How do YOU Game on YOUR Phone? Controller SHOWDOWN!

TEAM SGG PATREON / somegadgetguy What controller do YOU use with your phone? Do you like the slider style (which looks more like a Nintendo Switch)? Do you like a traditional controller (that works with other consoles and computers)? I await your hot takes! What's the best way to game on your phone?
Gamesir X3 on Amazon amzn.to/3Njh02E
Gamesir Cyclone on Amazon amzn.to/3GwO7MO
Juan's Phone Photography Book amzn.to/2HqvUCk
SomeGadgetGuy's Gear List
Panasonic G85 amzn.to/2oKNwAm
Panasonic G9 amzn.to/2XU3mLQ
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 amzn.to/39uXahF
Olympus 17mm f/1.8 amzn.to/2StRDxF
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 amzn.to/2LAASjA
RODE Wireless GO II amzn.to/3m2x5Mj
Audio-Technica Lavalier amzn.to/2WywofM
Focusrite 6i6 Audio Interface amzn.to/2p5l7py
Shure SM57 Microphone amzn.to/2oypnLm
Cloudlifter CL1 amzn.to/2oKN9G5
LED Light Panels amzn.to/2oy60ls
AJA U-TAP HDMI amzn.to/2wfprBF
Elgato HD60 S amzn.to/2p95Unu
--------------------------------------
SGGQA Podcast RSS: feeds.feedburner.com/SGGQA
SGGQA Podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1CoyEVl...
SGGQA Podcast Google Play: play.google.com/music/listen?...
SGGQA Podcast iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
SGGQA Podcast on Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/juan...
SGGQA Podcast on PlayerFM: player.fm/series/sggqa-podcas...
SGGQA Podcast on Archive.org: archive.org/search.php?query=...
Official site: somegadgetguy.com/2012/07/15/s...
Juan on Mastodon - techhub.social/@SomeGadgetGuy
Juan on Twitter - / somegadgetguy
Juan on Instagram - / somegadgetguy
Juan on Patreon - / somegadgetguy
Links on this page may be affiliate links which help support production on this website.
#android #gaming #controller #gamesir

[@RichardRatner.1972]

Hey Juan! I really enjoyed your commentary on the Android faithful podcast last week. I totally respect the fact that year in, year out. Your work ethic is so on point I don't know how you manage to fit it all in with a young family? Kindest regards, as ALWAYS Richard U.K

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's a lot to juggle. Appreciate you tuning in 😊 Happy Holidays!

[@RichardRatner.1972]

@@SomeGadgetGuy Absolute pleasure. Thank you. Happy holidays to you too.

[@Yonatan-jv8mv]

Great video. I've been pondering whether to get the clip type or the telescopic type. Now that you've pointed out the downsides, I'm feeling reluctant to buy either types. 😅

[@redbirdriot]

Like the discussion here, and between the uncomfortable switch-style controls that most of the telescoping controllers go for (uncomfortable for me at least) and the fact that I'd like to have a controller that could be used for phone or tablet, i think controller + phone clip is what ill be using for the time being. Would have been real tempted by the GameSir G8 if it had bluetooth.

[@Deffsector]

Hey Juan I use both because I use my iPhone or Razer edge as console in hand I use backbone or kishi v2 pro but when I’m connected to the tv through the wire I use the Xbox or PlayStation controller but I hate the phone mounts so I made my own (even made one to mount iPad mini and tab s8 plus my own PlayStation portal)

[@misabigaming]

I like having access to the headphone jack so I definitely like the mount lol

[@delilahswan4496]

I use a Xbox 1 controller and a cooling stand to play on my fold definitely not the most portable but definitely works well can use the phone case stand if I'm on the go but the phone tends to run hot very quickly

[@GoatV8]

I prefer a telescopic controller just because it feels like I'm actually using a portable console. It just does it for me. Controller just feels a bit unwieldy for me when I'm trying to play portably. But the option I like the best is a dedicated Android handheld with built in controls and cooling! Such as the AYN Odin

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yeah. My steam deck gets a LOT of action still...

