Today, majority of the Android games available in the market are built with the touchscreen as one of the primary functionalities in mind. However, there are still games out there that continue to feature gamepad support. Examples include: the legendary Grand Theft Auto, Machinarium, Aurora: Quarantine, Mechanic Escape and Minecraft. Many fans and old time gamers will tell you that there comes a time when using a simple old-fashion gamepad makes more sense. In addition, some games just require a gamepad in order to experience awesome gameplay. While using touchscreen, your view may sometimes be randomly interrupted by the movement of your thumbs and fingers. You may even find that there are too many controls on your screen that may reduce your gaming space. Additionally, it’s also not usable when playing VR games. This is where the need for game controllers comes in.
There are many Bluetooth game controllers out there today. Many support use on PCs and Android devices, with a few supporting Mac computers. They come in different shapes, sizes and layouts, with majority taking the Xbox gamepad kind of look. Below is a compiled list featuring some of the best Bluetooth game controllers that provide not only a wonderful gaming experience, but also give value for money. The list given takes into consideration the best controllers in terms of functionality regardless of how much they cost or which form they take. Some of the companies featured here also produce a wide range of products inside and outside the gaming industry.
MadCatz GameSmart C.T.R.L
The MadCatz gamepad is a product of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., a company that not only produced quality game controllers, but also built flight simulation software and hardware, built chess hardware, published games and distributed games and video game products. It was founded in 1989, but unfortunately, became defunct in March, 2017. Despite this, their products are still available on the market today.
The MadCatz GameSmart C.T.R.L. gamepad is built with the on-the-go gamer in mind. It is designed to work with PCs and Android devices. Like many gamepads on the market today, the MadCatz resembles the Xbox 360 traditional game controller. It comes with a D-pad, 2 analog sticks and shoulder buttons. It includes 4 main action buttons labelled A, B, X and Y; start, back, syncing buttons and built-in extra media buttons that allow you to fast forward, rewind, play/pause and control the volume. The user is also able to adjust profiles and settings and monitor his/her battery life when the gamepad is paired with the Mad Catz A.P.P.
Its ability to link to Bluetooth Android devices and PCs gives you flawless functionality with little to no quirks. It features 3 distinct modes that can be accessed using a 3-way sliding switch. The GameSmart mode enables you to play games on your Android device using the game pad. The middle Mouse mode gives you a functional pointer that works with both PCs and Android devices. The third and last mode allows you to pair the controller with your PC for a gaming experience.
It runs on AAA batteries which provide continuous gameplay of up to 40 hours without running out of juice. It has a screw mount that attaches to your phone, allowing you to play freely without worry of moving around. The MadCatz GameSmart C.T.R.L. does not only function well while using it, but also feels quite good hands on. It is solid, substantial, weighty but not overly bulky. The extra features make it a leader among its competitors.
SteelSeries Stratus XL
The SteelSeries Stratus XL is a product of the Danish company SteelSeries. It was founded in 2001, as Soft Trading, but was later renamed in 2007. Apart from producing gamepads, the manufacturers also produce keyboards, headsets, gaming surfaces and mice. The company is acknowledged for innovations and producing “firsts” when it comes to gaming accessories. Its sole purpose is to provide an incredible experience for gamers all over the world.
The Steel Series Stratus XL comes top in matters concerning design and the hands-on feeling. It’s made of outstanding black plastic material with gray and orange accent colors. Like the MadCatz, it also takes after the Xbox controller in terms of looks and design. However, the buttons are made in such a way that they resemble those of a Playstation controller. It is compatible with Bluetooth enabled Android devices and PCs. It has two clickable joysticks at its middle bottom and pressure sensitive buttons.
It includes a d-pad and 4 main action buttons which are found alongside 3 other unique ones. It also has two trigger buttons at the top and 2 shoulder buttons. It plays flawlessly on both Android devices and PCs without any issues. It is powered by two AA batteries and can provide more than 40 hours of uninterrupted game play.
The controller is not too heavy and fits perfectly in the hands of the user. It also includes customizations features that allow adjustments to be made on the sensitivity of the joysticks. Unfortunately, it does not include a phone holder. This creates an assumption that maybe it was created for tablet and PC gamers. You could however get a phone case that has a stand in order to play games using the Steel Series Stratus XL. Despite this disadvantage, it still is a good-looking gamepad that offers you value for your money.
