Smartphone gaming has grown far beyond simple touch-based controls. Whether you’re diving into fast-paced shooters, racing sims, or platformers, having a reliable game controller can seriously upgrade your gameplay experience. There are great options to choose from in the market, so here’s a small list of the top smartphone controllers for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Backbone One

Starting off the list, we have the Backbone One. It is a sleek and lightweight controller that directly plugs into your device. The controller only supported iOS initially, but support for Android phones dropped later on. There are even PlayStation and Xbox models with button designs similar to a DualSense controller. You get responsive analog sticks, tactile buttons, and support for passthrough charging. So apart from your usual mobile games, the experience with this controller is great, with remote play to enjoy both Xbox and PlayStation titles.

Preview	Product
	Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone (Lightning) – Playstation Edition – Turn Your…	Check Price on Amazon

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GameSir G8 Galileo

The GameSir G8 Galileo is another highly rated smartphone controller that is both adaptable and has a comfortable design. While it is slightly heavier than your typical smartphone controller, you get a console controller quality design with great buttons and sticks. There is even support for PS5 Remote Play and Xbox Game Pass, just like the Backbone One. Thanks to its Hall sensor sticks, gamers can avoid the frustrating stick drift issue that plagues even the more expensive console controllers.

Preview	Product
	GameSir G8 Galileo Type-C Mobile Gaming Controller for Android & iPhone 15 Series (USB-C), Plug and…	Check Price on Amazon

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Razer Kishi V2

Razer is a known brand in the gaming space, from high-end gaming laptops to a whole range of peripherals and accessories. With the Razer Kishi V2, the brand expands its mobile gaming accessories portfolio. The company aims to offer a console-like feel, bringing both wireless (Bluetooth) and wired connectivity that works across Android and iOS. The Razer Nexus app adds support for remapping and customization, making it ideal for competitive gamers.

Preview	Product
	Razer Kishi V2 Mobile Gaming Controller for Android: Console Quality Gaming Controls -…	Check Price on Amazon

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Xbox Wireless Controller with Adapter

For those who want the familiarity of a console controller, the Xbox Wireless Controller is a solid choice when paired with a clip-on phone adapter. You get the reliable form factor and controls. It supports both Bluetooth and wired connections that work with both Android and iOS. If you’re coming from console gaming, this makes it perfect for long gaming sessions. I’d recommend this option for those who already own an Xbox Wireless Controller, since the cost of buying the phone adapter will be the most affordable out of this list.

Preview	Product
	Xbox Core Wireless Controller – Carbon Black	Check Price on Amazon

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Gamers looking for a new Xbox controller won’t have to wait much longer. Microsoft is releasing the Sky Cipher Special Edition controller in August 2024, with pre-orders starting on July 31st.

The Sky Cipher features a translucent blue design similar to the Forza Horizon 5 controller, a departure from the standard black option. While details are scarce, rumors suggest the controller won’t have the much-anticipated haptic feedback to rival the PS5’s DualSense. Pricing starts at €69.99 (around $69.99 USD), slightly more than the standard controller.

The announcement comes amidst the recent launch of the Fire TV Stick 4K & Xbox Controller gaming bundle. This bundle includes a Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max, an Xbox Controller, and a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This allows you to play Xbox games on your Fire TV Stick without needing a bulky console. The bundles start at $68.90 for Prime members.

In related news, Xbox is hosting a sweepstakes to celebrate the upcoming movie “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Participants have the chance to win a limited-edition Deadpool wireless controller featuring a unique design with a butt on the back. To enter, follow Xbox on X (formerly Twitter) and repost their official announcement by August 11th, 2024. The grand prize includes the controller and a custom Deadpool-themed Xbox Series X console with foam replicas of Deadpool’s katanas.

(Source 1, 2)

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Inflation also seems to be affecting gaming peripherals worldwide, with prices shooting through the roof. Usually, the controllers retail between $60 to $180, which can leave players with a hefty bill when replacement is the only option. However, Microsoft is trying to change the game with a revolutionary approach to controller self-repair, providing a potentially significant cost-saving opportunity for gamers.

Other brands, such as Sony and Nintendo have similar, yet different DIY repair strategies for their controllers

Microsoft’s groundbreaking solution extends to Xbox Wireless Controller models, including the Elite Series 2. This initiative promises downloadable instructions, tutorial videos, and, most importantly, replacement parts such as boards, sticks, buttons, covers, and more, available directly from Microsoft. Prior to this, gamers had to rely on potentially unreliable third-party fixes or replace the entire gamepad, often a costly idea.

