Mobile Gaming Reignited: Unveiling the Ultimate Phone Controller for 2025

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

Current phone controllers commonly feature an expandable design, cradling your device within a shell and providing half a controller on each side. Many, like the top-rated Razer Kishi Ultra, boast thumbsticks and buttons rivaling traditional console controllers; some even offer customizable extra buttons.

TL;DR - Best Phone Controllers

Our Top Pick: ### Razer Kishi Ultra

4See it at Amazon### SCUF Nomad

5See it at Amazon### Backbone One

3See it at Amazon### ASUS ROG Tessen

2See it at Amazon### GameSir X2s

3See it at Amazon

Whether you prioritize extended play comfort or compact portability, numerous options cater to various needs and devices. Here's a curated selection:

1. Razer Kishi Ultra: Best Overall

Our Top Pick: ### Razer Kishi Ultra

4See it at Amazon

• Pros: Full-size analog sticks and triggers, responsive Mecha-Tactile buttons, comfortable grip, customizable via Razer Nexus app.
• Cons: Some features Android-only, bulky.

The Razer Kishi Ultra delivers console-quality mobile gaming. Its expandable design accommodates smartphones and smaller tablets via USB-C. It also functions as a wired PC controller. Zero-latency gameplay is ideal for competitive and casual gaming. Features include full-size controls, highly responsive buttons, and the Razer Nexus app for game and service integration, plus RGB customization and button remapping. Note that some features are Android-exclusive.

2. Scuf Nomad: Best Customizable

### SCUF Nomad

5See it at Amazon

• Pros: Anti-drift thumbsticks, comfortable grip, customizable rear paddles, robust software.
• Cons: iPhone-only (currently), unusual button layout, small D-pad, no passthrough charging.

Scuf's Nomad offers pro-level controls and customization. Its robust build and Hall Effect joysticks (eliminating stick drift) enhance the experience. Interchangeable thumbstick caps and customizable rear paddles provide personalization. The accompanying app allows for extensive customization, including trigger response curves and profiles. However, it's currently limited to iPhones, lacks passthrough charging, and has a non-standard button layout.

3. Backbone One: Best App Integration

### Backbone One

3See it at Amazon

• Pros: Excellent hardware-software integration, simple design, iOS and Android compatibility.
• Cons: Slightly mushy buttons, small thumbsticks and triggers.

The Backbone One boasts seamless hardware-software integration. Its straightforward design works well on iOS and Android devices. The Backbone app provides a console-like experience, offering easy access to games and streaming services. The second generation features an improved D-pad and magnetic phone adapters for broader compatibility. A PlayStation-licensed edition is also available.

4. ASUS ROG Tessen: Best Portable

### ASUS ROG Tessen

2See it at Amazon

• Pros: Foldable design, works with phone cases, mechanical buttons and D-pad, 18W passthrough charging.
• Cons: Android-only, limited app features.

The ASUS ROG Tessen's foldable design makes it highly portable without compromising durability. Mechanical buttons and a smooth D-pad provide responsive feedback. Customizable rear paddles and near-zero latency via USB-C connection enhance the gaming experience. However, it's currently Android-exclusive, and its companion app lacks comprehensive features.

5. GameSir X2s: Best Budget

### GameSir X2s

3See it at Amazon

• Pros: Hall Effect thumbsticks, analog triggers, passthrough charging.
• Cons: Less comfortable for larger hands, small buttons, limited button remapping on iOS, somewhat flimsy build.

The GameSir X2s offers excellent value. Hall Effect joysticks prevent stick drift, and analog triggers provide precision. Passthrough charging is a convenient feature. While compatible with iPhone 15 and newer, most app features are Android-exclusive. The build quality is somewhat less robust, and it's less comfortable for users with larger hands.

Choosing the Right Controller:

Consider these factors:

• Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your specific phone model (USB-C, Lightning, case compatibility). Bluetooth controllers offer broader compatibility.
• Portability: Choose a compact, foldable design for on-the-go use. Larger controllers are better suited for home use.
• Games: Select a controller with features (customizable buttons, back paddles, etc.) that match your gaming preferences.