Even before the Xbox Game Pass launch, having the best mobile gaming controller was pretty important for mobile gamers. There are a slew of great Android games out there that can be enhanced with the help of a controller, and honestly, who really enjoys using the on-screen controls? Nevertheless, if you're in the market for a new controller to enhance your mobile gaming experience, we've got you covered with the best Android controllers.
These are the best Android gaming controllers
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Nacon created a force to be reckoned with in the MG-X Pro mobile controller, taking the best aspects of other controllers on the market and combining it with the ergonomic grips of an Xbox or PlayStation console controller. Because why fix what isn't broken? That design's been proved to work, and it works wonderfully with the Nacon MG-X Pro.
In our review we noted that its weight distribution felt nice, keeping it from being too heavy in one area like other competitors on the market, and its face button layout gave the buttons room to breathe instead of being smushed together. This all makes for a much more comfortable hold and keeps your hands from cramping after long periods of use.
With its Bluetooth connection, the MG-X Pro can also support a wider variety of phones, including foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 3. This also allows players to use with with their phones cases, so even though it already had a secure hold, there's that extra peace of mind with added protection. Rounding it off with 20 hours of battery life, and it's hard to pass up the MG-X Pro.
A major complaint that a lot of people have with Android gaming is that phones can get really hot, really fast. It may not be that big of an issue if you can ignore the heat while using a controller, but that doesn't solve the problem. Enter the Gamesir X3, which features a built-in cooling unit on the back that makes a noticeable difference with minimal sound.
Aside from its cooling fan, it's nearly identical in design to Gamesir's previous X2 model. What's different this time around is that instead of offering Bluetooth and USB-C models, the X3 only comes with a USB-C connector. That makes it sport a more reliable connection for less input lag. While it also limits the amount of phones with cases it's compatible with, the USB-C connector on the Gamesir X3 can be adjusted about a centimeter up or down, making it easier to mount a phone and fit phone cases.
Its biggest downsides are that it needs to be plugged in for the fan to work, limiting the times it can actually be used effectively, and its thumbsticks are still way too small for most people. Thankfully, the X3 includes some thumbstick covers in the package, because if they weren't I don't think I'd use the X3 all that much.
In our review of the Razer Kishi, we found that it hits just about every mark you could want in a game controller for Android. Razer upgraded this already amazing controller with the Razer Kishi V2, taking what it learned over the years and fan feedback into account to design a product that felt much better to use and hold. Though its thumbsticks are a letdown, and its solution to fit more phones with rubber inserts doesn't always hit the mark, it's still a notable improvement in a lot of ways.
During our hands-on time with the Kishi V2, we found that the buttons were clicky and responsive, offering the type of tactile feedback you'd want from a premium Android controller. Likewise, the D-pad is near-perfect, and textured grips along the back go far in making it easier to hold. Due to its spring-loaded design, mounting phones has also been made much easier.
What makes it really interesting is the Razer Nexus app, serving as a hub for all of your mobile gaming needs. This is where its buttons can be remapped and players browse catalogs of compatible games. Despite its shortcomings, many will likely prefer the V2 over the Kishi's original design.
When you consider everything that the Razer Raiju Mobile brings to the table: dual Bluetooth and wired connections, four multifunction buttons that you can remap to fit your needs, a hair-trigger mode for both left and right triggers, and a phone mount with a 60-degree tilt for comfortable viewing angles, it's amazing that the controller isn't actually too expensive.
The Razer Raiju Mobile is a pro controller that feels perfectly balanced in your hand, even with a phone mounted. That makes this a great controller for extended gaming sessions, in addition to the 20-plus hour battery life and the extra-long braided USB-A to USB-C cable that you can use to charge the controller as you game. The only issue I've had with it is sometimes the grip will block the volume controls or, in worst cases, put pressure on the power button.
Released as a premium accessory for the Razer Phone 2, the Raiju Mobile also works with two Android phones at once. That's one of my favorite features about this controller. There's a physical switch that lets you pair and connect to two different phones. It's perfect if you intend to share this controller with other gamers.
If your childhood involved spending countless hours playing SNES, the 8bitDo SN30 is going to give you all the nostalgic feels.
The iconic Nintendo controller design is updated with Bluetooth connectivity that lets the 8BitDo SN30 Pro work with Android, Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi, and even the Nintendo Switch. Such versatility will be especially valuable if you happen to have a collection of retro games you love to revisit. Not so good is the lack of a dedicated power switch or button for pairing — instead, you use the Start and Select buttons, and that can result in unpairing by accident.
The SN30 Pro does a great job delivering all the modern features we've come to expect from a quality wireless controller. Not only do you get the familiarity and comfort of the beloved SNES controller, but it's also available in all the classic colors of the GameBoy Color. A rechargeable 480mAh battery powers everything, and pairing and resetting are accomplished using the Select button.
Microsoft and Sony's current flagship consoles are finally readily available, with many customers now able to get their hands on Microsoft's slightly redesigned controller. The Xbox Series X controller is compatible with all of your devices (minus iOS), making this the perfect way for you to jump into Xbox Game Pass and play some games. Or, you can just use this as a regular controller to play your favorite compatible Android games.
