Gaming on mobile devices just keeps getting better and better these days. Android tablets are particularly great, as their larger screens make them more convenient.
However, touchscreen controls aren’t quite as precise or satisfying as a proper controller. Don’t fret, though, there are many gaming controllers you could be using instead!
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In this article, we’ll talk about 5 of the best gaming controllers you can pick up for your Android tablet.
Best Game Controller for Android Tablet
Getting a controller for your Android tablet is relatively simple. Any controller that has Bluetooth support will do. However, there’s a lot of variety of controllers to choose from, nonetheless!
Sadly, there aren’t as many controllers made purely for tablets. Most controllers for mobile devices have a dock where you can fit in a mobile phone. However, there are very few that can fit a tablet!
You may need to get an external tablet stand to properly use those controllers. Thankfully, this quick chart will let you know which controllers on this list require tablet stands.
| Best Gaming Controllers for Android | Tablet Stand Required? | Mobile Devices Supported | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| ipega-PG-9083S | No | iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets | |
| PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus | Yes, but it’s included | Android Phones, Android Tablets | |
| 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro | Yes | iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets | |
| PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller | Yes | iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets | |
| Xbox Core Wireless Controller | Yes | iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets |
| Best Gaming Controllers for Android | Tablet Stand Required? | Mobile Devices Supported | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| ipega-PG-9083S | No | iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets | |
| PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus | Yes, but it’s included | Android Phones, Android Tablets | |
| 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro | Yes | iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets | |
| PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller | Yes | iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets | |
| Xbox Core Wireless Controller | Yes | iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets |
Most Portable: ipega-PG-9083S
Our first recommendation is the most fit for portable gaming. Unlike the majority of controllers for tablets, this one is made as a dock. You can nicely fit your tablet in the middle, which is decently comfortable.
The grip can stretch to hold tablets between 5.3 inches to 11 inches, so it should fit most standard tablets out there. Make sure to measure your tablet just in case, though!
You can connect the controller wirelessly and its battery should last for around 15 hours. Of course, it’s a built-in rechargeable battery, so just charge it back up when you’re not gaming.
The downside to the portability and convenience? The controller itself is not particularly good if we’re being honest.
Sure, we love that it can hold the tablet without needing a stand! But we wish the controller’s build and responsiveness were better. It’s certainly decent enough, but there are better options out there.
Pros
- One of the very few controller grips that can hold tablets
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
- Fair pricing
- Stretches to hold tablets up to 11 inches
Cons
- Build quality feels flimsy
- Responsiveness feels lacking
Most Versatile: PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus
Do you happen to game on phones as well as tablets? This is for you!
PowerA’s MOGA XP7-X Plus (that’s a mouthful!) is a grip-style controller, though the grip is only fitting for phones. While that’s a shame, the controller comes bundled with a tablet stand as well!
You can use the grip to fit your mobile phone and the stand when using your tablet. It’s quite handy if you game on both devices. Additionally, the controller is also useable on Windows PCs and Xbox consoles!
The controller can be connected either wireless or with a USB cable, whichever you prefer. We did say this was our most versatile pick, after all!
There are no official specs on its battery life, but it seems to last a bit over 10 hours. It even includes a power bank to wirelessly charge your phone while gaming, though this doesn’t seem to work on tablets.
How’s the controller itself, though? It’s pretty decent and responsive! It feels better than the average mobile controller for sure. Fittingly, it also costs a good tad more than the average, however.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Perfect for both phones and tablets
- Includes a tablet stand for more comfortable gaming
- Can be used either wired via USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth
- Well-made and responsive controller
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Not very portable
Best for Retro Games: 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro
If you’re a fan of retro games, this controller might make you feel a little nostalgic. Ever imagine what the baby of an SNES controller and a DualShock would look like? This is it!
The 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro’s design isn’t just great for nostalgia. It’s also fantastic due to its compact form factor, which makes it great to take with you along with your tablet.
