Does a phone controller work with any phone?

No. Phone controllers are usually made for a specific connector type and a range of phone sizes. Check their phone model, the connector and whether a case needs to come off. The games they play also need to support controllers.

Is a gaming mouse a good gift for a PC gamer?

It can be, especially for someone who plays competitive shooters. Mice feel very personal, though, so hand size and grip style matter. If you're unsure, pay attention to what they use now and pick something similar in shape.

What controller should I get a teen who plays on several devices?

A general wireless gamepad that pairs over Bluetooth with a phone, tablet and computer covers the most ground. If they mostly play on their phone, a clip-on phone controller is more convenient for playing on the go.

Games & Puzzles

Video game controllers

4 kinds worth knowing, 12 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative image, generated

Controllers are one of the safer gaming gifts because they get picked up every day, as long as they match the device the person already plays on. Most people buying here are shopping for a boyfriend, son or brother who plays on a phone during commutes or at a desk late into the evening. The most-searched kinds are a clip-on phone controller and a lightweight wireless mouse for competitive PC play. Start with the platform, then how they play: quick matches on the go, long sessions at a desk, or a dedicated setup like a wheel or VR headset. A controller that fits their existing games gets used; one that needs new games or new hardware often sits in the box.

Kind 1 of 4

Backbone One for gaming on a phone

This kind of controller clips around a phone and adds real thumbsticks, triggers and buttons, so the phone feels like a handheld console. It suits someone who already plays on their phone, streams games from a console or PC, or has a long commute. Before buying, check that it fits their phone's connector type, because versions differ. Think about whether their phone case has to come off for it to fit. Also make sure the games they play actually support controllers, since some mobile titles are touch-only.

Curated pickOver $100
Backbone One
Clips real triggers onto their phone — no pairing, no charging, no excuses.
Gift ideaUsually $25–$50
Portable mobile phone gaming controller
This compact controller transforms a smartphone into a dedicated gaming device, offering tactile buttons and joysticks for an improved portable gaming experience.

Kind 2 of 4

Controllers for casual play anywhere

People who search this usually want an easy way to play proper games without being tied to a TV. A phone controller covers travel, and a general wireless gamepad covers the couch, a laptop or a tablet. Retro-style USB gamepads also work well for someone who loves older games and plays them on a computer. Check which devices the controller pairs with, whether it charges by cable or runs on batteries, and whether the layout matches the games they actually play.

Gift ideaUsually $25–$50
Universal wireless gaming controller
This versatile controller is perfect for gamers who enjoy playing across multiple platforms, offering freedom from cables and easy setup for various titles.
Gift ideaUsually under $15
Nostalgic retro USB gamepad
Perfect for fans of classic gaming, this gamepad replicates the feel of controllers from past eras, ideal for emulators and retro-inspired titles on modern systems.

Kind 3 of 4

Making sure it fits their phone

The most common problem with phone controllers is fit. Some are made for one connector type, and some are too tight for larger phones or phones with thick camera bumps. Before you buy, find out the exact phone model they use and whether they're likely to upgrade soon. Also ask yourself whether they'd keep the controller in a bag or leave it at home, because slimmer designs travel better. If you can't confirm the phone model, a general wireless gamepad that pairs over Bluetooth is the safer choice.

Kind 4 of 4

Pro X Superlight 2 and serious setups

This is a very light wireless mouse built for fast, precise aiming in competitive PC shooters. It suits someone who already plays a lot at a desk and cares about small differences in feel. The same kind of player often wants other specialised gear too: a customisable gamepad with extra back buttons, an arcade fight stick for fighting games, a wheel and pedals for racing games, or a standalone VR headset. Check hand size and grip style for a mouse. For a wheel, check desk space and mounting, and for a headset, check the play space and which games they want.

Curated pickOver $100
Pro X Superlight 2
Sixty grams of wireless precision — the mouse the pros actually use.
Curated pickOver $100
Logitech G29 Wheel
Wheel, pedals and force feedback in one box — the controller retires today.
Curated pickOver $100
Meta Quest 3
Sharper lenses and room to keep the whole game library installed.
Curated pickOver $100
Meta Quest 3S
The cheapest door into VR — same games, jaw-drop included.
Gift ideaUsually $50–$100
Advanced customizable gaming gamepad
Designed for competitive players, this controller offers enhanced precision and personalized button mapping to gain an edge in intense gaming sessions.
Gift ideaUsually $50–$100
Classic arcade style fight stick
Transport fighting game aficionados back to the arcade with this robust controller, providing authentic button and joystick feel for precise combat moves.
Gift ideaUsually over $100
Immersive racing wheel and pedal set
For racing game enthusiasts, this setup delivers a realistic driving experience with force feedback and responsive pedals, enhancing immersion on the track.
Gift ideaUsually $50–$100
Immersive motion sensing VR controller
Essential for virtual reality enthusiasts, these controllers provide intuitive hand tracking and haptic feedback, making virtual worlds feel more interactive and real.

How to choose video game controllers as a gift

Confirm the exact console, PC or phone model they play on before choosing anything, because compatibility matters more than features.
Look at the games they play most, then pick a controller that suits them, like a wheel for racing or a stick for fighters.
For phone controllers, check the connector type and whether their phone fits with or without a case.
Choose wireless gear that recharges the same way as their other devices, so there's no extra cable to track down.
If you can't find out their setup, a general wireless gamepad that pairs with several devices is the safest choice.

Usually safe to skip

Skip controllers made for a console they don't own. Adapters rarely feel right, and the gift usually goes unused.
Skip bulky wheel or pedal sets for someone with no desk space or clamp surface. Setting them up every time gets old fast.
Skip novelty-shaped controllers. They look fun when unwrapped, but they're usually uncomfortable for long sessions and end up in a drawer.

Questions people ask about video game controllers

Does a phone controller work with any phone?: No. Phone controllers are usually made for a specific connector type and a range of phone sizes. Check their phone model, the connector and whether a case needs to come off. The games they play also need to support controllers.
Is a gaming mouse a good gift for a PC gamer?: It can be, especially for someone who plays competitive shooters. Mice feel very personal, though, so hand size and grip style matter. If you're unsure, pay attention to what they use now and pick something similar in shape.
What controller should I get a teen who plays on several devices?: A general wireless gamepad that pairs over Bluetooth with a phone, tablet and computer covers the most ground. If they mostly play on their phone, a clip-on phone controller is more convenient for playing on the go.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All video game controllers picks

Show:All Specific products Gift ideasBudget:Any Under $15 $15–$25 $25–$50 $50–$100 Over $100

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