The MFi game controller SDK allows third-party developers to create external gamepads for iOS devices. Over the years, this program has evolved, allowing iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and macOS devices to work with Xbox and PlayStation wireless game controllers.
In this article, we list the best iPhone games with controller support that we think are the cream of the crop.
Best iOS games with controller support
We have listed some of our favorite MFi-compatible games first, but we also have a long list of games with controller support below, including shooting and racing games. Note that this is a growing list of games that will periodically be updated.
Call of Duty: Mobile
Designed exclusively for mobile devices, Call of Duty: Mobile brings exciting gameplay to your iPhone or iPad. Play multiplayer maps from Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, or check out the 100-person survival map. With snipers, zombies, battles, and thrilling game action, you can compete and fight against millions in this iconic shooter. This game is available for free.
Dead Trigger 2
Killing zombies is more exciting than ever with this free-to-play game. Another sequel, this follow-up title has better graphics, more content, and plenty of gut-splattering fun. Players participate in real-time story development, participate in global missions, and earn exclusive in-game rewards. Hook up with the Gunsmith, Medic, Scientist, Smuggler, and Engineer to unlock new weapons and gadgets. This game is available for free.
Jetpack Joyride
Strap on your jetpack and prepare for a wild ride in Jetpack Joyride. While this game has been around for many years, it still receives regular updates and is as fun as ever! Dodge missiles, customize your character, jump on crazy vehicles, and more as you fly through missions in this exciting and entertaining endless runner. Jetpack Joyride is available for free with in-app purchases for coins, packs, and rewards.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Arguably one of the most popular GTA games and possibly one of the most popular driving games in history made its way to the App Store. Players are able to take out their violent tendencies on corrupt executives, greedy drug lords, and irritating passersby. The game features more than 70 hours of campaign gameplay. Plus, listen to customized playlists and take advantage of the dual-stick controls for full camera movement. This game is available for $6.99.
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out other games by GTA developer Rockstar Games on the App Store.
It’s Full of Sparks
If you enjoy games that combine the platformer genre with that of a puzzle, check out It’s Full of Sparks. Live your life like a firecracker in search of The Old One. Your goal through the 80+ levels is to not explode as firecrackers do. Jump, fly, run, climb, and figure out how to continue your journey without having your own spark take you out. It’s Full of Sparks is available for free with in-app purchases for extra lives.
Oceanhorn
This Zelda-like game made huge waves this year when it launched in the App Store. Some gamers were excited about this epic adventure. Others blasted it as nothing but a clone of Zelda. What the majority was saying was that no matter whether it was just co-opting a preexisting game or paying homage to the greats, this is a title worthy of the high download price. This game is available for $7.99.
If you enjoy Oceanhorn, continue your adventure in Oceanhorn 2, which is currently available in Apple Arcade.
Life is Strange
Life is Strange is an episodic game with five parts. This story-based adventure is full of choices with outcomes that you might not expect. You’ll follow Max Caulfield as she saves her friend from danger but discovers on her journey that she can rewind time. Uncover mysteries and discover the dark side of the town Arcadia Bay in this beautiful and intriguing game. Life is Strange is available for free with in-app purchases for additional episodes.
Anomaly 2
This follow-up sequel to the original tower attack game is even more intense than its predecessor. Using cutting-edge technology and advanced graphics, you won’t be able to tell reality from video game play as you advance on the invading alien forces. The story-driven campaign will set you on a path of destruction that will lead to different endings, depending on what you choose. There are thousands of tactical combinations. Play online multiplayer to choose between towers and troops. This game is available for $3.99.
Galaxy on Fire 2
2013 was a very good year for sequels. Unlike many movies, these sequels don’t suck. The majority of them are so much better than their predecessors that the earlier games look like junk in comparison. This one is an example of what can be done with great graphics, streamlined features, and smooth gameplay. This 3D space combat game combines the battle of starships with trading simulation. Mine for rare minerals, sell to the highest bidder and fight pirate miners who want your goods. This game is available for free.
Other iPhone games that support controllers
This is a growing list of iOS games that support controllers. We’ll do our best to update it from time to time. Please feel free to add to this list in the comment section below.
