IOS game controllers
While the iOS App Store is bursting with great touchscreen games, it has also has some excellent games that just work better with a controller. Introduced alongside iOS 7, iOS game controllers connect to your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad and let you control games as if you were playing on a PlayStation or Xbox. There are loads of compatible games, including some excellent console ports such as BioShock, Bastion and the Sonic games. The best we’ve used so far is the Mad Catz C.T.R.L. (reviewed on page 91), a full-size wireless controller with an optional clip for attaching an iPhone to the controller when you’re on the go (though mostly like to use it with an iPad). It’s really comfortable to use, and well-made. It uses AA batteries, instead of a rechargeable unit, so make sure you have spares. Mad Catz also makes a smaller version of the C.T.R.L. for frequent travellers, but that’s not the only extra-portable option – there’s also the SteelSeries Stratus, a miniature wireless controller. It’s nicely made, and works fine, but might make your hands uncomfortable after lengthy use. There are also some snap-on controllers that fit an iPhone like a case, and because of their rechargeable batteries, they have the advantage that they give your phone extra battery power through its Lightning port too, but since these only fit the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s, we don’t generally recommend them any more.