Since the inception of the smartphone, often cited as the iPhone’s release in 2007, gaming has become increasingly accessible and popular. While not the first instance of portable gaming by a long shot, the popularised mobile gaming model of freemium play has allowed more people than ever to play games, as has these devices’ connection to the internet.
With smartphones becoming more powerful with each passing year, and becoming essential to everyday life around the world, it's unsurprising that the mobile segment of the Global games market is now the largest. Now, with the help of cloud technology in some instances, you can play games on-par with console releases, and sometimes actual console releases, on your mobile.
The one limitation that will persist for the smartphone, however, is its touchscreen interface and its need to be pocket-sized. While folding phones appear to be on the way to the mainstream, there’s still the issue of touchscreen controls for gamers. Luckily, there are plenty of refined mobile gaming controllers that all forms of gamers, from casual to pro, can get to enhance their experience with.
What to Look for in Your Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller
When shopping for a wireless controller for your smartphone, you’ll need to make sure that it’s either compatible as a snap-on grip – sometimes via the charging port – or via a Bluetooth connection. If the latter, you’ll want it to be proven to be a strong connection from a decent range, but not too far as it’s still gaming on a small screen. With a Bluetooth connection, it’s also a good idea to ensure that your device’s charging port is accessible as the connection and running a game will burn through your battery life.
Next, you’ll need to make sure that the controller’s dimensions fit your smartphone’s frame, if applicable. Of course, you can go with standalone, Bluetooth-connected controllers, but if you’re going to use grips or an on-controller dock, you’ll need to measure up. While doing this, you can also gauge how comfortable the controller is, potentially expanding the width and depth of your device. It should be a much more comfy experience for both quick and long spells of gaming, but some cheaper brands do lack in this key area.
Once you’ve got the sizing, grip comfort, and grip compatibility noted down, you’ll also want to check in on device compatibility. Due to the fast turnover that many of us experience with smartphones and how they’re regularly updated, this shouldn’t be an issue for most mobile gamers. From there, it’s down to how well suited the controller is for your favourite games, with there being some top options for each of the most popular forms of gaming on mobile.
Which Controller Is Best for Your Mobile Gaming?
[embed]
Many people who play mobile games tend to lean towards the more casual titles, wanting to play something fun for potentially long spells. They’re not necessarily particularly trying on the smartphone’s specs nor the controls, but some extra comfort would go a long way. These span the ever-popular base-builders to puzzlers and console-less gaming like the best online casino USA offerings, which includes hundreds of table and slot games, without requiring much from the smartphone. For these, the Switch-like, super comfortable GameSir X2 and its cushioned back are perfect.
If you take your mobile gaming more seriously and play rapid-reaction games like competitive action and FPS titles, then a pro setup would be best for you. These kinds of games are already very popular and will only continue to grow in prominence with mobile eSports taking off, as it has with PUBG. To ensure that your hands don’t get in the way of the action and that you can react rapidly, turn to the Razer Raiju Mobile. It puts your device on a stand atop the controller and has hair-trigger functionality for both triggers.
The other two ways to go are solid all-around options. If you can stand your device a bit away from you, potentially offering you better viewing and a better sitting position, you could always sync up one of your console controllers. The Xbox and PlayStation controllers of the last two console generations can both link to your mobile. However, for the best handheld mobile gaming experience overall, turn to the Razer Kishi. Razer are masterful mobile controller creators, and the Kishi is the epitome of all-around gaming on the go.
So, if you want to enhance your mobile gaming experience, turn to one of these controllers.