The trigger and bumpers sport a new soft and textured grip, ensuring you click the bumper when you need to and not accidentally slip onto the bumper. The new "hybrid d-pad" looks like it was brought down from the Xbox Elite Controller, but this is not interchangeable like the more expensive version. Even still, Microsoft has made it so that you can customize and map a few of the buttons to your liking, depending on which game you are playing.
Battery life is kind of a moot point with the new Series X controller, however, as you will need to rely on AA batteries for power. The older Play and Charge kit is compatible with this, so you can always pick one of those up after the fact if you don't already have one. And while there is a 3.5mm headphone jack on board (like the old version), Microsoft still has opted not to include a built-in microphone, so you'll need a good headset if you plan on jumping online with your buddies.
This next controller may look a bit familiar, and that's because it's nothing more than a redesigned version of the SN30 Pro from 8BitDo. However, this one is special; 8Bitdo worked closely with Microsoft to create a new controller designed for Xbox Game Pass (formerly Project xCloud).
This partnership with Microsoft is apparent by the familiar Xbox button placed right in the middle of the controller. However, unlike the standard SN30 Pro, this new version is a bit more customizable. You'll be able to reassign the buttons, along with customizing the thumbtacks for better precision and the triggers to react to how far you are pushing them.
While 16 hours of battery is not terrible, it's a bit less than we would have liked to see. If you are used to playing mobile games with a bigger controller like the Xbox One option, then 8Bitdo's controller may also be too small.
Take one look at this list, and you'll see a couple of different 8Bitdo controllers that make great Android controllers. However, the two options you see are more like those classic SNES controllers and aren't exactly the most ergonomic controllers. However, 8Bitdo has updated its lineup with the new 8Bitdo Pro 2, which has replaced the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+ that was available until earlier this year.
With the Pro 2, you're getting a rechargeable and replaceable 1,000mAh battery, which is rated for up to 20 hours of battery life. The controller is also designed like something you would expect to see in 2021, falling in line more with something like the Xbox Core Controller or the Sony's PS5 DualSense for better comfortability. There's a four-way toggle to switch between profiles and devices easier than before, along with the ability to use this on practically any device save for an iPhone or iPad.
With the accompanying 8Bitdo app, you can map any button on the controller to something else, providing even more controls over how you play your games. This includes the two new back paddle buttons that can be remapped, which is handy for some, but the placement could end up in the way if you never plan on using them. And just like most of the other controllers on this list, you'll have to pick up 8Bitdo's phone holder if you want to game on the go without using a stand.
The problem with some of the best game controllers for Android is that they don't offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Sure, they can work with most traditional candy bar smartphones, like the Galaxy S21 Ultra or OnePlus 9 Pro, but what about the best foldable phones? Even the Razer Kishi works with the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, leaving options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Microsoft Surface Duo.
Enter the GameSir X2 Bluetooth. There are several variants of the GameSir X2, but this offering brings Bluetooth connectivity for this telescopic controller. The buttons were improved to offer traditional AXYB placement and provide up to 20 hours of battery life. The triggers are now more sensitive than ever, providing you a little more sensitivity when trying to outduel an opponent in something like Call of Duty: Mobile.
With the new button layout and high-sensitivity triggers, the GameSir X2 Bluetooth is a fantastic companion for all cloud game streaming services like Google Stadia and Xbox Game Streaming. However, there are a couple of potential frustrations, as you won't be able to use wired headphones and instead have to rely on the best Bluetooth headsets for Xbox Game Pass. Additionally, some owners of the GameSir X2 Bluetooth have reported some hiccups when it comes to updating the software, but this is not extremely widespread, so your mileage may vary.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller isn't the first controller that comes to mind when someone thinks of playing games on their Android devices, but it does work. Bluetooth connectivity means you can use Nintendo's premium controller the same way you would any of the other myriad controllers around.
If you're someone who enjoys playing games on your Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, or if you just enjoy this particular controller and find it comfortable, grab one to enhance all your favorite Android mobile games.
The battery is very strong, lasting upwards of 40 hours on one charge. The controller uses asymmetrical sticks like an Xbox controller, so if you're used to Microsoft's controllers, you'll find this reasonably similar.
What are the best Android controllers?
The value of a Bluetooth controller for gaming will continue to grow with game streaming services like Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming, letting us do more gaming on the go. Not to mention, the rise of huge premium mobile games like Genshin Impact and some of the best Android games out there. If you don't already have a premium Bluetooth controller, you should look at something like the Razer Kishi V2, which is part of Razer's big push into the mobile gaming scene.
The Kishi V2 slides out and fits just about every Android smartphone you could think of without worrying about Bluetooth. The built-in USB-C port ensures that you won't end up lagging in the middle of an intense gaming session when your teammates need you the most. Razer even included a built-in USB-C port, which you can use for passthrough charging on your smartphone.
There are only a few minor qualms with it, with some poor thumbsticks and unwieldy rubber inserts. But it's one of our favorite game controllers for Android, and for good reason.
