Mobile game controllers review roundup

It’s not all about Bejeweled any more: As smart phones and tablets become more sophisticated, games for these mobile devices are starting to rival PC and console games in complexity. And while touch-screen controls work fine for casual games such as Angry Birds, they just won’t cut it for Grand Theft Auto—especially for serious gamers.

In recognition of this quandary, mobile game controllers are starting to appear on the market, ranging from small and portable to larger devices similar to the ones you might use with an Xbox or PlayStation. These devices attach to your phone or tablet and let you play games with the same types of the buttons, joysticks, and gamepads you’d use with any game console, so you can move more quickly and precisely within the game. Most are wireless; some attach to your devices with cables.

We assessed the versatility and ease of use of five such controllers, ranging in price from $35 to $50; some work with Android devices, others with Apple iOS. The results were decidedly mixed. But dedicated gamers on the go should be able to find one that’ll suit their needs. Read on for reviews of each mobile game controller. And for more tips, reviews, and previews, see our guide to video games, consoles, and tech toys.

Works with: Android devices running version 2.3 and up.

Compatible games: About 60, including Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and NFL Pro 2013.

Design. The Moga looks much like an Xbox 360 controller, albeit a small one. It's very light and comfortable to hold for most, though those with larger hands may find it a bit cramped. At the center of the controller is an extendable arm that flips open to hold a smart phone (not a tablet) in place. We tried it with several phones, and they all fit snugly.

On the front of the device are two joystick-like slider pads, four face buttons, Start and Select buttons, and a Sync button for pairing your Android device to the Moga via Bluetooth. On the back of the Moga are two trigger buttons. All the buttons felt very responsive and worked well during game play.

Highs. The Moga's solid design is a big plus, as is the simplicity of setup. It requires the Moga Pivot app, which is available as a free download at the Google Play app store. The app walks you step by step through syncing the Moga with your phone using Bluetooth and setting it up to play.

The Moga Pivot app also handily organizes the games that are compatible with the controller and directs you to where they are available for download. A storage pouch is included in the package, too. It's light and fits into a pocket with no problem.

Lows. This device works with a limited number of games. And players with larger hands found the MOGA to be a bit small to use.

Bottom line. The Moga ($50) is a great portable controller for Android smart phones and tablets. Anyone who plays complex games on a mobile device should give it a try. It's a big step up from touch-screen controls.

Works with: Apple iPad 1, iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch (5th generation), and iPod Touch (4th generation).

Compatible games: Many Gameloft titles, including Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation, Asphalt 7: Heat, and Brothers in Arms 2: Global Front.

Design. This wireless controller connects to your Apple device via Bluetooth. It comes with a stand to hold your device in place while you play, and a pouch to hold the controller. The stand is a welcome inclusion and does its job, though some iOS devices have cases that also serve as stands. These might be easier to use, especially if you're trying to save space while traveling.

The Duo Gamer has four face buttons, one shoulder button on each side, a directional pad, two analog sticks that double as buttons when clicked, and a power button. It was easy to pair, using Bluetooth, with the Apple iPad I tested on. And finding games in the App store is easy enough; just search "Gameloft." Not all of Gameloft's games are compatible with the Duo Gamer, though—you have to read the game's description or check the Duo Gamer website to find out which are.

Highs. The controller feels solid, and all the buttons were responsive and gave a satisfying click when pressed. Setup was very easy. And the physical controls were a marked improvement over touch-screen controls for fast-moving games such as Brothers in Arms 2: Global Front and NFL Pro 2013.

Lows. While the Duo Gamer isn't overly large, it has an awkward rectangular shape that doesn't feel very comfortable while you're playing. There aren't many games that are compatible with the controller, and they aren't particularly easy to find. And an app that organizes compatible games for quick reference, similar to the Moga Pivot app, would help.

Bottom line. The Duo Gamer ($40 from Gameloft, a mobile-game maker), is a little too large for convenient portability. But for at-home gaming, it's a definite improvement over touch-screen controls. But it can be uncomfortable to use, especially for those with smaller hands.

Works with: Apple iPhone 4, 4S and iPhone 5; iPad, iPad 2, iPad mini, and iPad with Retina display; iPod Touch 4th and 5th generation.

Compatible games: About 40 (see 60beat website for a list).

Design. The 60beat (the only wired controller we tried) has a design and layout very similar to that of a PlayStation 3 controller, though it's slightly larger. It has all the features that should be on a game controller, including four face buttons, start and select buttons, four shoulder buttons, a directional pad, and two analog sticks that also serve as additional buttons when clicked.

All the buttons were responsive and worked well, and I found the controller to be comfortable to hold and use. And the 4-foot cable gives plenty of slack, so you won't have to worry about pulling your iPad off the table if you lean back.

Highs. Connecting the controller to an iOS device is easy: Just plug it into the headphone jack, and you're good to go. The 60beat's design makes it feel familiar for those who have played games on a PlayStation before. And the analog sticks give the player more control than the slider pads found on smaller controllers.

Lows. The GamePad isn't really made to be carried around; you'll need a bag or case if you want to bring it with you. And because the controller connects through the headphone jack, you won't be able to use your mobile device's speakers as you play, though you can use the provided audio splitter to get sound through your headphones. Also, a limited number of games are compatible with the controller, and they are not easily found in Apple's App Store by searching.

