Sunday, September 20, 2020
Cloud gaming has joined Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on Android, enabling full-fledged Xbox One games while on the move, via Microsoft's Project xCloud game streaming technology. With modern Xbox One controllers packing integrated Bluetooth support, a dedicated phone clip makes it easy beyond the living room. Whether for mobile gaming or Xbox Game Pass, the PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip is the best mount for Xbox controllers.
Best Overall: PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip
With Microsoft now flexing its game-streaming technologies through Xbox Game Pass, accessories veteran PowerA delivers the best mount for Xbox controllers. Designed for the latest Xbox One wireless gamepad, the MOGA mobile gaming clip is a sturdy and adaptive pick for any device, endorsed by Microsoft. It's the first mount that augments the user experience, with various quality of life improvements, and even crowned Windows Central's top Xbox accessory back in 2019.
The crucial differentiator is a dual-hinge design, which allows you to articulate your display for prime viewing angles. While most third-party alternatives keep your phone secure, PowerA's added flexibility enhances comfort for the duration of mobile console experiences. Two thumbscrews quickly switch up that articulation, and a telescopic slide accommodates most devices, up to 3.12 inches (79mm) wide. It means most traditional smartphones will lock in firmly, provided they're not abnormally wide.
PowerA uses a clamp-like grip around the controller, also maintaining a tight hold around Microsoft's gamepad. That includes an opening to access the wireless sync button and Micro-USB port, handling connectivity and charging between sessions. PowerA demonstrates considerations where other cheaper solutions fail, living up to the licensed badge.
As one of the first official "Designed for Xbox" accessories on the market, the MOGA mobile gaming clip is easily the best Xbox controller mount. It works ideally with the full Xbox Game Pass Ultimate streaming library on Android and other controller-enabled titles.
Pros:
- Compatible with most phones
- Adjustable hinge
- Strong build quality
- Easy setup
Cons:
- More costly than alternatives
Best Overall
PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip
Make your phone and Xbox One controller an easy pairing
The idea is simple, but the execution with this licensed phone clip makes it a no-brainer if you're playing the Project xCloud preview.
Best Budget: Jovitec Xbox One Foldable Controller Clip
Converting any existing Xbox One controller into your portable gaming companion, the Jovitec Xbox One Foldable Controller Clip delivers an affordable phone mounting solution. Its clip-on design is easy to attach (and detach) from official gamepads and is paired with an adjustable slider that maintains a firm grip on your phone.
While this all-plastic black mount pushes only the bare essentials, a firm wrap-around clamp guarantees a sturdy grip on your controller. An accompanying spring-actuated slider also suits phones of all sizes, with dual rubberized pads for added security. It touts surprisingly high build quality for the price too, including a pliant hinge system supporting the weight of heftier devices. Its only fundamental flaw is disappointing hinge flexibility, limiting screen angles beyond the pictured 45-degree deployment.
Jovitec accommodates an extensive lineup of phones, attributed to its adjustable slider mechanism. While starting at 2 inches if closed, the tray supports devices measuring up to 3.5 inches (89mm) horizontally, including most plus-size phones on the market. That maximum also accommodates the larger phones that won't fit the PowerA alternative, if your phone is on the chunkier side.
The arrival of Xbox cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass makes this Jovitec clip one of the best to get started, proving a low-cost entry point with your existing Xbox One controller. It works with almost every conventional smartphone out there and costs less than one month of your Ultimate-tier subscription.
Pros:
- Compatible with even more phones
- Affordable
- Strong build quality
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Hinge angle not adjustable
Best Budget
Jovitec Xbox One Foldable Controller Clip
Take your Xbox One controller on-the-go with ease
This foldable Jovitech controller clip effortlessly mounts any phone safely and securely. Plus, it's conveniently affordable.
Best Alternative: WEPIGEEK Phone Clamp for Xbox One
While early Xbox One controller mounts stick to a simple underside clip, WEPIGEEK offers an alternative spin. Clamped via a transparent plastic bracket, this controller mount features a sturdy bond with any third-generation Bluetooth-enabled gamepad, ideal for Xbox cloud gaming.
The flexible hinge is the standout here, accommodating various viewing angles. Simple knobs can be used to adjust positioning, with variety over 180 degrees. Phones also mount via a telescopic clip system, leaving room for larger displays up to 3.5 inches (89mm) wide.
But there are setbacks, primarily down to how the clip binds to your controller. The plastic body restricts access to Menu and Select buttons, even if a welcomed trade for a sturdy adjustable hinge design. It's also sometimes a little hard to attach the transparent clamp, with no chance of fitting non-standard Xbox One controllers like the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2.
Pros:
- Compatible with most phones
- Affordable
- Adjustable 180-degree hinge
Cons:
- Reduced button access
Best Alternative
WEPIGEEK Xbox One Mobile Phone Clamp
Your flexible friend for mobile Xbox gaming
Keep your phone sturdy for gaming on-the-go, paired with the added flexibility of a hinged design. If you can find one.
Best Controller: Razer Kishi Controller
While our final pick doesn't formally fall under the guise of phone mounts, the Razer Kishi remains one of the best accessories out there for cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass. While Microsoft and other third parties have unveiled more controllers headed to the market, this clip-on peripheral is out now and transforms your phone into the ultimate cloud gaming machine.
Mimicking the defining Joy-Cons of the Nintendo Switch, this single-piece gamepad slides open to fit any Android device inside, assembling a sleek Xbox handheld. The considerations for mobile extend far beyond Microsoft's own wireless Xbox One controller, presented as an all-in-one solution, with the robust build quality and convenience for mobile.
The Razer Kishi packs two control modules bound by a spring-loaded strap, featuring dual thumbsticks, buttons, and other essential Xbox Inputs. These hook up to your phone via an integrated USB-C connector and spring shut when no longer in use, alleviating the need to carry a full-fledged gamepad. Wired connectivity over Bluetooth also eliminates wireless latency and the need to charge an extra device.
Razer first experimented with this form factor via the Razer Junglecat, held back by limited device support, and compatible with just a few phones that fit specific cases. That's now mostly resolved with a more versatile clip-in design, although some minor wobble may occur with small phones.
But the concept shows the potential of services like Xbox Game Pass expanding to Android, making a welcomed return with advancements via the Kishi. It comes in around the same price as some official Xbox One gamepads and with an Xbox-branded variant for those eyeing Game Pass cloud gaming.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Excellent build quality
- Completes the Xbox cloud gaming vision
Cons:
- Wobble with smaller phones
Best Controller
Razer Kishi Controller
Transform your phone into an Xbox Nintendo Switch
There are many ways to connect a controller to your phone, but Razer strikes the perfect balance between quality and portability with its new Kishi design. If you have an Android phone, this is what you want.
Bottom line
With Xbox One controllers slowly gaining mobile traction, the lineup of dedicated mounts is understandably limited. However, with cloud gaming steadily rolling out via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, accessories like the best mounts and clips are must-buy additions to your setup. Using an existing Xbox gamepad saves a ton over dedicated mobile peripherals and is a stellar pickup for cloud gaming.
The PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip takes the best Xbox One games beyond the living room, both affordable and easy for existing gamers. And with Microsoft's upcoming cloud efforts best experienced with controller in-hand, mounting solutions will show continued value as the platform progresses.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Matt Brown is a staff writer at Future for Windows Central. Following years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he's focused on the world of Xbox and Windows PCs. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.
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