Gaming on iOS is extremely underrated. I say that as someone who plays Call of Duty Mobile just about every day on my iPhone. Sure the screen is a little small, but the graphics look great, and my Bluetooth controller makes it feel almost exactly the same as it does on a full-blown console.
If you don’t already have a controller, you need to get one ASAP, especially since Apple is now allowing game emulators in the App Store. There’s already a fantastic emulator available, with full gamepad support, called Delta, so we thought now would be a great time to review the best Bluetooth controllers for iPhone.
The best Bluetooth controllers for iPhone
PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
Sony’s PlayStation DualSense controllers are easily the coolest-looking gamepads on the market right now. Feature-wise, they are very similar to the Xbox Core controller listed below, especially when it comes to iOS gaming, so choosing between the two will just come down to personal preference. I’m a PlayStation fan myself, and still game with an old DualShock 4 controller.
Xbox Core Wireless Gaming Controller
If you don’t go with the PS DualSense, you should certainly consider the Xbox Core. These two console giants have been making gaming controllers for *decades,* so you have to think they know what they’re doing. As aforementioned, the two are very close in terms of features—both have two joysticks, a D-pad, 4 buttons, and various triggers. This one does not have the built-in touchpad, but I am not sure how much use you’ll get from that on iOS.
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller
If you’re not going to go with one of the big console branded controllers, 8BitDo is probably the next best option. The company has been around for more than 20 years making gaming peripherals, and all of its controllers get great reviews from both experts and customers. 8BitDo controllers come in many different designs and sizes (which may be worth considering if you want more portability), but I am specifically highlighting the Pro 2 because of its sky high ratings and PlayStation-esque design.
BackBone One Controller
From a purely portability and compatibility standpoint, the BackBone One makes for an interesting option. It connects to your iPhone via USB-C (there is a Lightning version as well), so no need to mess with Bluetooth, and when your phone isn’t locked in, it can shrink down quite a bit in size for easy storage. Plus, it gives off kind of like a Steam Deck vibe. All of these things make for a pretty cool package, but the BackBone is easily the most expensive controller on this list, so you’ll have to determine if ‘cool’ is worth it.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller
Nintendo has been making gaming controllers longer than anyone out there, so of course we had to include Joy-Cons on this list. They are also super portable, and very flexible in terms of usage. You can choose to just use one, turned sideways, like a basic old-school controller (which is perfect for emulators), or you can use both—one in each hand, similar to the above controllers. You can also buy a custom grip for them, which includes a built-in cradle for your phone, essentially giving you a BackBone-style setup.
Buy for $80 at Best Buy (Pair)
New iPhone 15? Be sure to check out our accessory roundups
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- The best iPhone 15 cases you can buy right now
- Best iPhone stands for FaceTime on Apple TV
How do you connect a Bluetooth controller to your iPhone or iPad?
Pairing your Bluetooth controller with your iPhone is as easy as pairing Bluetooth headphones. We have a full step-by-step guide here: How to pair a PlayStation or Xbox controller to your iOS/Mac device