When you’re playing a game on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, it’s important to be aware of the different physical game controllers that are available. There are three main types of game controllers: touch controllers, traditional controllers, and virtual reality headsets. Touch Controllers Touch controllers are the most common type of game controller and they work best when you hold them in your hand. They’re easy to use and can be used for a variety of games. The most popular touch controllers are the Apple iPhone and iPad controller, which come with a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope. These devices allow you to control your games with your hands instead of using a joystick or other controls. Traditional Controllers Traditional controllers work best when you use them with one hand. They have two buttons on the front and one button on the back. You can use these controllers to control your games with either your left or right hand. The most popular traditional game controllers are the PlayStation 4 controller, Xbox One controller, and Nintendo Switch controller. These devices allow you to play many different types of games with ease. Virtual Reality Headset Devices Virtual reality headsets allow you to experience virtual worlds without having to wear any clothes or equipment. These devices work best when you’re playing video games that require VR support. Some popular virtual reality headsets include Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Sony PlayStation VR, and Microsoft HoloLens.
“Mobile gaming” brings to mind swiping around on a touch screen, but you don’t have to use clunky touch controls. Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android both support physical game controllers, allowing you to use tactile controls with a smartphone or tablet.
Unfortunately, not every mobile game supports physical game controllers. But quite a few games do, thanks to the Apple TV’s support for MFi controllers. For Android, devices like the NVIDIA Shield have encouraged developers to have controller support to their games. So, while this won’t necessarily work for every game you own, it should work for a fair amount.
iPhone and iPad
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With the release of iOS 7 in 2013, Apple added standardized gamepad controller support for iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches. Controllers developed and certified with Apple’s MFi (Made For iPhone/iPad) certification will work with games that have implemented MFi controller support. This is just like how Apple certifies other iPhone/iPad accessories, like Lightning cables.
Some of these controllers include a mount that locks your iPhone in place, allowing you to use the iPhone like a portable game console, holding the controller in your hands. Some MFi controllers use a physical connection, so you’ll have to plug them into the Lightning port on your iPhone or iPad. However, most MFi controllers just pair wirelessly via Bluetooth, like a Bluetooth headset or keyboard. Just put the controller into pairing mode, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, and select Bluetooth. Tap the controller to pair it with your device.
The new Apple TV also uses MFi controllers, so games that have updated to run on the Apple TV should also work with MFi controllers on your iPhone or iPad.
If you’ve jailbroken it, you can also try installing the “Controllers for All” Cydia tweak. It will allow non-MFi controllers like Sony’s PlayStation 4 controller to function as MFi-enabled controllers.
Android Phones and Tablets
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Google hasn’t made a concerted push for physical gaming controllers on Android, but some developers have. NVIDIA’s Android-based SHIELD devices include physical gaming controllers, for example. Games that work with an NVIDIA Shield controller should work just fine with other types of controllers, too. Some games may advertise controller support on Google Play, but not all of them will, so it’s worth giving it a try with your favorite game either way.
Android supports several types of controllers. If you have a wireless Bluetooth controller, you can pair it with your Android device by putting the controller into pairing mode. Then, turn on your phone and visit the Bluetooth screen in the Settings app, enable Bluetooth, and you’ll see the controller. You can then pair it with your device, launch a game, and start playing.
You can buy Bluetooth controllers designed for mobile devices or use one you have lying around. If you have a PlayStation 4, the PlayStation 4’s standard controller–known as the DualShock 4–is actually a Bluetooth controller. You can put it into pairing mode and pair it with an Android smartphone or tablet, just like you could pair it with a PC.
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Once plugged in, games that support controllers should just work. Some games may offer a way to configure the controller or choose between control schemes.
If a game doesn’t work with either type of controller, you can install Tincore Keymapper. This app allows you to convert button presses on the controller into simulated touch events on the screen. If a game has on-screen controls, this means you can set up the controller to press those on-screen controls, making the controller work for the game.
Game controllers could also be convenient if you want to play games with emulators on your smartphone or tablet. However, Apple bans emulators from the App Store, so Android users may have better luck here. However, with recent versions of iOS, it’s now possible to compile and install open-source emulators without Apple’s permission.
Image Credit: Sergey Galyonkin on Flickr, Maurizio Pesce on Flickr
