The Best Phone Controller for Mobile Gaming in 2025

Mobile gaming's evolution demands controllers balancing performance and portability. Modern smartphones and tablets run console-quality games, making touchscreens inadequate for most titles.

Current phone controllers typically feature an expandable shell accommodating your device, with half a controller on each side. Many, like the Razer Kishi Ultra (our top pick), offer thumbsticks and buttons rivaling traditional console controllers, some even including customizable extra buttons.

TL;DR - Best Phone Controllers:

Razer Kishi Ultra (Our Top Pick)

SCUF Nomad

Backbone One

ASUS ROG Tessen

GameSir X2s

Options cater to various needs, from extended play comfort to compact portability across diverse devices. Here's a closer look:

1. Razer Kishi Ultra: Best Overall

Console-quality controls, comfortable grip, feature-rich app unifying games and services.

Specifications:

• Phone Support: iOS, Android, PC
• Battery Life: N/A
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Phone Mount: Yes
• Weight: 0.59 pounds

Pros: Full-size analog sticks and triggers; Mecha-Tactile buttons; Comfortable; Customizable via Razer Nexus app. Cons: Some features Android-only; Bulky.

The Razer Kishi Ultra delivers console-level mobile gaming. Its expandable design accommodates smartphones and smaller tablets via USB-C. It also functions as a wired PC controller. Zero-latency gameplay makes it ideal for competitive and casual gaming. Features include full-size analog sticks and triggers, responsive Mecha-Tactile buttons, and customizable L4/R4 buttons. The Razer Nexus app integrates mobile games and services, offering RGB customization, button remapping, and more. However, some features (Sensa HD Haptics, Virtual Controller Mode) are Android-exclusive.

2. Scuf Nomad: Best Customizable

Pro-level Bluetooth controller for iPhone; Hall Effect joysticks; swappable thumb caps; robust software; customizable back buttons.

Specifications:

• Phone Support: iOS
• Battery Life: 16 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C
• Phone Mount: Yes
• Weight: 0.5 pounds

Pros: Anti-drift thumbsticks; Comfortable grip; Customizable rear paddles; Works with phone cases. Cons: No Android support; Awkward button layout; Small D-pad; No passthrough charging.

Scuf's Nomad brings pro-level customization to mobile gaming. Its robust build and Hall Effect joysticks (eliminating stick drift) are notable. Interchangeable thumbstick caps and customizable back buttons enhance personalization. The Scuf app allows trigger response curve and dead zone adjustments, plus profile creation. However, it currently only supports iPhone and lacks passthrough charging.

3. Backbone One: Best App Integration

Excellent hardware/software integration; simple design for iOS and Android.

Specifications:

• Phone Support: iOS, Android
• Battery Life: N/A
• Connectivity: USB-C, Lightning
• Phone Mount: Yes
• Weight: 0.3 pounds

Pros: Lightweight; Console-like app experience; Supports iOS and Android; Works with phone cases. Cons: Slightly mushy buttons; Small thumbsticks and triggers.

The Backbone One boasts strong hardware-software integration. Its simple design works well across iOS and Android. A passthrough charging port and 3.5mm audio jack are included. The Backbone app provides a console-like experience, readily launching games and streaming services. The second generation offers improvements to the D-pad and magnetic phone adapters. A PlayStation edition is also available.

4. ASUS ROG Tessen: Best Portable

Responsive buttons, smooth analog sticks, customizable back paddles in a foldable, portable design.

Specifications:

• Phone Support: Android
• Battery Life: N/A
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Phone Mount: Yes
• Weight: 0.3 pounds

Pros: Foldable design; Works with phone cases; Mechanical buttons and D-pad; 18W passthrough charging. Cons: Android only; Limited companion app features.

The ASUS ROG Tessen stands out with its foldable design and responsive mechanical buttons and D-pad. Smooth analog sticks and customizable back paddles add to its appeal. Zero-latency gameplay and 18W passthrough charging are further advantages. However, its Android exclusivity and basic companion app are limitations.

5. GameSir X2s: Best Budget

Quality controls and features at a budget-friendly price.

Specifications:

• Phone Support: iPhone 15 or newer, Android
• Battery Life: N/A
• Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth
• Phone Mount: Yes
• Weight: 0.38 pounds

Pros: Hall Effect thumbsticks; Analog triggers; Passthrough charging. Cons: Uncomfortable for larger hands; Small buttons; Limited button remapping on iPhone; Somewhat flimsy build.

The GameSir X2s improves upon its predecessor with Hall Effect joysticks and analog triggers. Passthrough charging and Bluetooth connectivity add versatility. However, it's less comfortable for larger hands, has small buttons, and limited app features on iOS.

Choosing the Right Controller:

Consider these factors:

• Compatibility: Check device compatibility (USB-C, Lightning, Android/iOS-only). Bluetooth offers broader compatibility.
• Portability: Choose a smaller, foldable design for on-the-go use. Larger controllers are better for home use.
• Games: Select features (customizable buttons, back paddles, etc.) based on your gaming preferences.