[@grandmasteryoda503]

I have a clip I can attach to a PS4 controller. I do find it's not so great for lengthier sessions, the weight from the phone being more than the controller causes my hands to start cramping from having to grip more tightly. The viewing angle is also not always the best and can cause neck pain or force you to hold your arms at an awkward angle. On the other hand it makes for a very authentic experience when emulating ps2 games as even the vibrate works the same as it would on console. I've been eyeing a telescopic controller for the better weight distribution to play PSP/(3)DS games while chilling on the couch but am a bit worried about the smaller analog sticks and grips causing cramping on their own accord.

[@bipbop3121]

I was so hoping it🎉was going to be a massive head to head, but style comparison, it's good too. Eh, fan boys that can't take criticism deserve to hear the truth,not be coddled. I definitely will pick on Backbone, when I see it. The subscription thing is a deal breaker

[@NickTaylor-Phantom-Works2]

I debated this for about a month before finally pulling the trigger on a series x pad! STILL can't find a decent mount in a shop though. I've always been a PlayStation fan, but dud iwn a 360, and last console i really spent tine on was an old 360, so it just seemed a natural choice. For the 40 quid my brand new series x controller cost, i could not find a backbone style one that rticked every box. Excellent video, btw mate.

[@Mahmoud-pv6ro]

I like gamepads more than controllers with phone cradles but I see your point and liked this video.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Different strokes for different folks right 😊

[@BrianGlaze]

As someone who hasn't turned his phone into a handheld solution I don't really have much experience to speak from but I will say that the controller seems like the more appealing option.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I like that it's cross compatible.

[@Strugglin]

So i bought a gamesir x2 pro even though its nice i returned it and bought a gamesir t4 cyclone pro and paired it with a magsafe phone mount... My reason returning the x2 is because i have a Motorola edge plus 2023 and use ready for so i didnt want a controller that wont work for both handheld and when im plugged into my TV by hdmi streaming gamepass through my phone on the big screen

[@user-jh7jz6gw3x]

Well I just brought one and I wanna see how it work good

[@Akasha92]

I tested many controller options, the gamesir G8 is the best so far. It has full size sticks and feels like a xBox controller. I also liked just to use the xBox controller, but it is not so comfortable with these adapters. No matter in which angle your phone is, it is too heavy to be comfortable. You just can not use this in the bed, the weight distribution is not good.

[@farishanafiah8461]

I can live with either solution, but what I cannot understand is this "fascination" of putting the controls asymmetrically. In other words, the analogue controls aren't aligned parallel, and the same goes for the D-Pad and ABXY controls. What I want to see, particularly from something like the X3, is a PlayStation controller solution where the analogue controls and D-Pad/ABXY controls are placed in parallel between one another. It's hard to be ergonomic when the ABXY is on top of your right hand, but the D-Pad is on the bottom of your left hand.

[@tonycepeda308]

For the controller with the fan can the buttons be remapped for PubG and call of duty mobile?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yeah. There's a profile for COD mobile, but it needs tweaking. The right stick is WAY too sensitive stock.

[@nattieCSH]

one reason I like my moga controller is that I can use it with all my devices, they just can't all sit in the cradle mount.

[@mre8ballgaming842]

I like both methods...I will add tho that cloud gaming kinda sux with the lag

[@theiceman1633]

While the cradle is more compact I prefer the traditional stick because in long terms the cradle gonna damage the usb port which is not nice even though its easy to replace

[@freescape08]

Why do you mount the phone so far off-centre? Are the buttons actually dead centre? I printed a mount for my sn30 pro and my s23 can sit dead centre with the top arm against the power button.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Every phone puts power and volume in different spots.

[@lonewander6772]

I used a raiju mobile. I liked it. Always been partial to the controls being below the screen rather than on the sides, though the psp was my favorite portable. I played the gameboy sp and 3ds for a good while. Also the ergonomics of a classic controller feels much better than the cradle controllers. I'd use it with my fold but fold is too big. It works on plain bluetooth with my tablet and fold 4 though and I even use it for tbe Ally when I dock it.

[@Rip_zeldrs]

Can you send me the link of the controller?

