The Best Phone Controllers - Budget to Best

With the rise of excellent cloud gaming services, playing games on your phone with a proper controller has never been so important. This episode of Budget to Best takes a look at three excellent choices to have with you wherever you play your mobile or cloud gaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming, Playstation Remote Play, or Steam Cloud. Whether or not you prefer using an Xbox bluetooth controller with the PowerA MOGA Clip 2.0, or if you prefer something that fits around your phone like the Razer Kishi on your Android and the Backbone One for the iPhone, we’ve got you covered, no matter what your budget.
This Episode of IGN's Budget to Best is presented by Metro by T-Mobile. Rule your day with 5G.
Intro - 0:00
PowerA MOGA Clip 2.0 - 1:11
Razer Kishi - 2:19
Backbone One - 3:22
Conclusion - 5:29
Backbone One with iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max: www.ign.com/articles/backbone...
PowerA MOGA 2.0: zdcs.link/YwMG2
Razer Kishi: zdcs.link/Jwrol
Backbone One: zdcs.link/eeKWW
#IGN

[@darthabaddon86]

I've been using the kishi for about a year with gamepass and steam link and it's a pretty comfortable experience. It's feels more natural holding the Kishi controller than holding the switch. You can't go wrong with the Kishi.

[@jayr5mitty351]

Thank you for that bit of assurance. Was considering checking it out

[@outlawkingsoul194]

just got mines today at verizon

[@skuglious]

But its wayyy expensive

[@haikalhj]

After using it 1 year+ the left side broken...likely the ribbon cable inside detached...im so frustrating

[@ilovemybeard3394]

@@skuglious Anything can be expensive if you are willing to spend the price for it 😏

[@SirTobyGirl]

Razer Kishi is the best one. It's not bluetooth and doesn't need to be charged, sometimes on a lunch break I'll pop it out and play some Xcloud

[@24kobe243]

Better than backbone?

[@zombiemachinery4868]

And what if you wanna play COD Mobile which only lets you play via Bluetooth using external hardware?

[@WovenSilver902]

@@zombiemachinery4868 it still works on cod, instead of bluetooth it directly connects, and does the same functions as if it was bluetooth, but with better latency.

[@nationharris]

@@24kobe243 not on Android

[@djacircarvalho8251]

Can this controllers vibrate while you're playing on the smartphone?

[@znt_]

"These are The Best Mobile Gaming Controllers..." ...Talks about a phone clip

[@12thMandalorian]

We were lied to

[@randocalrissian9217]

iOS lets you pair your dual sense, xbone controller to your device so it makes perfect sense to talk about controller clips for your phone.

[@aredzamfzi6164]

My thoughts exactly. There are many more options for the budget controller.

[@aorusxtremeconnoisseur2234]

@@randocalrissian9217 as does Android

[@randocalrissian9217]

@@aorusxtremeconnoisseur2234 that’s cool. People dog on mobile games but they’re getting better especially when there is no micro transactions.

[@Clouds4Cheap]

Even if you don't have access to reliable cloud gaming, mobile controllers are great for emulators. Razer Kishi + Duckstation has been a game changer for me this year.

[@nwonomad]

Can you tell me a simple way to play decent games on my new phone (I'm homeless at the moment)

[@fretziedeliva1598]

@@nwonomad COD mobile will work without controllers on your phone :)

[@Barro1]

No 8bitdo clip or Gamesir x2?

[@Dance33P]

Love the Backbone One! It's the perfect mobile controller.

[@Retro-beat-em-up-games]

Is it the best?

[@djacircarvalho8251]

Can this controllers vibrate while you're playing on the smartphone?

[@freiteez]

The Backbone One is amazing. Love mine. They even responded insanely fast with an adapter for the iPhone 13 Pro Max for free.

[@JeanEstevez]

How about input delay ? Is it responsive

[@XavierMorrisYT]

@@JeanEstevez it’s super quick

[@thedudeabides3167]

What is the best gaming grip to assist in two thumb texting?

[@okolo22000]

What about the Power-A Moga X+ Bluetooth controller and the 8bitdo SN30 Pro Xbox controller?

[@jr.a8301]

which one is better for gamepass/ps5 remote play?

[@prasukjain]

Any recommendations for a controller we use with galaxy fold3 that's fits the bigger screen format?

