Getting the best mobile game controllers is becoming more important as the days go by because mobile games are slowly rising up the ranks of relevancy within the gaming industry.
Now that it’s more feasible than ever to play our games on the go, it’s fantastic that the top mobile game controllers are becoming better and better. If you’re ready to spend money on the correct controller, gaming on a mobile device is no longer the same as it once was because cloud streaming has advanced significantly.
Without cloud streaming, mobile gaming is fantastic, and the controllers we tested below will make it feel like a fully functional handheld console like never before.
1. GameSir G8 Galileo—The Best Among Smartphone Controllers
Specs:
- Wireless: Yes (Wired USB-C connection to your phone)
- Powered by: Phone battery / USB-C wired connection
- Battery Life: N/A
Reasons to Buy:
- Pivoting USB-C connector
- PS5 Remote Play and Game Pass support
- Great size and comfort
- Solid back buttons
Reasons to Avoid:
- Official licensing (for every platform) is non-existent
- Thumbsticks are far from perfect
In more ways than one, the GameSir G8 Galileo elevated the standard that Backbone had unmistakably established for the mobile controller sector. In nearly every aspect, this mobile controller is larger and superior, and it is an obvious choice for the top spot of the best mobile game controllers due to its lower price compared to its competitors.
Compared to other mobile game controllers, the G8 Galileo boasts larger, chunkier grips and Hall Sensor triggers and thumbsticks that give you the impression that you’re using a regular gamepad rather than a temporary phone controller. Even the pivoting USB-C connector, which eliminates the possibility that your phone can break off during removal, is a logical design choice.
Since the G8 Galileo is significantly more comfortable and fun to use, you’ll find yourself looking for it when playing particular games. So what are the catches here? In contrast to the Backbone One, it lacks formal licensing on both sides of the console battle, which could cause issues later on if either manufacturer adopts a more stringent stance on third-party mobile controllers.
Although its thumbsticks are impervious to stick drift, they, unfortunately, aren’t flawless elsewhere; in first-person shooters, they may run slightly hot and experience friction with the stickgates.
2. Razer Kishi Ultra—One of the Best Controllers for Mobile Games
Specs:
- Wireless: Yes (Wired USB-C connection to your phone)
- Powered by: Phone battery / USB-C wired connection
- Battery Life: N/A
Reasons to Buy:
- Substantial, full-sized controller grips
- Tactile buttons
- Flashy RGB look
- Versatile size
- Great triggers
Reasons to Avoid:
- Expensive
- The USB-C connector is not pivotable
- No back buttons and extra bumpers
- No support for PS5 remote play
Any mobile controller purchasing guide would have to include the Razer Kishi Ultra. It’s the model that tries the hardest to be a full-sized console controller that has been cut in half and customized for a mobile platform out of all the possibilities on our list. Although it’s quite close to becoming the best, it lacks a few qualities that prevent it from reaching the top.
The Kishi Ultra is arguably the best choice on this list of mobile game controllers if you frequently play mobile games for extended periods of time. This is thanks to its big, hefty grips, which are comfortable to hold for extended periods of time. Although the thumbsticks are offset, they don’t induce thumb cramping like many other mobile controller thumbsticks can due to the bigger size of the controller.
The Ultra has two extra bumper buttons mounted on its shoulders that users may map in any way they please. Now, that should sound cool and all, but what makes it frustrating is the fact that the controller lacks back buttons altogether. Although Razer loves to promote these buttons for “claw-grip” gamers, it’s understandable that some users might not find the shoulder buttons ergonomic or practical, compared to the back buttons.
All things considered, this is a fantastic mobile controller and most likely the most comfy one available on this list. However, the cons we’ve mentioned earlier are really holding it back from taking the number one spot as the best of the best mobile game controllers.
3. Backbone One—Old But Remains Among the Top Mobile Game Controllers
Specs:
- Wireless: USB-C
- Powered by: Phone battery
- Battery Life: N/A
Reasons to Buy:
- Outstanding construction quality
- No charging or battery is needed.
- Includes three months of Game Pass Ultimate, if the PlayStation version is not available.
Reasons to Avoid:
- The small size reduces comfort.
- Phone cases are incompatible.
- The USB-C connector is not pivotable.
- More expensive.
When it pertains to playing on an Android or iPhone mobile device, the Backbone One has proven groundbreaking with its performance. It’s now one of the greatest all-around choices available if you’re looking for the best mobile game controllers with official licensing from Xbox and PlayStation, thanks to compatibility for USB-C and Lightning connections.
After using both the PlayStation Edition for Android and the standard iPhone edition, it’s a clear choice for anyone looking to play games on a mobile device. This product has some longevity, as evidenced by the latest official Xbox version, even though no novel capabilities are added with every update.
However, that also works against it since Backbone often feels a tad outdated in comparison to all of the other competitors and copies that have emerged in the mobile controller industry. If you’re in the market for a product made for console players, it still makes sense to purchase it because it accomplishes the essentials well and is portable.
Which of These Best Mobile Game Controllers Would You Pick?
The era of mobile gaming will only continue to grow as the years pass. Back in 2024, it was estimated to have $92 Billion in revenue. Pretty huge deal, right?
So if you were to buy one of the mobile game controllers on this list, which one would you get? Let us know by leaving a comment!
Be sure to read our other news articles to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not in the gaming world, like what’s new with the Phasmophobia 2025 update. Stay tuned and catch the gaming current with GameEels!