[@FAT8893]

I still like the Gamesir X3 solution a lot. However, it still depends on how big the phone itself and the camera bump is. I don't mind going for the other solution if there's a USB receiver puck. I never like going Bluetooth because of latency

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Dedicated dongle is the way to be👍

[@g1andonly1]

Game sir pro as well, and an Xbox game pad from Samsung for Android but works perfect with iPhone and resident evil village.

[@jsslifelike]

The iron-knee! How apropos this video is for me... I recently landed on a controller "clip" solution as my 11-year-old is getting his first smartphone for Christmas(which means the wifi V60 gets handed down to my 7-year-old). Well, that and I have a GLUT of Xbox Series controllers floating around my house... 😂

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

That's the right way to do it!

[@OledBurnInKing]

I really like my regular backbone controller for my sony xperia 1 iv but I wish the android version supports mapping buttons since the ios version supports mapping the buttons. There was a 3rd party app I found for mapping 3rd party controllers but the downside is that the 3rd party app is banned for using games which really sucks. I'm waiting for the gamesir g8 controller to come out since it alot a headphone jack just like my backbone controller. I bought the backbone controller specifically for using my wired headphones with zero latency. I wish there was a backbone controller version with a built in battery to charge your phone with an on and off switch for extended gameplay. I have the moga power a pro controller but the app was never updated and only supports older android games. I really like the moga power a pro controller with its built-in battery for charging my phone and both mode a and mode b input modes.

[@igorbudko6133]

Most phone games dont allow you to use the controller fully for everything in the game so youre forced to use the touch screen sometimes. And for that Backbone and Razor Kishi are the perfect options for phone gaming experience if you ask me.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Lots of newer games are supporting controllers better, and the console and PC ports have been working great. I'll never understand why reviewers use Genshin to review performance, when the devs don't fully support Android or deliver controller support.

[@blackduncan9812]

I'm loving backbone but the razer kishi v1 was much more comfortable. (unfortunately android usb controller support is... Yeah) reasons for the kishi v1 over everything else is the compact nature. The backbone just has much more support plus it was a gift from a friend so. One can never beat free 😂

[@ekinteko]

Juan, you missed a huge point in this video. It's about comfort, and it's about portability.

[@ekinteko]

The gamepad type solutions are much more ergonomic, better buttons, bigger sticks, but they're heavy and a weird shape. You can't take them anywhere without stowing them in a generous backpack. With that said, they actually are NOT that comfortable. Being top heavy, and most being flimsy, means after 10 minutes the experience gets old real fast. A (much) better gaming experience is to prop the phone on a desk, and have the controller down, in your hands. But that also has major compromises. It means you NEED a flat surface, you need a kickstand/case or something to prop your phone up, and lastly it means you get a smaller screen because you're sitting further away from the phone. A much better solution is to use a tablet, with a folio case, and XSX controller. You already give up the point about portability, but you make no compromises for the rest of the experience. The PS5 controller is the best out there objectively speaking, but due to less software support, it is smarter to just stick with the Bluetooth XSX instead. Now coming to the telescoping gaming point. Yes, these are thinner, and they are relatively versatile. However, they make compromises to the buttons and joysticks. And to make it worse, usually you have the right joystick below the Action Buttons, which means your thumb/palm will accidentally touch it or even trigger it accidentally when you're just hitting an Action Button. Even worse is if you have a modern 3D game, these rarely use the D-Pad, and don't use the Action Buttons much either. They use both sticks and quad shoulder buttons first. So you've already made a compromise for no reason. Overall, the ergonomics just suck, but they're lightweight, and evenly secured. And the last point to make, is that despite those compromises it is for nothing. You STILL now have to carry this in a backpack. Maybe a smaller backpack or purse, but still a bag of some sorts. These don't fit in your pockets. The smallest solution the Kishi, which is really janky, even that doesn't fit into regular pockets. So it's gameover.

