The best iOS controller for Xbox gamers
The Xbox Wireless Controller is a great all-around gamepad for iOS devices, and it features a shape many people with larger hands will find comfortable.
Pros: Easy to switch between devices, Xbox One owners won’t have to buy a new controller, comfortable shape lends itself well to longer gaming sessions
Cons: Might be too large for some hands, requires batteries
Apple didn’t just throw PlayStation owners a bone in 2019; it also officially added support for the Xbox One controller. It’s the same basic concept — make it easy for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV owners to use a gaming controller they might already own, but this time, applied to the gamepad Microsoft has shipped with every console since 2013.
Most people probably won’t have to choose between an Xbox controller or a DualShock 4 for iOS, as it’s more likely you’ll own one or the other, and both are great performers. For those who do have an option, however, there are a few differences to note.
The most obvious is the shape: Microsoft opted for an asymmetric layout, slightly larger body, and more trigger-like shoulder buttons with its controller. It also chose to use AA batteries rather than a rechargeable battery, which can give the Xbox One controller a longer battery life at the expense of convenience.
I’ve been a PlayStation owner for most of my life, and I’m used to the DualShock lineup, but I’ll admit the Xbox One controller is a lot more comfortable when playing for extended periods. People with larger hands will probably prefer Microsoft’s offering; those with hands on the smaller side might be better off with Sony’s. But, again, the point is to use the controller you already own with as many devices as possible.
Pairing an Xbox One controller with an iOS or tvOS device is as easy as pressing the Xbox button, holding down the Pair button for a few seconds if it’s already connected to a console, and then selecting the controller from the Bluetooth menu of the device you want to play on. I haven’t encountered any issues switching between my iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV while I was evaluating the Xbox One controller for this guide.
It should be noted, however, that the brand-new version of the Xbox One controller released in conjunction with the Xbox Series S and X does not yet have official iOS support. It’s expected to be added, but only the older model linked to in this guide currently works with iOS.
$59.99 from Gamestop
$64.98 from Best Buy
$64.98 from Amazon