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Sunderfolk: How the Phone Controller Works—and What Changed on PC

Sunderfolk's phone app is a controller and player interface for shared-screen co-op—not a mobile version of the game. PC also supports mouse and keyboard and native online multiplayer after Patch 2.0.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Yes, Sunderfolk uses a phone as a controller for its couch co-op setup—but the phone does not run the game. The game runs on a supported PC or console and displays on one shared screen. Each player can use the free Sunderfolk Controller app on a compatible phone or tablet to control a character and view cards, rules, and inventory. Since the March 2026 Patch 2.0, PC players can also play with mouse and keyboard, and PC has native online multiplayer.

What the phone does in Sunderfolk

Sunderfolk is a turn-based tactical RPG built for up to four players adventuring around one shared screen. In its app-controlled couch co-op setup, a phone or tablet serves as a player’s controller and personal game interface. It can display that player’s cards, rulebook, and inventory as well as provide character controls.

Dreamhaven describes it this way: “The free Sunderfolk phone app will transform your phone or tablet into your controller, hand of cards, rulebook, inventory, and more.” The app is a companion to the PC or console game, not a standalone mobile version.

Can you play Sunderfolk with only a phone?

No. The phone app is not the game itself: you need Sunderfolk running on a supported PC or console, with its gameplay shown on a shared screen. A compatible phone or tablet is needed for the app-controlled setup, but the app is free; the official requirements do not say you need to buy a special phone or controller.

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#1 Best Overall
Mocagen MC1 Phone Controller for iPhone & Android – Ergonomic Grip, Low Latency, Case Friendly, Bluetooth Mobile Controller with Hall Effect Joysticks, Turbo, Portable Travel Companion for Car/Leisure
  • Bluetooth Controller for iPhone & Android: Mocagen mobile gaming controller Compatible with all iPhone models (including 18/17 series) and Android devices. Pairing steps: 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to the pairing screen. 2. Press and hold the Home button for 3 sec until LED4 flashes. 3. Find "XBOX Wireless Controller" on your phone and tap to pair. Quick reconnect: After first pairing, simply press the Home button once (with Bluetooth on) to reconnect
  • Play Most Controller-Compatible Games: This iPhone game controller supports cloud gaming (e.g., Xb*x Game Pass, GeForce NOW), Xbox Remote Play, emulator games, and native mobile games (e.g., Apple Arcade). Enjoy effortless control and play Fortnite, Call of Duty, Roblox, Genshin Impact, and many more anytime, anywhere. Note: Controller only works with games that support controller input, and does not support PS Remote Play
  • 5M-Cycle Lifespan & Zero Drift: MC1 mobile gaming controller features a Hall-effect joystick with a 5M cycle lifespan, 2.5x longer than standard carbon-film sticks. Its innovative electromagnetic induction technology ensures drift-free operation, enabling precise character control in intense games and significantly extending this phone game controller durability
  • Ergonomic Grip Design: The handle is ergonomically shaped with a l*ser-engraved texture for anti-slip and enhanced grip, effectively reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions. The scientifically designed joystick and button layout ensures smooth operation. Whether for personal use or as a gift, it delivers a more comfortable and healthier gaming experience
  • 7-Color RGB Light Ring & 600mAh Battery: The mobile game controller features a 7-color adjustable light ring on the joystick(ABXY button lights can be turned off, but their colors are not adjustable). The lighting is vibrant yet eye-friendly. The built-in 600mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of battery life in brightness mode — enough for a full day of gaming

Ways to play, and what each one requires

Play mode What it does Phone app?
Couch co-op Players share one screen and use the app for character control and player-specific cards and reference information. Yes, for the app-controlled setup.
Remote shared-screen play Dreamhaven says groups can play the shared-screen experience remotely through screen sharing. The app remains part of the app-based setup. This is not the same feature as native online multiplayer.
PC single-player Patch 2.0 added direct mouse-and-keyboard control. No, not for this control mode.
PC online multiplayer Patch 2.0 added the ability to host or join online sessions on PC. Not as a requirement for the PC online mode described in the update.

The online multiplayer addition is specifically documented for PC; do not assume the same mode is available on consoles. Dreamhaven’s official Sunderfolk page describes the shared-screen and app experience, while its Patch 2.0 notes cover the PC additions.

What changed with Patch 2.0

Released March 10, 2026, Patch 2.0 made the phone less central for PC players by adding mouse-and-keyboard controls and native PC online multiplayer. It also added the Vanguard hero and two One Shot Mode scenarios, Arena Rumble and Sacred Sand. The app-based couch co-op option remains available, including for remote play through screen sharing.

