Mobile gaming has come a long way from its humble beginnings, evolving from slot demo simple touch-based experiences to full-fledged titles that rival console and PC games in quality. While touch controls are convenient for casual games, some mobile titles offer more complex gameplay that benefits from physical controllers. Thankfully, many of the best mobile games now support external controllers, enhancing the experience by offering more precise control, especially for action-packed, platformer, and shooter games.
Here are some of the best mobile games with controller support that deliver an incredible experience for gamers who prefer physical controls.
1. Call of Duty: Mobile
Call of Duty: Mobile has become one of the biggest names in mobile first-person shooters, offering high-octane action and stunning graphics that mirror its console counterparts. The game includes fan-favorite modes like team deathmatch, battle royale, and zombie mode, making it a comprehensive package for FPS enthusiasts.
While the game plays well with touch controls, using a controller significantly enhances the experience. Players can enjoy more accurate aiming, better movement control, and a generally smoother experience, especially in competitive multiplayer matches. Call of Duty: Mobile supports most Bluetooth controllers, making it one of the best games to play with a gamepad.
Why it’s great with a controller: The fast-paced action and need for precision make a controller essential for improving your performance in both multiplayer and battle royale modes.
2. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a critically acclaimed roguelike action-platformer that’s known for its challenging gameplay and fluid combat. In this game, players take on the role of a reanimated corpse as they explore a series of procedurally generated dungeons, fight enemies, and collect various weapons and upgrades. Its fast, responsive combat system and punishing difficulty require precise controls, making it a natural fit for controller support.
The game’s pixel art style and tight mechanics are perfectly suited for gaming on the go, but using a controller elevates the experience by giving players more responsive inputs, allowing for better dodging, jumping, and attacking.
Why it’s great with a controller: The fast-paced action and platforming are more responsive and enjoyable with precise control inputs, especially in tense combat situations.
3. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG that has taken the gaming world by storm with its massive world, engaging story, and satisfying combat system. With its impressive visuals and cross-platform play, Genshin Impact is one of the most ambitious mobile games ever made.
While it’s possible to play the game using touch controls, the addition of controller support on mobile makes a huge difference. A controller allows for more comfortable exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, especially when navigating the game’s expansive world or engaging in intense battles.
Why it’s great with a controller: The vast open-world exploration and complex combat system feel smoother and more intuitive with a controller, providing console-quality gameplay on mobile.
4. GRID Autosport
For racing fans, GRID Autosport offers one of the most realistic and visually impressive racing experiences on mobile. The game features high-quality graphics, multiple tracks, and a variety of race types, from traditional circuits to street racing.
While GRID Autosport supports tilt and touch controls, it truly shines when played with a controller. With better control over acceleration, braking, and steering, players can get the most out of the game’s realistic driving mechanics. GRID Autosport feels like a console racing game, and playing with a controller is the best way to experience the high-speed thrills it offers.
Why it’s great with a controller: The precise inputs needed for competitive racing are far easier with a controller, giving you better control over your vehicle in tight corners and high-speed straights.
5. Fortnite
Fortnite is one of the most popular battle royale games globally, and it’s available on mobile with full controller support. Known for its building mechanics and large-scale multiplayer battles, Fortnite can be played using touch controls, but a controller gives players an undeniable edge, especially in fast-paced situations.
Using a controller on mobile allows for more precise aiming, faster building, and smoother movement, all of which are crucial for gaining an advantage in competitive matches. If you’re serious about winning your next Fortnite battle royale match, a controller is a must-have.
Why it’s great with a controller: The complex building and shooting mechanics are much easier to execute with a controller, offering a significant advantage in gameplay.
6. Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm
For fans of action-adventure games, Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm offers a Zelda-like experience with gorgeous graphics, a compelling story, and challenging puzzles. The game follows a young hero on a journey through a fantastical world filled with monsters, treasures, and epic bosses.
While Oceanhorn 2 is enjoyable with touch controls, using a controller significantly improves combat and exploration. The game’s third-person perspective, coupled with complex combat mechanics, feels much more natural and immersive when played with a physical controller, making it a must-play for fans of action RPGs.
Why it’s great with a controller: The game’s exploration and combat are more fluid and immersive, making the overall experience closer to playing a console action-adventure game.
7. Horizon Chase
Horizon Chase is a retro-inspired arcade racing game that channels the spirit of classic 16-bit racers like Out Run and Top Gear. The game’s colorful visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and exciting soundtrack make it a joy for fans of arcade racing.
While the touch controls are functional, Horizon Chase really shines when played with a controller. The added precision in steering and acceleration enhances the game’s responsiveness, providing a more authentic arcade racing experience. Horizon Chase is perfect for quick bursts of fun, and a controller makes it even better.
Why it’s great with a controller: Its arcade-style gameplay benefits greatly from precise steering and braking, making every race feel more competitive and fun.
8. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
A true classic, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is now available on mobile, bringing its iconic action-platforming and exploration to a new audience. This Metroidvania classic is known for its deep exploration, challenging combat, and atmospheric pixel art.
While the mobile port offers touch controls, the game is far more enjoyable with a controller, as it was originally designed for physical input. Whether you’re jumping, attacking, or exploring the game’s vast castle, a controller gives you the precision and comfort needed to fully enjoy this classic.
Why it’s great with a controller: The game’s complex movement and combat mechanics feel much more natural and fluid with a physical controller, offering a superior experience to touch controls.
9. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game where players can plant crops, raise animals, and build relationships with townspeople. It offers a relaxing, slow-paced gameplay experience with retro-inspired graphics.
While the game is perfectly playable with touch controls, using a controller on mobile makes it much easier to navigate menus, move your character, and perform tasks like fishing or farming. The comfort and simplicity of a controller enhance the laid-back nature of Stardew Valley, making it a perfect game for extended sessions on the go.
Why it’s great with a controller: The added precision and comfort of a controller make farming, fishing, and interacting with the game’s world much more intuitive.
10. Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla is a fast-paced platform fighter in the vein of Super Smash Bros., with up to eight players battling it out on various stages. The game’s simple controls and wide variety of characters make it an exciting and accessible fighting game for mobile players.
Although the game can be played with touch controls, using a controller allows for more precise movement, attacks, and dodges. This is especially important in competitive matches, where a slight advantage can make all the difference.
Why it’s great with a controller: The precision and speed required for platform fighting games make a controller the best way to play, giving you a clear edge over touch controls.
Conclusion
With the rise of mobile gaming, controller support has become a game-changer for players who want a more immersive, console-like experience. From competitive shooters like Call of Duty: Mobile to relaxing adventures like Stardew Valley, these games prove that physical controls can elevate the mobile gaming experience, offering greater precision, comfort, and immersion. Whether you’re playing intense action games or taking a relaxing break, a controller can make all the difference.
