The best iPhone & iPad gaming accessories
Apple Apple Inc iPhone iPad iPod touch iPod nano Apple TV Apple iPod shuffle iphone 6 iphone 6s ios 9 ios9 iTunes i mac mac os x mac osx Apple Computer Apple Computer Inc. Mac OS X iMac iBook Mac Pro MacBook Pro Magic Pad Magic Mouse iPod classic App Store iTunes Store iBook Store mac book Microsoft Adobe Research in Motion RIM Nokia Samsung Google Nvidia Intel
Wesley Hilliard
The iPhone and iPad are great gaming devices on their own, but you can transform them into console-like devices with the right accessories. We've gathered the best ones to try.
https://photos5.appleinsider.com/v9/images/apple-touch-icon-57.png
AppleInsider
The iPhone and iPad are great gaming devices on their own, but you can transform them into console-like devices with the right accessories. We've gathered the best ones to try.

Many games made for mobile work great with hand-held touch controls, but that isn't always the case. Adding in some dedicated gear for gaming can make a big difference.

Standalone controllers

Sony DualSense and Xbox Core

The best accessory is usually the one you already have. Apple has enabled full compatibility with Xbox 360, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PlayStation 5 game controllers.

Apple has even baked in compatibility with many of Sony's DualSense functions like advanced haptics, adaptive triggers, and the touch pad. Developers have to enable these features in the games, but the option does exist. However, you're more likely to take advantage of this when using PS5 remote play.

Any modern Xbox controller with Bluetooth will work great with your Apple devices. The most recent Xbox Core controller is the best option for compatibility and battery life.

Both the Xbox Core and Sony DualSense come in various colors and charge via USB-C. Sony's use of LEDs and other functions make its battery last only about 12 hours on a single charge. Xbox Core's battery is rated for 40 hours, so it is likely the better choice for mobile gaming.

We wouldn't recommend buying the older Xbox and Playstation controllers new, but you can score a bargain on them depending on where you look.

Xbox Adaptive Controller

The single best option for gaming accessibility is the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Microsoft designed the Adaptive Controller with an extensive range of customization for anyone with limited mobility.

The base device acts as a basic controller on its own, but there are ways to connect various assistive devices, joysticks, buttons, and other items to fit any need. This controller is fully compatible with games built for iPhone and iPad and connects via Bluetooth or USB-C.

GameSir

Many third-party gaming companies make controllers that fit any budget, but we're here to discuss the best options for your money. If you don't have an Xbox or PlayStation controller handy, the next best thing is a controller from GameSir.

These controllers are great companions to your iPhone and iPad thanks to their comfortable design, 8- to 10-hour battery life, and wide range of compatibility. They are made from translucent plastic, have turbo modes, customizable LEDs, and the T4 Pro has additional customizable triggers.

The GameSir T4 Pro also has an optional iPhone mount that makes your iPhone float above the controller when used. There's more on controller mounts later.

You can't beat these controllers for the price, especially when compared to the Sony DualSense, which is nearly twice as much. They are also frequently on sale for as much as 50% off.

Attached controllers

Using a standalone controller isn't always ideal, especially for mobile products. So, the alternative is to make the accessory attach directly to your iPhone.

Sadly, there aren't any iPad-attached controllers in recent generations, so this category is primarily for iPhones. There are multiple methods for connecting your iPhone and controller, but it depends on the use case and personal preference.

Backbone One

The Backbone One refined an existing idea of having a large clamping mechanism place controllers on either side of the iPhone. The final result is a Nintendo Switch-like handheld with a physically attached controller connected via the Lightning port.

Since it connects via Lightning, there's no need to charge the controller either, and there's passthrough charging. The Lightning port also acts as a wired connection to PC and Mac, so it doubles as a standalone controller without an iPhone inserted.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a substantial camera bump, so a 3D printed accessory is needed for your iPhone to fit. It is a free accessory that can be ordered from Backbone. We hope a future model will account for Apple's ever-increasing camera bump.

RiotPWR

The RiotPWR ESL game controller has a built-in mount for iPhone and connects via Lightning. The cable is extra long, and the iPhone mount is removable, so it also works well wired to Lightning-based iPads.

The controller is a good weight, so it doesn't feel too heavy even with an iPhone set in the mount. Also, the mount is secure and doesn't feel like your device could fall out at an odd angle.

There is a built-in headphone jack so you can wire in for audio without lag. There is also a Lightning port for passthrough charging of your iPhone.

Controller mounts

Rather than buy an entire controller with a dedicated mount, you can add a mount to your existing Playstation or Xbox controller. It achieves the same result as the built-in mount in the RiotPWR controller and the optional attachment in the GameSir T4 Pro.

This is by far the cheapest option if you already have a controller handy to take advantage of.

Cases and stands

This section covers iPad-specific accessories. While you could place your iPhone into a stand or use a case with a kickstand, it isn't ideal, and we'd recommend using the previously mentioned attached controller methods.

Pair these accessories with a standalone controller mentioned above for the ultimate portable gaming station.

iPad Stands

Get your iPad up where you can see it with a good stand that transforms it into a tiny monitor. Different stands achieve different goals.

Folding stands are useful for getting the iPad in the perfect position for certain game types. While these can be used with controllers, they can also be folded down to a prone position so that the iPad can be used for tap-heavy games like rhythm games.

iPad Cases

If you want something more versatile than a stationary stand, get a good iPad case. Folio cases are excellent for propping the iPad up vertically for controller play or lying down at a slant for tapping play.

Choosing what's best

Choosing the right accessories comes down to budget and personal preference. There's no ceiling to how complex you can get with your iPhone or iPad gaming setup.