It’s Time To Invest In An MFi Controller
There are practically too many games in the App Store to count with many emphasizing touch controls. There’s still a segment of games that shoehorn in on screen virtual controls that don’t always work. Apple understands this, and in 2013 they released iOS 7 with the MFi third party controller standard. It has been awhile since the standard was released, and MFi support has been hit or miss with most of the best games having great touch controls. The forward push of iOS device processing power has opened the door for more powerful games that benefit from hardware controls.
The games that really benefit most from a controller are ones that were built for a controller from the outset, and have since been ported to iOS. The ever increasing power of iOS devices has allowed for more deluxe games being ported. The end result is that we have reached the point that third party controllers are a worthwhile investment if you ever play games on your iOS device.
Just this week, we saw the release of the critically acclaimed console game Fez, which uses multiple control levels to move, jump, interact with the world, and rotate the entire world in 3D. The game is passable with touch controls, but you don’t just want passable, you want great, which is what a controller delivers. GRID came out a couple weeks back to deliver the most deluxe 3D racing experience on iOS. It’s a simulation racer that requires precision steering, and the tilt or on screen steering wheel controls don’t allow for the precision needed. Oddworld: New ’n’ Tasty is another port with a smorgasbord of virtual control buttons that were originally designed for a controller. Then, there are the SEGA classics, Street Fighter, Grand Theft Auto, and other classic ports that feel natural on a controller. Sports games like NBA 2K18 just fit when you have multiple controls are your fingertips that don’t cover up part of the screen. Other deluxe games that require you to move the camera and character simultaneously like Morphite, Space Marshals 2, and Time Recoil all benefit. There are so many potential games to benefit, and it seems more and more are appearing.
Porting a game designed for a controller with a gamepad, shoulder buttons, and dual joysticks takes a lot of work to put it on a touch screen. It can be done, but it can get to the point in which you will choose to play a touch based game instead. As iOS devices continue to be able to handle console ports, third party controllers will be a valuable iOS accessory. Not only that, but it also comes in handy for playing games on the Apple TV if you’re fully invested in the Apple ecosystem.
It’s the holiday season, and if you know anyone who plays games on their iOS device, then a third party controller should be near the top of your shopping list. The SteelSeries Nimbus delivers the best bang for your buck as it feels solid in your hand with a well produced structure that doesn’t break the bank as it retails for $50. The Nimbus feels a bit like an Xbox controller, and is easy to connect with Bluetooth. The GameVice is another good choice, though it’s more like the Nintendo switch as it is two pieces that cradle your iOS device. The Nimbus’ main advantage is that it’s a stand alone piece that also works with the Apple TV. Another choice is the SteelSeries Stratus, which offers a compact and even more affordable option, though it definitely feels cramped. There are other options out there including battery pack versions, controllers that hold the iPhone, but they're not on the same tier as these three in value.
SteelSeries Nimbus ($43.95, Amazon)
GameVice Controller ($99.95, Amazon)
SteelSeries Stratus ($19.95, Amazon)
