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The best game controllers for Android. Game controller for PC on Android

We are very close to the moment when our handheld devices are not much inferior in performance to desktop ones, and large publishing companies are making game releases that are unique for mobile platforms. Yes, games on iOS are no longer just a “snake”. A good game controller is a must for a good game. TechNews has selected some of the best compatible Android smartphones and tablets.

MAD CATZ L.Y.N.X 9


This modular game controller was presented at CES 2015. It is designed to work with Android devices and will be most comfortable for owners of devices with a screen diagonal of up to 7 inches, because the mounts are designed for them. A special application will help you configure the accessory in detail, which, by the way, can also be used with a computer running Windows if desired. L.Y.N.X 9 is currently available for pre-order for $299.


This accessory does not look at all as aggressive as the previous one. It is compact, and perhaps some will even call it frivolous, but definitely not its owner. The build quality and materials of this game controller can surprise Sony engineers. It's compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac and Linux, and costs $50. The first impression is deceiving.

iCADE 8-BITTY


This gaming controller is designed to take you back in time. It's compact, cordless, runs on AAA batteries, costs just $30, and is incredibly nostalgic.

MOGA


This game controller will turn your smartphone into an advanced GameBoy. It is suitable for working with Android smartphones of any size and class. The software required for its operation supports all versions of Android, starting from 2.3. The accessory also runs on two AAA batteries and costs only $45.


This is an amazing solution. Compact, lightweight, incredibly comfortable controller with an analog stick and three perfectly placed keys, Bluetooth, powered by AAA batteries, priced at $13. Is it possible to refuse this pleasure? Unfortunately, the device has problems with developer support.

iDROID


If you suddenly think that a controller for a mobile device must meet the standards set by consoles, then this accessory is for you. It fits nicely into your hands next to PlayStation or Xbox controllers, it's battery powered, it's compatible with both Android and iOS, and it costs $40.

While the vast majority of Android games are designed with touch controls in mind, the reality is that there are certain times when using a traditional game controller makes more sense. This especially applies to games that have been ported from consoles to Android, as well as emulators. This is also true for new games that are simply impossible to control, such as virtual reality games where your phone is strapped to your face.

There are many different controllers to choose from, including a variety of sizes and layouts. For this list, we've selected five controllers (joysticks) that we think are the very best, regardless of price or form factor. Our goal was to offer a reasonable mix of sizes, shapes and layouts. When we looked into it, however, we found that most "ultra-portable" Bluetooth controllers simply aren't that good.

This means that the vast majority of the controllers on this list look almost identical in size and shape to other controllers, continuing to rely on the design of the Xbox controllers. At least one also resembles a PlayStation controller.

MadCatz GameSmart CTRL

Mad Catz CTRL is designed with Android and PC in mind, and while it worked flawlessly with the Android devices in the tests (Samsung Edge, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, etc.), we noticed some problems when pairing the device with a Windows computer For example, the rear triggers don't register presses correctly and other minor quirks.

CTRL's clever design is based on the traditional Xbox 360, which has become incredibly popular among PC and Android game controllers. The controller has two analog joysticks, a d-pad, 4 main function buttons on the front side (A, B, X, Y), the traditional “Start”, “Back” and synchronization button, two side triggers. Probably one of the most interesting additions are the built-in media buttons found on the face of the controller, these offer play/pause, fast forward, rewind, and volume up and down. This is especially useful for use with a VR headset or for controlling a Shield Tablet that's connected to a TV via HDMI from across the room.

CTRL also hides another unique feature up its sleeve, three different modes that can be toggled using a three-way switch. The mode on the left is called GameStart, which is the main joystick mode in Android. In the middle, there's Mouse Mode, which works with PC and Android devices, offering a full mouse pointer controlled by the left analog stick. And on the right is a switch for PC game mode and computer games.

In terms of battery, the controller uses AA and is rated for 40 hours of continuous play. We haven't had the chance to use the controller for that long, but so far we haven't had any problems with power shortages.

For those looking for a game controller that attaches to your phone, the Mad Catz CTRL does offer that with a screw mount. When the fastener is removed, you're left with a somewhat awkward bulge and hole in the top, which we don't like, but it's not the end of the world. The mount works quite well, with jaws that open up and adjust to fit any size phone, including the Nexus 6.

To sum it up, how do we personally rate the controller? Of all the game controllers on this list, CTRL was the one we pulled out the most, especially when used with the Gear VR. Not only does the CTRL offer a rich list of features, it feels very nice in the hands, with enough weight to let you feel the controller's substance in your hands without being too bulky. In conclusion, we highly recommend a controller if you're looking for something that not only feels good in your hands, but also offers some unique extra features like mouse functionality, PC support, and media playback.