[@Leon-vx5it]

GameSir X2 TYPE C and bluetooth

[@thecinemaniac192]

The backbone one seems sick

[@Chamberz55]

Missed all the ipega options

[@tubag313]

3:19 yes... or Stadia. It's literally free and very reliable.

[@terribletimes902]

It’s so much more stable than xCloud and even remote play sometimes

[@kingzombie951]

Does mog a phone clip work with switch pro controller

[@HamitEE]

Would the Moga clip be suitable for a mini iPhone?

[@KingRoturix]

Forgot the Gamesir X2. Is great for COD Mobile.

[@djacircarvalho8251]

Can this controllers vibrate while you're playing on the smartphone?

[@turnonoff]

@@djacircarvalho8251 yes

[@kaosagent1305]

Does it have trigger function?

[@turnonoff]

@@kaosagent1305 Well it does have triggers.

[@rws91942]

Not officially.... Xbox and playstation controllers have official support...

[@carolinepena5633]

Hi guys! What remote would you recommend for someone with a Samsung (Android) and no xbox? The razer kishi?

[@chilzz5186]

Gamesir x 2

[@AstroBananna]

Anyone know of a case which just makes the iphone 13 pro max more comfortable to hold for gaming, without the control buttons?

[@fameismine2]

Besides the number one choice does the other two work with a galaxy z fold 3?

[@ilovemybeard3394]

If you have a hard case phone cover...will the controllers still fit on the phone or do you have to take off the phone cover?

[@FreeTrapMoney]

No cover or they won’t fit

[@wakkowarner9522]

BUT... does the Kishi work with iPhone 13 Pro Max??

[@ce551029]

Can any of these compatible with a phone case?

[@jaydanmargach8439]

So does the PowerA Moga phone controller specifically require and Xbox controller

[@XavierMorrisYT]

The backbone one is for sure the best! The way it’s built is Way more sturdy than the Kishi and the app brings everything together so well

[@cyber_crypto]

The thumbsticks blow for fps

[@n0tSamir]

1:40 iphone 12 MAX pro 😂😂😂

[@69jalo]

Will they work with the z fold 3 though?

[@azathothwakesup]

Dude, my EXACT question!

[@carminemartino8471]

How to these 3 work with standard phone cases? iphone 11, 12?

[@BeanpotPubParlour]

The best? The Moto Mods Gamepad for the Moto Z line of smartphones.

[@It_is_now]

Does iphone case need to be remove to use Kishi or Back bone?

[@deans6571]

It does for the Backbone.

[@Juninzone]

Definitely for kishi.

[@sco77yg]

Got both the Kishi ( for retro gaming on my old Android ) and the Backbone for my iPhone and they are both great but the Backbone is the best built and feels the best. It feels like something Apple would release themselves.

[@fuzzykittytmjeb6958]

If Apple released it themselves there would be a new one every 6 months

[@cizko84]

So the kishi would work on my android?

[@damatar]

@@fuzzykittytmjeb6958 and be available for the magically low price of $299.99

[@henderwho3561]

@@fuzzykittytmjeb6958 who cares at least it would work, which is more than you can say for android

[@Pooja-wz4dp]

Why so many ads 😢😢😢

[@kanekioi]

What game is the one you showed with the Razer kishi!! it looks cool!!!

[@tubag313]

Kishi on Android with Stadia is a game changer 👍👍

[@lankiebd]

It's a shame IGN don't like mentioning Stadia

[@djacircarvalho8251]

Can this controllers vibrate while you're playing on the smartphone?

[@tubag313]

@@djacircarvalho8251 no, unfortunately they have no rumble. I'd love a feature of tye smartphone emulating controller rumble when in a controller grip...

[@Flotsome]

Which one of these actually works with a phone case?

[@kongsovanmony5064]

Does any of these controllers work with Android 12

[@faiz697]

how were you able to play spierderman on mobile?

[@sunne7064]

He was using ps remote play to stream gameplay from his ps5 to his phone.

[@noctisarcanus7894]

What about the GLAP Play p/1? It's the best one in terms of ergonomics, especially for men with huge hands like me and the build quality is top tier, like a console pro controller. Nothing on this list comes close IMHFO

[@djacircarvalho8251]

Can this controllers vibrate while you're playing on the smartphone?

