Controller support on iOS has been a mixed bag ever since it was introduced. While there is a decent list of games that support MFi controllers, far too many games either have broken or no support and I don’t blame the game developers for this. Controller implementation on iOS almost feels like something a certain other company would introduce to forget about soon after and then sunset. Recently, one of the biggest games ever added official MFi controller support and I feel like things finally have a chance to move in the right direction for controllers on iOS.
Earlier today, a TouchArcade reader posted about a feature on the UK App Store that highlighted games with controller support. This hasn’t shown up on my own UK App Store account but Kevin MacLeod who ran a site that actually played a huge part in me getting a controller (AfterPad) brought up something interesting in the same conversation. While it is great to have controller support, the App Store doesn’t actually let users know with a glyph or a separate field that said game has controller support. If Apple actually cared, we’d see a separate field for controller support just like we do with iOS version and devices supported. With Fortnite finally adding controller support, I feel like things might actually move with WWDC in June or maybe even sooner.
For a refresher, Fortnite and Epic Games actually made Sony allow for Cross Play with other consoles and basically managed something Minecraft couldn’t do. Eli is working on a larger feature on controllers on iOS but I’ve been thinking a lot about how haphazard controllers are on iOS. It is sad that we can’t just use an Xbox One or PS4 controller on iOS like you can on so many Android devices. With proper MFi support on iOS, I’ve already started playing the iPad version of Fortnite more than the Switch version. It definitely also helps that my iPad has cellular and I don’t need to constantly look for a hotspot or set that up to play on the terrible wireless chip the Switch has.
Overall, controller support on iOS is very much a niche thing right now but it could have been so much more. Hopefully, Fortnite adding proper MFi support will see not only an uptick in controller use on iOS but also more developers looking into it and Apple actually showcasing controllers on iOS often. Have you bought a controller for iOS yet or are you waiting on better support or more functionality?
Playing mobile games without a controller is as illogically as driving a car without a steering wheel.
People seemed to enjoy runner style games, like the Temple run or something.
There are some games that are building around the touchscreen one of my all time favorite is EPOCH.2 but these are rare in the AppStore.i.m.o games are best played with a controller one of the reasons for this is when playing without a controller you don’t get any feedback,when playing with a joystick you can adjust your inputs and that’s something I miss with a touchscreen not to mention that with a touchscreen you cover your screen with your fingers.
I love the sleekness of my iOS devices as is ... so elegant, and the buttons appear on the glass when they're needed. I'm not carrying around a honking Xbox-style controller just to play video games.
iOS games need an external controller like a fish needs a bicycle.
Absolute rubbish! Every game that I can use my nimbus with is infinitely more playable because of it!
So many games types I won’t even bother with unless they have controller support! It adds massively to the enjoyment! So easy to get a great setup for iPhone and iPad!
If you have a nimbus stratus (the best choice for controller unless their new Duo is Mfi certified) the app used to install firmware updates is also a database of controller enabled games.
Apple likely doesn’t want to encourage controllers too much since they want everything to be optimized for touch input above all
The most important part of this site, well one of the best features, is finding games that are premium and have MFi support. When I downloaded Fortnite I couldn’t believe it didn’t have it. I’ve downloaded games I swore would have it (Genesis remakes.) paid for them upfront then no controller support. I have been playing the hell out of Tesla vs. Lovecraft and Grimvalor and can’t imagine playing either one with on screen controls. In all fairness, I’m on an iPad Pro not a phone so that makes a big difference for on screen controller “feel”.
When you consider that the iPhone X (x,xr,Xs) and iPad Pro have a way higher resolution than the Nintendo Switch, they can easily be the best portable gaming devices. When you compare games that are on iOS and switch, the iOS version has better performance and resolution most of the times. We have the best portable racing game “Grid Autosport “ (nothing on the Switch even comes close) so it’s a foot in the right direction. We have amazing exclusives that support MFi controller but it’s not enough....our devices can run Dragon ball fighterZ, Doom, Mario Kart 8 but due to lack of cooling and lack of developer support (they take mobile as a joke) we get small stupid games.
Shadowgun Legends, Asphalt 9, Wonder Blade,Teslagrad, FF15, Sky Gamblers infinite jets, Monster Hunter stories begins,Horizon Chase, Flower, Sky light awaits(no MFi yet),PUBG(no MFi), Galaxy of Fire 3(no MFi), Dungeon x dungeon,Kingdom, Super Hydorah, Sonic 4 episode 1-2, Skyfish, Dan the man, Rayman adventures,Binding of Isaac, Evoland 2, Transistor,Shadow Blade 1-2,Dandara, Fez, Oceanhorn,Blackmoor 2,Stardew Valley, Inside, Max, GALAK-Z,Implosion, Riptide 3, Bully, Mickey Mouse castle of illusion, NBA 2K19 etc we have a lot of quality games but we are missing so many.........
GameSir controller with grip for my iPhone XS Max is one of the best accessory purchases I have made for it.