Mobile gamers - what controller do you use?

[baroterri9000]

I've been thinking to make more use of my mobile for emulation. What's everyone's controller of choice? I've avoided buying mobile controllers since I couldn't find anything that was decent and not too bulky.

Primary use would be with Delta and RetroArch on iPhone.

 

[Yukyon]

I rarely play mobile games, but I have found the dualshock 4 is the one I get most compatibility with.
Also it's really good

 

[Swadloon]

I've been thinking to make more use of my mobile for emulation. What's everyone's controller of choice? I've avoided buying mobile controllers since I couldn't find anything that was decent and not too bulky.

Primary use would be with Delta and RetroArch on iPhone.

I use a DualShock 4 (PS4 controller). Works very well

 

[ct9983]

I use a DualShock 4 (PS4 controller). Works very well

Same. I grab one of those cheapo controller clips off Amazon or ebay, and I'm set.
I also use a Samsung phone, so I can use dex mode to play games on my portable monitor.
If all you really do it play classic games (like me) you really can't go wrong with a set up like this.
It's very versatile and functional.

 

[RanmyakuIchi's icon RanmyakuIchi RanmyakuIchi]

When I was using a tablet for emulation, I was using a Dualshock 4.

 

[Swadloon]

Same. I grab one of those cheapo controller clips off Amazon or ebay, and I'm set.
I also use a Samsung phone, so I can use dex mode to play games on my portable monitor.
If all you really do it play classic games (like me) you really can't go wrong with a set up like this.
It's very versatile and functional.

Yeah, is very easy to plug and play. Also works for all the emulators I use.

 

[baroterri9000]

A lot of love for the DS4 - fair enough. I was hoping there was something much smaller, like something that would fit in a cross-body bag that you could whip out and put away quickly and easy on the train. The dualshock setup strikes me as something you'd carry in a larger bag, where you'd set up shop on a table or something (though I do acknowledge the controller clip does make this a lot more portable).
I guess the PS portal backbone exists? But it's pretty expensive so I never considered it, and it's still kinda bulky.

 

[Swadloon]

Well I don't know for that, Is the only controller I have for that (I live in Argentina and gaming here is expensive in general)

 

[RanmyakuIchi's icon RanmyakuIchi RanmyakuIchi]

A lot of love for the DS4 - fair enough. I was hoping there was something much smaller, like something that would fit in a cross-body bag that you could whip out and put away quickly and easy on the train. The dualshock setup strikes me as something you'd carry in a larger bag, where you'd set up shop on a table or something (though I do acknowledge the controller clip does make this a lot more portable).
I guess the PS portal backbone exists? But it's pretty expensive so I never considered it, and it's still kinda bulky.

Ah, I see. I have a friend who uses an 8BitDo SN30 and likes it, but I haven't used it myself to really say.

 

[Hotwer]

Maybe any one of these from 8bitdo?

I've used one for my windows and android gaming, can vouch for it.

 

[ZombieFish]

I use an 8BitDo SN30 pro for my iphone and love it. It's small enough to tote around easily. Good battery life, hall-effect thumbsticks, and I think it was $30 on sale. I'd be wary of the cheaper controllers if input-lag bothers you; tried a cheaper one first and the lag was nasty.

 

[MaximusRex]

I bought the cheap ipega pg-9099 controllers for the mobile clip feature. No vibration feature for my old phone though. I also gave it away after having a switch.

 

[IyoTheHelpfulWolf]

I imagine there are better options for around the same price nowadays, but the Flydigi Wee 2T has served me well. The analogue sticks are very accurate, the controller feels well built, and the buttons feel decent. It has two drawbacks however. It connects via Bluetooth which causes slightly more input lag than a USB-C connection, but it's not enough to disrupt gameplay unless you're playing competitively. Also, when you first set it up, it'll be in some weird ass proprietary mode meant for mapping touch controls to buttons, and I recall needing the app to set it to XInput mode. Once I did, however, I could uninstall the app and never need it again. What could be a pro or a con is the form factor. It has a PSP/Vita esque shape, which is great for portability but could be uncomfortable for longer sessions compared to controllers with long grips.

 

[DunkeyKong]

I've mentioned this controller quite a lot, but I used my BSP D3 controller that's built specifically for phone users. It's a Bluetooth controller so it can be used for PC and some consoles too!

 

[NeonKnights]

I use a 8bitdo SF30 with the phone clip. It's pretty portable It works great for everything I've played with it, though I mainly use it for Street Fighter Alpha 3 on MAME.

 

[Antihero]

Ps4 controller works best for me

 

[dr grim]

easy smx m15

Quite happy with it, plug and play and easy to use.

 

[PhrawzT]

I picked up a Razer Kishi a few years ago since I used to have to travel a lot for work and I love it. Turns my phone into a Switch essentially and works with every emulator I have thrown at it.

 

[chufflord]

I picked up a Razer Kishi a few years ago since I used to have to travel a lot for work and I love it. Turns my phone into a Switch essentially and works with every emulator I have thrown at it.
View attachment 25333

How is the build quality? I've been wanting to get my hands on one of these for a bit to try out, but I'm a bit wary when it comes to Razer peripherals- they usually wind up croaking on me.

 

[PhrawzT]

How is the build quality? I've been wanting to get my hands on one of these for a bit to try out, but I'm a bit wary when it comes to Razer peripherals- they usually wind up croaking on me.

I haven't had any issues, other than I wish that it would fit on my phone a bit more snugly. It can flex and twist slightly when attached, but doesn't get in the way at all. The controller build quality is good and feel solid enough. The buttons and sticks are really good, but the directional pad leaves something to be desired. I don't like that it's slightly concave and rounded, but that's just my personal preference and doesn't get in the way of use.

 

[Trainer Red]

if the mobile game is compatible with it ...
android - xbox elite wireless controller series 2
ios - ps5 dualsense edge controller

couldn't help but do that since ads for both keep pairing the xbox with android, iphone with ps5 controller ~

... yeah when i brought both of those to work so i can use the equipment to clean them ... couldn't help but get teased at for having 2 premium controllers ???

 

[tropicalavera]

Another vote for the 8bitdo SN30pro - that thing's incredible. I don't really mobile game much, but I've used it plenty to stream from my xbox to my phone. Played through Kingdom Hearts 2 like that and had no issues - plus that controller works great for PC, Switch and other stuff.

 

[thecrow2313]

8BitDo for life

 

[mana]

I use DS4, Ipega Red Spider and Red Knight.

• DS4 is good if used with a phone holder, but it's top heavy and a little uncomfortable after a while. It's perfect if phone is connected to a tv or monitor.
• Red spider is a good telescopic controller and I use this the most. Got it as a gift a few years ago. I love its d-pad but I kinda don't like how mushy the face buttons are.
• The Red Knight is very problematic, but it's cheap and I still use it when I'm in transit. The analog sticks can't go diagonally because of the controller's shell, and the triggers are not analog. I had to fix the analog sticks problem myself. The reason I still use it is that it's very light, compact, has good battery life, and isn't something I'd be upset about losing.

 

[Don Patch]

My pal has a clip for the top of his dualshock 4 that cradles their mobile.
It's pretty rad.