Top products from r/EmulationOnAndroid

I can't speak for the Beboncool, but the MOGA Hero Power is a bit meh with the twin sticks and the triggers (you get what you pay for). MOGAs are great though in that they're generally compatible with everything.

Additional side commentary fluff:
Something to consider - you can get a nicer controller if you take out a few options - if you don't need a clip, you're not going to be on the move and you have a phone stand, you could just get a normal bluetooth controller.
This controller I found was pretty good (although a bit annoying since my phone thought it was a keyboard):
https://www.amazon.com/Matricom-Wireless-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Compatible/dp/B015YF3YZ8
If you do decide on that though, keep in mind the thumbsticks are a lot better than the options you listed, but the dpad is garbage.

I would also say look into an OTG controller, but I researched your phone and it doesn't support it. Right now I use a wired iBuffalo USB controller and I love it.

I can't see a problem with it. I dunno anything about that controller but 8BitDo makes good stuff so it's probably a good choice. If you want something nice and compact, the NES30 Pro is also a good one.

Alternately if you want a controller that can hold your phone, the Ipega PG-9055 is a good bet as well.

If you're looking for controller info, check out our wiki on the sidebar as well. There's a ton of controller reviews available.

This is the controller I've been using. I absolutely love it. I have a Note 5 so it fills the center of it corner to corner perfectly. I would compare using it to a PSP/Switch.

I use it to play emulators on my phone, as well as play PC games using Steamlink/Moonlight

Highly recommend

I have heard the controller is sub par but much better than on screen controls. For just a little more you could get a last gen flag ship android phone, controller and huge SD card that would blow the gpd xd out of the water. If you wanted to spend another hundred you could get a s8/s8plus with this awesome no battery or blutooth needed telescopic controller https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077GK42QN/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1525976357&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=s8%2Bcontroller&th=1&psc=1#nav-search-keywords

I'm getting this one in the mail tomorrow. The only reason I didn't get the one from above is because it's only a part time entertainment phone. I need to be able to take it off and not need to worrie about putting my case back on.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077L8656T

The form factor of the iPega PG-9033 is nice, but the issue with that gamepad design is that it is incredibly top-heavy with modern smartphones and will put discomfort on your wrists while playing.

I stopped using my Moga Hero Power for that reason alone, as when I made the transition from my S3 Mini to my S8, it was incredibly uncomfortable to use after 30 minutes of play.

If you want to stick with a universal iPega controller, I would recommend the iPega PG-9055 ("Red Spider").

It pretty much fits any phone and even 7" tablets because it uses fasteners to grip your phone, rather than a telescopic arm.

If your phone is on the smaller side (i.e. 5"-5.75") and you use a thin TPU/rubber case, the "Wee" gamepad is probably the highest quality one money can buy. It's an exact copy of the PS Vita's design, except with the left thumbstick and d-pad inversed. All of the buttons are clicky microswitches like the PS Vita, rather than being membrane+contact like everything else. The L2 and R2 triggers aren't analog, but they basically act as a second set of bumpers (and have the same clicky microswitches).

I recently purchased the BEBONCOOL Bluetooth controller off of Amazon for use on my Z2 Play, and am very happy with it so far. The thumb sticks feel great, although I find myself wishing they had a lower profile sure to start and select button placement.

BEBONCOOL Android Wireless Game Controller for Android Phone/Tablet/Samsung Gear VR/Game Boy Emulator, Works with Bluetooth (Red) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0171JGYF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7oICCb4JF1CZN

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Controller-Telescopic-Connecting-Joystick/dp/B077L8656T

I love this controller. Makes my phone feel like a switch. Haven't noticed any input lag and it works great for ps1 games as well as NES and GBA.

Solidly built, very responsive and nice clickable buttons and triggers, and you can also click in the sticks.

It stretches to fit your phone (just check your phone length I think it needs to be under 6in). Won't fit in jeans pockets but it'll fit in cargo shorts or a hoodie. I keep it in my backpack and use it on the train

I use the GameSir G3s on my Shield Pro, works fine with all my emulators (I have a lot of them installed). It's not quite as good as the pair of DualShock4's I use on PC, but it's better than a 360 controller IMO. Comes with a free phone clip for OTG gaming & Happy Chick EMU as well, but I'd be cautious with that, mad shady permissions.