Rank #2
Bluetooth Mobile Game Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 & iOS & Android & Tablets, Wireless Gamepad Grip with Hall Effect Trigger Joystick, Ergonomic Phone Controller for iPhone, iPad Pro, Samsung
  • Bluetooth Mobile Game Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 & iOS & Android & Tablets, Wireless Gamepad Grip with Hall Effect Trigger Joystick, Ergonomic Phone Controller for iPhone, iPad Pro, Samsung
  • TURBO FUNCTION This MFi wireless controller has a turbo function, you can adjust the turbo button according to your needs and achieve one-click bursts, programming buttons are designed on the behind of the stretched gamepad, support macro programming, customise personalised game. making it easier for you to win in FPS games, and it is a good helper for you to play games.
  • Hall effect joystick and linear trigger: mobile controller is with hall effect joystick, high precision, stable performance, faster response speed and long service life. Linear trigger has such high fluidity and response speed that gives you a competitive advantage in any game.
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Game accessory controllers are ergonomically designed to ensure flawless control and execution. The shape of the gamepad fits naturally in the hand, so you can better immerse yourself in the fun even during prolonged use. 360° rotating joystick analog sticks and trigger buttons ensure precise accuracy and comfort as well as increased sensitivity so you can better control your gaming remote control.
  • Supports controllers up to 11 inch: Scalable design supports most tablets such as 11 inch iPad Pro (M5), 11 inch iPad Air (M3), iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), 11 inch iPad Pro (M4), 11 inch iPad Pro 4/3/2/1, for Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, Huawei tablets etc. (Not compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 13-inch iPad Air)

Platforms and release date

Sunderfolk released April 23, 2025. It is listed for Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Availability can vary by regional storefront, so check your local store if you are deciding where to buy. The release date appears on the Steam listing and the Nintendo UK download listing.

Check device compatibility before a session

Dreamhaven’s system requirements page, updated May 13, 2026, lists these minimums. The mobile requirements apply to the app-controlled setup; the PC game has separate requirements.

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Rank #3
Wireless Phone Controller for iPhone/Android with Hall Joystick, Moblie Controller for iPhone Support Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Call of Duty, Roblox, Handheld Gaming Gamepad, Nintendo DS Consoles
  • 【CONNECTION GUIDE】 ①Make sure the phone controller is NOT in charging before connected. ②Observe if the 4th LED on controller is flashing quickly (if flashing 1.2.3, it is incorrect), If not, press and hold the 'HOME' button to turn off the controller and then connect again: Open your bluetooth on mobile phone, then long press 'HOME' and the 4th light will flash quickly, then find corresponding Bluetooth name and connect.
  • 【TIPS FOR IPHONE GAME CONTROLLER】 When the wireless phone controller encounters abnormal situations such as inability to connect/charge, joystick offset, you can try resetting it: poke the 'RESET' hole on the back of controller with a needle, and then restart the controller for iphone to solve most non quality problems
  • 【TIPS FOR CLOUD GAMING CONTROLLER】 Please use this mobile game controller to play games on a high-speed and stable network. This is because cloud games have high network requirements and require a high-speed and low latency network environment to reduce latency caused by network congestion and enhance the gaming experience
  • 【PLAY ANY CONTROLLER SUPPORTED APP GAMES】 The iphone game controller is designed to enjoy unstoppable gaming experience, work for iPhone/Android, support nearly all cloud gaming services including Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, GeForce NOW, MFi Apple Arcade & hundreds of popular mobile games like Call of Duty, Roblox, etc. The phone controller perfects your mobile gaming experience beyond a console by making it happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone
  • 【WIRELESS IPHONE GAME CONTROLLER WITH HALL JOYSTICK】 Only hold on 'HOME', you can connect controller for iphone with phone via Bluetooth. The Hall effect joystick provide ultra precise control, No drift, No deadzone! It helps you gain dominant position of games faster and the performance and game experience has been improved qualitatively

PC minimum requirements

  • Windows 10 x64 or higher
  • Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 3 4100
  • 8 GB RAM
  • GeForce GTX 750 Ti (2 GB) or Radeon RX 570 (8 GB)
  • DirectX 12 and 12 GB of storage

The same support page lists 16 GB RAM and stronger processor and graphics options as recommended. Consult Dreamhaven’s system requirements for the complete recommended specifications.

Minimum phone and tablet requirements

  • iPhone: iPhone 6S or better running iOS 14 or newer.
  • Android: Google Pixel 3, Samsung Galaxy S8, or equivalent or better running Android 9 or newer.
  • Storage: 1 GB available.

These are the support page’s May 2026 figures; check it again if compatibility with a particular device is critical.

