Can You Use Your iPhone as a Game Controller?
Yes, absolutely! Your iPhone can indeed function as a game controller, offering a versatile and convenient alternative to traditional physical controllers. This capability opens up a world of possibilities for gamers, allowing you to play PC games, mobile games, and even control other devices using your familiar iPhone. There are several methods to achieve this, ranging from dedicated apps to hardware accessories. Let’s dive into the various ways you can transform your iPhone into a game controller and explore the possibilities.
Utilizing Apps to Transform Your iPhone into a Controller
One of the most popular methods to use your iPhone as a game controller involves dedicated applications. These apps typically work by establishing a wireless connection between your iPhone and another device, be it a PC, a console, or a smart TV.
PC Game Controller Emulation
Apps like VGamepad and PC Remote (Monect Inc.) enable you to use your iPhone as a virtual gamepad for your PC games. These apps typically work by installing a companion software on your PC, allowing your phone to emulate a physical controller. These apps often provide complete functionality mimicking features like analog sticks, triggers, and face buttons.
- VGamepad: This app is particularly notable for offering full emulation of a physical controller and boasts features such as Joy-Con emulation. It’s a strong option for iOS users looking for a comprehensive PC gaming solution.
- PC Remote (Monect Inc.): Available on Android, iPhone, and Windows, this app provides a broader set of functionalities, including the ability to turn your phone into a controller, remote mouse, keyboard, and even media player remote.
Controller Apps for Mobile Games and Emulators
For mobile gaming, certain apps also allow you to use your iPhone as a controller for games on other devices. BT Controller, for example, turns your Android device into a controller for emulators, offering customizable buttons. It’s important to note that BT Controller works for Android apps and games that have keyboard controls and requires location permissions due to Bluetooth scanning.
Controlling Other Devices with Your iPhone
Your iPhone’s controller capabilities aren’t limited to gaming. The Google TV app, for instance, lets you use your phone to navigate your Android TV. Similarly, you can use the Xbox app to control your Xbox console, accessing its functions through your phone’s screen.
Hardware Options for Enhanced Gaming
While apps offer great versatility, you can also find dedicated hardware that turns your iPhone into a more conventional-feeling controller.
Dedicated Game Controllers for iPhones
Various companies offer physical controllers that are designed to cradle your iPhone, providing a familiar gaming experience. These controllers often use Bluetooth and feature physical buttons, joysticks, and other control elements.
Some of the most popular options include:
- Razer Kishi V2: Considered by many to be the best overall controller option for iPhones.
- Backbone One: A popular choice that provides a high-quality gaming experience.
- 8Bitdo Pro 2: A good value option with great features and versatility.
- PowerA MOGA XP5-i Plus Bluetooth Controller: A solid choice offering reliable performance.
- Rotor Riot: Another well-regarded choice among iPhone gamers.
These controllers often provide a more ergonomic and comfortable feel, especially during extended gaming sessions.
Wireless Bluetooth Controllers
You can also connect various Bluetooth controllers to your iPhone. These controllers aren’t designed specifically to hold your phone but can connect to your device wirelessly, allowing you to play games while resting your phone on a stand. A Wireless Switch Pro Controller for example, is compatible with iPhones.
Supported Games
Many iPhone games support external controllers, and the number of compatible titles is continually growing. Here are a few examples of games you can play with a controller:
- Call of Duty: Mobile
- Minecraft
- Asphalt 9: Legends
- Dead Trigger 2
- Bike Baron 2
- Huntdown
- Lineage 2: Revolution
- Jetpack Joyride
This is just a small sample, many games available on the App Store now have controller support.
Additional Control Options
Beyond controllers, iPhones can be utilized for other control purposes.
- You can use your iPhone as a Nintendo Switch controller through apps like JoyCon Droid. This allows your phone to mimic the actions of the console’s controllers.
- The Xbox SmartGlass app enables you to control various functions of your Xbox console via your phone.
- You can also play Xbox games remotely on your iPhone using the Remote Play feature. However, this method requires an Xbox console to stream games to your mobile device.
- Also, while an iPhone doesn’t have an infrared blaster itself you can get an IR dongle to use with your phone. This allows you to control devices that are IR controlled such as old TV’s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can absolutely use your iPhone as a game controller, and with many options from apps to physical controllers, you can tailor it to fit your specific gaming needs. This versatility makes it a great option for casual and hardcore gamers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use my iPhone to control my PC games wirelessly?
Yes, using apps like VGamepad and PC Remote (Monect Inc.), you can turn your iPhone into a virtual controller for PC games via a wireless connection (usually Wi-Fi).
2. What apps can turn my iPhone into a game controller?
Several apps can achieve this, including VGamepad, PC Remote (Monect Inc.) for PC games and JoyCon Droid for the Nintendo Switch.
3. Are there physical controllers designed for iPhones?
Yes, many companies produce physical controllers that cradle your iPhone, such as the Razer Kishi V2, Backbone One, 8BitDo Pro 2, PowerA MOGA XP5-i Plus, and Rotor Riot.
4. Can I use any Bluetooth controller with my iPhone?
Yes, many Bluetooth controllers are compatible with iPhones, allowing you to play games wirelessly.
5. Can I control my Xbox with my iPhone?
Yes, using the Xbox app, you can control various functions of your Xbox console via your iPhone. Also, you can use the Xbox Remote Play to play games on your iPhone that are on your Xbox.
6. Can I use my iPhone to control my Android TV?
Yes, the Google TV app allows you to use your iPhone to navigate and control your Android TV.
7. Can I use my iPhone as a Nintendo Switch controller?
Yes, using apps like JoyCon Droid, you can use your iPhone as a virtual controller for your Nintendo Switch.
8. Does the Xbox remote play feature work anywhere?
Yes, as long as you have a stable internet connection on your phone, you can use Xbox remote play virtually anywhere in the world.
9. What are the benefits of using a physical controller for iPhone gaming?
Physical controllers offer a more ergonomic and tactile feel, often enhancing your overall gaming experience compared to using touch screen controls.
10. Can I play Xbox games on my iPhone without an Xbox console?
No, you still require an Xbox console for the Xbox Remote Play feature. You need to stream the games from the console to your device.
11. Are all iPhone games compatible with physical game controllers?
No, not all iPhone games have controller support. You will have to check with each individual game to confirm if controller support is included.
12. Do I need a subscription for Xbox Remote Play?
No, you do not need an Xbox Game Pass subscription to use Remote Play. However, you will still require the Xbox console to stream the games to your iPhone.
13. Do iPhones have an infrared blaster to control older TVs?
No, iPhones do not have an infrared (IR) blaster built in. However, you can purchase an IR dongle that plugs into your iPhone’s Lightning connector to gain this functionality.
14. Can I play Roblox with a controller on my iPhone?
Yes, Roblox accepts input from USB gamepads, like Xbox and PlayStation controllers, which can be connected to your iPhone.
15. Are there any special considerations when using a Bluetooth controller with an iPhone?
Ensure that your device’s Bluetooth is enabled, and that your controller is in pairing mode. Follow the specific pairing instructions for your specific controller. Once paired, you can customize the controller settings in various games to your preferences.