SteelSeries Stratus XL

While we really liked the MadCatz controller, thanks to its media controls, decent phone holder, and reasonably satisfying weight in the hands, the Stratus XL is without a doubt the most impressive-looking and most enjoyable Bluetooth gamepad we've reviewed. An attractive black design with orange and gray accents, this controller is as attractive as it is pleasant in the hands. And while it's not too heavy, the controller feels quite durable.

Similar to the MadCatz CTRL, it looks like an Xbox controller, but with a button layout that looks more like PlayStation controllers. The package includes two joysticks located opposite each other at the bottom, and a cross in the upper left corner. Otherwise, you get four main action buttons (A, B, X, Y) on the face, along with three unique buttons in the center, and on top you'll find two triggers and two shifters.

The SteelSeries Stratus XL is compatible with PC and Android, and while we spent most of our time on Android, we can confirm that the controller performed well on the computer, for example playing Fallout 4 without any problems. The joystick works just as well on Android, and should work with any game that supports controllers - including your favorite emulators.

The battery isn't bad, we can't say how long it lasts, but the joystick probably lasted closer to eight or ten hours of battery life in tests and didn't need to replace the AA. In other words, battery life is better than any other typical AA controller, including the Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers.

Unfortunately, this is an Android game controller that is aimed more at tablet users, as well as those who want to use it with a PC, since there is no way to mount the phone. You can of course use a random phone stand, but that will certainly limit the portability of the combination. However, if you want a beautiful controller that oozes quality, you can't go wrong with the SteelSeries Stratus XL.

Moga Pro Power

Despite being several years old, the Pro Power is still one of the best controllers on the market. Sure, it's built cheaper than the previous pair of game controllers, but the rechargeable lithium-ion battery and built-in phone holder make it a great choice for gamers who want the most portable solution possible.

The controller offers two interactive analog sticks, a D-pad, four buttons, "Start" and "Select", two hooks and two shifters. The placement and shape is again reminiscent of the Xbox 360/One controllers in design and predominant black color with slight orange accents.

The molded plastic sides make this Bluetooth controller for Android comfortable to hold and the dimensions guarantee a comfortable grip. Sure, it doesn't look or feel as nice in the hands as the Stratus XL, but it's not far off.

Battery life should be very good, and if you run out of power, simply plug the controller into the MicroUSB slot to charge the controller without the need for new batteries. Moga Pro Power also has the unique ability to charge your phone from its built-in battery, although this will obviously reduce the controller's battery life significantly.

One word of caution, MOGA app. You can use the controller as a standard Android Bluetooth game controller, bypassing the software entirely and, indeed, this is the best way to use the device. For those interested in using an Android Bluetooth controller with a desktop computer, keep in mind that the Pro Power wasn't designed with this feature in mind—so you'll want to look elsewhere if that's important to you.

Razer Serval

The Razer Serval is an Android gaming controller that also works with Windows and Mac OS.
Again, we have an Xbox design controller, 4 traditional face buttons, two analog sticks, two shifters and two grappling hooks. You'll also notice the Android back and home buttons at the base, and in the center there are three buttons that can be used to disable the controller and for use in some games (doesn't work everywhere).

It's worth noting that compared to the other Bluetooth controllers above, this is the least attractive controller in terms of how it feels in your hands. The battery compartment sticks out a little, which negatively affects the usability of the gamepad. On the other hand, the plastic used here can make it feel cheap. Design wise, it's not an ugly controller, but the traditional snake design feels tacky and out of place.

The controller's battery life should be comparable to other AA-based controllers, and we didn't experience any problems in our tests.

The Razer Serval controller is a bit pricey considering most of the others on this list, which are not only cheaper but also look/feel better. That said, it's still a very good Android controller. While it's not our first choice, a gift like this would leave us feeling satisfied. The Bluetooth controller is very responsive, offers great Android integration with the back and home buttons, and also offers a phone holder that connects effortlessly.

Gamepad Sminiker

We know what you're probably thinking: who the hell is Sminiker? Yes, this is an unknown Chinese brand that certainly copies PlayStation controllers, but don’t rush to write it off.

In creating this ranking, we wanted to provide only the best, while also including a very affordable option for those who want flagship performance but don't mind cheaper materials in construction and other minor trade-offs to keep the price down. And Sminiker does it playfully. I'm sure there are other "cheaper" controllers out there, but this one was very well received by Amazon users and piqued our interest with a subsequent purchase. Costing $20 (1,300 rubles), the Android gaming controller is more than 50% cheaper than other representatives of the rating.