The range of issues that can be addressed is comprehensive, covering problems from stick drifting to jammed shoulder buttons. Prices for the repair components vary, with button sets costing $24, a circuit board and motor assembly unit at $60, and a vibration motor at $35. Even replacement cases are on offer, albeit only in black and white.

This groundbreaking program is already operational, according to product lead Brad Rossetti, inviting all Xbox gamers with damaged controllers to breathe new life into their devices. Moreover, the initiative extends to third-party retailers, including self-repair experts iFixit.

While Microsoft’s initiative is indeed noteworthy, it’s not alone in the gaming industry’s evolving stance on DIY repairs. Sony’s DualSense Edge controller includes replacement control stick modules as a standard. However, unlike Microsoft, Sony does not sell additional repair parts through an online platform. Nintendo, while not selling repair components, provides free repair service for its controllers affected by the notorious Joy-Con drift. More companies should adopt this approach to retain customers who value their gaming controllers.

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(Via)

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If you’re a console gamer or generally prefer playing with controllers, you probably recognize the term stick drift. This horrifying phenomenon plagues almost every first-party controller from brands like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. However, it appears that there is one controller for the Xbox consoles that is completely immune to this annoying issue.

Meet the GameSir G7 SE Xbox Controller

This isn’t the first time a drift-free controller has been seen in the market as some accessory manufacturers like GuliKit and 8BitDo are popular for using Hall effect sensors that don’t suffer from stick drifts. And now, the newest controller to offer such a feature is the GameSir G7 SE controller for Xbox. This model is a wired controller that is built for Microsoft’s Xbox Series X, Series S, and PCs from its USB Type-C port.

The controller offers two programmable rear buttons and a magnetically removable paintable faceplate that brings another layer of customization. Apart from the Hall effect sensors, the controller also offers lockout switches for the rear buttons to prevent accidental activation. The GameSir G7 SE comes with a white body and is a refresh to the original G7 controller.

As of right now, the G7 SE is listed on Amazon for a price tag of just 49.99 US Dollars. This is just 5 US Dollars more than the original G7 variant. You can also click here to check out our list of the ‘Best Gaming Controllers of 2023’ that will enhance your gaming experience.

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(Via)

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Microsoft has just recently collaborated with a cosmetics based brand to offer a new special edition of its Xbox controller. The company joined hands with OPI to bring the Xbox X OPI controller with the new Sunkissed Vibes special edition.

Microsoft unveils Sunkissed Vibes Xbox Controller for the Summer

The American tech giant is joining hands with the American makeup brand to offer the new limited edition Xbox Controller. The new Sunkissed Vibes Xbox controller also arrives as a part of the nail polish brand’s Summer Make the Rules collection. While a tech company and a makeup brand seems like an unlikely duo, this isn’t the first time such a collaboration has arrived in the market. Furthermore, the new special edition controllers isn’t any different from a regular Xbox controller apart from its unique color scheme.

The new controller adopts OPI makeup collection hues to offer a bright design that includes a soft orange for the main body and pastel blue for the joysticks, triggers, and the under belly region. While the special edition Xbox controller doesn’t offer any special features, the new gamepad looks quite beautiful with its color scheme that breathes new life to its overall design.

Interestingly enough, the Xbox Design Lab does let you customize your controller, although, these colors are unique to this collaboration. Additionally, the companies haven’s specified which OPI colors were borrowed for the Microsoft controller, but it appears to be inspired by the “Dancing in Stilettos” and “Surf Naked.” The Xbox Wireless Controller Sunkissed Vibes OPI Special Edition model will go on sale on 9th May 2023 for a price tag of 69.99 US Dollars.

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The battle between the ninth generation consoles, which started with the launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X in 2020, is still going strong. While hardware specifications have been a major talking point in every generation, various factors determine the ultimate winner. In this context, exclusive games and accessories designed for each platform play a crucial role in achieving success. Microsoft, recognizing this, recently unveiled the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Youth Edition in four distinct colors: Black, White, Red, and Blue. These gamepads are now hitting the shelves in China, one of the world’s largest gaming markets. Here are the details…

China Welcomes Colorful Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Youth Edition Priced at 999 Yuan

According to an announcement on Microsoft‘s official Xbox Weibo account, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Youth Edition will be available in China starting April 25th, with a price tag of 999.00 Yuan (approximately $145). The controllers, offered exclusively in red and blue, will come with a few unique features. The most notable of these is that the new models come equipped with a high-capacity rechargeable battery, boasting a maximum battery life of up to 40 hours. Additionally, the controllers feature exclusive color-matched faceted D-pads and adjustable joysticks.

