Best game controllers for iPhone and Apple TV in 2022
Video games have come a long way since the early days of PC and console gaming. Mobile devices have now become legitimate video game consoles. Thanks to this, game controllers for iPhones and Apple TV have gained immense popularity. Since the segment is so big, I have selected the best game controllers for iPhone based on certain criteria.
The good news is that many Apple Arcade games support controllers! Excited? Let’s take a look at them to decide which controller is best for you!
- Joy-Con for Nintendo Switch
- Rather Kishi
- Primary Xbox controller
- DualSense Controller
- Xbox Adaptive Controller
- Rotor Riot
- SteelSeries Nimbus+
- GameSir T4 Pro
- Highway one
1. Nintendo Switch Joy-Con – Editors’ Choice
The Nintendo Switch was a flawless success for Nintendo, which was criticized for the disappointing sales of their previous consoles. With an innovative design and a new dimension in handheld gaming, the hybrid console has become one of the most popular gaming consoles in the world. It offers a powerful gaming device that can either be connected to a Smart TV or taken on a trip for high-quality gaming.
The dual controllers that come with the Nintendo Switch are called Nintendo Joy-Cons. With the latest iOS 16, tvOS 16 and iPadOS 16 updates, these controllers can now connect to your iPhone, iPad and Apple TV as standalone game controllers without the need for a Nintendo Switch console.
With the rise in graphical fidelity and the competitiveness of mobile games, touch controls are no longer the most intuitive way to enjoy them. They cut screen real estate for smaller devices like the iPhone, and the iPad is too big for most people to use touch controls. Thus, by connecting Nintendo Joy-Cons to these devices, you will be able to better control your gaming sessions, resulting in a better overall experience.
What’s more, whether you’re using them with an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, you can also set up gamepad profiles for different games. Since many games differ from each other in terms of control schemes and game mechanics, this is a boon for new age gamers!
2. Razer Kishi – Supports Xbox Game Pass
The Razer Kishi has fully proven itself as a gaming controller for the iPhone. Its design is similar to the Joy-Con from the Nintendo Switch. The two sides of the controller are attached by an elastic back panel, and you can slide both sides to fit your iPhone. It can be stretched quite far, and this makes it promising for new iPhones.
The design of the controller itself reminds me of old gamepads with additional elements similar to the new Xbox controller. This gives you more options to customize the controller for specific games. There is an indicator on the controller, which is also useful. Once you’ve connected the controller to your phone, you know the setup is ergonomic.
The setup is solid and doesn’t feel like adding weight to a device that you can’t use for too long. Once you use this controller setting on your phone, it may be difficult for you to switch to others. It is portable and supports Xbox Game Pass. This is good news as it greatly increases the number of games you can play on your iPhone.
The Razer Kishi will usher in a new era of mobile gaming. At best, a controller is all you need for mobile gaming.
pros
- Great design
- Lasting
- Supports Xbox Game Pass
Minuses
- Expensive
3. Xbox Core Controller is the best budget option for Xbox owners.
The Xbox Core Controller is one of the best Bluetooth gaming controllers for iPhone you can find. While Microsoft has continued to release several game consoles over the past decade, the controller design has largely stayed the same.
That’s a good sign – the Xbox Core Controller may not match the features of the DualSense controller, but its design and ergonomics are second to none.
Minor improvements have been made to the design in recent years. However, the basic elements remain the same. There’s a hybrid D-pad to choose how you plan to approach a particular game, and the grips are textured for the right grip during an intense gaming session.
It also has something that most smartphones don’t have these days – a 3.5mm headphone jack. The share button is a bonus for players who like to record their gameplay, either for enhancement or for posting videos online. Microsoft also claims that a single charge of the controller is enough for 40 hours of gaming.
Microsoft really doesn’t need to do anything new with their controller design. They found the right formula when they created this design for the Xbox 360. Now all they’re going to do is make small improvements without changing the whole controller design philosophy.
pros
- Works with iPhone and Microsoft consoles
- Superior Design
- Textured for better ergonomics
Minuses
- Bulky
- Mount not included
4. DualSense controller is the best choice for PlayStation owners
When Sony released the PlayStation 5, one of their main marketing strategies was to promote the DualSense controller. While most thought it would be a highly hyped console accessory, the DualSense controller proved its worth.
Although the PS5 sells out immediately after restocking, the DualSense can be purchased separately. If you have extra money for an iPhone game controller, you can spend it on a Sony gaming accessory.
The new iteration changes the design of the old DualShock controllers to be more ergonomic and modern. It looks sleeker, more advanced, and performs better than many controllers. While you might not get the most out of the controller if you don’t have a PlayStation, it’s still a great option.
However, you may need to purchase a mount for a more comfortable gaming experience.
pros
- Flawless Design
- Connects to most Apple devices
- Haptic feedback provides an extra dimension to gaming
Minuses
- Mount not included
- Battery life is not satisfactory
5. Xbox Adaptive Controller – for greater accessibility
Games have only recently begun to consider accessibility options for people with disabilities. Microsoft was one of the first companies to address the problem and design a controller for such situations.
