Best Xbox Cloud Gaming Controllers and Accessories in 2023

I beforehand had the RiotPWR Mobile Cloud Gaming Controller for iOS on this checklist, but it surely had one flaw. As a result of it has an built-in Lightning cable that permits for lag-free gaming — no less than on the subject of button presses — you could not use it with newer iPads which have a USB-C connection. The brand new RiotPWR RP1950 controller solves that drawback by permitting you to swap out the Lightning cable module for a USB-C cable module. 

Like RiotPWR’s earlier iOS controller, which is white, the black RP1950 is a extra historically formed Xbox-like controller that features a mount on your cellphone. Whereas there isn’t any built-in battery that retains your cellphone charged whereas taking part in, just like the Spine and Razer Kishi V2, this mannequin has a pass-through charging possibility if you wish to hook up a separate Lightning cable to a battery pack or wall charger.

The controller is properly designed and would not really feel low cost (the dock can accommodate a wide range of iPhones, together with bigger iPhone Max fashions). Take away the dock and you should use this with any iPad that has a Lightning or USB-C port. To swap cables, you must stick a paper clip in a gap within the backside of the controller, which releases the cable module. It is slightly difficult the primary time you do it, however as soon as you determine the way it’s completed, it is fairly simple.

It is also price noting that despite the fact that that is referred to as an “iOS controller,” it’s going to work with Android smartphones and tablets which have USB-C ports. 

The second-generation Razer Kishi V2 smartphone controller is much like the Spine and is available in each iOS and Android variations (the iOS model has an built-in Lightning connector whereas the Android model has a USB-C connector). Each price greater than the unique fashions, however provide considerably improved ergonomics and extra responsive buttons. 

The iPhone model is MFi-certified and can work with the iPhone 6 Plus and any newer mannequin. It has pass-through charging however no built-in battery to provide additional juice. 

We choose the companion app for the Spine controller for iOS customers, however the design of the Kishi V2 controller now measures up properly towards the Spine. Alas, no Android model of the Spine controller but exists.

PowerA’s Moga XP-Extremely is pretty dear, but it surely works as a wi-fi controller for not solely Android smartphones however along with your Xbox Sequence X/S and Home windows 10/11 PCs. What’s good is that not like the official Xbox controllers, it incorporates a 2,000-mAh rechargeable battery. On prime of that, it has a modular design with a removable full-size grip and a cell gaming clip so you’ll be able to select whether or not to go together with a full-size controller or a extra compact controller for gaming on the go. That stated, the ergonomics are a lot better if you go together with the full-size grip.

There are two mappable “superior gaming buttons” that PowerA says can carry out any button command to “hold your thumbs on the sticks.” It is also price noting that the controller is provided with twin rumble motors and impulse triggers. In reality, I barely most popular this controller to Microsoft’s Core Xbox controller. (Sony’s PS5 controller stays the perfect, nevertheless.) 

In case you have entry to Xbox Cloud Gaming, you in all probability have an Xbox system, which implies you have already got an Xbox controller. Any Model 2 Xbox Wi-fi Controller with Bluetooth will pair wirelessly with the whole lot from iPhones to iPads to Macs. You might additionally go the wired route with a Mac by plugging the controller right into a USB port. Microsoft does promote a controller with a USB-C cable, so you’ll be able to connect with the USB-C port on varied units, together with USB-C-equipped Macs. (Be certain to update to the latest firmware in your Xbox controller.) This Bluetooth controller helps you keep on course with the brand new hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, and simply pair and change between units.

The Xbox Core controller lists for $60 however typically sells for $50 or much less. The Xbox Elite Series controller lists for $180, however can typically be discovered for nearer to $150. Whereas the Elite Sequence controller features a rechargeable battery, the Core controller doesn’t, which is the one irritating factor about it. You will discover a full assortment of Xbox controllers on Microsoft’s Xbox equipment web page. 

Microsoft says that iOS 14.5 or larger is required for play on all Apple units.