Rank #4
Mocagen MC1 Phone Controller for iPhone & Android – Ergonomic Grip, Low Latency, Case Friendly, Bluetooth Mobile Controller with Hall Effect Joysticks, Portable Travel Companion for Car/Leisure(Black)
  • Bluetooth Controller for iPhone & Android: Mocagen mobile gaming controller Compatible with all iPhone models (including 17/16 series) and Android devices. Pairing steps: 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to the pairing screen. 2. Press and hold the Home button for 3 sec until LED4 flashes. 3. Find "XBOX Wireless Controller" on your phone and tap to pair. Quick reconnect: After first pairing, simply press the Home button once (with Bluetooth on) to reconnect
  • Play Most Controller-Compatible Games: This iPhone game controller supports cloud gaming (e.g., Xb*x Game Pass, GeForce NOW), Xbox Remote Play, emulator games, and native mobile games (e.g., Apple Arcade). Enjoy effortless control and play Fortnite, Call of Duty, Roblox, Genshin Impact, and many more anytime, anywhere. Note: Controller only works with games that support controller input, and does not support PS Remote Play
  • 5M-Cycle Lifespan & Zero Drift: MC1 mobile gaming controller features a Hall-effect joystick with a 5M cycle lifespan, 2.5x longer than standard carbon-film sticks. Its innovative electromagnetic induction technology ensures drift-free operation, enabling precise character control in intense games and significantly extending this phone game controller durability
  • Ergonomic Grip Design: The handle is ergonomically shaped with a l*ser-engraved texture for anti-slip and enhanced grip, effectively reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions. The scientifically designed joystick and button layout ensures smooth operation. Whether for personal use or as a gift, it delivers a more comfortable and healthier gaming experience
  • 7-Color RGB Light Ring & 600mAh Battery: The mobile game controller features a 7-color adjustable light ring on the joystick(ABXY button lights can be turned off, but their colors are not adjustable). The lighting is vibrant yet eye-friendly. The built-in 600mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of battery life in brightness mode — enough for a full day of gaming
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A dated technical issue is not a current-status report

In a March 23, 2026 hotfix post, Dreamhaven said it was investigating reports of some Android users getting stuck at startup after updating the app, along with Dreamhaven Online Service errors affecting online multiplayer and couch co-op. The post said single-player was unaffected. That records what was being investigated at the time; it does not establish whether those issues persist or have since been resolved. See the Patch 2.0.1 hotfix post for that dated account.

Best Value
Bcofo Wireless Mobile Game Controller for iOS/iPhone/Android/Cell Phone/Switch/Laptop, Gaming Gamepad with Phone Clip for Gamers, Hall Effect Triggers, Wired PC Control, with RGB LED Lighting/Vibration/6-Axis Gyro/Turbo (White)
  • Multi-Platform Compatibility - The Bcofo gaming controller features a mode switch button specially designed for diverse devices. With the switch button on the back of the game controller, you can easily and quickly switch to the corresponding mode (iOS/Android/Switch/PC), allowing the wireless game control to be compatible with various platforms such as iPhone, ipad, mac, Apple Acrade MFi Games, Android mobile smart phones, Android HID Games, tablet, Switch/Lite/OLED, laptop, and other devices via Bluetooth. Furthermore, the gamepad is also stable and convenient for wired connection via the included USB cable to connect a computer/PC Windows 7/8/10/11/Steam Deck
  • Hall Effect Triggers - The wireless mobile game controller for phone has 2 advanced Hall Effect sensors that provide smoother and more accurate gameplay, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced action games and improving overall gaming performance
  • 2 Programmable Buttons - Our PC gaming controllers has simplify complex skill operations with N1/N2 key. With the 2 marco back buttons on the back of controller, players can customise a combination up to 30 seconds with N1/N2 to program the 21 buttons ( A/B/X/Y... button) of the controllers
  • Cool RGB Lighting - The game controller features RGB LED lighting effects, allowing gamers to customise the lighting to their personal preference, creating a more immersive gaming experience. The gaming control is equipped with 8 lights and 1 colorful gradient. It offers 4 lighting modes: colour, wave, breathing, and static. Press the 'RGB' button on the back of the gamepad to switch the light and choose from 9 different RGB colors. The RGB light can also be toggled on or off by pressing and holding the "RGB" button for a few seconds, according to your preference
  • Six Gyro Sensor, Dual Vibration, 3 Turbo Speed - The wireless controller with 6-Axis motion control functions allows the professional Switch controller to detect movements rapidly and helps you make quick responses. The dual vibration provides realistic, immersive gaming experiences like the feeling of the impact, explosions, and collisions that extend beyond the scope of audio and visuals. The 3 turbo speeds: 5/12/20 shots per second, greatly enhancing your experience in action and arcade games

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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