (when plugged in), programmable buttons, and a handy Pro-Aim feature that reduces sensitivity on the right stick for aiming in FPS games. This is a good upgrade option over the PowerA controllers listed above, but only if you want the additional features.
PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $100: This controller offers everything the XP-5 X does, but you can also remove the center stand to mount it on your phone (my Pixel 6 Pro fits perfectly). It's sturdy, offers plenty of buttons (only missing a screenshot button), and can wirelessly charge your phone. But it's expensive, has a Micro USB port when I prefer USB-C, and only has a 2,000 mAh battery, so go with the XP-5 X unless you really want that spring-loaded mount to fit your phone. me.
8BitDo SN30 Pro for $45: Evoking memories of SNES, this controller works with Android, Windows, MacOS, and Switch. It has rumble integration, a solid D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port.