[@ekinteko]

Best approach is to be scientific, objective, and creative. A) You should get an Android Phone to have the most flexibility, and have it pocketable. And have a pocket gaming system by having a good controller, and there is only one that exists: The Razer JungleCat. This was made for a limited number of phones, but the cases provided do fit on other phones. You may have to make a few cuts for buttons or cameras, but yes it works well. B) You should get an Apple Tablet, to have the best experience and combine it with a controller that will fit in a backpack. Either the recently released GameSir G18 Galileo telescopic controller, and the rumoured 2024 iPad Mini 7 (has slightly larger 8.7in display, and much faster M1 chipset). Or get the somewhat oversized iPad Air 5, or the iPad Pro 4, both with an M1 chipset and an 11 inch display.... then have a folio case and a proper controller like XSX or PS5. C) Go dedicated. For a pocketable device for your gaming needs, get something like the sleek Anbernic RG 353m, or perhaps the Retroid Pocket 2S, or at the maximum size the Retroid Pocket 3+. You can setup a second account, and visit shady websites, not having to think about compromising your Banking Apps, Password Wallets, and your Work related Files. Whilst on the portable side of the equation, you can go with the cheap AYN Odin2, the affordable Valve SteamDeck OLED, the best value for money ASUS ROG Ally, or at the most expensive/laptop replacement there is the GPD Win-Max-3.

[@oxfordbambooshootify]

Comfort and portability are both too subjective to make any meaningful comparison

[@ekinteko]

@@oxfordbambooshootify Not really. They have some bits of subjectivity, but there are absolutely poorly designed gamepads and ones that are designed much better. For instance, the big ergonomic difference between a PS3 controller and a PS5 controller. As for portability, not sure how that is subjective. We can actually weigh the differences in grams, or measure things like thickness, length, and width. And we can also test how one object fits inside another object. For instance, the PS5 controller is objectively LESS portable than the PS3 controller....BUT.... both controllers take up a sizeable room in a backpack AND both of the controllers can NOT fit into your standard mens jeans pocket. Another example to give you, is the difference between the Anbernic RG 353m and the Anbernic 505 devices. Both do similar tasks and made by the same company. In terms of ergonomics, the RG505 wins but it isn't such a big upgrade. When it comes to portability the RG353m wins. However, an important distinction to make is that in that last point, the RG353m actually fits comfortably into a pocket, whereas the RG505 does NOT, and needs to be carried like a tablet in a backpack. So there is a pretty substantial difference to the user's real-world experience. So it is correct to compare the Valve SteamDeck against the AYN Odin2, but NOT against the Retroid Pocket 3+. And it is correct to compare the GameSir T1s against the PS5 or GameSir G18, but NOT against the Razer JungleCat or Nintendo JoyCons.

[@theempires5]

​@@oxfordbambooshootifyAgree

[@mikeymercure]

Very helpful! I'm going to the Navy this month and will be without a system for a bit. But with steam and a controller I can still game after basic!

[@TheNorwegianDronePilot]

I'm using a 'Nacon MG-X PRO Gamepad Controller' with my 'Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5' to play games with. You can't get a better smartphone gaming experience than that.

[@TuPhonez4Free]

I don't game on my phone bro. I use my switch or my razer edge 5g. But I like the backbone and razer kishi v1 lol 😂 fo free!

[@josir1994]

I choose to play games that utilize the touch interface of smartphones and save controller based games for other devices.

[@ninoroxsox]

I have the clip on an Xbox controller and the gamesir x2 i prefer the gamesir because ease of use but I get how if it doesn't fit a case could get annoying

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

ALL of them need more depth for phones with big cameras LOL.

[@Exedorable]

Tbh I just use the phone. My pixel 6a changed the game (literally) and left me w/ some great experiences as I went thru gems like FFVII and Gris

[@k9chilly5]

Honestly, I just wanna know how he got those games to stream with the right aspect ratio to fill up that entire phone screen! I've tried on Moonlight/Steam Link and it ain't doing it for me.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yeah I didn't do anything fancy there. It just kinda played that way 🤷‍♂️

[@joepaullawncare7222]

He MISSED the PRICE POINT.. like what these cost??

[@Sm1ley789]

It's on the description bud

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

xbox controller + winlator, it's just awesome to play games like oblivion and fallout new vegas on the go, and it's nice to have some games that actually push my sd8g2👍

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Dang winlater is getting real good...

[@skiwi1gmail]

Hey Juan, what is the 2d platformer game you are playing near the end there?

[@jimmymac2292]

Have had used several controllers for my phone. I've found the xbox controller has the best native compatibility.