Action games
- Aces of Luftwaffe
- Air Wings
- Air Wings Intergalactic
- AirAttack 2
- Anomaly 2
- Apocalypse Knights 2.0
- Battle Supremacy
- Brotherhood of Violence II
- Call of Duty: Mobile
- Crypt of the NecroDancer
- Dandara
- Death Point
- Death Worm
- Decompression
- Dimensional
- Dokuro
- Downwell
- Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project
- Dynamite Jack
- Farm Invasion USA
- Fractal Combat X
- Goat Simulator
- Groove Vortex
- Heavy Blade
- I Am The Hero
- Jetpack Joyride
- Leap of Fate
- Lineage 2: Revolution
- Metal Slug 3
- Metal Slug X
- Minigore 2: Zombies
- Neon Chrome
- Otto Matic
- Phoenix HD
- R-Type II
- Respawnables
- Silverfish DX
- Strike Wing: Raptor Rising
- The King of Fighters-i 2012
- Thumper: Pocket Edition
Adventure games
- Afterpulse – Elite Army
- Beach Buggy Blitz
- Boom!
- Bugdom
- Crazy Taxi City Rush
- Darkness Trap: Purify Old Sins
- Dead Trigger 2
- Earth Atlantis
- Evoland 2
- FEZ Pocket Edition
- Flipping Legend
- Forgotten Anne
- Galaxy on Fire 2 HD
- Gangstar Vegas
- Grand Theft Auto III
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- GTA: Chinatown Wars
- Lichtspeer
- Life is Strange
- Lifeafter
- Lost Echo
- Morphite
- Muffin Knight
- Neon Starlight
- Nanosaur 2
- Nucleus
- Octodad: Dadliest Catch
- Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
- Oxenfree
- Sky Gamblers: Cold War
- Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders
- Sonic CD
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Spiral Episode 1
- Summer Catchers
- Tanktastic
- Tap Tap Party
- Terraria
- The Wolf Among Us
- Tiny TrackZ
- TowerMadness 2
- Walking Dead: The Game
- Walking Dead: The Game Season 2
- Worms 3
- Xenowerk
Arcade games
- Double Dragon Trilogy
- ESWAT City Under Siege Classic
- Evac
- Freeesh
- Golden Axe Classics
- GraalOnline Zone+
- Impossible Road
- Ms. Pac-Man
- Pac-Man
- Radiant
- Skeletomb
- Space War X
- Willy Wattwurm
Platformer games
- Babylonian Twins Platformer
- Bloo Kid 2
- Diversion
- Eggggg – The Platform Puker
- Galaxy Run
- Goblin Sword
- ICEY
- It’s Full of Sparks
- Leo’s Fortune
- Mos Speedrun
- Oddmar
- Shadow Blade
- Shantae: Risky’s Revenge
- Suzy Cube
- Swamp Stomp
- Syobon Action
- Tallowmere
Puzzle games
- DrawCade
- Edge
- Edge Extended
- Fizhy
- Legend of the Skyfish Zero
- Limbo Game
- No Gravity
- Scribblenauts Remix
- Super Hexagon
- Type:Rider
Role-playing games
- Aralon: Forge and Flame
- Assassin’s Creed Identity
- Crashlands
- Dead Cells
- Death Road to Canada
- Final Fantasy III
- GraalOnline Era+
- Heroes of Loot
- Heroes of Loot 2
- Into the Dead
- Jade Empire: Special Edition
- Oceanhorn
- Oceanhorn 2
- Overkill 2
- Ravensword: Shadowlands
- Republique
- Secret of Mana
- Space Marshals 2
- Star Wars Kotor
- Stardew Valley
- The Bard’s Tale
- The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
- Transistor
Sports
- Asphalt 8: Airborne
- Bike Baron
- Blocky Highway
- Crazy Snowboard
- Cro-Mag Rally
- GRID Autosport
- Ice Rage
- Impulse GP – Super Bike Racing
- Jet Car Stunts 2
- Joe Danger Infinity
- King of Karts: Single- & Multiplayer Battles
- Real Boxing
- Real Racing 3
- Real Steel World Robot Boxing
- Riptide GP2
- Skateboard Party 2
- Stickman Downhill
- Stickman Soccer
- Table Top Racing: World Tour
- Tennis in the Face
Do you have a favorite controller-compatible game? Let us know in the comments below.