Play Games with a Controller on Android - Easy Guide

Enhance Your Android Gaming Experience with a Controller

The Android platform boasts a vast library of excellent games. However, utilizing the touchscreen interface for gameplay can often detract from the overall experience.

Consider abandoning the virtual buttons and embracing a more ergonomic solution. A dedicated gaming controller will significantly improve your comfort and control.

Why Use a Controller for Android Games?

Playing with a physical controller offers several advantages. It provides a more tactile and precise input method compared to touch controls.

Improved Control is a key benefit. Controllers allow for more accurate movements and quicker reactions, especially in fast-paced games.

• Enhanced precision for shooting and aiming.
• More comfortable grip during extended gaming sessions.
• Greater responsiveness compared to touchscreen inputs.

Choosing the Right Controller

Numerous controllers are compatible with Android devices. Options range from dedicated mobile gaming controllers to traditional console controllers.

Many popular console controllers, such as those for PlayStation and Xbox, can connect to Android devices via Bluetooth. This offers a familiar and comfortable experience for console gamers.

Alternatively, specialized mobile controllers are designed to clamp onto your phone, providing a secure and integrated gaming setup. These often offer a more compact and portable solution.

Setting Up Your Controller

Connecting a controller to your Android device is typically straightforward. Most controllers utilize a simple Bluetooth pairing process.

Ensure your controller is in pairing mode, then navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your Android device. Select the controller from the list of available devices to establish a connection.

Some games may require you to configure the controller settings within the game itself. This allows you to customize the button mapping to your preferences.

Ultimately, switching to a controller can dramatically elevate your Android gaming sessions. Enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable experience with enhanced control and comfort.

Enhancing Mobile Gaming with External Controllers

Contemporary Android smartphones possess substantial processing capabilities, enabling them to run a diverse selection of games designed specifically for the Android platform. Furthermore, they readily support numerous emulators, granting access to a vast library of classic games.

A common challenge, however, arises from the lack of dedicated physical controls on most Android devices. While a few specialized gaming phones incorporate built-in gamepads, the majority rely on on-screen touch controls.

These virtual buttons can be adequate for slower-paced games like turn-based strategy titles, but prove inadequate for fast-action games. The imprecise nature of touch controls and the obstruction of the screen by fingers significantly hinder gameplay.

This guide details two solutions to this problem, allowing you to fully utilize the gaming potential of your Android smartphone. The first method utilizes the Wiimote, a controller familiar to many Nintendo Wii owners. The second involves the MOGA gaming controller.

We recommend reviewing the entire guide to understand the advantages of each approach before making a decision.

Alternative Controller Options

While connecting a PlayStation Dualshock 3 controller to an Android device is technically feasible, support is limited. Compatibility varies between phones and applications.

Therefore, we have chosen not to include detailed instructions for this method in this guide. However, for those interested in pursuing this option, we suggest investigating the GameKlip, which allows mounting your device onto the Dualshock controller.

Additionally, the Sixaxis Controller app facilitates linking the controller to your device, either via a wired or wireless connection.

Ultimately, employing an external controller significantly improves the gaming experience on Android devices, offering precision and comfort beyond the limitations of on-screen controls.

Essential Components for Your Project

While our aim is to minimize expenses across most endeavors, this specific undertaking necessitates a few modest acquisitions. Review each suggested parts list and the accompanying explanations to determine your required materials.

Prior to commencing, a crucial factor hinges on your Android version. Currently, the leading Android-based Wiimote control application has been temporarily rendered unusable by Android 4.2 (it functions correctly on versions ranging from Android 2.0 to 4.1). We anticipate the developer will resolve compatibility issues with Android’s interface updates shortly. However, for the time being, Android 4.2+ users may find configuring the MOGA controller a preferable alternative, avoiding the less reliable Wiimote control applications available on the Play Store.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the necessary items for each approach:

For those utilizing the Wiimote: To effectively follow the Wiimote segment of this guide, the following items are required:

• Wiimote (approximately $27)
• Wiimote Controller App (available at no cost)
• (Optional) Classic Controller (around $13)
• (Optional) Universal Smartphone Clamp (approximately $17)

The Classic Controller is an optional component, but it significantly enhances the experience for games demanding intricate button configurations, such as emulated N64 titles. A secure method for holding the entire setup is beneficial, whether as a handheld gaming device or mounted on a stable surface like a desk or airplane tray.

To facilitate this, we identified a smartphone clamp that proved exceptionally effective. Although somewhat substantial in hand, it offered the greatest versatility. It securely attaches the phone to the Wii controller and nearby surfaces, providing peace of mind regarding potential drops.

If you possess an existing phone mount, feel free to explore modifications. Alternatively, consider the innovative gaming mounts created by others for Android/Wiimote combinations, such as this bicycle phone mount adaptation or this repurposed Wii Mario Kart wheel.