[@officialmattmedia]

My potato smartphone is in coma when I'm watching this.

[@tubag313]

Cloud gaming might help you out

[@mapage2]

The kishi joysticks feel stiff. How does the backbone compare?

[@Hybrid225]

What happens if u put a duelsence controller on the first one

[@niroshanmckraider]

Hey, whats the game he is playing 6:13 frame?

[@ZackRToler]

Microsoft's X-Cloud is the only reason I've recently been interested but don't think the service is reliable enough to make the investment yet.

[@tubag313]

That's where Stadia comes to play 😆

[@jayr5mitty351]

Same

[@goroakechi2216]

@@tubag313 XCloud but worse

[@tubag313]

@@goroakechi2216 what do you mean?

[@supersaltlee7657]

Its great just not for multiplayer.

[@treyd7607]

Fold 3?

[@dennisgordon7767]

isnt it heavy af to hold a controller w a phone on it?

[@pixelartgamergirl]

Lol

[@Dubl3R]

Ppl down talk stadia but honestly it’s the most reliable cloud experience I’ve had when compared to my xcloud GeForce now by far too xcloud has a lot of games but half the time it’s unplayable

[@LOVER_LINK]

backbone is something else

[@Shinobi5]

Can someone tell me the name of that game at 3:07

[@JoeUseres]

How u can play Subnautica on iPhone!?!?!

[@lancemiranda1765]

Whats the game on the thumbnail??

[@jksanrio]

Drinking game: a shot every time Akeem says “now” at the beginning of a sentence lol

[@maxducoudray]

Dead in one minute.

[@9unslin9er]

Tried it. Not nearly as watching Karine Jean-Pierre say "We"

[@lemyatom]

🤣🤣

[@gabrielcruz4539]

The razer kishi also has an app

[@huanraphael]

The Gamesir X2 is pretty decent and way cheaper too

[@djacircarvalho8251]

Can this controllers vibrate while you're playing on the smartphone?

[@huanraphael]

@@djacircarvalho8251 nop, unfortunately

[@mariorazy]

@@huanraphael Can this controller work for play store games such as Standoff 2?

[@AnthonyRiddle]

You forgot emulation

[@danielryan2k721]

everything will be online in due time, much like ctOS in Watch Dogs

[@ludvigtheowopaladin]

The Gamesir x2 deserves a spot here

[@rmgaming984]

The top ones are Backbone and kishi mostly the Backbone

[@bayarearacing408]

the backbone controller will raise your screen protector if u have one. and the backbone will not work with a phone case. so annoying.

[@gamingdragon1057]

How do you go from 15$ to 79$ ?

[@temmytimmytennyadeyemo5692]

cant wait for the backbone one to be android compatible.......

[@milosmisic89]

Just get Saitake 7007f or x6 pro they are like 20 bucks with shipping

[@nategreatgames78]

It’s only IOS, but backbone is best, half because of the controller and half because of its app

[@vesder819]

👎 He basically reads out loud the package. How does this help anyone?

[@ironwolftactical1447]

Do any of them work with PUBG mobile?

[@FelipeToscano]

There's a lot of options on the market besides this 3, you should talk about them.

[@djacircarvalho8251]

Can this controllers vibrate while you're playing on the smartphone?

[@f.ferenc88]

I'm using Gamesir X2.

[@jaughnekow]

What about games like codm, pubgm?

[@HikarusukeShindou]

Razer Kishi doesn't work with any of those games.

[@masonmogg2569]

@@HikarusukeShindou does the most expensive one work?

[@GhibliNova]

Razer Kishi is amazing

[@dillmen101]

i’ve bought all and tried all, tbh the moga is probably the best

[@jayr5mitty351]

Didn't see that coming

[@wantedcaoz832]

They're some really great controllers out there, the major problem is the energy they consume from the battery cause of the RAM. Even if they were 6000mah, it will go fast. Probably phones need more adaptation to battery life or maybe they need the games or apps to be the adaptables

[@Clouds4Cheap]

Razer Kishi. No bluetooth. Plugs in directly to phone. No latency and no battery drain.

[@WarneysWorld]

@@Clouds4Cheap the kishi is built like a piece of junk

[@-BarathKumarS]

@@WarneysWorld Gamesir x2 is a better alternative.

