It started as Project xCloud (Preview), where you were able to fully play a handful of Xbox games on approved Android mobile devices. Games like Gears of War 5, Destiny 2, and Tekken 7 were fully playable via the Xbox Streaming (preview) app over the internet. Soon, on September 15, 2020, more than 100+ games are coming to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers for play on their Android devices. All you need is an Ultimate subscription and a phone or tablet running Android version 6.0 or greater with Bluetooth version 4.0+. While playing streamed games on wifi is nice, 5G has become prevalent now. Playing Xbox games outside of your home through Cloud Gaming is about to become even more of a reality now.
Cloud Gaming (Beta) with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
So, let’s say you have the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a compatible device. If you have a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox Wireless Controller, then you are all set for tablet play. For phones, all you need is a $10 to $15 clip to snap your phone to your controller to play sensibly on-the-go. However, you do not necessarily have to use an Xbox One controller. RFMag has already reviewed compatible controllers that you can use with the Xbox Game Pass app on September 15.
Here are my picks of controllers that you can use for mobile Xbox gaming. We verified each controller’s compatibility using the Xbox Streaming (preview) app, a Samsung Galaxy S20, playing Destiny 2 and Tekken 7.
Razer Kishi for Android
| Cost: | $99.99 |
| Where to Buy: | https://www.Razer.com/mobile-controllers/Razer-kishi/RZ06-02900200-R3M1 |
| Our Review: | https://royalflushmagazine.com/technology/tech-review/mobile-Xbox-gaming-Razer-kishi-controller-review/ |
| Pros: | Direct (non-wireless) connection, most portable, no need for charging |
| Cons: | No compatibility with tablets (due to lack of Bluetooth) |
| Need to buy Controller Clip? | No |
The Razer Kishi is already a homerun for Android gaming, as no other controller now is more immediately ready for on-the-go gaming that this one. There is no need to charge the controller or pair via Bluetooth, as it just snaps onto your phone and works right away. That saves you at least $10, removing the need for a controller clip. Input lag is not in play thanks to the Razer Kishi’s direct USB-C connection into your device. If there was any question if the Razer Kishi was made for mobile Xbox gaming, Razer answered, finishing a release of a re-skinned Razer Kishi, featuring Xbox labeled buttons for a more seamless experience. Don’t worry if you bought an earlier Kishi with the Android control labeling. You still have the very same functionality with the same buttons.
As an added bonus for for now, purchases of the Razer Kishi come with a 14-day trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
SteelSeries Stratus Duo Controller for PC and Mobile
| Cost: | $59.99 |
| Where to Buy: | https://SteelSeries.com/gaming-controllers/stratus-duo |
| Our Review: | https://royalflushmagazine.com/gaming/review-SteelSeries-stratus-duo-controller-for-pc-mobile-and-vr/ |
| Pros: | Most Comfortable, best D-Pad, PC Ready, PS4 analog stick placement |
| Cons: | PS4 analog stick placement (user preference) |
| Need to buy Controller Clip? | Yes |
I loved the comfort level of the SteelSeries Stratus Duo too much to exclude it from this Xbox gaming list. MY preference has always been the Xbox’s style of diagonal analog stick placement. Despite that, I still felt right at home with the SteelSeries Stratus Duo’s PS4-styled parallel analog placement. This controller can be used for PC gaming via its included 2.4Ghz wireless USB dongle, expanding its compatibility with Xbox games on the PC. Out of the controllers I have listed here, this controller had the best D-pad for fighting games, making it ideal for special move inputs. If you are planning to play Xbox games on your tablet, then you are good to go. If you want to snap a phone onto this controller, SteelSeries offers their own controller clip for just $9.99.
Razer Raiju Mobile
| Cost: | $149.99 |
| Where to Buy: | https://www.Razer.com/mobile-controllers/Razer-raiju-mobile/RZ06-02800100-R3M1 |
| Our Review: | https://royalflushmagazine.com/gaming/review-Razer-raiju-mobile-controller-for-android-pc/ |
| Pros: | Highest Compatibility (Wired & Wireless), Hair-Trigger Toggle |
| Cons: | Highest Price (on this list), Not the best D-Pad |
| Need to buy Controller Clip? | No |
The feature set and high-compatibility of the Razer Raiju Mobile cannot be ignored. It can connect to your device either via Bluetooth or USB-C, giving you the choice between wireless or wired input. It has a built-in clip arm, saving you the need to a separate controller clip. If you are looking for a controller to share between two devices, the Razer Raiju Mobile holds two Bluetooth pairings that you can hop between on the fly via a switch on the back. While the design of the D-pad goes against my personal preferences, this controller excels for shooting games. Toggles for hair-triggers and an Xbox-esque analog stick placement made this controller perfect for Destiny 2 while on the road. At $149.99, it carries a price point that rivals an Xbox Elite Controller, but at least it comes prepared for any mobile Xbox gaming scenario.
Nyko Wireless Core
| Cost: | $29.99 |
| Where to Buy: | https://nyko.com/collections/switch/products/wireless-core-controller-for-nintendo-switch |
| Our Review: | https://royalflushmagazine.com/gaming/review-nyko-wireless-core-controller-for-nintendo-switch/ |
| Pros: | Lowest Price (on this list), color options, Nintendo Switch Compatible, built-in Turbo-fire functionality |
| Cons: | Nintendo Switch button placement, requires good Xbox Controller muscle memory |
| Need to buy Controller Clip? | Yes |
I am forcing the Nyko Wireless Core controller as a sort of wildcard in this list, mainly due to its very affordable $29.99 price point. I will say that the most blaring oddity with this choice is that its button arrangement is designed for the Nintendo Switch. Meaning, the inputs for X and Y, as well as A and B, are swapped.
However, this is only visual. So, as long as you handle the Wireless Core as you would an Xbox controller, your muscle memory simply kicks in, since the inputs are technically still in the same place. Acknowledging this caveat, this controller was compatible with Xbox Streaming (Preview), while still being comfortable to handle.
You will need a clip to snap a phone onto it, but know that you can game just fine on Android devices. If you have a Nintendo Switch, you gain the added bonus of adding a wireless Nintendo Switch controller to your collection. Not to mention, Nyko gives a nice collection of colors to choose from.
† As usual, there are no affiliate links contained within this post. We were provided these products for review purposes and were not compensated for their reviews.