Posting again. I don't know if it's in the wiki, but this is a simple and solid setup. I'm playing MSG: Peacwalker with it:

I have a note 9 and bought an XBOX1 controller, then bought this doohickey
https://www.amazon.com/dainslef-Controller-Smartphone-Microsoft-Steelseries/dp/B01MSX55FM/

It works like a charm. You cant go wrong with the XBOX1 controller.

I like the beboncool controller from Amazon. Has 4 shoulder triggers and clickable joysticks and packs down pretty flat.

It's a little on the cheap side and less comfortable than an Xbox controller but it's a good trade off for something I use once a week.

Holds my OnePlus 5 well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IMSVVTU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522793265&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

Yes but you will need to buy the correct companion phone clip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NH9STL9

The connection point joining the 2 parts of the phone clip looks like an identical design to the earlier xtander clip.
This is just me looking at the photos though but I'm 99% sure my model will fit the new clip.
Let us know how you go!

Alright. This is gonna be a long comment so stick with me as you read it alright. Don't just scroll through it.

So based on your post, you're looking for a wireless controller with a good D-Pad similar to the ones you would find on a Nintendo Controller (Either the NES or SNES i'm assuming). If that is the case, you have two options. Both the options are based on the PS4 and Xbox One/Elite controllers respectively. With that being said, let me show you the controllers.


The first one is the GameSir G3s Bluetooth Controller. This controller is based on the PS4 controller, especially considering the triggers on the controllers based on what everyone says and my experience with the controller. This controller has built-in vibration feedback (spoiler alert: this function only works on PC and PS3). So this controller has a separate bracket for holding an average sized phone, turbo fire buttons, Bluetooth 4.0 as well as micro and mini USB connectivity for PC, PS3, and Android. It also comes with a wireless USB dongle as well (similar to the DJ Hero wireless connector or any wireless connector for a mouse and keyboard). This controller has a battery life of 18 hours as well.


The second option is the GameSir G4s Bluetooth Controller. Unlike the G3s, this controller is based on the Xbox One/Elite Controller as aforementioned earlier, especially considering the design of the controller itself. Also, the bracket is built inside the controller itself for the phone for less clutter. However, the clear and turbo buttons are placed inside where the bracket is located. If you look at some unboxing videos of it, you'll see what I mean. Another thing to note is that it has 10 hours of battery life instead of the G3s' 18 hour battery life. Other than that, it's the same thing as the G3s controller (Bluetooth 4.0, Wireless USB Dongle, Controller Vibrations, .etc).

There is a third option for your situation if you're on a budget, and that is the GameSir G3s WIRED Controller and the GameSir G3s WIRELESS Controller. Even though this is the cheapest option and is still compatible with Android, PC, and PS3, it doesn't come with a phone bracket. HOWEVER, I wouldn't get this because to order a phone bracket, you're gonna have to wait 2 weeks for a 8 to 10 dollar bracket for the controller if you're gonna buy one off Ebay because it ships from China. I don't know about shipping with the controller bracket off of Amazon, which costs 13 dollars, but I'm going to assume that it's going to take the same amount of time if you were to order it off of Ebay. With that being said, by the time you were to pay for the bracket with the Wired or USB Dongle Controller, you would've paid the same amount of money you would for the Bluetooth G3s Controller.

Too Fucking Long; Didn't Fucking Read: Either get the GameSir G3s Bluetooth Controller or the GameSir G4s Bluetooth Controller

Yes, I use one like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Controller-Retractable-Telescopic-Connecting/dp/B077L8656T

Works great!

I use this, except I snapped off the goofy plastic paw print analog covers and replaced them with a couple of these. Super easy mod, and the pad fits my S8 Plus very well in both portrait and landscape mode.

Yo! What have you guys been playing? Curious to see. Tell me everything! Anyone use controller adapters for phones like this one or is that mostly just unnecessary?

Mainly I'm looking for ideas on what to play on my phone...specifically at the Gym (makes exercise go quicker and is much more bearable!). Has to be something I can look away from for a while if necessary, ie something that doesn't need constant attention.