The D-pad and joystick on the new controllers utilize a magnetic attachment structure, allowing for easy customization. Users can purchase additional accessories according to their preferences and easily swap them out. The controllers also offer three adjustable trigger travel settings. For example you can use short travel for fast-paced FPS games, while the longer travel setting is perfect for precision throttle control in racing games.

Apart from the change of color, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core is still the same controller that can be used with Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile devices. There are some customization features that can be set up in the Xbox Accessories app, including the ability to switch between three custom profiles on the fly. Whether all these features are worth $145 is up to the gamers. You can click here to purchase the product and browse its features.

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(source)

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Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Controller is a pretty good gaming controller over the regular model, and now the company has introduced two more color options for it — Red and Blue.

With this, the controller now comes in four colors — Black, White, Red, and Blue. It is priced at $139.99, and pre-orders for the Red and Blue models are now open.

Notably, the models are the Core version of the gamepad that the company started selling last year. This means that it doesn’t come with most of the customization kits in the original model. It includes the controller, a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, and a tool to adjust the tension of the twin analog sticks.

Apart from the change of color, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core is still the same controller that can be used with Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile devices. There are some customization features that can be set up in the Xbox Accessories app, including the ability to switch between three custom profiles on the fly.

Coming to the battery life, the company says that it can last up to 40 hours from a full charge. It’s worth noting that this controller is missing a few extras compared to the Elite Series 2 bundles. It doesn’t include the swappable sticks, D-pad, or back-button triggers.

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Microsoft‘s Xbox Design Lab customization program for the Xbox wireless controller has seen the development of several innovative and beautiful designs for the Xbox controller. The customization program indeed offers numerous options to give users a personal touch to their wireless controllers.

Xbox Design Lab is bringing back rubberized grips, metallic finishes, as well as new color customizations options on the wireless controller. The Xbox Design Lab online community is very innovative and growing as more users tap into the exciting world of customizable controllers for their Xbox Consoles.

The black rubberized grips are available on both the back case and side grips of the controller for better control and an additional layer of comfort even during extended use. There are 19 new metallic colors included for D-Pads and Triggers, while three new colors for controller parts are also part of the additions. The customization will add to the final cost of the controllers which starts at $70. Up to 4 weeks could be taken for delivery from when purchase and customization are completed. It is also possible to have laser engraving with a 16-character message on your new controller.

The Xbox Design Lab is available in a few countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Puerto Rico, and the EU. The one-stop online platform for your customization requirements is the Design Lab website.

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The Xbox Wireless Controller is already available in multiple colorways and custom editions but that is not stopping Microsoft from announcing more. Today, it has unveiled a new special edition controller in honor of its new racing game, Forza Horizon 5.

The Xbox Wireless Controller Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition is practically the most colorful controller Xbox has released. The controller has a translucent golden yellow top that allows you to see its internals. While the thumbsticks have a white stick and base, their tops are of different colors – blue for the left thumbstick and magenta for the right thumbstick. The D-pad has a pale chrome pink colorway.

The View and Menu buttons have the same shade of blue as the left thumbstick but the share button is white. The ABXY buttons are also magenta but their markings are blue.

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The back of the Xbox Wireless Controller Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition is white, and the product page says that it features racing-inspired custom grips. The bumpers are white too while the color of the triggers matches those of the thumbsticks.

Microsoft is charging $74.99 for the new limited edition controller when it becomes available for purchase on September 11. While that is $5 more than what you pay for your own custom controller (minus an engraving) via the Xbox Design Lab, you get exclusive content for the game such as a Forza edition car, a cosmetic item, and a victory emote. Of course, these freebies are useless if you don’t have the game.

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The Xbox Wireless Controller comes in several colorways. There is even the Xbox Design Lab program for those who want their own custom controller. However, that isn’t stopping the manufacturer from announcing new colors. The latest is the Aqua Shift Special Edition which was announced today and it boasts features you won’t find on the others.

The Aqua Shift Special Edition has a color-shifting blue shimmer and depending on the angle you hold it, the controller will shift between different shades of blue and even purple.

The D-Pad and thumbstick have the same shade of dark blue that appears to be slightly different from that of the View, Menu, and Share buttons. The ABXY buttons also have a pretty nice blue-on-blue design.

The controller also features a unique color swirl on the rubberized side grips, a first for a special edition Xbox Series X|S controller. This color pattern is unique to each unit which means that no two Aqua Shift Special Edition controllers are the same.

The controller is priced at $69.99 and is already available for pre-order across the globe on Xbox.com and at local retailers.

