Android games have seen huge advancements in recent times; however, there’s a single thing that I believe is holding them back, and that’s touchscreen controls. While some games with slower tempos, such as Balatro, are excellent, many games have me wishing for a pair of joysticks, as well as a few physical buttons.
It’s good to know that many developers have taken note and have made Android game-compatible controllers. If you’re unsure of what to play, I’vecompiledt my top Android games that support controllers, as well as some additional games that require scrolling down to view.
Stardew Valley
The game isn’t the only one that has developed as well, like Stardew Valley, but to be honest, I just can’t resist playing it using touchscreen controls. The menu is difficult to navigate, and the naive auto-attack function means that any trip towards The Mines will quickly be interrupted by the raging enemies.
A controller can fix all that. At least, the majority of it. There are some instances that you’ll have to tap the screen, such as selecting the type of farm, typing names, and navigating the menu for quests, but everything else is easy sailing.
If you’ve never played Stardew Valley (or are hopelessly hooked on other platforms) You should test it out on Android using a controller.
Dead Cells
The Android version of Dead Cells is immaculate; however, trying to beat the game using the controls on screen is like threading a needle in gloves. The game is known for being difficult, and adding challenge with touchscreen controls can be extremely difficult. I wouldn’t recommend it.
Following a slight bump in release, Dead Cells on Android is now compatible with nearly all types of controllers and is playable with no issues (except problems with skill, which I experienced). All DLCs are available, but you’ll have to buy each one individually.
If you’re looking to save money, you can consider signing up for Google Play Pass, which includes the entire game and DLCs. The annual subscription costs less than the original game version, Dead Cells, priced at $29.99. Also, it includes Stardew Valley as well as a variety of additional premium Android games that support controllers. The full version of Dead Cells is accessible with the purchase of a Netflix subscription, as an element of Netflix Games.
COD Mobile
PUBG Mobile has been a huge success on Android; however, it’s now being eclipsed by COD Mobile for several reasons, among which is the controller support. COD Mobile supports PlayStation, Xbox, and Backbone One controllers, and they function exactly as one would expect from playing consoles. Call of Duty game.
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Its gameplay is superb. I’m not a fan of how hard it pushes the economics of the battle pass; however, its FPS gameplay is definitely the best available in mobile gaming (Fortnite is also among the top). If you’re an avid player with a controller, it matches you against opponents who are using controllers to ensure fair play.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: SotN is an absolute classic, and when it first came out on Android in the year 2020, I was compelled to give it a go. Although it’s a port from the original PSP Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles version of 2007 with better translations, the game’s gameplay remains the same as what I remember it.
Since it’s a port, not a brand new edition of the game, you’ll have to accept big bars along both sides on a majority of phones and no UI scaling. However, it’s one of my favorite Android games that supports controllers.
Crashlands
Another game that’s been around for a while, however,r I still love playing it on my phone using a controller. Crashlands offers a great deal to offer; however,r it’s really an action-adventure role-playing game that includes crafting features. Without getting too much into the details, ls the gameplay is great, and there’s plenty of humor that’s tongue-in-cheek.
My main issue with the game would be its control of the game using a touchscreen, but it’s a lot more enjoyable using an actual controller. Similar is the case for a different game by that same company, Levelhead, which is more ofa two-dimensional platformer, where players can design their own levels.
While I haven’t had the chance to try it out yet, Crashlands 2 is also accessible on Android. It was initially planned to be a part of Netflix Games, but in the end, it’s an exclusive game that costs you $10.
Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation was one of the very first games to receive an Android release. It’s an absolute must-play for those who love horror. It’s difficult to believe that the game was released over a decade ago, but the game runs extremely well on Android devices that come with complete controller compatibility.
The most “officially” supported controllers are PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Core, and Razer Kishi. I’ve had success with other brands, too. If you’re not certain whether your controller is compatible, you can test the first two missions of the game at no cost before you decide to go for it.
Vampire Survivors
Vampire: Survivors appeared from nowhere to consume my time in 2022. It’s a game that’s extremely easy yet extremely addictive. Even though there’s nothing in terms of the controls (one joystick’s worth of requirements), I prefer to play with the controller.
This is because enemies fly at you from every direction. If your thumb is in the exact corner of the screen where the next mob of bosses is moving towards, it could stop your progress. This game is free with Google Play Pass or for purchase on its own.
Terraria
Terraria is another great game that I couldn’t resist purchasing across multiple platforms, which include Android. Every run uses a completely new, procedurally-generated world, and there is so much to explore that you’ll keep coming back for more. If you’re anything like me, this could mean tens or thousands of hours gaof ming.
The game has been out on Android for over 10 years now (there was even an app that was available for Windows Phone! ). If you’ve missed it, now’s the chance to get on the bandwagon. It’s a pretty inexpensive purchase;e however, it’s part of Google Play Pass.
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
Do you like classic arcade beat ’em-ups? These two songs are perfect for you.
The first episode, TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, is heavily influenced by that 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series. Not only are the pixel art images top-quality, but they also have voice actorswhot are the same as in the original series!
The game experience with a controller for Android is great, as is the possibility of playing online with friends to create an extremely thrilling arcade game.
The game was linked to the Netflix subscription prior to the recent update being released; however, now you can buy the game for yourself.
Streets of Rage 4
A majority of Streets of Rage games have made it to Android and iOS, and Streets of Rage 4 is the latest installment in the series. It’s created by the same developers who created TMNT Shredder’s Revenge, which is evident in the design, gameplay, and overall quality of the game. There’s even online multiplayer!
Both are great games,s and the one I’d suggest the most is based on whether or not you’re a subscriber to Netflix. If yes, then play the TMNT: Shredder’s Reward. If not, you can purchase Streets of Rage 4. It’s less expensive than a one-month subscription to Netflix.
SEGA ports
In terms of old-fashioned games, SEGAhase been very thoughtful in releasing their classic titles for the Play Store as part of the SEGA Forever series, which includes a large numberof games that support controllers.
In the year 2025, SEGAis transferringd Streets of Rage 1 and 2, as well as Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2, Shining Force 1-3, Crazy Taxi, and more. All of them are ad-supported games for free, with the option of paying to get rid of advertisements. I’ll let you decide whether it’s worth paying for the premium.
(Bonus) Game Streaming
Although the Android catalog is indeed quite large, it’s not up to the number of games available with other operating systems. If you have good internet connectivity to the internet and an appropriate controller, you can play console and PC games on an Android device.
There are many ways to accomplish this, ranging from Xbox Cloud Gaming (included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) and GeForce Now to local streaming options such as Steam Link and Razer Remote PC.
The controller compatibility with Android may differ, so make sure you check beforehand to ensure you get the most efficient experience. Oh, wait, I’m not done just yet!
(Bonus) Emulators
If you didn’t realize, all emulators running Android come with fully supported controllers. Standard controllers are more compatible with certain consoles than others (I’m thinking of the Gamecube and N64, Gamecube as well as N64). However, after a time, you’ll get familiar with the controllers.
To protect myself from legalissuesues I’m not able to tell you where to obtain ROMs to these titles, but it is best to copy them from your own game. For emulators, however, RetroArch is my favorite, as it supports almost every console available; however, some emulators are more user-friendly for specific consoles, too. Take a look at our guide to all emulators available on Android to find out more.