Finest Xbox Cloud Gaming Controllers and Equipment in 2024 Leave a comment

I beforehand had the RiotPWR Cell Cloud Gaming Controller for iOS on this listing, but it surely had one flaw. As a result of it has an built-in Lightning cable that enables for lag-free gaming — at the least in the case of button presses — you could not use it with newer iPads which have a USB-C connection. The brand new RiotPWR RP1950 controller solves that downside by permitting you to swap out the Lightning cable module for a USB-C cable module. 

Like RiotPWR’s earlier iOS controller, which is white, the black RP1950 is a extra historically formed Xbox-like controller that features a mount on your cellphone. Whereas there isn’t any built-in battery that retains your cellphone charged whereas taking part in, just like the Spine and Razer Kishi V2, this mannequin has a pass-through charging possibility if you wish to hook up a separate Lightning cable to a battery pack or wall charger.

The controller is properly designed and would not really feel low-cost (the dock can accommodate quite a lot of iPhones, together with bigger iPhone Max fashions). Take away the dock and you should utilize this with any iPad that has a Lightning or USB-C port. To swap cables, you must stick a paper clip in a gap within the backside of the controller, which releases the cable module. It is a little bit difficult the primary time you do it, however as soon as you determine the way it’s achieved, it is fairly simple.

It is also price noting that though that is known as an “iOS controller,” it can work with Android smartphones and tablets which have USB-C ports. 

The second-generation Razer Kishi V2 smartphone controller is just like the Spine and is available in each iOS and Android variations (the iOS model has an built-in Lightning connector whereas the Android model has a USB-C connector). Each price greater than the unique fashions however supply considerably improved ergonomics and extra responsive buttons. 

The iPhone model is MFi-certified and can work with the iPhone 6 Plus and any newer mannequin. It has pass-through charging however no built-in battery to provide additional juice. 

We favor the companion app for the Spine controller for iOS customers, however the design of the Kishi V2 controller now measures up effectively towards the Spine. Alas, no Android model of the Spine controller but exists.

PowerA’s Moga XP-Extremely is pretty expensive, but it surely works as a wi-fi controller for not solely Android smartphones but additionally your Xbox Collection X/S and Home windows 10/11 PCs. What’s good is that, in contrast to the official Xbox controllers, it incorporates a 2,000-mAh rechargeable battery. On high of that, it has a modular design with a removable full-size grip and a cell gaming clip so you possibly can select whether or not to go together with a full-size controller or a extra compact controller for gaming on the go. That mentioned, the ergonomics are a lot better once you go together with the full-size grip.

There are two mappable “superior gaming buttons” that PowerA says can carry out any button command to “preserve your thumbs on the sticks.” It is also price noting that the controller is provided with twin rumble motors and impulse triggers. I barely most well-liked this controller to Microsoft’s Core Xbox controller. (Sony’s PS5 controller stays one of the best, nonetheless.) 

In case you have entry to Xbox Cloud Gaming, you in all probability have an Xbox system, which implies you have already got an Xbox controller. Any Model 2 Xbox Wi-fi Controller with Bluetooth will pair wirelessly with all the pieces from iPhones to iPads to Macs. You can additionally go the wired route with a Mac by plugging the controller right into a USB port. Microsoft does promote a controller with a USB-C cable, so you possibly can connect with the USB-C port on varied gadgets, together with USB-C-equipped Macs. (Make certain to replace to the most recent firmware in your Xbox controller.) This Bluetooth controller helps you keep on track with the brand new hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, and simply pair and swap between gadgets.

The Xbox Core controller lists for $60 however generally sells for $50 or much less. The Xbox Elite Collection controller lists for $180, however can generally be discovered for nearer to $150. Whereas the Elite Collection controller features a rechargeable battery, the Core controller doesn’t, which is the one irritating factor about it. You’ll find a full assortment of Xbox controllers on Microsoft’s Xbox equipment web page. 

Microsoft says that iOS 14.5 or larger is required for play on all Apple gadgets.