Bottom line. Although the 60beat GamePad ($35) does a great job of implementing physical controls in compatible games, it isn't really designed to be a portable controller—it's just a bit too large. Because it connects by cable, getting it to work with your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch is a simple process. But the 60beat offers only a limited number of compatible games, and the lack of wireless functionality may make it less appealing to some.

Works with: Android devices (3.0 or greater).

Compatible games: Hundreds.

Design. The Nyko PlayPad has two joystick-like slider pads, a directional pad, Start and Select buttons, and a home button that also serves as a power and sync button for Bluetooth. The controller also features shoulder and trigger buttons that you can customize through Nyko's Playground app or in game menus. The wireless PlayPad connects to your device using Bluetooth; pairing it to smart devices was simple.

Included with the PlayPad is a stand that can hold most tablets and smart phones. It also comes with a charging dongle and a case to hold the controller and its accessories. The controller is light and will fit easily into most pockets. Though most people won't have a problem, those with larger hands may find the PlayPad a bit uncomfortable, especially during long game sessions.

Unlike the other controllers we tried, the PlayPad has four modes: The GamePad/HID mode is standard and can control most games that can support a physical controller (you can find that out in the game's description online). iCade mode lets you sync to an iOS device and play any iCade-compatible games. In Mouse mode, you can use the PlayPad's slider pad to move an onscreen cursor and the Face buttons to "click" on the screen, just as you'd use an actual mouse. And App Mode links to the Playground App and lets you customize your PlayPad for different games.

Highs. The PlayPad is compatible with hundreds of Android games, including Shadowgun: DeadZone and Grand Theft Auto III. As mentioned above, it can also control iCade games on iOS devices.

Mouse Mode adds some versatility to the PlayPad, even letting it control games such as Angry Birds Space (though I found the test devices' touch-screen controls worked better for that particular game). The PlayPad also has a good variety of controls, including slider pads and a directional pad.

Setup of the device was very simple, and the provided stand is sturdy enough for most tablets and smart phones to sit in portrait or landscape mode. The case organizes the controller and the accessories neatly. The PlayPad is similar in size to the Moga—and much smaller than the iCade Mobile.

Lows. While the controller provides everything you'll need to play, it isn't very comfortable to use. The slider pads have raised nubs that dug into my thumbs a little. The feedback from the buttons could also have been better.

The provided charging dongle works fine, but a charging cable would be more practical. And while the stand does its job well, an attached holster for a phone would have been a nice addition for portability's sake.

The Playground app is still in beta and leaves much to be desired. To customize the controls, for example, you have to unpair Bluetooth through the smart device's settings and pair it again through the app, which is cumbersome. The app would also benefit from the addition of a search function or list of compatible games, as offered on the Moga Pivot app and the Playground website.

Bottom line. The Nyko PlayPad ($40) is more like a traditional controller than others we've reviewed here, such as the Moga Mobile Gaming Controller for Android and iCade Mobile. Although the PlayPad is not the most comfortable controller to use, it is small enough to fit in a pocket or bag easily. Its versatility is a strong suit; it has enough physical controls and game modes to keep it useful.

I would recommend the PlayPad for Android gamers and those who own Android and iOS devices. While the controls for iOS are limited, the ability to use one controller for Android and iOS devices is a big plus.

Works with: Apple 3rd and 4th generation iPod Touch, iPhone 3, iPhone 3G, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, iPad, iPad 2, and iPad (3rd generation).

Compatible games: Over 100.

Design. The iCade Mobile connects via Bluetooth to your iOS device. The iCade is a little heavy, but it still feels comfortable to hold.

On the left is a directional pad for controlling movement. It worked well for the games that I played, but a joystick or slider pad would be a nice addition, especially for more complex games. The right side of the device has four face buttons, and two shoulder and two trigger buttons are on top. The buttons work well during gameplay and are generally responsive, with sufficient feedback.

The center of the rather large controller is a silicone casing that holds your iPhone or iPod in place. The casing can rotate and snap into place, so you can use it for either landscape or portrait mode. It fits many iOS devices, but since it isn't adjustable, it can't accommodate the iPhone 5 or the latest generation of the iPod Touch.

While the device isn't designed to hold an iPad, it can sync to the iPad via Bluetooth and serve as a controller for that device.

Highs. The iPhone 4 I used to test fit securely in the casing. Being able to rotate the phone to portrait or landscape is a nice feature for playing different types of games. The large, raised buttons are easy to use and provide an advantage over touch controls. For example, when I was playing Temple Run, I found it much easier to use the directional pad for making turns and leaning side-to-side than swiping and tilting the phone.

Lows. The iCade Mobile isn't very mobile. It is a large add-on device, and you won't be able to fit it into your pocket. Another drawback: You have to push and hold all the shoulder and trigger buttons to put the controller into pairing mode; a sync button would be helpful. And I'd also have appreciated a companion app with access to downloading compatible games, like the Moga Mobile Gaming Controller for Android has; the company does provide a list of more than 100 compatible games.

Bottom line. While the iCade Mobile ($50) won't help with every game, it helps add control to a number of popular ones, such as Temple Run and Pac-Man. Unfortunately, the iCade is too large for gaming on the go unless you carry it in a bag.