The growing mobile games market How to play with a controller on an Android smartphone Buy a special smartphone controller Bluetooth controller Wired controller
If you are a fan of smartphone video games, you already know that the touch controls offered by most titles are sorely lacking in precision. To fully enjoy your games on Android nothing beats a joystick. In this tutorial we explain how to connect a controller to a mobile or an Android tablet..
The growing mobile games market
Video games have long since left the lounges of our cozy interiors. Every day hundreds of millions of people around the world play video games on their smartphones. Whether it's lining up tangy candies or defending a village from the horrible goblins, these apps provide a lot of fun for their users. In fact, more than 45% of the apps downloaded in France last year were games. This shows the extent of the phenomenon.
How to play with a controller on an Android smartphone
It's no secret that when it comes to playing on a mobile or tablet, touch screens quickly show their limits. Controllers with their joysticks, directional pad, triggers and buttons provide surgical precision and enhance the gaming experience..
Bluetooth controller
If you are lucky enough to own a PlayStation 4, know that the controllers supplied with this console are compatible with the vast majority of Android smartphones. You will need to connect them using your phone's Bluetooth mode.
- Open your Android mobile settings
- Activate Bluetooth
- You will see the list of Bluetooth devices near you
- Select your gamepad
- Depending on the controller model used, you may be asked to enter a PIN code
To see if the pairing was successful, use the directional cross on the joystick. You should be able to navigate through your phone's interface..
Wired controller
If your phone is USB OTG (On The Go) compatible, you can easily connect any wired controller to it. You will first need to purchase a cable to connect your gaming device to your Android smartphone. They are easily found on Amazon for just a few euros. See the list of USB OTG cables for Android
Buy a special smartphone controller
The market for pads for smartphones is booming. Several manufacturers offer game controllers specially adapted for mobiles. The handling is almost identical to what their salon counterparts offer. They have a support allowing the smartphone to be held above the controller via a clamp system. 
Ipega Bluetooth 3.0 - Price € 21.27