BEBONCOOL Android Wireless Game Controller for Android Phone/Tablet/Samsung Gear VR/Game Boy Emulator, Works with Bluetooth (Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171JGYF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_I3MmDbZ3FN1VY

I picked one of these up a year or so ago and haven't had any issues with it at all. I love the small yet comfortable form factor. I've never noticed any lag on it the entire time I've used it. It even has a clip that you can flip up to hold your phone and a mouse function built into it too

Yeah of course!
Doogee x30 (Never heard of any of this)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074RDM25X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3AQLK653DLQGI&psc=1

RCA G1 5.5"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P41FI5C/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2LFGKZNM31883

OYYU T81
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07566V6R6/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1GJOWY1YMYCKC

NuVision 8Inch (Looks good on paper to me?)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYZEPGP/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3KAAD1X8KMLSO

https://www.amazon.com/NeuTab-Android-Bluetooth-Supported-Certified/dp/B079YSY2VF/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1522209010&sr=8-13&keywords=tablet

Firstly, I recommend having a look at ipega's lineup of bluetooth controllers. (ipega.hk)
They have vastly different styles of controllers, with different shapes, sizes, layouts and holding mechanisms. None of them are very expensive. If you've decided on a controller type you can still look up reviews and if there are alternatives.

I recently got the ipega PG-9017S (amazon.com link) which is among the most compact bluetooth controllers for android which also holds the phone. I find it great for gaming on the go. Overall it's not amazing but very ok, with a d-pad that's a bit hard to press, mostly making diagonals a bit uncomfortable at first. Also the analog "nubs" don't compare to a stick, at all, which shouldn't be a major issue if emulation of N64 and newer consoles is not important to you. If portability for a cheap price is a priority for you, I can recommend it. I like it.

I have a Note 9 as well and I can't recommend the Wee controller enough. If you do want to get it, you might want to look into the Wee 2 as well, as it's (assumedly) an improvement. I've never bothered looking into it though because the Wee controller does everything I want it to.

> EDIT: Whoops, should've specified - I'm looking more for the ones that attach to the phone and make it more akin to a GBA or PSP and let you walk around with it, unless those are garbage. I will definitely look into 8bitdo's controllers too though!

8bitdo actually makes a clip to attach your phone to the controller, which would serve your purposes. https://www.amazon.com/8Bitdo-Xstander-Holder-SFC30-SNES30/dp/B017SFNW0E

As for my recommendation, I use a PowerA Moga Hero Power.

I’m afraid not lol. I was looking for it too before I bought gpd xd. Your best bet is to buy an old psp go and run cfw on it. It sucks though especially the battery life.

Or android phone with this controller

Ooooh, ok. Sorry about that, my mistake.

For a relatively budget option I like Bebencool's wireless controller (Amazon). It's a really good price, and all of the buttons on it are solid. I think it feels just a little bit cheap, but it is cheap and the build quality isn't bad at all.

And, as a weird coincidence that I didn't even realize, it actually supports wired as well as Bluetooth if you actually wanted to do what I first misinterpreted.

2. Meaning that the files are all in formats Drastic understands. For example, Nanostray.NDS. ".NDS" is the file format for DS roms. If Drastic doesn't see them, it means they're likely still in a compressed format(.7z for example). Remember to unzip rom files.
   
   
3. This looks like a good option for ya: https://www.amazon.com/Dainslef-Controller-Smartphone-Microsoft-Steelseries/dp/B01MSX55FM/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=gamepad+phone+clip&qid=1562127529&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Yeah there's no real way to tell and I really need a clip/mount for my phone for the way I want to play.

Link to clip. Anyone on here have one, or know a way to contact them maybe... haha

Stardew Valley is going to come out on Android "sometime".

As for a controller for your tablet the options in handheld mode are pretty limited to the Ipega 9023 and Ipega 9083, and also this controller that looks similar to the 9023 but has a different d-pad - https://www.amazon.com/ElementDigital-Bluetooth-Controller-Telescopic-Attachable/dp/B0783538GQ/

For tabletop mode you could use any compatible controller. An Xbox One controller would be a good choice. The 1st eddition controller doesn't have Bluetooth but the revised ones do. They are everywhere, available used, and heck you could even buy one locally and test it out and return it if for some reason it didn't work out.

