Playing with controllers on iPhone every day is something that costs less to do, fortunately. Gone are those dark times when you had to resort to jailbreak and use a controller compatible with the iCADE protocol to be able to play games and in that aspect, we can say that Apple has gotten its act together and "gone silly" a bit that maintained historically.
Do you know which are the best controls for iPhone? We tell you what they are, and the possible problems that may arise if you want to play with a controller on your favorite phone.
The best controls for iPhone
Razer Kishi 2: the ultimate controller for playing on iOS
El RAzer Kishi 2 It is the command that everyone would like to have, without a doubt. It has one of the largest gaming peripheral manufacturing brands in the world behind it, a good design, direct compatibility with the Lightning port and it is not excessively expensive for what it gives in return.
The Kishi has a compact design that folds around the iPhone, turning it into a kind of portable console similar to a Nintendo Switch, but more compact, making it easier to transport and store.
As command, It is tremendously completeo: offers analog controls similar to the Joycon of the Switch, action buttons, shoulder buttons and triggers, providing a gaming experience similar to that of a console, and also offers the plus that has been expressly designed to have low latency to ensure that response times are optimal when playing.
The price is on the high side, about 85 euros on average on Amazon, but we believe that it is a high quality product that is worth it.
GameSir X2 Bluetooth: an interesting controller for iPhone
From the Far East comes this interesting command, the Game Sir X2, which is a sort of Razer Kishi that is somewhat cheaper but with good results.
Offers practically the same, although it is true that personally the Razer button panel seems to be of higher quality in general, but for 30% less price, which is something to consider.
GameSir offers two different versions of it: one with Bluetooth compatibility for iOS phones that have a Lightning connector and the USB type C version for iPhone 15 and Android phones.
Personally I have to say that the time I had it I thought it was a great controller and that if you get it on sale even It can cost less than 50 euros, although its average price is between 65 and 80 as usual, so it doesn't hurt to have it in the pipeline.
PlayStation Dualshock 4 + Clip: You didn't expect this one, eh?
And if we have a Play4 at home, we might be interested to know that through Bluetooth we can use our Sony remote with our phone without any problem, with the possibility of purchasing it for a few euros a clip to hang the phone.
I think that today no one doubts the quality of Sony's controls: with an ergonomic design and well-placed controls, the DualShock 4 It is known for its comfort during prolonged gaming sessions, plus it is equipped with a gyroscope and accelerometer that can be used if the game requires it.
Today, personally, It is the option that I am using to play since it allows me to use it both on the computer and on my phone, in addition to being the one I like the most in terms of touch when playing a long session, so I personally advise it.
What problems can arise when using a controller on iPhone?
Using gamepads with an iPhone can have some issues or challenges, although overall the experience can be positive. Here are some things to consider:
Compatibility: the great Achilles Heel on iPhone
Not all iOS games support external controllers, so some game developers may not have implemented controller support, which would limit the number of games you can access with a controller. We always advise you that before purchasing any controller, you check if the games you want to play are compatible.
Configuration: multiple existing protocols
Set up a controller with an iPhone may not be as intuitive as connecting to a game console, although this has been gradually alleviated by Apple.
Some controls may require specific configuration (specifically, the Bluetooth controls brought from the āFar Eastā) and the process may vary depending on the controller model and version of the iOS operating system. Although currently with MFI controllers, which use Lightning, the complexity of configuring is one of the problems that no longer worries us.
Comfort of use: depends on the controller you are using
Controllers may be bulkier than simply using the iPhone's touch screen. This can affect portability and comfort, especially if you are playing on the go. So, if you choose a controller to use, make sure it is a portable version and, above all, is ergonomic.
Autonomy: not all controls are the same, but they consume extra battery
Both the iPhone and the controller need power to work, that's clear. And that energy has to come from somewhere, specifically from the battery of the controller itself if it is a Bluetooth version or from the phone itself, in case you have a controller that uses Lightning.
In both cases, We are really causing excessive battery consumption to the mobile: either because you must use the internal battery to power the option that goes through the port, or because you will have to keep the Bluetooth active to play. So if your idea is to play with a controller, you should take this overconsumption into account.
Limited versatility: depending on the game genre, a controller may compensate (or not)
While controllers are ideal for certain types of games, such as action and adventure games, may not be the best option for all genders. Some games may be designed specifically for touch interaction and do not benefit as much from a controller, as could be specific cases such as Fruit Ninja or Angry Birds.
So, if you are a casual user, it may not be worth investing money in a controller. But if what you are looking for is to make the most of your phone's ability to play games, we believe that any of the three options that we have proposed can be useful for you to take one step further as a fan of mobile video games.