For those opting for the MOGA: If you’ve chosen to employ the MOGA Mobile Gaming System, the following items are necessary:

• MOGA Mobile Gaming System for Android (approximately $35)
• MOGA Pivot App (free of charge)
• MOGA Universal Driver (free of charge)

The MOGA system incorporates a built-in smartphone holder, eliminating the need for an additional clamp. Nevertheless, we found the Universal Smartphone Clamp, previously mentioned in the Wiimote section, useful for mounting our phone in various locations and also with the MOGA.

After reviewing the component list, proceed to the subsequent section to learn how to configure both the Wiimote and the MOGA.

Configuring the Wiimote

The Wiimote, Nintendo's revolutionary controller for the Wii console, requires initial configuration before use. This process establishes communication between the Wiimote and the Wii, allowing for accurate motion control and gameplay.

Initial Synchronization

To begin, ensure the Wii console is powered on and the Wiimote has sufficient battery life. Press the red sync button located inside the battery compartment of the Wiimote.

Subsequently, press the red sync button on the Wii console itself. A blue LED on both the Wiimote and the Wii will begin flashing.

Synchronization Completion

Once synchronization is complete, the blue LEDs on both the Wiimote and the Wii will remain steadily lit. This indicates a successful connection has been established.

If synchronization fails, repeat the process, ensuring both buttons are pressed within a reasonable timeframe. Interference from other wireless devices can sometimes hinder the connection.

Using the Expansion Port

The Wiimote features an expansion port at its base, allowing for the attachment of various accessories. These accessories can enhance gameplay functionality.

Connecting an accessory to the expansion port typically does not require additional synchronization. The Wiimote will automatically recognize and integrate the accessory.

Calibration

After synchronization, the Wii may prompt you to calibrate the Wiimote. This process ensures accurate motion tracking.

Calibration usually involves pointing the Wiimote at the sensor bar and following on-screen instructions. Precise calibration is crucial for optimal gameplay experience.

Sensor Bar Placement

Proper placement of the sensor bar is vital for accurate Wiimote tracking. The sensor bar should be positioned either above or below the television screen.

Ensure the sensor bar is unobstructed and that there are no reflective surfaces nearby, as these can interfere with the infrared signals.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If you encounter persistent connection problems, try replacing the batteries in the Wiimote. Low battery power can often cause synchronization failures.

Additionally, ensure the Wii console is not too far from the Wiimote. Excessive distance can weaken the wireless signal.

Multiple Wiimotes

The Wii supports the connection of up to four Wiimotes simultaneously. Each Wiimote must be synchronized individually following the steps outlined above.

When using multiple Wiimotes, it's recommended to synchronize them one at a time to avoid confusion.

Resetting the Wiimote

In rare cases, a Wiimote may become unresponsive. A small reset button is located inside the battery compartment.

Using a small, pointed object, press the reset button to restore the Wiimote to its factory settings. This can resolve certain software glitches.

Controller App Installation: The initial phase of enabling communication between your Android device and the Wiimote involves installing a dedicated control application. The Wiimote Controller package can be downloaded here. Proceed with the installation of this application onto your device.

Following the application’s installation, but prior to its launch, it’s necessary to activate a new IME (Input Method Editor) within your Android system settings. While the Wiimote Control application provides a provision for this, we’ve observed occasional issues with the Settings launch. Therefore, we will manually enable it.

Access Settings –> Language & Input, then scroll down to Keyboard & Input Methods. Within this subsection, ensure the WiiControllerIME entry is checked. This action allows the Wiimote’s hardware key presses, as interpreted by the WiiController app, to directly interact with the Android operating system.

Controller App Configuration: Having activated the new IME, launch the WiiController application. The primary task is to establish a link between the Wiimote and your device. Within the main interface of Wiimote Controller, you’ll find two buttons at the top of the screen. Press Init and Connect simultaneously with the red Sync button located inside the Wiimote’s battery compartment.

As the Wiimote is a Bluetooth accessory that hasn't been previously paired, it will connect instantly without requiring a PIN code entry.

Once the connection is established, you can verify its functionality by pressing any button on the Wiimote; the corresponding values will then be displayed on the screen.

Now, we will configure some background settings. While using the Wiimote Controller app, select the menu button and then choose Preferences. At the top of the preferences menu, enable “Switch after disconnect” to automatically disable the Wiimote IME when you finish using the controller. Then, tap Target keyboard and select your preferred Android keyboard.

Key Map Configuration: With the Wiimote now linked to your Android device, we can proceed to configure its functionality within your games. There are two primary approaches to setting up the Wiimote: mapping keys directly within the Wiimote Controller application, or configuring key mappings within the game or emulator itself.

Essentially, for the Wiimote to function effectively as a gaming controller, either the game or emulator must support custom key mapping, or you must be familiar with the game’s existing key map—either through in-game documentation or online resources—to replicate it within the Wiimote Controller app.

