6 Best Gaming Controllers for iPhone 15 Series in 2024
The iPhone 15 series has a new USB-C port, means the older lightning gaming controllers won't work anymore. Here are the best gaming controllers you can buy for the iPhone 15 series.
The iPhone 15 series sports a USB-C connector that allows you to connect external SSD to record 4K videos, USB-C wired earphones, external mics, and more. One of my favorite accessories to connect to the iPhone 15 series is handheld gaming controllers that allow you to game on your iPhone like a pro.
With the A17 Pro chips in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, you can even play console-level AAA titles on your iPhone. Having a gaming controller to enjoy those games is a necessity. I love to play retro games like Nintendo DS games on my iPhone using the Delta emulator, and connecting a gaming controller ensures I get the best experience.
Here are the best gaming controllers for iPhone 15 series to buy in 2024.
Best iPhone 15 Series gaming controllers
1. GameSir G8 Galileo
One of my favorite gaming controllers that turns the iPhone into a full-fledged handheld gaming device is the GameSir G8 Galileo. My favorite feature of this controller is that it uses Hall-Effect joysticks that don’t wear with use, so you won’t notice joystick drifts in the future.
The gaming controller supports pass-through charging and offers a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can have extended gaming sessions, that too, without any in-game audio lag. The buttons are tactile and responsive, and you get two extra buttons for in-game customization.
Probably the only con of this device is that only the thinnest (less than 1mm) iPhone 15 Pro series case can fit. If you use a thick protective case, you will have to take it off before starting your gaming session.
2. BACKBONE One
BACKBONE One is our favorite gaming controller that will turn your iPhone 15 series smartphone into a handheld gaming console. The controller can accommodate the regular-size iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro and the bigger iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max. So, no matter which iPhone you buy this year, the BACKBONE One mobile gaming controller will work.
The controller features responsive analog joysticks with tactile directional and action buttons. We have used the BACKBONE One (the lightning version) with our iPhone 14 Pro and couldn't be happier with it. Moving from touch to physical controls is like going from raw to cooked food. You will never go back.
The on-screen controls are harder to use and take up a lot of display space, especially on the AAA titles, which reduces our enjoyment of the game. With BACKBONE One, you can play the game as they are meant to be played, and you will love every single second to fit.
3. Razer Kishi V2 / Razer Kishi Ultra
Razer Kishi V2 is another great handheld gaming controller for the iPhone 15 series. Like the BACKBONE One, the Razer Kishi V2 converts your iPhone into a handheld gaming console, allowing you to play supported titles with physical controls. The controller uses cutting-edge microswitch buttons, analog triggers, and programmable macros to bring a console-quality gaming experience.
The controller lets you play mobile titles and supports game streaming services like Xbox, Steam Link, and PS Remote Play. It features a stable and extendable bridge that can accommodate all four iPhone 15 series iPhones and provides a secure fit that prevents your iPhone from falling.
If you can afford to spend more money, you can buy the newly released Razer Kishi Ultra. It costs $149, more than double the price of all other controllers. For that extra price, you get features like immersive haptics, Razer Chroma RGB, 8-way D-pad, 15W pass-through charging, and support for larger devices, including the iPad mini.
Buy Razer Kishi V2 / Buy Razer Kishi Ultra
4. GuliKit Kingkong 2 Pro
If you prefer a traditional controller, we recommend the GuliKit Kingkong 2 Pro controller. The USP of this device is the Hall effect sensing joysticks that use permanent magnets that move relative to an electrical conductor to get the positional data. The joysticks never physically touch the sensors and don't wear out.
What this means is that you will never experience joystick drift, which makes for a better gaming experience. They are also more responsive and accurate than their analog counterpart. IFIXIT has done a great report on the Hall effect sensor, which you should read if you want to learn more.
We also love that the controller uses a steel ring on the joysticks, making for a premium experience. While the GuliKit Kingkong 2 Pro costs more than regular analog controllers, it is worth the extra money.
5. 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro
If you are looking for an affordable and compact controller you can take anywhere, we recommend the 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro controller. The 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro is a compact controller that can easily fit in your pocket or sling bag, making it the perfect controller for your day's outing. Despite its compact size, you get two analog sticks, a directional pad, action buttons, and shoulder triggers.
The controller offers 16 hours of battery life, so you don't need to charge it daily. While we don't recommend buying this if you enjoy long gaming sessions, this is the perfect controller for short bursts of gaming sessions. If you want a proper gaming controller, you can upgrade to the 8BitDo Pro 2 controller, which is a full-size controller.
Buy Sn30 Pro from Amazon / Buy 8Bitdo Pro 2 from Amazon
6. Xbox Core or PS5 DualSense
We end our list with the default recommendation of Xbox Core and PS5 DualSense controllers. If you already have an Xbox or PS5 console or are planning to buy one, there's no point in spending money on another controller for your iPhone.
Both the Xbox Core and PS5 DualSense are some of the best gaming controllers out there and you cannot go wrong with these choices. They offer long battery lives, tactile buttons, and premium joysticks. We love the D-pad control on the Xbox Core and the adaptive triggers on PS5 DualSense.
Both these controllers have their merits, and you cannot go wrong with either. We do not recommend buying these controllers primarily for the iPhone 15 series (as GuliKit Kingkong 2 Pro is better and 8Bitdo Pro 2 is cheaper), but if you have the consoles, these will serve the dual-duty well enough.
Buy PS5 DualSense from Amazon / Buy Xbox Core from Amazon
Top iPhone 15 series gaming controllers to buy
We love the BACKBONE One controller that turns the iPhone into a handheld gaming machine. We think it's the perfect gaming controller for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max that now support AAA gaming. However, if you prefer to put your iPhone on a MagSafe charging stand and play games that way, the regular gaming controllers are better for you.
