The Best Gamepads for iOS Retro Gaming 🎮

🥇 Backbone One (Lightning & USB-C)

Backbone One has become the gold standard for mobile gaming and one the the best the best gamepads for the iPhone. It snaps onto your phone like a Switch and turns it into a pocket-sized console. Even though a newer Backbone Pro got announced it still performs well enough for the price and is our top pick for not only retro gaming.

Buy it for:

• Great Backbone app that feels like Steam for the iPhone
• Pass-through charging so your phone never dies mid-game
• USB-C version, but also lightning version for older iPhones!
• Reasonable price compared to the newer Backbone Pro

Take into account:

• ABXY buttons are rather clicky
• It is rather small for big hands
• It’s gettting a little old

🥈 GameSir G8 Galileo

If Backbone feels too small or too “toy-like,” the GameSir G8 Galileo is one of the best gamepads for the price. It offers a more premium, full-sized grip and feels closer to an actual Xbox controller split in half.

Buy it for:

• Extremely comfortable ergonomic grips, especially for bigger hands
• Hall Effect joysticks help prevent stick drift over time
• Cheaper than Backbone while offering more premium hardware
• Excellent triggers and analog sticks for precise gameplay

Take into account:

• Much bulkier than Backbone, less pocket-friendly
• Heavier to hold during long sessions
• Design may be too large for minimalists/travelers

🥉 Backbone Pro

The premium evolution of the classic Backbone, built for players who want more comfort and more features. It improves on nearly every complaint people had with the original—but at a steep price.

Buy it for:

• Much more ergonomic and comfortable than the original Backbone
• Bluetooth support lets it work wirelessly with PC, tablets, TVs, and more
• Two remappable rear buttons for advanced controls
• Larger thumbsticks and quieter buttons feel more premium
• Excellent battery life in wireless mode (up to 40h claimed)

Take into account:

• Significantly more expensive than the standard Backbone
• Bulkier and less pocket-friendly than Backbone One
• Some app/software features are tied to Backbone subscription
• Probably overkill if you only want simple retro gaming

Cool alternative: 8BitDo SN30 Pro

Perfect if your focus is specifically retro gaming and you don’t care about the “Switch-like” attachable form factor. Classic SNES-inspired design with amazing D-pad quality. May not be one of best gamepads, but it’s certainly one of the instant classics.

Buy it for:

• Fantastic D-pad for retro/2D games
• Beautiful nostalgic design
• Works with iPhone, iPad, PC, Switch and more
• Very portable and lightweight

Take into account:

• Requires a phone clip/stand (not telescopic)
• Bluetooth introduces slight input lag vs wired options
• Less convenient for gaming on the go

Honoarable mention: SCUF Nomad

A premium Bluetooth mobile controller from SCUF, aimed at players who want something between a traditional controller and a telescopic mobile pad.

Buy it for:

• Excellent build quality and premium feel
• Very comfortable ergonomics for longer gaming sessions
• Bluetooth support means broad compatibility
• Community feedback praises its sturdy construction and comfort

Take into account:

• Not directly wired to phone, so latency can be slightly higher than USB-C options
• Requires charging
• Less “plug and play” than Backbone/Kishi

Our Recommendation:

If you want the best all-around iPhone retro gaming controller, Backbone One remains the easiest recommendation thanks to its polish, portability, and app ecosystem. Easily one of the best gamepads for the iPhone ever created and still an easy recommendation.

However, if comfort matters more than portability, the GameSir G8 Galileo may actually offer better value.

If money is no object than the Backbone Pro might be the best for you.