For folks looking to play their games on a smaller display, aportable consoleor a smartphone instantly comes to mind. Mobile gaming has steadily grown over the years, with manufacturers now releasing high-quality phones that can handle native andcloud gaming. Although players can cope with the on-screen controls, anyone looking for a more comfortable experience is better off with agaming controller.
Fortunately, severalmobile gaming controllersreplicate the feel of a traditional gamepad. This means getting to enjoy haptic feedback and being able to reprogram certain controls depending on one’s playstyle. For pocket-conscious players who want a cheap controller, we’ve curated a list of the best Android controllers for gamers on a budget.
6GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Mobile Game Controller
GameSiris no stranger to thegaming accessory market, and theG8 Plus controllerlooks to cement the brand’s place as a top choice. The G8 Plus controller is an excellent option for players who’d like to play games on a slightly larger screen like a tablet or the Nintendo Switch. Beyond its multi-platform compatibility, the gamepad also featureshall-effect sticks, a nice design choice as it essentially eliminates the controller’s risk of experiencing stick drift. Players looking for a long-term gamepad can rest assured that the GameSir G8 Plus can deliver just that and more.
For a more in-depth opinion on the GameSir G8 Plus controller, check out ourhands-on review.
Regarding its build quality, user reviews note that the controller feels incredibly sturdy and great to hold for long periods. Some reviews go on to compare the GameSir’s controller’s feel to that of an Xbox controller. Seeing as they both share a button layout, the comparison feels just right.
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5EasySMX X05 Wireless Gaming Controller
Players who fancywireless controllers for gamingshould find theEasySMX X05 gamepadan excellent choice for mobile gaming. The EasySMX works with Android, iOS, PC, and Switch. Although it shares a button layout with Xbox, it doesn’t work with any Xbox console. Built with players’ comfort in mind, the gamepad comes withan anti-slip texture,which makes it difficult for the controller to fall off a player’s hand during an intense gaming session.
The controller also featuresstylish RGB lightingwhich can complement the ambience of an RGB gaming setup. Players can choose from up to five lighting modes with up to seven color combinations. Fortunately, the lights can be turned on or off based on one’s preferences. Seeing as it offers RGB lighting, it’s no surprise that EasySMX equipped the X05 gamepad with a slightly larger battery. Per user reviews, the controller doesn’t die quickly. The EasySMX is undoubtedly a terrific Android controller for mobile gaming. Make sure to grab it while it’s marked down to $24.
48BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller
8BitDois a well-known brand in the gaming controller segment, mainly because its controllers are durable and feature-rich. Lovers of competitive titles on mobile such asFortniteandCall of Duty Mobilecan enjoy low latency using the8BitDo Ultimate 2C controller. According to some user reviews, the controller responds almost instantly to quick button presses, making it a great choice for fast-paced titles.
Unlike some controllers prone to wear and tear after a few months, the 8BitDo gamepad features durable joystick rings and a refined D-Pad that feels comfortable to press for long corridors. To enable players to reprogram controls based on their playstyles, the controller comes withtwo extra back bumpers. The 8BitDo is perhaps one of the fewbudget controllersto come with rumble vibration, too. Want to experience the impact of an in-game collision or explosion? Check out this gamepad now.
3Mytrix Wireless Pro Controller with Hall Effect Joysticks
Thebest customizable controllersallow players to adjust various aspects, including control settings and vibration intensity. For anyone looking to do that with a budget controller for Android gaming, theMytrix Wireless Pro controllershould come to mind. Along with the regular buttons, this gamepad offers two additional back buttons to which players reprogram controls to enjoy a competitive advantage over rivals.
Need more or less vibration? The Mytrix controller comes withfour different vibration levels(0%, 30%, 70%, and 100%), which players can switch from depending on their preferences. Another interesting thing about the Mytrix controller is itstranslucent shell, which is not only a unique design choice but helps make the LED lighting really pop. Overall, Mytrix’s mobile controller can help users create a sensational gaming atmosphere.
2BIGBIG WON Wireless Controller
For players looking to easily charge their gamepads during a break, theBigBig Won wireless controllercomes with a charging stand which makes recharging the battery quite easy. Aside from featuring a charging stand, the controller also ships with a1,000 mAh batterycapacity which makes it possible for gamers to play for extended periods. Despite being a budget controller for Android gaming, this gamepad is incredibly ergonomic and fits most hand sizes. Per user reviews, it’s a highly comfy controller.
Anyone who’d like to easily customize the BigBig Won controller can do so using a PC app made available by the manufacturer. From organizing key mapping to vibration level control, the app offers a vast range of customization options. The controller also comes with three different joystick sizes (short, middle, and high), allowing players to go with the one that makes them feel most comfortable. Even after over a year of use, our team found BigBig Won’s controllers are stillsome of the best available.
1MSI Force GC30V2 Wireless Gaming Controller
If durability is a major concern, then theMSI Force GC30V2is an amazing wireless gaming controller for long-term use. Compared to regular gamepads which supportup to 1 million clicks, the GC30V2 can handle double that amount, assuring players of top-tier quality even after several months. Many user reviews have praised the controller’s build quality, noting that it’s the kind of gamepad a pro would use. The controller caters to players’ varied playstyles by offeringtwo different D-Pad options,which can be swapped out when needed.
The MSI controller also offers wired and wireless connectivity, ensuring that all players can use the gamepad. The GC30V2 features dual vibration motors which amplify the effect of in-game collisions and other actions. Per user reviews, the controller’s vibrations make gameplay feel more immersive than before.
