JUSTIN Gaming on the Go
Turn your phone into a handheld gaming machine by investing in these great bits of hardware
WE often talk about how our phones have replaced more than one gadget in our lives – they are our cameras as well as our communications machines now.
There’s another category, too – more and more people are using them as their games consoles.
From Apple Arcade to Xbox Game Pass, you can now play console-quality games right on your phone.
And if you do have one of the next generation consoles, you can play games on your device wherever you are via remote-play options. Cloud streaming services are getting more usable, too, as the speed and bandwidth of the mobile internet expands.
What you don’t have built into your phone, though, is a usable control system… anyone who’s tried to play a mobile game with an on-screen touch joystick will know what I mean.
There’s only one solution, investing in one of the many addon hardware game controllers.
They essentially bring a Nintendo Switch-type control system to your mobile screen, once your device is snapped into place.
As your phone gets more powerful, so will the games you can play on it. A controller for games is the next logical step towards turning your phone into a play-anywhere games machine. And they’re a lot cheaper than splashing the cash on one of the latest consoles.
BACKBONE ONE
Cost: £99.99
They say: Transform your phone into the ultimate gaming console. Snap in your phone and play any game or service that supports controllers, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or even stream directly from your Xbox, PlayStation, PC. No charging, no waiting for updates, no tedious setup. Uncover a new world of premium gaming in seconds.
We say: Perhaps the Rolls Royce of phone controllers, the Backbone One is a flexible system that can take any size of iPhone from the Minis up to the Maxes (although the 13 Pro does require a free adapter).
It brings the usual double joystick and D-pad options, as well as shoulder triggers. It can hold your phone in place securely, and attachment is via the Lightning port for zero latency.
Perhaps the best feature though is the addition of a headphone jack that the phone itself lacks – and wired headphones means no latency in the audio either. The Backbone app is tremendous, too, acting as a one-stop spot to see all your games in one place.
RAZER KISHI £99.99
Cost:
They say: Bring your A-game anytime, anywhere. Designed to bring console-level control to your onthe-go gaming. With this controller by your side, wherever you go, victory will follow.
Refine your aim and execution with a familiar console controller experience that provides tactile feedback, supported by an array of face and bumper buttons, as well as
a D-pad for extra inputs.
Razer Kishi
We say: Razer is a big name in gaming machines, and its phone controller matches its reputation as being one of the best, too.
There are versions available for iPhones and Android devices, and the system can accept almost any size of phone, including the most popular Android devices.
Given the power-hungry, batterysapping nature of mobile gaming, it’s good to know the Kishi offers pass-through charging via a USB-C port.
GAMESIR X2 £60 (£50 for bluetooth version)
Cost:
They say: What the standard game controller can do, GameSir X2 can do. X2 is highly compatible with games that support gamepads, thus bringing gamers the same gaming experience as standard game controllers.
We say: Gamesir’s X2 is a cheaper option than the other devices on offer. There are three versions available – one with a Lightning port for iPhone, one with a USB-C port for Android devices, and one that connects via bluetooth for universal connectivity.
Don’t think cheap means nasty, though – thoughtful design features like a cooling gap between the controller and the back of your phone, plus the claim that all the switches on the device are good for three million strokes, mean you can be sure the X2 will see you through many hours of service.