If you’re like me and love playing PC games on your Android device using Winlator, you’ve probably found that a good controller can completely change your gaming experience. After testing out a bunch of different controllers, I’ve narrowed it down to the top five that are perfect for Winlator.
These controllers not only make gaming smoother, but they also give you the feel of using a full gaming console right from your phone. Let’s dive into my personal favorites!
1. GameSir G8 Galileo
The GameSir G8 Galileo is a feature-rich controller specifically designed for Android gamers looking for an experience that closely mirrors traditional console gaming. Its larger grips and Hall Sensor thumbsticks make it ideal for extended gaming sessions, offering superior comfort and precision. The standout feature of the G8 is the pivoting USB-C connector, which provides a stable and flexible connection without causing stress on your phone’s charging port, ensuring long-term durability. It works in both wired and wireless modes, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred setup.
Aside from its comfortable design, the GameSir G8 has tactile, responsive buttons and high-quality back buttons that allow for additional customizability, a feature particularly useful in complex PC games running through Winlator. It’s also compatible with cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass, making it a versatile tool for gamers who want to enjoy their PC or console titles on the go.
The controller’s build quality is excellent, though it doesn’t have official console licensing, which might be a dealbreaker for some. The thumbsticks are great for most games but can feel slightly stiff in fast-paced FPS titles, though this doesn’t detract from the overall experience.
Key Features:
- Wireless or USB-C wired connection
- Works well with cloud gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, and Game Pass
- Chunky grips for extra comfort during long sessions
- Solid back buttons for added functionality
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent size and comfort for extended gaming
- Versatile pivoting USB-C connector for easy device handling
Reasons to Avoid:
- Thumbsticks may not be as smooth in fast-paced shooters
- Lacks official console licensing
2. Backbone One
The Backbone One is renowned for its sleek, ergonomic design and ease of use, making it a popular choice among gamers who want their Android phone to feel like a dedicated gaming handheld. The controller splits in two and attaches to either side of your phone, turning it into a portable gaming console that supports PC games through services like Winlator, as well as Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Remote Play, and cloud gaming platforms.
The Backbone One features responsive buttons, excellent thumbsticks, and well-placed triggers, offering a near-console gaming experience in a compact form factor. One of the controller’s key highlights is its companion app, which automatically detects the controller once connected and offers various features, including screen recording and game discovery. It even comes with three months of Game Pass Ultimate, adding even more value to its price tag.
Despite its premium price, the Backbone One is worth the investment for those who prioritize portability and comfort. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and integrates seamlessly with most popular gaming services, making it perfect for gaming on the go. The only downside is that it doesn’t support phone cases, so you’ll need to remove your case before using it.
Key Features:
- Wireless connection
- Comes with three months of Game Pass Ultimate (non-PlayStation edition)
- Compact and easy to carry
Reasons to Buy:
- Amazing build quality and user experience
- Supports charging while playing with a built-in USB-C port
- Great for cloud gaming and PS5 Remote Play
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slightly pricey compared to other options
- No support for phone cases
3. Razer Kishi Ultra
The Razer Kishi Ultra is one of the best controllers for mobile gamers who value comfort and performance. Its standout feature is its full-sized controller grips, which mimic the feel of a traditional console controller, making it a comfortable choice for long gaming sessions. The Kishi Ultra also has microswitch buttons and tactile, clicky shoulder buttons that provide quick responsiveness, which is perfect for fast-paced games where timing is crucial.
The controller connects to your Android device via USB-C, eliminating input lag and providing a smooth, uninterrupted gaming experience. With its expandable bridge design, the Kishi Ultra accommodates a wide range of Android smartphones, making it compatible with most popular models. It also has a USB-C charging pass-through, so you can charge your phone while gaming without needing to stop.
The design of the Kishi Ultra emphasizes user comfort, with its large, ergonomic grips and RGB accents that add a sleek, modern aesthetic. However, it lacks back buttons, which some gamers may miss when trying to map more complex controls. Additionally, its price is slightly higher than other mobile controllers, but the premium build quality justifies the cost.
Key Features:
- Wireless or USB-C connection
- Comfortable, full-sized grips for long play sessions
- Microswitch buttons for enhanced responsiveness
Reasons to Buy:
- Extremely comfortable grips for long-term play
- High-quality triggers for immersive gaming experiences
Reasons to Avoid:
- Lacks back buttons
- Slightly expensive
4. Razer Kishi V2
The Razer Kishi V2 is a controller designed for gamers who want console-level precision and portability in their mobile gaming. It’s an updated version of the original Kishi, and the improvements make it even better for playing PC games on Android through Winlator. This controller features a compact, clamp-style design that fits snugly around your phone, transforming it into a mini gaming console.
