You can use a phone as a handheld-style way to play Steam games by pairing it with a phone-mounted controller and streaming from a PC with Steam Link. The phone displays the game and sends your controls; your PC still runs the game, so this setup does not turn the phone into a Steam Deck or let it run PC games on its own.
What you need
- A phone that fits a compatible mobile gaming controller.
- A controller matched to your phone’s connector and dimensions, such as a compatible Backbone One or Razer Kishi V2 model.
- The Steam Link app on your phone.
- A PC with Steam installed, powered on, and signed in.
- A network connection. For initial pairing, Steam’s Android instructions say the phone and host PC should be on the same network.
Steam Link is available for Android and Apple devices, with separate setup guidance from Steam Support for Android and Steam Support for Apple devices. Steam’s Android guidance lists Razer Kishi among supported controllers.
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Choose a controller that fits your phone
Before buying, check the exact model against your phone. Controller versions may use USB-C or Lightning, and physical fit can depend on the phone’s dimensions and whether you need to remove its case. Also consider grip and button layout, and whether passthrough charging matters for longer sessions. Razer describes the Kishi V2 as having connector-specific variants and passthrough charging; confirm current compatibility details with the manufacturer.
There is no universal best controller established by a controlled comfort or durability comparison. Treat fit, controls, connector, and charging as practical selection criteria rather than assuming one model suits every phone or player.
#1 Best Overall
- WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY — PHONE TO TABLET: X5 Lite is a versatile phone controller that stretches up to 213mm to fit iPhone 15/16, most Android phones, iPad mini 6/7, and compatible Android tablets. Secure Type-C connection keeps gameplay stable and responsive.
- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ERGONOMIC — 135.4G: At just 135.4g, X5 Lite stays lightweight during extended gaming. Ergonomic, laser-engraved textured grips provide a secure, comfortable hold at home or on the go.
- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
Set up Steam Link
- Check the fit. Confirm your phone’s connector, dimensions, and case compatibility against the controller’s current manufacturer specifications.
- Install Steam Link. Get the app for your phone’s platform and follow its sign-in prompts.
- Prepare the host PC. Turn it on, launch Steam, and sign in. Keep it powered on while you play.
- Pair the phone and PC. Follow Steam Link’s on-screen host discovery and pairing steps. For initial setup, put both devices on the same network.
- Connect the controller and start streaming. Choose a game, then check that its controls work as expected on the phone.
What the setup can—and cannot—do
When it works, the phone acts as a portable screen and controller for games rendered by your PC. That differs from the Steam Deck: it is a handheld gaming computer with its own hardware and local storage. Steam Link depends on an available host PC and a network connection, rather than running the PC game locally on the phone. Backbone’s Steam Link guidance also notes that the PC must be on with Steam launched.
Not every PC game is designed for a controller. Games built around keyboard and mouse may be awkward or require control configuration, so check a title’s controller support before expecting it to feel like a native handheld game.
Rank #2
- 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
Playing away from home
Remote play can work over Wi-Fi or cellular when the connection is stable, but the host PC must remain on and Steam available. Actual responsiveness and picture quality depend on the devices and network involved. The official setup guidance cited here does not establish a single bandwidth or latency threshold that guarantees a good experience, so test your own connection before relying on it away from home.
An alternative: Razer PC Remote Play
Razer PC Remote Play is another route for streaming from a Windows PC to supported iOS and Android devices, including games from Steam. It requires Razer’s supported software and host configuration, so check its current app, operating-system, and network requirements before setting it up. Razer announced the feature on April 10, 2025, describing support for Steam and other PC game platforms: Razer’s announcement. For a Steam library, Steam Link remains the direct option to try first.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Officially licensed by Xbox. Bluetooth connection. Supports Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Officially supported by Apple. Compatible with Apple and Android devices. Stretchable design fits most phones (100–170mm in length).
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers - Upgraded. Robust and long-lasting. Offering higher precision and sensitivity.
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad, 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Xbox button, and wear-resistant metal joystick rings for more ways to play.
- Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 on mobile.
Rank #4
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #3
- Expanded Screen Compatibility: Stretchable up to 213mm, fitting iPad Mini 6/7 and Android tablets; Compatible with iPhone 15/16 and Android devices; Ultra-stable Type-C connection ensures lag-free gaming across all supported screen
- Mobile Gaming Compatibility: Lets you play most of the games you want. Supports Xbox Game Pass, Zenless Zone Zero, cloud gaming, Steam/Moonlight streaming games, and remote play
- Hall Effect Sticks: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver 360° seamless pinpoint control, provide the precision and durability that mobile gamers demand
- Ergonomic and Lightweight Design: Stay comfortable during long gaming sessions with the X5 Lite. Weighing just 135.4g, its lightweight design and ergonomically laser-engraved textured grips ensure a secure, comfortable hold for hours of gameplay
- Cushioned and Durable Membrane: The X5 Lite is equipped with cushioned and durable membrane triggers and buttons. The cushioned feedback provides a comfortable experience while ensuring quieter operation
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