As for the overall design, we're looking at a standard PlayStation design, complete with four action buttons, two analog sticks, a D-pad, Start/Select buttons, and four shift keys. There's also a phone holder that fits phones up to six inches without issue. How does it look and feel? In one word: cheap. This is a very light controller, which will put off gamers accustomed to balance, as it feels fragile. The buttons also feel a little cheap, although they work very well. The plastic construction is made of a cheap grade of plastic.

While it may not sound like the "best Bluetooth gaming controller", the functionality of the device is undeniable, and it also paired perfectly with the Gear VR, Android tablets and phones, without any issues.

As a nice touch that you won't find on most other controllers, the gamepad offers a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that didn't run out after 3-4 hours of use, although we can't say for sure how long the battery will last - we'll try to update this rating over the next month, spending more time with the controller.

To sum it up, the Sminiker feels just like any other third-rate PlayStation 3 controller, only this time it works with Android. For those who abuse tons of hardcore games on their mobile devices, it might be worth a pass, but if you're looking for an inexpensive gamepad that works when a touchscreen isn't enough.

Here are just five of the best Android game controllers on the market. What do you think of our list? Can you recommend others? Tell us.

The gamepad for Android has long been transformed from an additional accessory into a must-have attribute for all mobile game lovers. Modern smartphones and tablets have become so powerful that application developers are increasingly focusing on technologically sophisticated games with beautiful graphics. Playing on the touch screen is only convenient for games like Fruit Ninja and Angry Birds. And RPG-style games, first-person shooters or racing games will give you much more positive emotions if you use a joystick for Android.

How does a joystick work for Android?

The most common and convenient option is connection via Bluetooth technology. The operating range of the Bluetooth joystick is 6-8 meters, which is very important for TVs running Android OS. To connect the controller via Bluetooth technology, the gamepad must enter “pairing” mode with your mobile device. This process may not go entirely smoothly and depends directly on the manufacturer of the game controller and the OS version.

The largest manufacturers of manipulators have taken care of official applications for Android, which are available for download for free in the on-line store. The programs are a set of drivers with which you can easily and quickly identify and “pick up” your Bluetooth gamepad with the device. These applications also contain a catalog of games that are officially supported by the manufacturer, guaranteeing that your Android controller will work with them.

Why buy a bluetooth joystick for Android

  • comfortable gameplay “on the go”: in transport, on vacation, on a train, plane, etc.;
  • The controller for Android has a special mount for a phone; there are models with mounts for tablets. As a result, you end up with a mini-console in your hands, a real full-fledged gaming center in which the screen will be securely placed;
  • It's not difficult to buy at all. Prices for good manipulators for Android are quite affordable, and the variety of models and set of functions will satisfy even the most demanding gamer.

Our company, working directly with manufacturers, is insured against counterfeits and actively contributes to the provision of warranty obligations. In the VHS online store you can buy joysticks for tablets and smartphones from such world brands as Moga, iPega, 8bitdo, Wamo, Mad Catz, Mocute, Phonejoy, GameSir at the best prices. There are also small universal wireless VR controllers available - the simplest and most affordable of all available options.

Sixaxis Controller- an application that allows you to play games with a joystick on Android. Moreover, you can connect both a wireless gamepad and an analog joystick. As for reassigning keys, this is not a problem, since the program itself provides such an option.


  • Genre: joystick connection
  • Platform: Android 2.2-5.0
    • Interface language: Russian

You can download the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker app to check the compatibility of your device and the Sixaxis Controller. The verification application is free.

1. Download and install SixaxisPairTool. Launch it and connect the controller to your computer with a USB cable. After automatic installation of the driver, the MAC address will be displayed in the format xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
2. Now launch Sixaxis Controller on your phone.
Click on Start. The program will ask for root rights and below you will see Local Bluetooth Address, also in the format xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx - enter it in SixaxisPairTool on your computer, in the Change Master field and click Update. Then disconnect the controller from the computer.
3. Turn on the controller with the PS button (round in the middle). If one light on the controller is on, everything worked! :clap:
If it says Connection Failed, your device is not supported :(
4. Now all that remains is to click Change Input Method in the program and select Sixaxis Controller.
If you want to connect the joystick to the console again, you just need to connect it with a cord to the PS3 and turn on the console first, then the gamepad, they will grab themselves.