Whilst you’re in all probability higher off utilizing an Xbox controller you probably have one, the PlayStation DualShock 4 Wi-fi Controller is suitable with Apple units, together with Macs, by way of Bluetooth. And what’s good concerning the DualShock 4 is that not like the Xbox Wi-fi controller it has a built-in rechargeable battery. 

It is on Microsoft’s checklist of supported cloud controllers however notice that Microsoft says that should you’re utilizing an online browser to play cloud video games, the Xbox Wi-fi Controller “is at present the one formally supported controller” and, “Different controllers might or might not work for cloud gaming on a browser.” The DualShock 4 PlayStation Controller labored effective for me, although I did expertise a contact of lag. 

Be aware that the buttons are labeled in another way from an Xbox controller’s, so you may need to test how they match up earlier than taking part in. 

This is how you pair your DualShock 4 with Apple devices.

In the event you’re simply on the lookout for a gaming clip to mount your iPhone in your Xbox controller, the PowerA MOGA Cellular Gaming Clip 2.0 is an efficient possibility for as little as $12 when discounted. It is not as swank because the Otterbox MagSafe possibility, which has slightly bit extra of a premium look to it, but it surely actually does the job.

It is not low cost at $40, however OtterBox’s Cellular MagSafe Gaming Clip is a well-designed accent for people who need to magnetically stick their iPhone 12 or 13 onto a clip mount. I personally use a MagSafe case with this accent to maintain my cellphone protected. Nevertheless, if you do not have a MagSafe case, you’ll be able to actually use your MagSafe-enabled iPhone bare (the cellphone sticks properly to the mount but it surely is not clamped in so it could actually fall off should you occur to drop your controller). 

The clip is adjustable for varied iterations of Xbox controllers, together with the most recent model for the Xbox Sequence X and the Elite controller. Utilizing MagSafe makes it straightforward to get your iPhone on and off the clip mount so you’ll be able to rapidly take a name if want be throughout a gaming session.

The Razer Kishi V2 for Xbox Android is much like the iOS model, however connects by way of USB-C as a substitute of Lightning (there isn’t any Bluetooth) and has a pass-through port for charging when you play.

Just like the iPhone model, this has a Nintendo Switch-like design, with the paddles attaching to both aspect of the display screen. It expands broad sufficient to suit a wide range of Android smartphones and collapses right into a compact package deal. It might probably match Android units with center-mounted USB-C ports and dimensions of 11.5mm (thickness, together with digital camera) by 170mm (size).

In the event you’re on the lookout for a controller that wraps round your Android cellphone, the Kishi and Kishi V2 are actually the one video games on the town (Spine at present solely makes an iOS controller). Whereas the original Kishi could be had for lower than $70 (and typically even much less), the brand new mannequin does really feel higher in your fingers and permits longer gaming classes.

The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus features a wi-fi sport controller plus a clip for mounting your cellphone. It is a respectable controller that additionally options an built-in 3,000-mAh battery to cost your cellphone as you play. It is slightly kludgy, with the cable working from the controller to your cellphone, but it surely works and is a giant assist throughout longer gaming classes. 

The controller is suitable with Android units and Home windows PCs. It is arguably the perfect worth on the subject of Xbox Cloud Gaming equipment on your Android cellphone. It is on Microsoft’s checklist of formally supported gaming controllers and it appears and seems like a less expensive model of an Xbox controller.

Whereas the SteelSeries Stratus Duo Wi-fi Gaming Controller is not on Microsoft’s checklist of formally supported sport controllers for Android it labored effective in our checks, is ergonomically sound and has a sturdy really feel to it. (The older Stratus XL is on Microsoft’s checklist of supported controllers). It is also designed to work with Home windows PCs, Chromebooks and sure VR units.

One of many key causes to get this as a substitute of the Xbox Wi-fi Controller is that it has a built-in rechargeable battery. Alas, it makes use of Micro-USB for charging, however that is solely a minor annoyance. We assume future variations shall be up to date with USB-C.

The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus is listed above, however you may also simply purchase the PowerA MOGA Cellular Gaming Clip 2.0 individually if you have already got an Xbox wi-fi controller and need to mount your cellphone on it. I listed it as worth clip for iPhones, but it surely works simply as properly with Android units.