One of the standout features of the Kishi V2 is its console-quality controls. With tactile microswitch buttons and analog triggers, it feels like a proper gamepad, giving you the precision needed for more demanding PC games ported to Winlator. During my testing, I found the thumbsticks to be incredibly responsive, which is crucial for fast-paced genres like shooters or racing games. The Kishi V2 also comes with programmable multi-function buttons, offering added customization for those complex games where quick access to certain actions is essential.
The Kishi V2 connects directly to your phone’s USB-C port, reducing input lag and ensuring a fast, smooth gaming experience. Plus, it allows pass-through charging, so you can game while charging your phone – a huge plus if you’re diving into longer gaming sessions. The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s a wired controller, so you’ll need to remove your phone from its case to use it. But if you don’t mind that, the Razer Kishi V2 delivers a near-console-like experience on mobile, making it a great choice for Winlator gamers who prioritize responsiveness and build quality.
Key Features:
- Direct USB-C connection for minimal input lag
- Tactile microswitch buttons and analog triggers
- Programmable multi-function buttons for added customization
- Pass-through charging for uninterrupted gaming
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent button feel and responsiveness
- Console-level control layout and build quality
- No noticeable input lag, great for competitive gaming
Reasons to Avoid:
- Requires removal of phone case to use
- Slightly pricier compared to similar controllers
5. SteelSeries Stratus+
The SteelSeries Stratus+ is an excellent gamepad-style controller for Android users who need a durable and reliable controller for both Android and PC gaming. What sets the Stratus+ apart from other controllers is its phenomenal battery life, offering up to 90 hours of gameplay on a single charge, which is ideal for gamers who play long sessions or travel frequently. You can enjoy playing PC games via Winlator without constantly worrying about charging your controller.
In terms of design, the Stratus+ has a familiar layout, similar to most console controllers, with responsive buttons, clickable joysticks, and well-designed triggers that provide a great tactile feel. Its Hall-effect triggers ensure faster and more precise inputs, which is a must when playing PC games that require high accuracy. It connects wirelessly to Android devices and can also be used in wired mode on a PC, adding to its versatility.
The Stratus+ is especially great for cloud gaming on platforms like Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now, but its solid build and features also make it a great choice for games running via Winlator. The only downside is that it doesn’t support iPhones, limiting its cross-device compatibility.
Key Features:
- Wireless for Android, wired for PC
- Rechargeable battery with up to 90 hours of gameplay
- Hall-effect triggers for faster response
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional value with its long battery life
- Clickable joysticks, a rare feature for mobile controllers
- Compatible with both Android and PC
Reasons to Avoid:
- Doesn’t support iPhone
- Wired-only connection for PC
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which controller is the most comfortable for long sessions?
If you’re in it for the long haul, the Razer Kishi Ultra is hands-down the most comfortable. Its full-sized grips make it easy on the hands, even during marathon gaming sessions.
Can I use these controllers with cloud gaming services like Game Pass?
Absolutely! Both the GameSir G8 Galileo and Backbone One are great for cloud gaming, especially if you’re into PlayStation Remote Play or Xbox Game Pass.
Which controller works best with Winlator for PC games?
All the controllers on this list work well with Winlator, but the GameSir G8 Galileo stands out because of its versatile USB-C connection and overall comfort.
Do any of these controllers work wirelessly?
Yes! The SteelSeries Stratus+ is wireless for Android gaming and has an amazing 90-hour battery life, while the Scuf Nomad offers wireless Bluetooth connectivity for iPhone users.
After testing out these controllers on Winlator, I can confidently say that any of the five will give you a great mobile gaming experience. Personally, I lean toward the GameSir G8 Galileo for its blend of comfort, performance, and price, but each one has its strengths depending on what you’re looking for.
Whether you prioritize comfort, battery life, or seamless integration with cloud gaming, there’s something here for every mobile gamer. Happy gaming!
Hello winlator.org
I’d suggest the Nacon MG-X Pro.
It’s shaped like an Xbox controller, you can use it with “Fold” phones, and as long it doesnt have a mandatory USB-C you can set the phone in the best position you may like.
And battery lasts 20h, there isn’t a longer flight in the world, so you’re covered in any case ;).