As you might anticipate, the various iterations of Xbox controllers are your primary alternatives, but there are plenty of other controllers and devices to pick from and some are created exclusively for Android phones, Windows PC and iOS gadgets. According to Microsoft, this is the official list of supported controllers, but youll discover others that work. Best Xbox Cloud controllers for Apple devices.
Backbone
The Backbone One is my favorite of the iPhone controllers that mimic the physical experience of the Nintendo Switch, similar to the Razer Kishi. As part of the Designed for Xbox program, its likewise got particular functions developed to make you feel more like youre playing on an Xbox or standalone gadget. Backbone One is compatible with the Xbox app along with the PlayStation Remote Play app. The Backbone One gamepad utilizes a layout similar, though not similar, to that of Microsofts own Xbox controllers. However Backbones software is among the keys to its success, and that makes the controller a simple upgrade for present owners to get the new features. Its suitable with all iPhones running iOS 13 or later.For instance, it already has a devoted gameplay capture button, it can tag gameplay and share as a link, includes a dynamic feed, and because its created for use with all mobile games, can function as a main center for those titles.The Backbone One will include three complimentary months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (conserving $1 over Microsofts own existing promo of three months for $1).
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Any variation 2 Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth will match wirelessly to whatever from iPhones to iPads to Macs. The Xbox Elite Series controller lists for $180 but offers for $150. While the Elite Series controller includes a rechargeable battery, the Core controller does not, which is the one irritating thing about it.
Unlike the Backbone One, the Razer Kishi for iPhone isnt noted as an officially supported controller for Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, it works great and has actually been costing less than the Razers official Kishi Xbox iPhone controller (there are some little cosmetic distinctions in between the two and the Xbox version includes a code for a free month of Game Pass Ultimate for new subscribers). It sticks out from normal mobile controllers thanks to its Nintendo Switch-like design, with the paddles connecting to either side of the screen. It likewise directly connects to the phone, in this case via Lightning, instead of using Bluetooth, which is how game controllers normally work on mobile. It likewise has a passthrough port for charging your iPhone while you play.It expands large enough to fit all iPhone designs and collapses into a compact package. Its an excellent controller, although I choose the Backbones ergonomics, particularly for longer video gaming sessions.
Microsoft
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The PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip 2.0 is an excellent option for $15 if youre simply looking for a gaming clip to install your iPhone on your Xbox controller. Its not as swank as the Otterbox MagSafe alternative, which has a bit more superior seek to it, however it definitely does the job.
The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus consists of a wireless video game controller plus a clip for installing your phone. Its a good controller that likewise includes an integrated 3000-mAh battery to charge your phone as you play. Its on Microsofts list of formally supported gaming controllers and it looks and feels like a cheaper version of an Xbox controller.
Whats great about the DualShock 4 is that unlike the Xbox Wireless controller it has an integrated rechargeable battery. As noted, the buttons are labeled differently from that of an Xbox controller so just keep in mind how they match up.
The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus is listed above, however you can also simply purchase the PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip 2.0 individually if you currently have an Xbox cordless controller and desire to mount your phone on it. I noted it as a great worth clip for iPhones, but it works just as well on Android..
As you may expect, the numerous versions of Xbox controllers are your main options, but there are plenty of other controllers and accessories to select from and some are designed exclusively for Android phones, Windows PC and iOS devices. While youre probably much better off utilizing an Xbox controller if you have one, the PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller is compatible with Apple devices, consisting of Macs, by means of Bluetooth. The clip is adjustable for different iterations of Xbox controllers, including the most recent variation for the Xbox Series X and the Elite controller. Its on Microsofts list of formally supported video gaming controllers and it looks and feels like a more affordable version of an Xbox controller.
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PowerA.
While youre most likely much better off utilizing an Xbox controller if you have one, the PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller is suitable with Apple devices, consisting of Macs, via Bluetooth. This is how you match your DualShock 4 with Apple devices.
PowerA.
Lori Grunin/CNET.
Sonys brand-new DualSense controllers for the PS5 also set through Bluetooth with Android devices. It presently isnt on Microsofts list of supported controllers and the buttons arent identified the same as those on a Xbox controller so just take note of how they match up prior to you start playing.To connect through Bluetooth to your Android device, press and hold the PlayStation Button and the Share button to go into Discovery Mode.
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If youre looking for a flexible gaming headphone thats comfy, carries out well for its rate and includes a USB-C dongle for use with Android phones (as well as the Nintendo Switch and PS5), the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is a good alternative. It likewise works with Xbox, PS4 and PC– however theres no Bluetooth, so dont expect to utilize it with Apple gadgets.
Best Xbox Cloud controllers for Android and Windows PCs.
The Razer Kishi for Xbox Android is similar to the iOS variation but connects via USB-C instead of Lightning (theres no Bluetooth) and has a pass-through port for charging while you play.Like the iPhone version, this has a Nintendo Switch-like style, with the paddles attaching to either side of the screen. It expands large enough to fit a variety of Android smartphones and collapses into a compact package. It can fit Android devices with center-mounted USB-C ports and dimensions of 145.3 to 163.7 mm (height) by 68.2 to 78.1 mm (width) by 7 to 8.8 mm (depth). If youre looking for a controller that wraps around your Android phone, the Kishi is truly the only game in the area (Backbone currently just makes an iOS controller). However it is an excellent controller and is frequently discounted to well below its $100 market price.
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While the SteelSeries Stratus Duo Wireless Gaming Controller isnt on Microsofts list of formally supported video game controllers for Android it worked fine in our tests, is ergonomically sound and has a tough feel to it. (The older Stratus XL is on Microsofts list of supported controllers). Its also developed to deal with Windows PCs, Chromebooks and particular VR devices.One of the essential factors to get this over the Xbox Wireless Controller is that it has a built-in rechargeable battery. Unfortunately, it uses micro-USB for charging, but thats only a small annoyance. We assume future versions will be updated with USB-C.
Lori Grunin/CNET.
Its a pricey controller if you dont own a PS5, however it worked fine for me using an iPad.
It currently isnt on Microsofts list of supported controllers and the buttons arent labeled the exact same as those on a Xbox controller so just take note of how they match up before you start playing.To link through Bluetooth to your Android device, press and hold the PlayStation Button and the Share button to enter Discovery Mode.
Its not cheap at $40, but OtterBoxs Mobile MagSafe Gaming Clip is a well-designed accessory for folks who want to magnetically stick their iPhone 12 or 13 onto a clip mount. I personally use a MagSafe case with this device to keep my phone safeguarded. If you dont have a MagSafe case, you can certainly utilize your MagSafe-enabled iPhone naked (the phone sticks well to the install but it isnt secured in so it can fall off if you happen to drop your controller). The clip is adjustable for different models of Xbox controllers, including the most recent version for the Xbox Series X and the Elite controller. Utilizing MagSafe makes it easy to get your iPhone on and off the clip mount so you can rapidly take a call if need be during a gaming session..
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