5 Best Android Game Controllers In 2021

If you play games at all with your Android smartphone, you might want to consider picking yourself up an Android Game Controller. One of the frustrating things about games and Android is that touch controls make things awkward and difficult. Some games are made for touch controls — for example, touch controls work just fine with card games but make things more difficult to manage when you’re playing, say, a first-person shooter. You do need a controller for something like that.

So, if you want to improve your Android gaming experience, you need a controller. But, which controller should you pick up? Follow along below, and we’ll show you our top 5 favorites.

Moga Hero Power

First up, we have the Moga Hero Power. Moga controllers have been around a long time and have always offered excellent performance and control in games for Android. One of the beautiful things about this controller is that it is a full-size controller with a great ergonomic design — this means that you could be playing games for hours without hurting your hands.

It has a typical dual-analog layout. You have your two joysticks at the bottom of the controller, your buttons to the right, and then your arrow keypad to the left. You have your triggers up top, as well. So, there’s nothing unique here, but it is functional. The best part of this controller is its 2,200mAh battery, which can keep you gaming for hours on end. Check it out for yourself below.

Buy it now: Amazon

Pyrus Telescopic

Next, we have the Pyrus Telescopic controller. This is a unique controller in that it takes on a Nintendo Switch-Esque feel. This controller comes in two total pieces — the left side of it hooks to the left side of your phone, and the right side of it hooks to the right side. You get all of your traditional controller buttons, but they’re placed a little differently. It has a reasonably small battery at just 350mAh, but it should last you about six hours of game time.

Buy it now: Amazon

8Bitdo Zero

Want to return to the days of the old SNES? Then you might want to consider the 8Bitdo Zero for your next controller. With it, you get a neat retro style to it, but this controller certainly isn’t for everyone. It’s small, and there are only a few buttons on it. The 8Bitdo Zero is the perfect controller for Android arcade games, but that’s about it. You won’t get a whole lot of advantage out of this controller with a full-blown first-person shooter. The controller has a low profile, and it might seem like it has a small 180mAh battery, but this little controller can last up to 18 hours off of a single charge.

Buy it now: Amazon

SteelSeries Stratus XL

The SteelSeries Stratus XL is another traditional controller that you might want to consider. This is a sizeable full-size controller that is bigger than the other devices in the Stratus line, thus the XL tag. It’s your standard console controller, so it should mesh well with most Android games that make touch controls a little awkward. This controller is very similar to the Xbox One wireless controller, as far as joystick and button placement goes.

One downside is that this controller doesn’t have a built-in mount for your phone. That said, you’ll have to find a way to prop up your phone while using the controller. As far as power goes, this controller takes two AA batteries that should last 40 hours off of a single charge. You can use disposable or rechargeable AA batteries.

Buy it now: Amazon

Razer Serval

Last up, we have the Razer Serval controller. Made by iconic game accessory company Razer, you know this controller is going to be good. Not only does the Serval have a fantastic design, but it takes on that comfortable Xbox feel with the joystick at the top left of the controller and then the bottom right. It has a super similar button layout, but it does come with a stand for you to hold your smartphone in place while using the controller.

It can take two AA batteries (rechargeables do not come with the controller) and can remember up to four user configurations. Check it out for yourself below.

Buy it now: Amazon

Verdict

So, which controller should you pick up for your Android phone? We recommend going with either the Razer Serval or the SteelSeries Stratus XL. Both are made by reputable companies that constantly produce reliable and quality products. If you are on a budget, picking up a Moga Hero Power isn’t a bad option either.