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Are you a fan of Looney Tunes? If your answer is yes, then you are most likely looking forward to the arrival of Space Jam 2 a.k.a. Space Jam: A New Legacy on July 16. Ahead of the premiere of the movie, Xbox has announced a limited-edition collection of Xbox Wireless Controllers themed after the movie.

The Space Jam: A New Legacy Exclusive Xbox Wireless Controllers are available in three versions: Tune Squad, Server-verse, and Goon Squad. All three versions will be available on July 8 for $69.99 per unit.

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The wireless controller only differs from the regular one with respect to its paint job. It works not only with the Xbox consoles via Xbox Wireless but also with Windows 10 PCs, tablets, and Android devices via Bluetooth. Support for iOS devices will be added in the future according to Xbox. The controller is powered by AA batteries that should provide up to 40 hours of battery life.

Xbox has also revealed that Space Jam: A New Legacy game will be available via early access on Game Pass.

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Remember Motorola’s Moto Maker? A service that lets you customize your Motorola phone (select models) in various ways including choosing the material, colors, and even having an engraving on the back. Those were the good old days of Motorola. While you can’t customize any current Motorola phone, Xbox will let you customize the Xbox Wireless Controller for the Xbox Series X/S and even let you engrave it. Cool, right?

Xbox Design Lab isn’t new as it was first launched in 2016 and was available up until October last year before being shut down. Now, it is back and running, allowing interested folks to customize their own controller.

Users will be able to choose from eighteen different colors for the body, back, bumpers, triggers, D-pad, thumbstick, as well as six different styles for the action buttons, and five styles for the View, Menu, and Share trio of buttons.

Customized controllers cost $69.99, $10 more than the current selling price of a regular controller. If you want a custom engraving, that costs an extra $9.99, bringing the total to $79.98. Orders will ship 28 days after your purchase.

The service is live now for the US, Canada, and Europe. So go ahead and customize your own controller, even if you are not going to buy one yet. You also don’t need to own an Xbox console to buy the controller as it works with Windows 10 PCs and iOS and Android devices.

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Microsoft has announced two new controllers for the Xbox consoles. The new controllers are dubbed Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo Special Edition. The new controllers are compatible with the new Xbox Series S/X consoles, Xbox One, Windows 10 PCs, and Android mobile phones and tablets.

The Xbox Wireless Controller Electric Volt has a similar design to the Shock Blue and Pulse Red controllers. The top is covered in a yellow resin that is not available on any other Xbox hardware. The two joysticks have the same color. The underside of the controller keeps the same white finish as the Shock Blue and Pulse Red controllers.

Microsoft says the new controller will be available for $64.99 starting April 27 in most Xbox markets worldwide. It will also be available at select retailers and on the Microsoft Store.

The Xbox Wireless Controller Daystrike Camo Special Edition is the third in the Camo series. The other two are Night Ops Camo that was announced in 2019 and Arctic Camo Special Edition that was announced last year.

The new controller is a combination of two shades of red and a shade of gray and black. It is the first of the Camo edition with a textured grip for the triggers and the first of the Xbox wireless controllers to have the entire surface of the bumpers textured. The Camo Special Edition controller will go on sale on May 4 in most Xbox markets worldwide for $69.99.

Microsoft also announced new clothing gear alongside the new controllers. The Xbox Icon Collection which includes t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and pants is inspired by the new controllers and will be available in unisex sizes starting April 21. Microsoft says there will be limited quantities available, so you should hurry once they are available.

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Microsoft announced a new colorway for the Xbox Series S/X Wireless Controller. The controller which already comes in Carbon Black, Shock Blue, and Robot White now adds a fourth color – Pulse Red – and it is a beauty.

The controller has a bright red top with black and red buttons and a white underside. The action buttons are black but the markings are red which makes them stand out. The D-Pad and triggers are also black while the joysticks are red. Another button that sticks out is the Xbox button which is red and white.

Just like the other color variants, the triggers and bumpers have a textured dot pattern for better grip. Dynamic Latency Input allows for a more responsive gaming experience.

The Xbox Wireless Controller can be used with the Xbox Series S and Series X as well as the Xbox One. It can also be connected wirelessly to Windows 10 PCs and Android devices via Bluetooth Low Energy. Microsoft says that the controller remembers multiple devices and allows for quick and seamless switching between previously connected devices. There is also support for USB connection to a PC or your console. There is an audio jack for connecting a headset and you can purchase a rechargeable battery for it if you wish.

The Pulse Red Xbox Wireless Controller will go on sale first in China starting tomorrow and in other countries where the Xbox is sold for $64.99. In select markets, the controller will come with a 2-week free trial for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

UP NEXT: Microsoft confirms Xbox cloud gaming is coming to PCs and iOS next year; more countries too

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