Games are an integral part of the Apple ecosystem — look no further than Apple Arcade and the abundance of iPhone games if you have any doubts. Sure, many games work perfectly well on the iPhone or iPad touchscreen, but some with more advanced interfaces and deep console-like gameplay cry out for more flexible controls.
Apple came to the rescue as far back as iOS 7, released in June of 2013, with one feature that flew under the radar: The addition of an MFi game controller SDK, which allowed third-party developers to create external game controllers compatible with iOS devices. This functionality has evolved to incorporate iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and Mac OS.
While Apple doesn’t make its own branded gamepad, third parties jumped in to pick up the slack. While many game controllers can do double duty for gamers who own Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PlayStation systems, our roundup of the best game controllers focuses on hardware that works best on your iOS device.
Rotor Riot is an Apple MFi-certified gamepad controller that includes L3/R3 functionality for compatibility with over 1,000 apps and games. This wired controller offers gameplay with no lag time or latency — no skips, glitches, or blur. Pass-through charging lets you plug and play without draining your device. Companion app Ludu Mapp is compatible with games like Fortnite, Call Of Duty, and Madden 21. The gamepad connects with all Lightning-connected Apple devices running iOS 7 or later.
This universal mobile gaming controller is designed to bring console-level control to your phone for gaming anywhere, anytime, with an ergonomic, flexible design. It features clickable analog thumbsticks and performance buttons, latency-free gameplay, and pass-through charging of your phone or tablet. It's widely compatible with cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Stadia, Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and Steam Link, as well as mobile games like Call of Duty Mobile, Fortnite, Minecraft, Genshin Impact, Brawlhalla, and Asphalt 9. It's also compatible with most iPhones including the X, 11, 12, 13, and 13 Max, though you must remove the case first.
The updated SteelSeries Nimbus+ Bluetooth Mobile Gaming Controller features Apple-licensed wireless connectivity and works with iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV alongside compatibility with thousands of game titles. With its built-in rechargeable battery, it can go for some 50 hours of gameplay on a single charge. Its D-Pad buttons feature a tactile click for fast and responsive feedback, while clickable L3/R3 buttons facilitate more input options across a variety of games.
The Megadream mobile game controller for iPhone is MFi certified by Apple and directly approved for iOS to play most controller games downloaded from the App Store. The controller requires no separate app — just connect via Bluetooth. The controller features a 400mAh large-capacity rechargeable battery that enables more than 18 hours of gameplay after a full charge. It supports games like Call of Duty, Modern Combat 5, and Asphalt 8/9. It's compatible with iPhone models from the iPhone 13 down to the iPhone 6, and some Mac models as well.
This game controller is easy to use by connecting the MFi controller and your iOS device via Bluetooth. It's compatible with most App Store games, like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Call of Duty. The iOS gamepad is made of high-quality rubber and oil, and its special finish offers consistent grip and a comfortable, anti-slip, smooth feel while playing, including a stretchable 4-inch to 6-inch clip. It works with most iPhone models, as well as the iPad Pro, iPod Touch 5, and Apple TV — but not the Mac.
This controller features responsive analog triggers, tactile buttons, and clickable thumbsticks for an authentic mobile gaming experience when you charge and use your favorite headset as you play. It connects to your iPhone's Lightning port for responsive gameplay on the latest iPhones. An adapter is included for a better experience on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Jackie is an obsessive, insomniac tech writer and editor in northern California. A wildlife advocate, cat fan, and photo app fanatic, her specialties include cross-platform hardware and software, art, design, photography, video, and a wide range of creative and productivity apps and systems. Formerly senior editor at Macworld and creativity editor at The Next Web, Jackie now writes for a variety of consumer tech publications.
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