Greatest Xbox Cloud Gaming Controllers and Equipment in 2023

I beforehand had the RiotPWR Cell Cloud Gaming Controller for iOS on this checklist, nevertheless it had one flaw. As a result of it has an built-in Lightning cable that enables for lag-free gaming — at the very least relating to 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 is no 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 choice if you wish to hook up a separate Lightning cable to a battery pack or wall charger.

The controller is properly designed and does 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 utilize this with any iPad that has a Lightning or USB-C port. To swap cables, it’s important to stick a paper clip in a gap within the backside of the controller, which releases the cable module. It is somewhat difficult the primary time you do it, however as soon as you determine the way it’s finished, it is fairly simple.

It is also value noting that though that is known as an “iOS controller,” it is 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 supply 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 favor the companion app for the Spine controller for iOS customers, however the design of the Kishi V2 controller now measures up nicely towards the Spine. Alas, no Android model of the Spine controller but exists.

PowerA’s Moga XP-Extremely is pretty expensive, nevertheless it 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 in contrast to the official Xbox controllers, it incorporates a 2,000-mAh rechargeable battery. On high of that, it has a modular design with a removable full-size grip and a cellular gaming clip so you possibly can select whether or not to go along with a full-size controller or a extra compact controller for gaming on the go. That stated, the ergonomics are significantly better while you go along with the full-size grip.

There are two mappable “superior gaming buttons” that PowerA says can carry out any button command to “preserve your thumbs on the sticks.” It is also value noting that the controller is supplied with twin rumble motors and impulse triggers. In reality, I barely most well-liked this controller to Microsoft’s Core Xbox controller. (Sony’s PS5 controller stays the most effective, nonetheless.) 

When you’ve got entry to Xbox Cloud Gaming, you most likely 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 every part from iPhones to iPads to Macs. You could possibly 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 possibly can connect with the USB-C port on numerous units, together with USB-C-equipped Macs. (Be certain that to replace to the newest 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 swap between units.

The Xbox Core controller lists for $60 however generally sells for $50 or much less. The Xbox Elite Sequence controller lists for $180, however can generally 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 could find a full assortment of Xbox controllers on Microsoft’s Xbox equipment web page. 

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

Whilst you’re most likely 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, through Bluetooth. And what’s good in regards to the DualShock 4 is that in contrast to the Xbox Wi-fi controller it has a built-in rechargeable battery. 

It is on Microsoft’s checklist of supported cloud controllers however word that Microsoft says that in the event you’re utilizing an online browser to play cloud video games, the Xbox Wi-fi Controller “is presently 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 wonderful for me, although I did expertise a contact of lag. 

Word that the buttons are labeled in a different way from an Xbox controller’s, so you may wish to verify how they match up earlier than taking part in. 

That is the way you pair your DualShock 4 with Apple units.

In case you’re simply on the lookout for a gaming clip to mount your iPhone in your Xbox controller, the PowerA MOGA Cell Gaming Clip 2.0 is an efficient choice for as little as $12 when discounted. It is not as swank because the Otterbox MagSafe choice, which has somewhat bit extra of a premium look to it, nevertheless it definitely does the job.

It is not low-cost at $40, however OtterBox’s Cell MagSafe Gaming Clip is a well-designed accent for people who wish 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 possibly can definitely use your MagSafe-enabled iPhone bare (the cellphone sticks nicely to the mount nevertheless it is not clamped in so it may possibly fall off in the event you occur to drop your controller). 

The clip is adjustable for numerous iterations of Xbox controllers, together with the latest 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 possibly can shortly 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 through USB-C as a substitute of Lightning (there is no Bluetooth) and has a pass-through port for charging whilst you play.

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

In case 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 presently solely makes an iOS controller). Whereas the authentic Kishi may be had for lower than $70 (and generally 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 first rate controller that additionally options an built-in 3,000-mAh battery to cost your cellphone as you play. It is somewhat kludgy, with the cable working from the controller to your cellphone, nevertheless it works and is an enormous assist throughout longer gaming classes. 

The controller is suitable with Android units and Home windows PCs. It is arguably the most effective worth relating to 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 wonderful in our assessments, 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 can be up to date with USB-C.

The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus is listed above, however you can too simply purchase the PowerA MOGA Cell Gaming Clip 2.0 individually if you have already got an Xbox wi-fi controller and wish to mount your cellphone on it. I listed it as a great worth clip for iPhones, nevertheless it works simply as nicely with Android units.