


The Nimbus+ was clearly inspired by other controllers - it features the same layout as Sony's DualShock 4 with a shape that best resembles Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Controller. The battery lasts up to 50 hours on a single charge, which should be more than enough for mobile use or gaming sessions around the house on the couch. With that said, iPad Pro owners who rely on a USB-C cable for charging will have to dig up one of their old Lightning cables. So does the Lightning port that makes it easy for most iPhone and iPad owners to keep the battery charged.

And, it can even be customized using the SteelSeries Engine software.Īll of those features help the Nimbus+ slot easily into the Apple ecosystem. It can be used standalone, like a traditional controller, or it can be used with an iPhone mount that makes it seem more like a handheld console than a gamepad. It can easily pair with iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac devices via Bluetooth. The SteelSeries Nimbus+ is the best iOS controller thanks to its incredible versatility. Pros: Built-in stand that fits most iPhones supports all modern iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac models familiar layout complemented by iOS navigation buttonsĬons: Attaching the stand can seem a bit sketchy, prominent battery indicator detracts from the design The SteelSeries Nimbus+ is the most versatile yet familiar controller you can find for gaming across the entire Apple ecosystem. Our picks are divided into categories geared towards specific buyers based on Apple's expanded support for console gamepads, compatibility with different kinds of devices, and potential use cases. The best controller for someone who owns an Xbox One and mostly plays on their Apple TV, for example, won't be the same as the best controller for someone who doesn't own a console and only plays games on their iPhone while they commute.Īfter testing several models across different iOS devices, we've selected the best controllers for playing games on the iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. With so many controller options out there, it can be hard to figure out which iOS gamepad is best for your needs. (A situation that Apple's been rumored to resolve for years but has never delivered on.) Some titles can benefit from more precise controls, however, and the lack of an official Apple controller means eager iOS gamers have to use a third-party gamepad.

Many mobile games can be played with nothing but a touchscreen. Apple gave them their own section of the App Store in 2017 and introduced the Apple Arcade subscription service in 2019 because its customers play so many games. There's no denying the popularity of iOS games.