Only thing to look out for OP is to get one of the xbox one controllers that supports bluetooth, the original ones did not, meaning you would have to use a wire. So double check!


Links for phone clip
Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

aliexpress.com

If you're serious about emulation you might want a decent D-pad. In my opinion the Moga and Sixaxis have subpar D-pads. This is the best one I've found:

http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Telescopic-Controller-IP117/dp/B00MUG3JPU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425668994&sr=8-1&keywords=ipega+pg-9023

GameSir makes some surprisingly good controllers. I currently use the G3s.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Wireless-Controller-Smartphone-playstation-3/dp/B019H5II8Y

They're the same

All Xbox one controllers work

I own this one: https://www.xbox.com/en-ca/xbox-one/accessories/controllers/grey-blue

Works out of the box with every controller supported games

Then grab a clip like this one https://www.amazon.com/dainslef-Controller-Smartphone-Microsoft-Steelseries/dp/B01MSX55FM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=xbox+clip+for+phone&qid=1570985009&sprefix=xbox+clip&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQzc4UlM3SU4xMk9DJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTA1Njg3MjdPNDVOR1hCNzdZNyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDc4MDMzMVpOVDVIMlpWM0dEMiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

It looks a lot like this one. Many of these cheap controllers are rebranded over and over. Some are acceptable quality, some aren't.

https://www.amazon.com/GameSir-T1s-Controller-Wireless-Smartphone/dp/B06XBXHG41/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=gamesir&qid=1562923081&s=gateway&sr=8-5

When I mentioned acts as a case, thats what I had in mind. something that protects your phone and it can slide out to show buttons and a d-pad or something if you wanted to game.

I really want this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0748S3GXG/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

I have no problems with using an attachment to hold the phone above the controller but its just too big. wish it was thinner.

My concern is if you're in bed, your arms will get tired/sore if you're trying to hold up a tablet or controller. At least if you're lying flat. If you can sit up and hold it in your lap, you're fine.

I have another suggestion. The Moga controller you linked is very cheap, but also very bad. Won't work with most apps and doesn't even have a d-pad. I understand you're on a very limited budget.

What about a Sony Xperia Play? It's even older and less powerful than the Moto E, so you can write off PSP emulation entirely. But none of the devices you're looking at would do PSP well anyway. The Xperia Play has a slide out gamepad, it can still play PS1 and GBA games, and it sells for only around $50 used.

If you want to get a tablet, while the Ipega 9023 or similar telescoping controllers may seem like the only way to go, you can really use any bluetooth controller as long as you have a way of propping it up. Hell, you don't even need bluetooth - if the tablet supports USB OTG (and most should), you can hook up a wired controller, and those could be even cheaper. Of course then you have to buy a USB OTG cable, around $5.

You could afford a used Amazon Fire tablet for around $28, leaving you $20 for a controller. That's enough for this full-sized Matricom controller. Then you'd just have to figure out a way to prop up your tablet. If you are able to put an inclined flat surface on your lap (or your knees, if you are able to raise them), you can rest the tablet there.

You can get these cheaper.

This is my favorite design so far.

I'm late to the party but this is a lightning deal on Amazon for 30 more minutes. $37.99 USD.

GameSir G4s Bluetooth Wireless Gaming Controller for Android/Windows/VR https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HNXGKT6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_d6FJybNJ3F7WB

You should look into controllers with a built in clip like this one. Telescopic controllers just aren't going to work with the N10+.

https://www.amazon.com/BEBONCOOL-Wireless-Controller-Compatible-Bluetooth/dp/B01IMSVVTU

Of course, here you go :-)

Where are you located?

Amazon have this next day with prime.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Dainslef-Controller-Smartphone-Microsoft-Steelseries/dp/B01MSX55FM/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=xbox+one+controller+bracket&qid=1554407519&refresh=1&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Link to the amazon page if you need more info: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Controller-Retractable-Telescopic-Joystick/dp/B077L8656T

Been wanting to get one of these kind of controllers for my phone but 40+ bucks is a little much for me.

Actually yeah I use one of these ( https://www.amazon.com/Controller-Foldable-Smartphone-Microsoft-Steelseries/dp/B01MSX55FM ). It works alright if you don't take the controller out of the clip often (which I do). It hits the pair button when you put it on which makes it frustrating to take in and out.