[@djacircarvalho8251]

Can this controllers vibrate while you're playing on the smartphone?

[@djacircarvalho8251]

For me the major problem is that most of them do not vibrate.

[@aaronespitiaespitia4803]

And none of them fit my zfold3

[@lassengan]

Get an gamesir X2 that one fits it

[@dominicstocker5144]

Metric units would be appreciated

[@deadraider420]

What’s best for iPhone 6s?

[@XxbiohazardxX223]

where gamesir

[@KirkaOrange]

Goldfinger - the best mobile controller!!!

[@NEOGEO45580]

Always with the tokens

[@JoeyCepeda01]

How is he able to play the new Spider-Man game on mobile? Someone pls!

[@jr.a8301]

its called remote play.

[@jimgonzalez3084]

man this guy speaks fluently like a normal person!..freaken awesome loved the video

[@JoeyCepeda01]

How is he able to play those games on mobile? Like the Spider-Man one…

[@grisben]

Razer is best for android Backbone is best for iPhone The clip shouldn’t even be considered as anything as it’s just a holder and the actual remote you’re using is an Xbox controller.

[@DavidHyman031]

For mobile it's a kishi playing on stadia

[@curruptedknight5757]

They forgot to mention stadia

[@LizzyTheLizard]

gamesir x2 is better tbh

[@crocogaming0621]

RLLY THOSE ARE CHEAP? iPega is far more Cheap than them with same functionality

[@_loois]

If you're considering those cheap knock off controllers from Amazon, just skip those they're Terrible slow and unresponsive. Just save up and by the kishi

[@AlNemec]

*cough* Stadia *cough* Seriously though, of all the cloud gaming services you neglect to mention the one that works the best particularly with these controllers?

[@Daftanemone]

Who the hell still uses stadia?

[@AlNemec]

@@Daftanemone So are you saying that during a silicon shortage where gpu's and consoles are scarce that you don't see how a free service that lets you play AAA games and works better than any of the other cloud services on a technical level is still relevant?

[@ls200076]

@@Daftanemone ikr

[@samiulhasnatsazin386]

Each of them demand Iphone & not fully reliable like stadia

[@tubag313]

Stadia is reliable and the Kishi has an android version as well

[@mkyn-tl5oc]

The kishi isent sturdy at all though

[@lburwell99]

I'd like a dedicated handheld that doesn't need my phone to play xcloud and remote play. Waiting for a mic drop moment that Gamepass will be on switch. There's a lot of Xbox owners that don't have a switch that all of a sudden will want one like me.

[@ccathey2610]

Got the backbone and switch and both are very fun. Not sure if game pass will come to switch, but recommend just picking up one or switch lite even if a devoted game pass player…$200-300 is not much for how much entertainment that machine provides.

[@redring4083]

Steam Deck will have the gamepass.

[@capt.bellamy]

Akeem? Nice

[@ElmosUniverse]

iPega has better and cheaper controllers than any of these. Except maybe the Kishi, that one's okay.

[@hemme100]

Stadia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lordcrayzar]

So the budget isn’t even a controller at all. Wtf.

[@Xander1115]

The real budget controller is the bsp d3

[@kallerkaller469]

This is useless besides for iPhone and it doesn’t talk about the quality of buttons or interaction, only plus is it tells that there are integral buttons

[@theandroidsoldier000]

Reality: phone dying after 3 hours of play.

[@tubag313]

Therefore cloud gaming which is not so heavy on the hardware ;)

[@Omegaslashbuster1]

Anomaly: Uses portable charger to continue playing.

[@koltonsauer69]

charger:am I a joke to you?

[@milesharris249]

​@@Omegaslashbuster1no one is going to bring around a power bank and a cable along with the controller itself, a Dedicated handheld would take up less space

[@Wanteyt]

​​@@milesharris249nah the controller and your normal phone charger would save much more space. Cause you always have your phone with you all you need is the controller. It saves more space cause you don't need to bring the handhelds charger. Edit. Thinking about they would take up about the same space

[@rhovrox9291]

Filipinos: *heavy breathing

[@goroakechi2216]

Why not just buy switch lite

[@onhold1706]

For some people, it's more convienent to have one device that can handle everything you'd want to do, not to mention the mixed bag that is native Switch ports anyways.

[@Juicedrinker324]

The kishi is $100not 40