Guaranteed to work ONLY with original Sixaxis and Dualshock 3! Other PS3 gamepads and Chinese counterfeits MAY NOT WORK
- To avoid problems with the gamepad, it is recommended to charge ONLY from the computer / orig. charging /ps3
- Performance on stock firmware (especially with Sense) is not guaranteed.
- The program, starting from version 0.7.1, is compatible with MTK processors, all errors and suggestions are sent to the author

DNS AirTab M101w
3QTS1010c
Acer Iconia 500
Acer Iconia Tab A101 (stock 4.0.3)
Acer Iconia Tab A110
Acer Iconia Tab a211
Acer Iconia Tab A511
Acer Iconia Tab A1-810
Acer Liquid
Asus EEE Pad Transformer
Asus PadFone 2 A68
Asus Memo Pad HD 7
Asus Nexus 7 2013
Asus Nexus 7 2012
Asus tf 300 tg
Ainol Novo 7 Advanced (n7a_4.03_feiyu_mod_(0429) + ICS 4.0.4 (IVI) CyanogemMod 9)
Alcatel OT990 (Perfomix firmware)
Alcatel OT-5036D POP C5
CECHZC2H
CUBE U30GT
Cube u39gt
DNS m100gw
Dell Streak 7
Docomo F-10D
Explay Golf
Fly 446 magic
Fly IQ441 Radiance
Fly IQ451 Vista
Fujitsu STYLISTIC M532
Fly Flylife Connect 10.1 3G
Fly IQ4404 (Spark) - stock, 4.2, sw17
Galaxy Nexus
Gigabyte GSmart G1345
Gigabyte GSmart Aku A1
HTC One S
HTC One(M7) GPE
HTC One e8
HTC One X
HTC Desire HD CM7 or MIUI
HTC Desire S CM7, CM9, Virtuous Quattro, IceColdSandwich 6.1
HTC Desire CM
HTC EVO 3D CyanogenMod (7,9,10)
HTC Explorer
HTC Incredible S MIUI
HTC HD2 CM
HTC Sensation CM7
HP Touchpad CM
Highscreen boost 2
Highscreen Alpha Tab.
Higscreen Explosion
Huawei Honor 2
Huawei Media Pad 4.0.3
Huawei Honor 3C on MTK6582
HYUNDAI ROCK X800
Hyundai T7s
IconBIT NetTAB SPACE II (stock 4.1.1) CECHZC2Ua1
Icou Farry 2 (on off firmware 4.1 with Nitho Neo joystick)
iWing WTD2
Jiayu G2F
Lg G Pro (E988) with CM10
LG Optimus 2X
LG Optimus Black
LG Optimus G
LG Nexus 4
LG Nexus 5
LG E425
LG L90
Lenovo LePhone GW100 + MIUI 2.5.4 or CyanogenMod
Lenovo k1
Lenovo s650
Lenovo a820
lenovo k910 vibe z
Megafon Login
Minix NEO x7 (firmware 006c)
Minix 8
MegaFon Login+
Motorola Quench XT5
Motorola Milestone CM7 or MIUI
Motorola Milestone 2
Motorola Atrix 4G 2.3.4
Motorola Defy CM7
Motorola Droid 3
Motorola Droid X
Motorola Xoom MZ604 wifi AOSP 1.0.0
Motorola RAZR/DROID RAZR
Motorola Razr M
Motorola Moto G
Motorola Moto X
Newman N2 (Freelander I20)
Nexus One CM7
Nexus S
Oneplus One
Onda 975m
OYSTERS T34
Philips W732
Philips w6610
Philips Xenium w8510
Prestigio pmp 5101D3G 10.1 OP 4.2
PocketBook SurfPad 3 10.1
Samsung Galaxy S Advance CyanogenMod 10.1
Samsung galaxy s III mini
Samsung Galaxy Ace
Samsung galaxy ace 2 of 4.1.2
Samsung Galaxy S CM7
Samsung Galaxy S CM10.1
Samsung Galaxy S II CM7 or MIUI or stock firmware with root
Samsung GT-I9100G GALAXY S II Cyanogenmod 11, Android 4.4.2
Samsung Galaxy S3
Samsung GT-I9500 Galaxy S IV
Samsung Galaxy s4 (at&t)
Samsung Galaxy S Plus I9001 CyanogenMod 9
Samsung Galaxy Tab CM7
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0+
Samsung GT-I9003 KPH
Samsung Galaxy 5 CM7
Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung Galaxy Note 2
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 n900 (Stock 4.4.2 with root)
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 android 4.1 jelly bean
Samsung Galaxy Wonder (CM10)
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4
Samsung Galaxy 2 10.1
SmartQ W1 Z Watch
SONY Xperia V
Sony Ericsson X8 miniCM
Sony Ericsson X10 2.3.3
Sony Ericsson Xperia Active 4.0.4
Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S 4.0.4
SONY XPERIA ION 4.1.2
SONY TABLET Z 4.3
Sony Xperia P 4.1.2
Sony XPERIA S 4.0.4
Sony XPERIA Sola 4.1.2
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Sony Xperia M2(D2303)
Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet
TV BOX Rikomagic Quad Core MK802IV
TV Box M8 Amlogic S802 firmware Finless 1.8, works on version 0.8
Tronsmart Vega S89-H (0.8.1)
Ramos W30
Pantech Vega Racer II / Custom from 9.16
Pegatron Chagall
Pipo M1
Pipo m7
Pipo Max M9
Toshiba AC100 (CyanogenMod_9.0_Android_4.0_beta3_zombah)
Teclast P89 mini S
Teclast p89 mini s
ViewSonic VIEWPAD 10S
Xiaomi Mi-2
Xiaomi Mi2a
Xiaomi MI-3
Xiaomi Red Rice
Xiaomi MiPad
Yuandao Window N101
Zopo C2
MTS 972
ZTE V967s
ZTE Grand X Quad
Texet X-Basic
Cubeboard 3
Prestigio 4500 DUO