Moga Pro Power
The Moga Pro Power is an award-winning and state-of-the-art controller built specifically for mobile devices. It is a product of PowerA, a peripheral manufacturer for video game controllers.
This game controller may be a couple of years old but still stands out among the best. It features two clickable analog sticks, a D-pad, shoulder buttons, triggers and 4 main action buttons that all offer you maximum functionality and control over your game. Its wireless Bluetooth connection capability is however not built with the PC in mind. It’s powered by in-built rechargeable 2200mAh Li-ion batteries, which makes it a first among the listed game controllers. The batteries are charged via a USB recharging cable. You can also charge your phone using the controller. It has a MOGA Arm™ that works similar to the common phone holder found on the other controllers. It can support phones of up to 3.2 inches in size.
The controller’s shape and layout resemble those of the Xbox 360 game controllers. The plastic sides are nicely molded and also includes rubberized grips that help to minimize wrist fatigue during game play. In addition, it comes with a folding tablet stand in the package that allows you to provide support for your tablet. Even though the Moga Pro Power feels much cheaper when in use than the first two controllers, it’s still a solid gamepad and provides efficient performance.
Razer Serval
The Razer Serval is a product of Razer, a company that was founded in 2005 and is famously known for its three-headed snake logo. It specializes in the manufacture of gaming laptops, high performance game controllers and software that has made it the world’s leading brand in gaming equipment in the US.
The Razer Serval is one of the few wireless Bluetooth game controllers that support use on Android devices, Windows PCs as well as Mac computers. Its design resembles that of an X-box game controller. It has 4 main action buttons, 2 shoulder buttons, 2 triggers, 2 analog sticks, home and back buttons at the very bottom and 3 middle buttons that can be used to shut down the controller. They however, work differently depending on the type of game and may not have any functionality in certain games.
The Razer Serval comes with an adjustable clip that easily attaches to your phone making it quite portable. Its Bluetooth connectivity capability is able to remember up to 4 devices. This means that the hassle of having to pair devices over and over is eliminated for the user.
It is also designed for both wired and wireless play styles since it features a USB connection option. It is powered by 2 AA batteries.
It’s a least favorite when it comes to the hands-on feel. The battery compartment bulges out creating an awkward feel when held. The plastic used also has a somehow cheap feeling compared to the other game controllers.
The Razer Serval is a bit costly when compared to the rest. The others look and feel much better. It however integrates well with the Android operating system delivering outstanding performance.
Sminiker Gamepad
The Sminiker Gamepad is a product of the Shenzhen Goodwill Technology Co. It is of Chinese origin and was founded in 2011. It designs, manufactures and sells very many products ranging from electronics to pet supply. Among its widely purchased product is its game controller, a product that is affordable and offers great quality for its price.
For a $20 gamepad, the Sminiker performs wonderfully and does not disappoint. This particular gamepad is for those gamers who do not want to spend so much cash on a game controller. It is more than 50% cheaper than all the other controllers listed above. Its design resembles that of the Playstation gamepad. It comes with a start, select and 4 main action buttons that respond well when pressed. It also features 4 shoulder buttons, a D-pad and 2 analog sticks that roll and turn smoothly on their axes. It has a phone clip that supports devices of up to 6 inches in size.
It is super light, making it easy to use for long hours. The buttons definitely have a cheaper feeling than those of the other gamepads listed here. The plastic used is also of lower quality. All these features make it more affordable to gamers. Despite the material used, it is responsive and connects well via Bluetooth without any difficulties. It also works extraordinarily well with tablets, Gear VRs and Android phones. One extra feature that still makes it the best among the cheapest gamepads is that it has a rechargeable Li-ion battery. The only disadvantage is that its power only lasts for about 2-3 hours. It may not give a hardcore gamer the same satisfaction compared to the other gamepads, but delivers satisfying results and offers value for money spent.
The popularity of mobile gaming is higher than it has ever been. Today, more people spend more time playing games on their phones than ever before. In fact, majority of the earnings made by iOS store developers come from game downloads. With the increase in number of game controllers on the market today, it is best advised to choose one that matches your needs and preferences. This will ensure that you have not only the best experience, but also comfort when playing games.
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