Telescopic Controllers

Turn the phone into a handheld console

A telescopic controller has a grip at each end and a middle that stretches, so the phone slides in between and is held sideways like a handheld games console. Once it is in, the phone and controller feel like one device, with nothing to balance on your knee. It suits people who play on the sofa, in bed or as a passenger on a long journey, and anyone who streams games to the phone from a console or a cloud gaming service.

What the controllers here are like

The controllers in this range connect in one of two ways, and some do both.

• Plugged in by USB-C. A plug in one grip goes into the phone's port. There is no pairing and no delay. The one here that plugs in also pairs with Android phones by Bluetooth, and its page lists which iPhones its plug-in modes work with.
• Bluetooth. The controller pairs from the phone's Bluetooth settings and has its own battery. It works whatever the phone's port, and several here also pair with a tablet, a computer or a games console, so one controller serves more than one screen.

Some add extras: a motion sensor for steering and aiming by tilting the controller, a turbo button that repeats a press while you hold it, lighting, and Hall effect sticks, which use magnetic sensors and are designed to avoid the slow drift worn sticks can develop. One folds up small for a bag.

Will your phone fit?

Each telescopic controller stretches to a stated length. Measure your phone's length with its case on and compare. Large phones in thick or rugged cases sometimes need the case taking off. Some controllers here also take a small tablet. Check the camera too: on some designs the grips press against a large camera bump, and many have a gap or a soft pad to allow for it.

With a plug-in controller the plug must match the port: USB-C for most recent Android phones and for iPhone 15 and later, Lightning for iPhone 14 and earlier.

Questions people ask about telescopic controllers

Do I need to charge a telescopic controller?

A Bluetooth one, yes, as it has its own battery. A plug-in one usually takes its power from the phone, so there is nothing to charge, but it does use some of the phone's battery.

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 play and charge at the same time?

With a Bluetooth controller the phone's port stays free for a cable, and a right-angle cable keeps the plug out of your palm. Charging adds heat, so a clip-on cooler helps on long sessions.

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

• Phone game controllers
• Triggers and shoulder buttons
• Gaming finger sleeves
• Magnetic phone coolers
• Clip-on phone coolers
• Power banks
• Guide: Mobile gaming accessories: controllers, triggers and coolers