Gaming on a mobile device has become quite prevalent in the past few years, and as such there is a steadily growing market out there that aims to put a bigger spotlight on how it can be improved. It’s not exactly a secret that using a touchscreen on a device that’s decidedly smaller than what most gamers are used to can be a bit unintuitive. Sure, you can make the case that there are some mini arcade games that control really easily using touch controls, but for some of the more demanding titles you want something that has a bit more tactility to it.
This is where Bluetooth and wireless controllers come in, and you’ll find that the market today is flooded with these relatively cheap, yet effective solutions at bringing back responsive feedback for games on mobile devices. However, not all of these controllers are created equal, and it’s easy to get lost in what the best Bluetooth controllers are that you can buy on a smaller budget.
If you’re looking for one, then you’ve come to the right place, as here are five of the best Bluetooth controllers priced below fifty bucks available for purchase now.
NOTE: If you buy something through this post, Player.One may get a share of the sale.
EasySMX 2.4G Wireless Controller
If you want something that’s a bit more traditional in style, then the EasySMX wireless controller is one of the best bets. Of all the controllers here, it’s also the cheapest, so that consideration may come in handy for those wanting the best bang for their buck. The EasySMX wireless controller sports a controller face similar to an Xbox controller, so for those who are already quite well-attuned to it then this is an amazing controller to have and use.
The EasySMX wireless controller supports a ton of devices, but for mobile ones it only supports Android out of the box. The design makes it much better for playing with a tablet propped up on a table, because it doesn’t have a clip-on for your mobile phone. However, you can use it for PCs and Android TVs, which makes it perfect for those who want their mobile gaming on bigger screens. The EasySMX wireless controller is powered by two AA batteries, which ensures a battery life of about 18 hours.
TOONEV Bluetooth Multimedia Game Controller
The TOONEV Bluetooth controller is also known as iPEGA in other countries, and it’s probably one of the most recognized brands for Bluetooth controllers as well. It features a sleek design, and a somewhat different controller face – you get a single-button D-pad where you would usually find the left joystick, which gives it more of a DualShock controller feel. Despite this, it retains the XYAB buttons from an Xbox controller. The handles also come grooved, which should ensure a better grip overall.
The TOONEV Bluetooth controller is aimed more towards smaller mobile devices as it comes with a clip for your smartphone to go into. It can be paired with both iOS and Android devices, as well as tablets and other Bluetooth-powered devices. You can download an additional app for button mapping, although if you’re using your phone mainly for emulation, you’ll find that the TOONEV Bluetooth controller works out of the box with very few hitches. It does, however, use an internal 400mAH battery, which means that there’s no replacing it once it’s dead. The controller can last for up to 20 hours on a single full charge.
PowerLead PG-9118 Wireless Bluetooth Controller
This next controller is perfect for those who want something like the TOONEV, but hate its rather colorful aesthetic. The PowerLead PG-9118 comes in a sleek black build and gold accents, which is sure to please those looking for something a bit more minimalistic. The face buttons are similar to what you’d find on a DualShock controller, except that the D-pad and the XYAB buttons are slightly closer to the edge – the result is a bit more ergonomic design and feel that should provide a better control experience overall.
The PowerLead PG-9118 comes with a clip-on to connect your smartphone, and some additional face buttons as well. Besides a Start and Select button, you also get a dedicated Home button, plus Turbo and Clear for more control over how the controller works. It works with both Android and iOS devices, as well as any PC with a Bluetooth receiver. It doesn’t come with a keymapper app, and as such you’ll likely need to figure out compatible games first before purchasing it.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more assurance thanks to overall brand quality, then the MSI Force GC30 is a pretty good option. It comes in this sleek black build and a more traditional layout, with a bit more intriguing ergonomics. At a glance, it looks like the controller got smushed towards the middle, which makes the controller face seem crowded; however, this results in some very good ergonomics where you can grasp the controller tighter to pull off better controls.
The MSI Force GC30 is built more towards tabletop gaming rather than on smaller mobile devices, owing to the fact that it does not have a clip-on. That said, it is fully compatible out of the box with a myriad of devices like Android phones and tablets, and PCs, and can even run on a PlayStation 4. The MSI Force GC30 is powered by an internal battery, but if you want a worry-free experience you can also opt into wiring the controller, as the MSI Force GC30 comes with this option.
SteelSeries Nimbus Bluetooth Mobile Gaming Controller
If you want the best performance and you only use an Apple device, then looking into an MFi controller may be your best bet. In that regard, the SteelSeries Nimbus is one of your best options, thanks to its excellent build quality and brand assurance. The SteelSeries Nimbus is powered by Bluetooth 4.1 and features a rather small design, which should be perfect for those who want a more compact controller.
The SteelSeries Nimbus is fully compatible with a wide array of Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, iPods, Apple TVs, and even Macs and Macbooks. The layout follows a DualShock pattern, but with some changes like longer prongs for the D-pad to help with better controls and joysticks a bit more packed together. It can be fully charged with a Lightning cable and will last you for a whopping 40 hours, which is impressive for a controller. It also took a few cues from Joy-Cons with four LED indicators, showing what number your controller is for multiplayer couch games.
So, what do you think? Which of these Bluetooth controllers will you be picking up? Let us know and stay tuned for more recommendations from us for the best deals on the best things in gaming, from peripherals and hardware, to toys and various accessories.