Here is another one that says it works on Samsung, and cheaper too.

Cable Matters MHL 2.0 to HDMI Adapter with integrated USB Charging Port and 6 Feet Charging Cable for Samsung Galaxy S3/S4/S5/Note 2/Note 3/Note 8.0/Note 10.1 - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ESM3Q7K/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_rikavb0ME8EY6

dainslef Xbox One Controller Foldable Mobile Phone Holder Smartphone Clamp Game Clip for Microsoft Xbox One S Game Controller Steelseries Nimbus Duo for iPhone Samsung Sony HTC LG Huawei(Clip Only) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSX55FM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RQRzDbCCPSHW6

>8bitdo SN30 Pro+

These 2 things?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/8Bitdo-Wireless-Bluetooth-Nintendo-Raspberry/dp/B07T8JKVNT?SubscriptionId=AKIAJV4KMHBMUG36SMIQ&tag=pcmaguk-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B07T8JKVNT&ascsubtag=79b16bc0-f683-4483-9c6b-b7a56dde2a7e

https://www.amazon.co.uk/8Bitdo-Smartphone-Clip-Nintendo-Switch/dp/B01NH9STL9/ref=pd_bxgy_63_img_3/261-1970227-8017029?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01NH9STL9&pd_rd_r=ccd4a1f3-154c-4f21-a3e0-c6d642731134&pd_rd_w=mMdBn&pd_rd_wg=xcngh&pf_rd_p=6f720012-7a84-4e92-a268-5ba72c1e4b52&pf_rd_r=X5ZRTG2AP52HVWXZ98GW&psc=1&refRID=X5ZRTG2AP52HVWXZ98GW

Bounabay Wireless Telescopic Bluetooth Controller Gamepad for Android,Green https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XNJ689K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6lX3DbH87WPPJ

The Gamesir T1S would be my recommendation.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IMSVVTU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_9sHQDbGQ23V17

It was cheap, had a way to hold my phone and when I got it it was built fine and looked okay. But the buttons just didn't work. The left joystick hit right, up, and down in that order no matter which direction you moved it, and none of the other buttons worked.

It's my fault for not shopping around more before buying.

Hmm, I haven't experienced any issues quite that bad. I'm also on an Asus RT-N66U router, with a rooted TMobile Note 4. GBA/SNES RPGs are running splendidly, though with the aforementioned ~300ms display lag.

If you want some higher performance, you may want to consider the MHL2/HDMI adapter that /u/TwitchingDed posted above: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ESM3Q7K/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_rikavb0ME8EY6 - Mine was just delivered today and I'm itching to try it out.

There's a few other controllers like it, in general they're called "telescopic controllers". Flydigi makes a few including the Wee, Wee 2, and Wee 2T. They're more on the expensive side, but they're custom made rather than using generic parts such as the Daqi M1 (the IPEGA Red Knight basically is the same controller but with a worse firmware).

I just got the FlyDigi Wee 2 and my god does the D-Pad feel awful. Also, really don't like the tiny range of the analog stick. Feels even worse than a JoyCon analog stick.

If you're willing to go all in price be damned, I think you have to do the following system:

1. 8bitdo SF30 Pro $40
   https://www.amazon.com/8Bitdo-SF30-Controller-Windows-macOS-Android/dp/B0748S3GXG
   
   
2. Phone Mount Clip $10
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B2V1SZZ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_3fiECbSFGM354?creativeASIN=B07B2V1SZZ&linkCode=w61&imprToken=3kZ8spbblHYrQmXLVjStIA&slotNum=0&tag=tv-auto-20
   
   
3. 3D Print Invert Clip to center phone over the controller for weight balance (Free to $10 depending on your access to 3D printers. There are websites that can print and send it to you for around $10.)
   https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3460395
   
   As far as I've heard, this is the most no compromise controller setup out there. The one big thing I hear is its a pain in the butt to take the clip system off every time you have to charge the controller since the port is on top where the clip goes.
   
   I'm going to return the Flydigi Wee 2 and try this out next I believe. I did the Power Moga Hero Pro before that and it was too top heavy and the controller felt too small as well.