Why would you need a game controller for your Samsung Galaxy phone? Samsung hasn't explicitly jumped into the world of gaming-specific smartphones, but since you're provided with some of the best specs to go along with amazing displays, the latest Samsung smartphones make for a perfect gaming experience. With the best mobile game controllers for Samsung Galaxy phones, you'll be on your way to better gaming.
To make the most out of playing games on your phone, whether they're streamed through Cloud technology or downloaded natively, you'll need a great game controller to pair with it. We've gathered the best of the best that are compatible with Samsung phones in the list below.
The best mobile game controllers for any Samsung Galaxy phone
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Versatility at its finest
Razer's Kishi controller is quite impressive. It not only fits just about every smartphone, but the USB-C port ensures low-latency gaming. When not in use, the two sides slide together, making for easy portability or storage.
Ultra-compatible
There are actually two versions of the GameSir X2, as the company has recently released an updated controller with a more traditional D-Pad. The X2 can make any Galaxy phone feel like it's a Nintendo Switch, while being compatible with just about any phone you can think of, including the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Not just for Android
The Stratus Duo is the latest great Android gaming controller from SteelSeries. Once again, the company has designed a comfortable controller — this time with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a Wi-Fi dongle — that allows you to just as easily connect it to a PC to play your favorite Steam games.
Traditional, but custom
When you consider everything that the Razer Raiju Mobile brings to the table — Bluetooth and wired connections, four multifunction buttons that can be remapped, a hair-trigger mode for both left and right triggers, and a phone mount with a 60-degree tilt for comfortable viewing angles — the only thing that might give you pause is the price.
For the elite
This one may be a bit overkill, but if you're a serious mobile gamer, you want a seriously elite controller. The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) offers up to 40 hours of battery life, and you can customize just about every aspect of the controller, including the thumbsticks, d-pad, and more.
Retro cool
This is a great controller if you love the design of the SNES controller, but also want compatibility with more modern games. This is one of the more impressive designs for a Bluetooth controller we've seen, and 8Bitdo is known for making quality products.
Microsoft's best controller
The Xbox Core Controller is the perfect companion for comfortable mobile gaming, provided that you have the Bluetooth version and a stand or controller clip. This iconic controller is available in a wide range of colors and styles, and is a great option that you may already own if you regularly game on Xbox.
Built-in wireless charging
At first glance, the HyperX ChargePlay Clutch may look like nothing more than a grip for your phone, but there's so much more once you turn it around. The Clutch offers built-in wireless charging thanks to the detachable 3,000mAh battery pack. You won't have to worry about compatibility, as the HyperX made the clutch adjustable for an array of phone sizes.
The best from Sony
Sony's all-new DualSense controller is almost as good as it gets, especially when paired with the PS5 or your Samsung Galaxy smartphone. This controller feels like a combination of Sony's old DualShock 4 and Microsoft's Xbox Core Controller, providing some fantastic ergonomics. Being comfortable is key if you plan on playing games for hours and hours on your smartphone.
Cloud gaming is the way of the future, and Microsoft is paving the way with Xbox Game Pass. Samsung and Microsoft announced a new partnership alongside the device a couple of years ago, and it's still going strong.
As a result, we've gathered up some of the best devices specifically for anyone looking to try out the Xbox Cloud Gaming angle of mobile gaming.
xCloud has finally moved out of its "project" status and is officially available on Android as Xbox Cloud Gaming. The partnership between the two companies could prove quite fruitful, as Microsoft confirmed a special version of the Xbox Game Pass app just for Samsung devices. This will give you easy access to games, along with the ability to make in-app purchases for items and DLC.
Enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming with the best Galaxy gamepads
Made for Xbox
Razer's Xbox Kishi controller is almost identical to the standard version, but with some button change-outs. The old "left, right, and home" buttons have been replaced with View, Menu, and Xbox buttons. Everything else is the same, including the flexibility to be used with different-sized devices, to go along with the built-in USB-C for low-latency gaming.
Charge and play
Those looking for a more traditional Xbox gaming experience with Cloud Gaming on your Samsung device will want to check out PowerA's offering. The MOGA XP5-X Plus includes a detachable phone clip, the ability to charge your phone while playing, and a few mappable buttons. We're disappointed that it uses Micro-USB for charging the controller instead of USB-C, though.
Retro meets next-gen
8Bitdo's controllers are some of the most popular, especially for retro gamers. So if you're someone who enjoys the older style of game controllers, then you'll love the SN30 Pro for xCloud. The SN30 Pro features a detachable gaming clip, Bluetooth connectivity, and up to 18 hours of battery.
Gaming is always better with a controller in hand
The possibilities of mobile gaming continue to expand as more game developers take the time to add controller support. Whether you want better control while playing the best Android games, or are keen on checking out Xbox Cloud Gaming, Bluetooth controllers can be a real game-changer for mobile gaming. There are some really great options when looking for the best Android controllers.
Our top recommendation for the best Galaxy game controller goes to the Razer Kishi, which offers the best value for your money thanks to its ease-of-use, flexibility to be used with myriad device sizes, and its built-in USB-C port for low-latency gaming.
There's even a pass-through port so you can keep your Galaxy phone charged throughout those longer gaming sessions. And when you're done, just take your phone out, collapse the controller, and stow away the Razer Kishi for later.
The adjustable size means that it works well with any mainline Samsung Galaxy phone you've got, even if you're upgraded to one of the newer S20 models.
The Razer Kishi is a great controller in its own right, but there are some compatibility issues with larger phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. That's where a controller like the Gamesir X2 comes in since it can expand to hold pretty much any phone.
There are two versions available, one that connects via Bluetooth and one that connects via USB-C. It's up to you, but we prefer the USB-C version, simply to cut down on any potential latency problems or signal degradation from interference.
Finally, if you don't want a phone mount, but instead are interested in a controller that'll also work well playing games on PC, you can't go wrong with the Xbox controller. The refined design feels comfortable to use, while the triggers and bumpers feel great for whatever you're playing.