This is where the Xbox adaptive controller comes into play. While it provides a variety of customization options for people with the ability to install switches or buttons, it is more useful for people who have physical issues. They can customize the controller depending on the specific situation and use it for games.
It has 3.5mm jacks and USB ports for connecting various auxiliary devices. The range of customizable parts is great and you may need to mix and match to find the one that’s right for you. Through trial and error, this controller can be useful for a certain subsection of the gaming community.
Again, a mount for your iPhone is recommended if you want a good experience. The only caveat is that the entire installation may cost more than expected.
pros
- Provides access to people with physical problems
- Can be customized
Minuses
- Setup takes time
- Customization can be expensive
6. Rotor Riot is the best budget controller (overall)
If you search for mobile game controllers online, you will most likely find plenty of cheap options. However, none of these more affordable options can deliver the quality that Rotor Riot offers. Despite its price, Rotor Riot does most things right.
From the included Lightning cable to charge the controller to a design that rivals console and PC game controllers, the Rotor Riot offers plenty of options. If you’re also a fan of PS4 Remote Play, you’ll find Rotor Riot supports the necessary thumb buttons. This has been a requirement for MFi (Made for iPhone) controllers for some time now.
There is also a plastic phone holder with a controller. It may not be as strong as a freestanding mount, but with a little adjustment you can save yourself the extra expense. Beware – the phone holder adds weight and size to the whole ensemble.
For a budget option, the Rotor Riot offers a number of significant advantages over more expensive controllers. Its kinks are mostly those that can and will be fixed with firmware updates once you’ve tuned the controller.
pros
- Removable mount
- pocket price
- Looks like a console controller
Minuses
- Updates needed after first setup
7. SteelSeries Nimbus+ – high compatibility with the Apple ecosystem.
The SteelSeries Nimbus+ improves on several aspects of the previous SteelSeries Nimbus. Luckily, these improvements have made it a must-buy for people rooted in the Apple ecosystem. If you have many Apple products, this controller will support them all.
One of the main draws of the controller is that the layout was inspired by iOS devices. If you’re using an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and/or Mac, the controller’s compatibility with Apple devices will be a boon for gaming. The device comes with a mount that turns the entire ensemble into a portable console.
You can connect your mobile device to the lighting port that comes with the controller. This will keep your device charged while you continue your long gaming session.
Despite this compatibility and versatility, the SteelSeries Nimbus+ has its drawbacks. The phone mount doesn’t feel solid, and the buttons are too smooth in texture for a secure grip. However, if you are an avid Apple user, this gamepad will not disappoint you.
pros
- Compatible with the Apple ecosystem
- Lightning port provided
- Layout based on iOS
Minuses
- Phone mount could be strong
- Button textures are not very easy to grip
8. GameSir T4 pro – Best for beginners
GameSir T4 pro is not a controller that stands out from other features. It’s a basic mobile gamepad that does a little bit of everything and is a good starting point for many aspiring gamers. The gamepad is a convenient model for casual gamers as well.
Its design is inspired by the old Xbox 360 controller and it shows in the button layout. It is powered by a lithium battery that lasts for a considerable amount of playback time. More importantly, it is MFi certified, which means that this controller is compatible with many games from the App Store. You can also use it to play games on Apple TV.
There is a 5-speed vibration motor inside the gamepad that adds depth to some games. The mount that comes with the controller fits well with most Apple devices and can be adjusted to suit the angle of the screen. The design of the controller is translucent and shows the content inside. This gives the gamepad a futuristic look.
Overall, the controller is great if you don’t want to spend too much money. What’s more, if you want to play casual games on your iPhone, this is a convenient choice. It’s almost perfect for newbies with an Apple Arcade subscription.
pros
- Ideal for beginners
- MFi-certified
- Good battery life
- Interesting design
Minuses
- Build quality could be better
9. Backbone One is the best choice for iPhone owners
The Razer Kishi and SteelSeries Nimbus+ are versatile and work well with Apple devices. However, if you’re looking for a controller exclusively for iPhone gaming, you’ll have to look at the Backbone One. Where other controllers are generic, this controller is specialized.
While this controller was also designed with the Nintendo Switch in mind, I found the design philosophy to work well with the iPhone. Make no mistake – if you have a Nintendo Switch and an iPhone, you should buy this gamepad. However, even if you have an iPhone, it’s a good and safe bet.
There’s also a Backbone app that lets you check compatible games on the App Store. The app is useful if you like to show off your achievements by sharing screenshots and gameplay. You can also use the app to mute your phone’s microphone while playing.
In addition, there is a Lightning port and a headphone jack. To turn your iPhone into a console, Backbone One seems like a good option.
pros
- Ergonomic design
- Works flawlessly with iPhone
- Backbone app has many features
Minuses
- Razer Support needs a job
What do you think?
These are the best iPhone game controllers on the market today. As you can see, for your convenience, I have tried to divide the list into segments and categories. Which controller are you planning to buy? Let me know in the comments below.
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