Controller Reviews
Controller recommendations by platform and use case
Choosing the right controller depends on your device and play style. Here are our top picks based on community experience and compatibility testing.
Best Overall
PlayStation DualSense / DualShock 4
Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac
Profile: Extended2+ (full button set including L3/R3)
Why: Native Apple support since iOS 14.5 / tvOS 14.5. Excellent d-pad, analog sticks, and triggers. Touchpad not used. Widely available and affordable.
Tip: Update firmware via a PS5 or the DualSense firmware updater for best Bluetooth stability.
Xbox Series X|S Controller
Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac
Profile: Extended2+ (full button set)
Why: Native Apple support since iOS 14.5 / tvOS 14.5. Familiar layout, excellent triggers, long battery life with AAs or rechargeable pack. Share button supported on newer models.
Tip: Bluetooth model required (has no 3.5mm jack on bottom = Bluetooth). Older Xbox One controllers without Bluetooth won't pair.
Best for iPhone (Form-Fitting)
Razer Kishi (v1 / v2)
Rating: ●●●●●
Profile: Extended2+
Why: Turns your iPhone into a handheld console. USB-C passthrough charging, low latency (wired connection), comfortable grip. The best portable experience.
Limitations: iPhone only (no iPad/Apple TV). Device size must fit the cradle.
Backbone One
Profile: Extended2+
Why: Excellent build quality, Lightning and USB-C versions available. Includes its own app with social features. Low latency wired connection.
Limitations: iPhone only. Backbone app features are separate from Provenance.
Best for Apple TV
PlayStation or Xbox Controller (above)
The best Apple TV controllers are the same standalone controllers you'd use with a console. Both PlayStation and Xbox controllers are excellent choices — pick whichever layout you prefer.
Siri Remote (Basic Games Only)
Profile: Micro (limited buttons)
Requires: tvOS 17+
Use for: Simple games (NES, Game Boy, Atari) where you only need a d-pad and two buttons
Not recommended for: Anything requiring shoulder buttons, analog sticks, or more than 2 face buttons
Best for iPad
8BitDo Pro 2
Profile: Extended2+ (with firmware update)
Why: Retro aesthetic, excellent d-pad, multi-platform support. Switch between Apple, Android, and PC modes.
Tip: Update to latest firmware for best iOS/iPadOS compatibility.
SteelSeries Nimbus+
Rating: ●●●●◐
Profile: Extended (with L3/R3)
Why: MFi certified, reliable pairing, includes iPhone mount. Good all-around option for iPad and Apple TV.
Limitations: No Select/Start buttons — Provenance maps L2/R2 as Select/Start for systems that need them.
Budget Options
8BitDo SN30 / SF30
Rating: ●●◐○○
Profile: Standard+ (iCade mode)
Why: Affordable retro-styled controllers. Great for 8-bit and 16-bit systems that don't need analog sticks.
Limitations: iCade mode — less fluid than MFi. Requires legacy firmware for iOS/tvOS. Cannot use two iCade controllers simultaneously.
8BitDo Zero 2
Rating: ●●○○○
Profile: Standard+ (iCade mode)
Why: Ultra-compact, keychain-sized. Fun novelty for basic games.
Limitations: Tiny size makes extended play uncomfortable. iCade mode only. Limited button count.
Legacy / Discontinued (Still Available Used)
GameVice (iPhone)
MFi
Extended
Great form-fitting option, check model compatibility
MOGA Rebel
iCade
Extended
Decent standalone, iCade limitations apply
Logitech Powershell
MFi
Standard
iPhone 5/5s/SE (1st gen) / iPod Touch 5th gen only
Steam Controller
pseudo-MFi
Extended2+
Requires BLE firmware. Won't auto-reconnect (needs app relaunch)
Quick Reference
iPhone (portable)
Razer Kishi
Backbone One
iPhone (standalone)
DualSense
Xbox Series Controller
iPad
DualSense / Xbox
SteelSeries Nimbus+
Apple TV
DualSense / Xbox
SteelSeries Nimbus+
Mac
DualSense / Xbox
8BitDo Pro 2
Budget
8BitDo SN30
8BitDo Zero 2
Retro purist
8BitDo SN30
8BitDo Pro 2
Tips for All Controllers
Firmware updates matter — Update your controller firmware for the best Bluetooth stability and compatibility
Pair one at a time — When adding a new controller, disconnect others to avoid conflicts
MFi vs iCade — MFi controllers are strongly recommended. iCade controllers use keyboard hacks and have limitations (no analog input, only one at a time)
Bluetooth range — ~30 feet / 10 meters line of sight. Walls and interference reduce range
Apple TV + Ethernet — Using wired Ethernet on Apple TV improves Bluetooth controller performance by reducing WiFi/Bluetooth interference
For full button mapping details, see Control Maps. For the complete compatibility table, see Supported Controllers.
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