Other game controllers we've tested
There are several other mobile controllers we tested that missed the top spot or failed to make the grade.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Gamesir X3 Pro for $80: It replaces the X3 and is open to taking almost any Android phone (or the iPhone 15 range) into its rubbery embrace. It looks great in a cute zip-up carrying case with customizable grips, clicky buttons and Hall effect thumbsticks with detachable caps of different sizes. The main feature is that there is a very large fan on the back that is capable of providing serious cooling power, which may come in handy as smartphones can get uncomfortably hot when you're gaming for long periods of time, although I find the sound annoying. Looks great, and the X3 Pro is pretty heavy. The customization options are welcome, but the GameSir app is a bit buggy and confusing. For a more compact sliding option, check out this Gamesher X2 Pro ($80) or very cheap X2S ($40)I tested both and found them to be pretty good value for money.
Asus ROG Teson for $90:My excitement at the prospect of Asus's mobile controller waned significantly when I started using the ROG Tessen. It has a neat folding design, responsive controls, and pass-through charging. I liked the programmable back pedal, and it has RGB lighting to make it brighter. But the thumbsticks quickly became uncomfortable, and the buttons proved a bit noisy. It's also Android only and doesn't work with any iPhone (even USB-C iPhones).
Gamesir X4 Aileron for $100:This controller has a lot going for it, including a compact design, RGB lighting, Hall Effect stick, and tactile buttons. It comes in two parts, which is great for folding it neatly, but it means you have to join one side, then the other, and that can be finicky. It's not a bad effort, but there are better options above.
CRKD Atom controller for $20: This teeny tiny controller is super cute and very portable, with the wrist strap you can attach it to your bag. Battery life extends to ten hours with a USB-C port for recharging, although I found it would occasionally turn on in my pocket. It's not big or comfortable enough to use for long periods of time, but if you need a super portable emergency controller, this might fit the bill.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Turtle Beach Atom controller for $80: With a clever two-piece design, this controller folds up neatly, but without a back it feels insecure. The clamps on each side are awkward, especially on phones with larger camera modules. I had trouble connecting, and disliked that the right side had to be turned on separately (press the B and Menu buttons). The right side connects wirelessly (2.4 GHz), but the controller connects to your phone via Bluetooth. This mostly worked fine for me, but when I played jiggle, The motion on the left stick was reversed. You get about 20 hours of battery life. It takes about two hours to charge. If portability is your main concern, this May Be worth seeing.
Gamesor T4 Cyclone for $40: Relatively affordable, with a grippy finish and a Hall Effect joystick, this is a solid controller. There are some programmable buttons on the back, a rumble motor in the grips, and a useful multi-function button. It also supports Bluetooth, 2.4-GHz, and USB-C connections with an optional dongle. But the battery is only 860 mAh, the GameSir app is flaky, and the LED is annoyingly bright.
Nacon MG-X Pro for $54: It looks like Nakon cut the Xbox controller in half to accommodate the extendable phone cradle, but we recommend the Gamesor G8 listed above if you want this style of controller. The MG-X Pro is slightly more spacious, but the G8 is better in every respect.
PowerA XP Ultra for $130: I love the idea of combining a ton of options into one controller, and PowerA's Crazy XP Ultra is certainly versatile. It works wirelessly with your Xbox, Windows PC, or Android phone, and offers solid battery life (up to 40 hours via Bluetooth or 60 hours for Xbox). But for gaming on the go, the gimmicky Transformer-style slide-out mini controller is too small and difficult to hold comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and stick are all good, and the clip works fine for holding your phone, but the D-pad is stiff. Overall, it's an expensive mixed bag.
Razer Kishi V2 for $100, The Razer Kishi V2 is okay, but it's slower, larger, and less polished than the Backbone One. It is an expandable mobile controller that comes in Android and iPhone versions. Both can stream PlayStation or Xbox games and also work with Windows. But ultimately, Backbone's better software and headphone jack make it the better choice. ,laurin stramp
Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller for $40, An MFi-certified controller for iPhone or iPad gaming (older Lightning port devices) that boasts pass-through charging, direct Lightning cable connection, and a 3.5-mm audio port. It feels like an Xbox controller, supports Xbox Cloud Gaming or Remote Play, and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. The downside is that the cable is a bit messy. Riot PWR MFi Controller ($40) Almost identical, but without the garish green styling and colorful Xbox buttons. There is also a USB-C option.
Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for $47: Here's another Xbox-branded controller that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. It feels good in the hand, has a solid phone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Windows. It also includes some audio enhancements (when plugged in), programmable buttons, and a handy Pro-Aim feature that reduces the sensitivity on the right stick for aiming in FPS games. This is a good upgrade option compared to the PowerA controller listed above, but only if you want the additional features.
PowerE Moga XP7-X Plus for $100:This controller offers everything that the XP-5 does. It's sturdy, offers lots of buttons (only a screenshot button is missing), and it can charge your phone wirelessly. But it's expensive, it has a micro USB port whereas I'd prefer USB-C, and it only has a 2,000 mAh battery, so stick with the XP-5X unless you really want a spring-loaded cradle for your phone. Don't want to fit in.
8bitdo SN30 Pro for $45: Evoking memories of the SNES, this controller works with Android, Windows, macOS, and Switch. It has built-in rumble, a solid D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port.