The Best Phone Controller for Mobile Gaming in 2025

Mobile gaming has advanced significantly, demanding controllers that balance performance and portability. Modern smartphones and tablets now handle console-quality games, rendering touchscreen controls inadequate for most titles.

Current phone controllers generally feature an expandable design, accommodating mobile devices within a shell, with controller halves on each side. Many, like the top-rated Razer Kishi Ultra, offer thumbsticks and buttons comparable to traditional console controllers, some even including 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 larger grips for extended play or compact portability, numerous options cater to diverse needs and devices. Below are our top picks:

1. Razer Kishi Ultra: Best Overall Phone Controller

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 builds upon the Razer Kishi V2, offering 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 makes it ideal for competitive and casual gaming. Features include full-size controls, responsive buttons, and the Razer Nexus app for game and service integration, RGB customization, button remapping, and more. Note that some features are Android-exclusive.

2. Scuf Nomad: Best Customizable Phone Controller

### SCUF Nomad

5See it at Amazon

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

Scuf's Nomad controller brings pro-level customization to mobile gaming. Its robust build and Hall Effect joysticks (eliminating stick drift) are notable features. Interchangeable thumbstick caps and customizable rear paddles offer personalization. The Scuf app allows for trigger response and dead zone adjustments, and profile creation. Currently, it only supports iPhones.

3. Backbone One: Best App-Integrated Phone Controller

### Backbone One

3See it at Amazon

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

The Backbone One, a pioneer in expandable controller design, offers strong iOS and Android compatibility. Its intuitive app provides a console-like experience, readily launching games and streaming services. The second generation boasts improvements including an enhanced D-pad and magnetic phone adapters. A PlayStation-licensed edition is also available.

4. ASUS ROG Tessen: Best Portable Phone Controller

### ASUS ROG Tessen

2See it at Amazon

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

The ASUS ROG Tessen stands out with its foldable design and responsive mechanical buttons and D-pad. Smooth analog sticks and customizable rear paddles enhance gameplay. Zero-latency USB-C connection and 18W passthrough charging are key features. However, it's currently Android-exclusive, and the companion app lacks extensive features.

5. GameSir X2s: Best Budget Phone Controller

### GameSir X2s

3See it at Amazon

• Pros: Hall Effect thumbsticks, analog triggers, passthrough charging.
• Cons: Uncomfortable for large hands, small buttons, limited button remapping (iPhone), somewhat flimsy build.

The GameSir X2s offers excellent value, improving upon its predecessor with Hall Effect joysticks and analog triggers. Passthrough charging is a plus. While compatible with iPhone 15 and newer, most app features are Android-exclusive.

Choosing the Right Controller:

Consider these factors:

• Compatibility: Check device compatibility (USB-C, Lightning, Android/iOS-only). Bluetooth controllers offer broader compatibility.
• Portability: Choose a smaller, foldable design for on-the-go use; larger controllers are suitable for home use.
• Games: Select features (customizable buttons, back paddles, etc.) based on your gaming preferences.