Phone Game Controllers

Console-style buttons for a phone

A phone game controller gives you what a console controller has: two sticks, a cross-shaped pad, face buttons and triggers you can feel. You stop looking down to find the buttons, and your thumbs stop covering the picture. It suits anyone who plays racing, sport, adventure or shooting games for more than a few minutes at a time, and anyone who streams games to the phone from a console or a cloud gaming service.

What is in this range

• Wired controllers that hold the phone. These plug straight into the phone's USB-C port, with a grip either side. There is nothing to pair and no delay between a press and the game. The one here today also has a charging socket of its own that passes power through to the phone, so you can play and charge at once.
• Small upright controllers. A compact controller that clamps onto the phone held upright, for retro and arcade games. The one here connects to Android phones by Bluetooth and is set up through its maker's app, where the buttons can be changed.
• Separate Bluetooth gamepads. Held in both hands like a console controller, with their own battery. The one here today is listed as made for PC and laptop gaming, so read its page before choosing it for a phone.

For the kind that stretches round the phone so it is held like a handheld console, see telescopic controllers.

How to choose a phone game controller

Plugged in or Bluetooth. A plug-in controller usually takes its power from the phone and has no delay, but its plug must match the port: USB-C for most recent Android phones and for iPhone 15 and later, Lightning for iPhone 14 and earlier. A Bluetooth controller pairs from the phone's Bluetooth settings like a pair of earbuds, has its own battery to charge, and works whatever the port.

Fit. A controller that holds the phone states the phone lengths it takes. Measure your phone with its case on and compare, because a large phone in a thick case may need the case taking off.

Sticks and buttons. Some controllers use Hall effect sticks, which have magnetic sensors and are designed to avoid the slow drift worn sticks can develop. Cushioned buttons are quieter for playing in bed beside someone asleep.

To play with the phone standing on a table, an adjustable phone stand holds it at eye level.

Questions people ask about phone game controllers

Will a controller work in every game?

No. A controller only works in games that are written to accept one. Many big games do and many do not, so check the game's own settings or its listing in the app store first. On an iPhone, Apple's help pages explain that you can change which button does what for supported games, in the phone's settings.

Can I charge my phone while I play?

With a wired controller, only if it has a charging socket that passes power through, because the controller fills the phone's port. Charging adds heat, so on long sessions a magnetic phone cooler helps the phone keep its speed.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• Telescopic controllers
• Triggers and shoulder buttons
• Gaming finger sleeves
• Adjustable phone stands
• Right-angle cables
• Magnetic phone coolers
• Guide: Mobile gaming accessories: controllers, triggers and coolers