10 Best Iphone Controller 2025 in the United States

The BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone is a versatile accessory designed to turn your iPhone into a portable gaming console. It offers broad compatibility, working with all iPhones that have a Lightning connector up to the iPhone 14, and support for cases is a plus. Users with the latest iPhone 15 series will need to look for the USB-C version. The controller connects directly to your iPhone's Lightning port, ensuring low latency for responsive gameplay.

It also features pass-through charging and a 3.5mm headset jack, allowing you to charge your device and use a headset simultaneously during gameplay—an advantage for extended gaming sessions. The build quality is impressive, with comfortable ergonomics, ultra-wide analog triggers, accurate thumbsticks, and a responsive D-pad and buttons, making it suitable for various gaming genres. Additionally, the compact design enhances portability.

With the purchase, you get 3 months of Apple Arcade and 1 month of Backbone+ to access exclusive perks and features, although the controller can function without this subscription. One drawback is the weight, at nearly 11 ounces, which may feel heavy during prolonged use. This controller is best suited for those looking for a high-quality, portable gaming experience on their iPhone, though users with the latest model or those seeking a lighter option might want to consider alternatives.

The SteelSeries Nimbus+ Bluetooth Mobile Gaming Controller is designed for Apple product enthusiasts, offering broad compatibility with iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices. This makes it a versatile option for gamers who use various Apple devices.

Its standout feature is the impressive 50+ hour battery life, ensuring long gaming sessions without frequent recharges. The built-in rechargeable battery adds convenience, eliminating the need for disposable batteries.

The controller is Apple-licensed, indicating optimized performance with Apple products, which is further enhanced by updating it via the SteelSeries Engine for maximum compatibility. The tactile D-pad buttons and clickable joysticks provide responsive and precise control, adding to the gaming experience. Ergonomically, the controller's design is comfortable and fits well in the hands, though it might feel slightly bulky for some users due to its weight of 1.1 pounds. Build quality appears robust, suggesting good durability.

The Razer Kishi Ultra Gaming Controller is designed for mobile gaming on Android devices, iPhone 15 & 16 series, and the iPad Mini. It offers broad compatibility, allowing gamers to use it across various devices, enhancing its versatility. Connectivity is seamless with plug-and-play convenience, offering low-latency gaming—a crucial aspect for a smooth gaming experience. Additionally, it supports passthrough charging, which lets you power your device while gaming, a handy feature for extended sessions.

The ergonomics of the controller are well thought out, providing a comfortable grip that suits long hours of gameplay. Its full-sized form factor is especially beneficial for larger devices like tablets, offering a more immersive experience. The button layout features pro-grade console controls with a mecha-tactile 8-way d-pad, Hall Effect triggers, programmable buttons, and ultra-durable TPSiV analog sticks, which are geared towards serious gamers seeking precision and responsiveness. Build quality is robust, ensuring durability over time.

One standout feature is the high-fidelity Razer Sensa HD haptics and Chroma RGB lighting, which adds to the immersive experience but is currently limited to Android 12 and Windows 11, not supporting iOS at the moment. Powered by the Razer Nexus App, users can customize controls, record gameplay, and keep the controller updated easily, though this might be an additional step for those not familiar with such apps. Another notable feature is the Virtual Controller Mode, allowing Android users to remap touchscreen controls. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is not available for iOS. While the Razer Kishi Ultra shines in terms of compatibility, connectivity, and ergonomics, it does have some limitations concerning platform-specific features and requires an additional USB C cable for PC or iPad connection. It’s ideal for avid mobile gamers who play across multiple devices and seek a high-quality, responsive controller.