Whilst you’re in all probability higher off utilizing an Xbox controller in case you have one, the PlayStation DualShock 4 Wi-fi Controller is appropriate with Apple gadgets, together with Macs, by way of Bluetooth. And what’s good concerning the DualShock 4 is that in contrast to the Xbox Wi-fi controller, it has a built-in rechargeable battery. 

It is on Microsoft’s listing of supported cloud controllers however notice that Microsoft says that in the event you’re utilizing an online browser to play cloud video games, the Xbox Wi-fi Controller “is presently the one formally supported controller” and, “Different controllers might or might not work for cloud gaming on a browser.” The DualShock 4 PlayStation Controller labored fantastic for me, although I did expertise a contact of lag. 

Observe that the buttons are labeled otherwise from an Xbox controller’s, so you may need to verify how they match up earlier than taking part in. 

That is the way you pair your DualShock 4 with Apple gadgets.

Should you’re simply in search of a gaming clip to mount your iPhone in your Xbox controller, the PowerA MOGA Cell Gaming Clip 2.0 is an efficient possibility for as little as $12 when discounted. It isn’t as swanky because the Otterbox MagSafe possibility, which has a little bit bit extra of a premium look to it, but it surely definitely does the job.

It isn’t low-cost at $40, however OtterBox’s Cell MagSafe Gaming Clip is a well-designed accent for people who need to magnetically stick their iPhone 12 or 13 onto a clip mount. I take advantage of a MagSafe case with this accent to maintain my cellphone protected. If you do not have a MagSafe case, you possibly can definitely use your MagSafe-enabled iPhone bare (the cellphone sticks effectively to the mount but it surely is not clamped in so it will possibly fall off in the event you occur to drop your controller). 

The clip is adjustable for varied iterations of Xbox controllers, together with the most recent model for the Xbox Collection X and the Elite controller. Utilizing MagSafe makes it straightforward to get your iPhone on and off the clip mount so you possibly can rapidly take a name if want be throughout a gaming session.

The Razer Kishi V2 for Xbox Android is just like the iOS model, however connects by way of USB-C as a substitute of Lightning (there isn’t any Bluetooth) and has a pass-through port for charging whilst you play.

Just like the iPhone model, this has a Nintendo Change-like design, with the paddles hooked up to both facet of the display screen. It expands extensive sufficient to suit quite a lot of Android smartphones and collapses right into a compact bundle. It could actually match Android gadgets with center-mounted USB-C ports and dimensions of 11.5mm (thickness, together with digicam) by 170mm (size).

Should you’re in search of a controller that wraps round your Android cellphone, the Kishi and Kishi V2 are actually the one video games on the town (Spine presently solely makes an iOS controller). Whereas the unique Kishi might be had for lower than $70 (and generally even much less), the brand new mannequin does really feel higher in your fingers and permits longer gaming classes.

The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus features a wi-fi sport controller plus a clip for mounting your cellphone. It is a respectable controller that additionally options an built-in 3,000-mAh battery to cost your cellphone as you play. It is a little bit rigged, with the cable working from the controller to your cellphone, but it surely works and is a giant assist throughout longer gaming classes. 

The controller is appropriate with Android gadgets and Home windows PCs. It is arguably one of the best worth in the case of Xbox Cloud Gaming equipment on your Android cellphone. It is on Microsoft’s listing of formally supported gaming controllers and it appears to be like and appears like a less expensive model of an Xbox controller.

Whereas the SteelSeries Stratus Duo Wi-fi Gaming Controller is not on Microsoft’s listing of formally supported sport controllers for Android it labored fantastic in our assessments, is ergonomically sound and has a sturdy really feel to it. (The older Stratus XL is on Microsoft’s listing of supported controllers). It is also designed to work with Home windows PCs, Chromebooks and sure VR gadgets.

One of many key causes to get this as a substitute of the Xbox Wi-fi Controller is that it has a built-in rechargeable battery. Alas, it makes use of Micro-USB for charging, however that is solely a minor annoyance. We assume future variations might be up to date with USB-C.

The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus is listed above, however you may also simply purchase the PowerA MOGA Cell Gaming Clip 2.0 individually if you have already got an Xbox wi-fi controller and need to mount your cellphone on it. I listed it as a great worth clip for iPhones, but it surely works simply as effectively with Android gadgets.