Using Your iPhone as a Game Controller

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate gamer and creator, one question I get asked a lot is: can you use your iPhone as a game controller? The short answer is yes, absolutely, with the right apps and set up. In this post I‘ll guide you step-by-step on how to turn your trusty iPhone into a controller for consoles, PCs, iOS devices, and more.

Connect an iPhone Controller to Consoles

Let‘s start with using your iPhone as a controller replacement or companion for living room and handheld consoles.

For Xbox One and Series X/S connectivity, you‘ll need to download the official Xbox app and connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. This allows basic media remote control functions like navigating menus and apps.

But for actual gameplay with Xbox titles, you‘ll get much better mileage by pairing an MFi-certified controller to your iPhone via Bluetooth. The Xbox Core Controller and PlayStation DualSense work great. This gives you full button mapping and control like you‘d expect from a gamepad.

Over in PlayStation land, Sony offers a PS Remote Play app for iOS. Connect via Wi-Fi and you can stream PS5 and PS4 games directly to your iPhone or iPad. This fully supports pairing a DualShock or DualSense controller over Bluetooth for gameplay.

And for Nintendo Switch owners, the ingeniously named JoyCon Droid app turns your iPhone into a virtual JoyCon controller. Connect over Bluetooth for motion controls, HD rumble, and complete button mapping to play Switch games. Multiple local players can use their own iOS devices too!

Control Your Mac or Windows PC

If you want to use your iPhone as a controller for computer games, apps like RemoteMouse and TouchPortal transform your iPhone‘s touchscreen into a trackpad, keyboard, or fully customizable controller interface.

These connect over Wi-Fi and work seamlessly with Windows and macOS. You can browse the web, navigate around the desktop, and much more right from your iPhone. Both offer premium features but even the free versions deliver an amazing experience.

For traditional gameplay with controllers, VGamepad emulates an Xbox 360 gamepad over Wi-Fi. This pairs with Windows to work with any game or app that has standard gamepad support. Think platformers, RPGs, racing games, and all your favorite titles.

Control Other iOS Devices with Your iPhone

You can even use your iPhone as a controller to manipulate games and apps on other iOS gear like iPads or older iPhones. Apple‘s built-in Switch Control accessibility feature enables exactly this with just a few taps.

As long as both devices connect to the same Wi-Fi network, you can navigate apps and provide inputs on the target device completely from your iPhone controller. This works with any titles that support mobile touch or external MFi controllers.

Sure, it may not feel quite as seamless as a DualShock or more advanced remote app. But if you just need some basic controls in a pinch, Switch Control gets the job done on Apple devices without other accessories.

Do You Really Need a Pro Controller?

As much as I love my Xbox Elite 2 and PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers, I have to admit – for more casual gaming or when I‘m away from my consoles, using my iPhone as a gamepad works shockingly well.

The integrated touchscreen combined with motion sensors and premium haptics means our phones can absolutely double as impromptu controllers when needed. Is it as tactically satisfying or precise as a $150+ pro-level controller? Of course not.

But for gaming on the go, I‘ll take the versatility of iPhone control schemes paired with console/PC remote play over lugging around multiple gamepads any day.

Sure, it may require a bit more setup tweaking depending on your target platform. But I hope this guide gave you some ideas on how to transform your iPhone into a versatile controller alternative for all types of games.

Let me know on Twitter if you have any other questions about using your phone as a gamepad. And stay tuned here for more tips from a passionate gamer, content creator, and tech expert. Game on!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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