Best game controllers for iPad Pro in 2022

Recent improvements to the iPad Pro have made gaming on the iPad very accessible. You can play various games with your reliable controller. However, given the wide variety of game controllers available, you may need some extra help. So I’ve rounded up some of the best iPad Pro game controllers you can use!

Without further ado, let’s check the records.

1. GameSir T4 Pro – Editors’ Choice

When you’re looking for the best iPad Pro gaming controller, you want one that’s well compatible with modern features and doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet. GameSir T4 Pro covers all these areas with unrivaled ease.

The design of the T4 Pro definitely draws attention. It has a translucent design with RGB lighting. The design is a little non-standard, but the controller manages to do it. It also has excellent battery life, with a 600 mAh battery enough for multiple gaming sessions.

In addition, all buttons on the controller are customizable. Thus, you can change the settings and configuration of the controller for several games depending on your needs. This is complemented by an asymmetric vibration motor providing 5 speed levels for total immersion in the game.

Finally, the controller offers Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity that works up to 32 feet. So no need to strain your eyes. Just sit back, plug in your controller, and enjoy gaming from a healthy distance! However, the build quality seems a bit lacking.

pros

• Unique Design
• Decent battery life
• Provides customizable key mapping
• Bluetooth 4.0

Minuses

• Build quality could be better

Check on: GameSir

2. SteelSeries Nimbus+ – Exceptional battery life

The SteelSeries Nimbus+ is a radical upgrade from its predecessor, delivering better battery life and build quality. Plus, it’s perfect for iPad owners.

This iPad game controller features a sleek and minimalist design that bodes well if you want to pair it with any Apple device. The whole setup seems to be complete with Nimbus+. Plus, you get an Apple Arcade subscription for up to 4 months, offering a variety of games across a variety of genres.

When it comes to battery life, the SteelSeries Nimbus+ boasts nearly unheard of battery life for a gaming controller. It offers up to 50 hours of intense gaming on a single charge. Say goodbye to days of charging your controller after hours of use.

However, the center buttons don’t have the best tactile feedback. Clicking on them can be inconvenient.

pros

• Over 50 hours of battery life on a single charge
• Decent design philosophy
• 4 month Apple Arcade subscription

Minuses

• Center buttons don’t provide good feedback

Check for: Apple

3. PXN Speedy – Versatile

PXN Speedy is one of the best game controllers for iPad Pro and other Apple devices. The controller is compatible with all the latest Apple devices including iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

This is because the controller is Apple MFi certified, making it ideal for Dead Trigger 2, NBA 2K, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and other similar games. What’s more, you don’t need to remap the keys as the controller’s key layout is specially designed for these games.

In addition, the controller provides more than 20 hours of battery life thanks to its 550 mAh battery capacity. If you want to use it for iPhone, you can also attach your phone to the mount provided.

However, the R3 and L3 buttons do not work. Clicking on them does not give results in games. This can be a problem if you need a controller with maximum key usage.

pros

• Compatible with many Apple devices.
• MFi-certified
• Good battery life

Minuses

• The R3 and L3 buttons do not work, which limits the control in some games.

4. Xbox Primary Controller – For Xbox games.

With the latest technological advances, you can now play Xbox games on your iPad Pro thanks to cloud services. If you’re looking to play Xbox games, the Xbox controller is for you.

As an Xbox controller, there can be no doubt. Has one of the best build quality. In addition, the controller is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting headphones, so that the sound during the game is lag-free.

The controller is also very ergonomic, with a textured grip to make the controller feel comfortable in your hand. The only caveat with this controller is the location of the share button. This can often seem counterintuitive.

pros

• Ideal for Xbox games
• Excellent build quality
• Ergonomic

Minuses

• Inconvenient location of the “Share”button.

5. DualSense controller – for PlayStation games

The DualSense controller is one of the few official game controllers for Apple devices, including the iPad Pro. Without a doubt, the PlayStation controller is one of the best controllers ever made.

In fact, the DualSense controller has revolutionized gaming on the PlayStation 5. Although the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback features cannot be fully implemented on the iPad, you can still enjoy most of the controller’s features. It also boasts a built-in microphone for constant in-game communication between you and other players.

My main issue with the DualSense controller is battery life. Compared to other controllers on the market, battery life could be much better.

pros

• Lots of features
• Built-in microphone for constant communication
• Unsurpassed tactile feedback

Minuses

• Battery life is average at best

6. Rotor Riot – Compatible with many games.

The biggest selling point of the Rotor Riot is the sheer number of games the controller is compatible with. The Ludu Mapp controller app provides support for over 1000 games!

The controller is also the only MFi-certified gaming controller on the market that provides compatibility with the L3 and R3 buttons. This increases the versatility of the controller in specific games. What’s more, when playing games on the iPad, the controller’s pass-through charging feature charges the iPad at the same time.

Unfortunately, the build quality, especially of the analog sticks, could have been much better.

pros

• The companion app provides access to over 1000 games.
• MFi-certified
• Pass-Through Charging for iPad Pro

Minuses

• Average build quality

Check for: Apple

7. Six-finger EMISH gamepad handle – perfect for shooters

We are in the golden age of shooting games and there are often multiple battle royale games coming out. Therefore, it makes sense to choose a game controller designed only for such intense gaming sessions.

Luckily, with EMISH you get a game controller designed specifically for the iPad. It even features the L1R1’s firing buttons combined with the aim key. The controller is perfect for the latest battle royale games, especially with the 6-finger control scheme.

Another great feature of the controller is that it can be used as a tablet stand. In this way, you can place the tablet steadily on the table for reading and watching movies. Finally, the game controller comes with an 18-month warranty!

Unfortunately, the build quality of the controller is not the best. The feel of plastic can be off-putting.

pros

• Made specifically for shooters
• 6-finger control scheme
• Can also serve as a tablet stand.
• 18 months warranty included

Minuses

• Build quality is not up to standard

8. Gamevice – for Nintendo Switch games.

Now that you can access numerous Nintendo Switch games on your iPad Pro, it’s important to use a game controller specifically designed for gaming. With that in mind, the Gamevice game controller is exactly what you need!

The controller has a form-fitting shape that fits perfectly into the shape of the iPad Pro. It also features full-size analog sticks, triggers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for high-quality sound. Because the game controller uses the Lightning port, it allows you to charge your iPad Pro using pass-through charging technology.

From access to Apple Arcade games to Xbox Game Pass games, the controller provides plenty of games to play. In fact, it offers a month’s access to Xbox Game Pass absolutely free!

However, some users have complained that proper analog stick placement is not intuitive. It appears to be a matter of personal preference, so you may have to purchase the product to decide for yourself.

pros

• Made for Nintendo Switch games
• Excellent form factor
• One month access to Xbox Game Pass and Apple Arcade games
• Pass-Through Charging Technology

Minuses

• Proper analog stick placement is illogical

Check out: Gamevice

FAQ

It could be an issue with the controller pairing. You may need to unplug the controller from your iPad and plug it back in. Also, try not to connect to more than one Bluetooth device at the same time.

MFi stands for Made for iPhone/iPad. As stated in the term, the MFi controller is certified for use with Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad. The software used by the controllers is compatible with the encoding present in Apple devices.

Summarizing

So, that was my pick of the best iPad Pro game controllers. Although there were many controllers, I chose these based on personal preferences and different price segments. I hope this helps you make an informed decision about your iPad Pro game controller purchase.