Xbox Cloud gaming is here and looks to be very promising for the future of gaming. Full-scale games can now be played on a phone or tablet, with graphical and performance capabilities that rival consoles or PC. In order to take advantage of cloud gaming, you must have the right hardware.
Fortunately, most modern devices (made within the last two or three years) are capable of running cloud gaming. Use this link to see which devices meet the requirements to run Xbox Cloud Gaming. Aside from the device running the game, you will need a Bluetooth controller. In this article, I will cover which controllers are a good fit.
Xbox Controllers
The Xbox controller seems like a natural progression, as the gaming service is provided by Xbox, but not all of these controllers will work. Microsoft makes controllers with and without Bluetooth, so make sure you have the right device before trying to connect to a mobile device.
Here’s how to know if your controller runs Bluetooth, and can be connected to a mobile device. The plastic section surrounding the Xbox button, between the left and right bumper, will be one of two ways; Part of the controller body or part of the bumper and trigger section.
If the controller is equipped with Bluetooth, the plastic surrounding the Xbox button is molded in the same material as the entire controller body (Pictured below).
Controllers without Bluetooth have a shiny plastic section that is part of the bumper and trigger body section (Pictured below)
Accessory clips can be purchased for Xbox controllers, to hold your phone while you play. OtterBox sells these clips for $30. This is the configuration that I use for cloud gaming because I like the familiar feel of an Xbox controller and the position of the phone is perfect.
8BitDo Controller
If you’re looking for a small form factor handset, the 8BitDo controller may be a good fit. It is roughly the size and shape of the old Super Nintendo controller. I like this device because it is very portable; good for gaming just about anywhere. It’s easy to tuck into a side pocket of a backpack and not take up much space. The small size can somewhat take away from gameplay, especially if you are more accustomed to playing on a larger (Xbox) controller. Just be aware that it takes some getting used to.
This controller has an internal battery that charges using a USB-C interface. Each charge will last for at least 10 hours of gameplay. I average about 12 hours of gameplay per charge. It can be purchased with or without a phone clip, but I would recommend getting the clip. At a price of $44.99, including the phone clip, this is a good affordable handset.
Razer Kishi
The Razer Kishi is a controller style that wraps around the smartphone, similar to the Joycons on a Nintendo Switch. This design makes for a more solid gaming device style, somewhat like a PSP (Playstation Portable). The design of the Kishi allows the controller to plug into the phone’s charging port, eliminating the need for an internal battery or wireless connectivity. As a plug-and-play device, there is almost no latency like what might be seen with Bluetooth devices.
This is one device that I have yet to test because overall device size, with a phone, is rather bulky for the way that I play. Based on the reviews of a few friends, however, this is a very good option for cloud gaming.
Everything Else
There are several controllers on the market that are similar to the three listed above. These aftermarket devices could save some money, but it’s hard to say which of these are actually worth the purchase. I’m all for saving money, but do your research before spending anything. There’s nothing worse than throwing money away on a devie that won’t work for your style of play.
Below are a few options available on Amazon.