Who hasn't whiled away the time on the bus or subway playing some trendy shooter on their phone? And everyone has probably encountered the inconvenience of the built-in virtual joystick: there is no tactile feel of the buttons, there is no full control. Now, with the advent of Bluetooth gamepad for Android, everything will be different. Our task is to tell in this review about those devices that are the most popular. We will leave it to the reader to answer the question of what is the best Bluetooth controller for Android.

Choices

There are two sides to this topic:

  • joystick connected to the phone via Bluetooth;
  • a smartphone application that turns your phone into a joystick.

Both options will be discussed here.

Joystick connected via Bluetooth

Today there is a very wide choice in this segment. This is not surprising, because the number of owners of smartphones running Android OS is growing every day. And after this, the number of entertainment applications increases.
SteelSeries Free is a joystick compatible with almost any gaming device, from smartphones or tablets to desktop computers and laptops. It is small in size and has a powerful battery for long battery life. Plug-n-play functionality is also available. To enhance the gaming experience, a vibration function is built in. Among the shortcomings, we note the lack of a holder for a smartphone.

Another Bluetooth controller for Android is Moga Pro. This device has a recognizable appearance. The body is made of materials that are pleasant to the touch, which will allow you to spend a lot of time with the joystick in your hands: this effect is enhanced by the shape with horns that are easy to hold. Moga Pro has one of the most complete sets of buttons for such devices.
A nice feature is the presence of a holder that allows you to fix smartphones up to 82 mm wide. The set includes a stand for tablets.

Well, the last Bluetooth game controller for Android that we will talk about is PhoneJoy. It has a very interesting feature. When folded, the device is very small in size, comparable to the size of a wallet. But when unfolded, PhoneJoy turns into a full-fledged gaming console. If you pull the side edges of the joystick, it expands and reveals a place for attaching a smartphone. The reserve is enough for very large smartphones, such as the Galaxy Note 4, for example.

Among the disadvantages, we can mention the insufficiently rigid design: it will not suit those who like to press the buttons with all their hearts. Also a relatively weak battery.
So, which is the best Android Bluetooth controller is up to you. When choosing a device, we recommend paying attention to versatility, practicality and reliability. Price will also be an important factor in your choice.
Now let's move on to the second part of our review.

An application that turns your phone into a joystick

If you, remembering the old days, installed your favorite game on your computer, which is more convenient to play with a joystick, then its absence at hand will probably upset you. Now this problem can be solved quickly and free of charge. For this purpose, there is an application that acts as a controller and connects to Android via Bluetooth. Let's talk about this in more detail.

It must be said that the choice of software for this purpose is huge. And for the most part it is free. We used the Monect PC Remote program. The unique feature of this application is its wide range of capabilities that go far beyond a simple joystick.

This application is shareware. That is, you can download it, install and use it without paying. There are also no restrictions on the time of use (there is no trial period). Some additional features are paid, such as adjusting the sensitivity of the controller. But even without this, you can use the application without difficulty.
To start using it, you need to download the application from Google Play and install it. To interact with a computer, download a copy of the application from the official website and install it on your PC. If everything is ready, then launch the program by clicking its shortcuts on the desktops of your computer and phone.

In the first menu window, we can choose the type of connection: via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Below these buttons there is a field that displays the devices available for connection. At the very bottom is the scan button. Select Bluetooth and press it.

Find our computer in the list that appears and select it.

Pairing will occur within a few seconds. To confirm it, you need to check the digital password that appears on the screens of your smartphone and computer. If everything matches, select “Yes” and wait for the pairing to complete.