[@pumpkintron8969]

More Comfort vs easier portability

[@TheTheShizzler]

I take the backbone with me for one the go but use real controllers for plugging in to a tv, propping up or everything else...my backbone doesn't really fit on my OnePlus Open so that's also a consideration 😂

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Ugh I know! The kishi and backbone are easier to travel with, but they're a BIG NOPE on my main camera phones.

[@jrose25_]

bsp d8 for the win

[@SharapovaFan]

I have both a controller with an attachment, as well as a controller that's like a Switch where the phone slots in the middle. In terms of comfort, the one with the attachment is too top heavy and the viewing angle can be weird depending on how you hold your contrroller. The one that's like a Switch on the other hand is less wieldy because of its center of gravity and the direct facing screen (not slanted). However, if you lay the phone down on a table, the standard controller is definitely more ergonomics. I use the controllers so I can play with my PS5 and Xbox Series X on the go using remote play.

[@petarpetrovic257]

Most new games dont come with controller suport, most old and emulators do. Its a shame that pes or efootball 2024 does not officialy support controllers yet

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Actually, it's most newer games that are supporting controllers. We can point to major titles like Genshin that don't, and we know it's better optimized for iOS, so I'll never understand why reviewers use that game to test performance on android phones.

[@DaRush-The_Soviet_Gamer]

XBONE controller with clip rules. Plays games on PC, plays games on the phone in PSP mode... When I connect the phone to a TV it's just like on PC It's like a perfect controller for 3 scenarios in one. All i needed was to buy a clip. Sure. PSP mode is a little top heavy, but the proper full scale controller in my hands is worth it. Besides. if I'm playing in bed I can always rest the phone on a pillow. Top heavy problem solved.

[@yasseralsaidi1168]

I take what I find that's the egyption way

[@yourboiFluff]

I just claw grip

[@rc1707]

To be frank, I have so many controllers for my phones I probably have a problem. The three I use by far the most all have pretty major flaws but omg do I use them a lot. I use the Razer kishi V2 quite a bit because I am pretty used to the design especially cause I own a Razer edge 5g. The problem with the V2 is that I always have to remove my phone case and for my kishi, it stays on the majority of the time. I also use the 8bitdo SN30 Pro quite a bit because of it's portability. I love bringing it with me on vacations and know it can be used for all my emulators and also Xbox game pass. Finally, the one I use by far the most is the Shaks S5B. This is one that is in between both the 8bitdo and the Razer kishi. It's nowhere near as good as either one, but i love using it for my z fold 5. It also comes together as a normal controller with no games unlike the kishi. It's just not very comfortable and the L2 and R2 buttons are not very good and the design does feel cheap.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yeah I understand that feel. I definitely get that way about audio tech. It's easy to get SUPER specific about use.

[@hxsm8090]

noooo. you shouldve bought the new x2 pro that was xbox approved. its way better than x3!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I got the X3 alongside phones with the Samsung produced 8Gen1. We REALLY needed the cooling LOL.

[@WolvesBaseballNine]

Certain games like rpgs and simple action games are fine with touch controls, but for more precise type of action games, a controller is really appreciated. I tried playing Smash Bros 64 on touch screen yesterday and it was a disaster lol, but I didn't really have a problem playing Earthbound and a Link to the Past with touch controls. It really just depends on the game! I'm looking to get a simple budget friendly control for when it calls for it.

[@wandiletembe]

👨🏿‍💻🍿👍🏾🇿🇦

[@gamingtech276]

Distancing yourself from gamers, by repeatedly pointing out that 'gamers can be delicate flowers' is in my opinion a mistake. Even though it's true, that condescending way of talking about a community, while reviewing a piece of technology specifically designed for that demographics.. I mean, most of the viewers will be gamers..

[@cessbee1143]

Really chose the worst "cradle" controller to make this comparison with. Backbone or Kishi would've been much better and solved some of the issues you mentioned.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

None of them fitting my Xiaomi well tho...

[@cessbee1143]

An odd phone to choose to begin with. But you are going with your personal preference, so there's that. Awesome vid all the same. Keep em coming!!

[@sternwho3932]

What about inviting hunter biden on your channel?