This controller comes with an additional grip to fit a mobile phone. Sadly, it’s not big enough for a tablet and a tablet stand isn’t included either. Huge shame, honestly.
This controller feels really well made and has a nice responsiveness, no complaints there!
It also comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts around 16 hours or so. Plenty of game time, right? You can charge it back up via USB when it’s drained.
Pros
- Compact design inspired by classic controllers
- Included clip for mobile phones
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Feels very responsive
- High-quality build
Cons
- The included clip isn’t big enough for tablets
- Requires a tablet stand for comfortable use
Best for PlayStation Fans: PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
Those of you who love PlayStation controllers are in luck! The PS5’s DualSense is actually fully compatible with Android tablets.
How come? Well, it just uses standard Bluetooth for connectivity, so it works the same as any other Bluetooth controller.
Of course, this is a controller primarily made for the PS5, so it doesn’t really have any Android-specific features. It works great, but you will need to use a tablet stand for comfortable gaming.
The DualSense itself is a fantastic controller, however. We understand wanting to use it on your tablet despite it not being optimized for it!
It has a built-in battery that can be charged via USB and lasts around 10 hours on average.
The price is a bit steep, and perhaps overkill if you’re getting it just for use on an Android tablet. However, note that you can also use it on Windows PCs and the PS5. Perfect if you game on those systems!
Pros
- Top-tier quality
- Can be used on Android as well as PCs and PS5
- Great variety of colors available
- Extremely responsive
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- It might be overkill if you only want it for Android gaming
- You will need to get a tablet stand for comfortable use
Best for Xbox Fans: Xbox Core Wireless Controller
We weren’t just going to give something to PlayStation fans and leave the Xbox fans out. The Xbox Series controllers are also useable on Android tablets!
It can be paired with your Android tablet as a regular Bluetooth device, just like the DualSense. You can also use it with Xbox consoles and Windows PCs via Bluetooth or USB.
Of course, the main issue here is the same as with the DualSense. This controller is primarily made for use on Xbox consoles, so it has no Android-specific features.
On the upside, this is an extremely good controller. It performs as well as you might imagine for an official Xbox controller! The triggers feel particularly satisfying when playing shooters.
It’s very responsive and precise, so you’re definitely getting a great controller. As long as you don’t mind having to get a stand for your tablet, that is.
The biggest downside is that it doesn’t have built-in batteries. You’ll need to get standard AA batteries to use it wirelessly. Feels a bit dumb to not have a built-in battery in this day and age, but oh well.
Pros
- Extremely well made
- Very precise and responsive
- Satisfying and responsive triggers
- Very large variety of designs and colors
- Can also be used with Xbox consoles and PCs
Cons
- A tad too pricey if you only want it for Android gaming
- You will need to get a tablet stand separately
To Sum Up
Sadly, the Android tablet controller market isn’t as robust as the one for Android phones. Still, there are some great options, provided you’re willing to also get a stand for your tablet.
That’s why the ipega-PG-9083S is our first recommendation. It’s not a particularly great controller on its own, but its wide grip can easily dock a tablet for comfortable portable gaming.
On the other hand, we appreciate the PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus’s versatility. The included tablet stand makes it great for use with either phones or tablets!
The 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro is great too, of course. The retro form factor is both nostalgic and convenient for portability, so it’s hard to complain. Would be nicer if it included a tablet stand, tho!
Lastly, both the PlayStation DualSense and Xbox Core Controller are fantastic choices. They’re not tailor-made for Android gaming, but they work great. Plus, they’re some of the best-made controllers you can get!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a dedicated controller for Android tablet?
Most controllers that work for Android tablet are multi-purpose controllers, which means that they can also be connected to a phone or a console.
2. Can you play on an Android tablet using a wired controller?
Absolutely. Even though most Android tablet controllers come with Bluetooth as their main connection, you can also connect them with an OTG cable.
3. Which controllers are compatible with Android Tablet?
Most of the mobile controllers are compatible with Android tablet and even some of the controllers from PS5 and Xbox are good enough for portable gaming.
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