Let’s begin by exploring how to configure key maps within Wiimote Controller, as we already have it open. Within the Preferences menu, click on Mapping options –> 1st Controller mappings.

This section allows you to restore default settings, save your configurations as a profile, and load previously saved profiles. All keys on the Wiimote (including those on the Nunchuk and Classic Controller) are listed. Selecting any key allows you to assign it to a wide range of possible game inputs, including keyboard keys and hardware functions.

It’s advisable to first determine the key/button assignments used by your game before modifying the key map. Checking the game’s documentation or looking up the controls online is recommended.

Since configuring in-application key maps is consistent for both the Wiimote and the MOGA controller, we will demonstrate setting up an emulator and configuring in-app key maps as the final step in this guide. Feel free to skip ahead to that section if you are not interested in configuring a MOGA controller.

Configuring the MOGA Controller

The MOGA controller presents a viable solution for utilizing physical controls with Android devices. This is largely due to the availability of two dedicated companion applications that provide extensive functionality.

The first is the official application, which simplifies the process of using your MOGA controller with a wide range of popular applications without requiring any complex configuration. The second is a third-party driver package, extending the MOGA’s compatibility to any game supporting key mapping, including emulators.

Initial Setup with MOGA Pivot

Begin by installing the official MOGA application, MOGA Pivot. Launch the app and select “Set Up”. Activate your MOGA controller using the power button, located beneath the pivoting brace designed to secure your phone.

Once the blue indicator light on your controller begins to blink, tap “The Blue Light is Blinking” to proceed with the setup process. A prompt will appear, requesting permission for the MOGA controller to synchronize with your Android device. Confirm by clicking “Allow”.

Upon successful connection between the MOGA and your Android device, the MOGA app will request a passkey. Select “Generate Passkey”. Ensure the following screen, or a similar variation, is displayed on your device.

If the pairing screen is skipped, the pairing process will likely fail. Be prepared to repeat the pairing wizard if necessary.

Following a successful pairing, MOGA offers a complimentary download of Pac-Man. While not the latest title, it serves as an ideal test for the MOGA controller’s functionality. Accept the download to proceed.

The controller functions seamlessly, allowing successful gameplay through the first level of Pac-Man.

Expanding Functionality with MOGA Universal Driver

Now that the MOGA controller is linked and functioning with MOGA-enabled games, it’s time to broaden its capabilities by installing the MOGA Universal Driver. This will enable compatibility with a wider range of games.

Launch the MOGA Universal Driver. The driver operates in two modes: IME mode, similar to the Wiimote Controller app, and System Mode, which necessitates root access on your phone. The distinction between these modes is somewhat unclear within the settings menu.

Using IME mode, the joysticks on your MOGA controller will emulate a DPAD (Directional Pad), mirroring the functionality of traditional controllers like those for the NES and SNES.

It is recommended to begin with the IME interface unless an application requires analog input for optimal play and is not supported by the official MOGA app. Let’s proceed with configuring the IME.

As with the Wiimote Controller setup, you must activate the new IME. Navigate to Settings –> Language & Input, then scroll down to “Keyboard & Input Methods”. Within this section, check the entry for “MOGA IME”.

Return to the Universal Driver settings menu. Tap “Select IME” and choose “MOGA IME”. Subsequently, scroll down to “Select Device” and tap it, selecting “BD&A” to connect the MOGA Driver to your controller.

Similar to the Wiimote Controller, you can create and manage key maps and profiles. To create a key map, click “Configure”. Remember that there are two primary methods for utilizing the controller with games: either map the keys used by the game or emulator within the MOGA Universal Driver app, or configure key maps directly within the game or emulator itself, if possible.

Having now established controller-app mappings for both the Wiimote and MOGA controllers, we can explore the ease of setting up key maps in popular console emulators.

Setting Up Key Maps in Emulators

For those who have configured either the Wiimote, the MOGA controller, or both, the next step involves understanding how to configure these controllers outside of their dedicated applications. While creating profiles within the controller apps is an option, mapping controls directly within games and emulators is often more convenient. This avoids the need to constantly switch profiles when changing between different games or emulation software.

Essential Configuration Steps

When initiating emulation applications, several fundamental configurations, particularly those related to key mapping, should be undertaken to maximize your gaming experience.

• Ensure the emulator is switched to landscape mode.
• Disable the onscreen controller or keyboard.
• Map the emulator’s controller keys to the corresponding physical controller buttons.

These three steps are universally applicable, regardless of the specific emulator being utilized.

We will now focus on key mapping within the widely used SuperGNES SNES emulator. Following this section, a list of emulators offering in-app key mapping will be provided for your consideration.

Initially, SuperGNES Lite must be installed. Remember to transfer some SNES ROMs for gameplay. If you are new to emulation, refer to the “Locating Game ROMs” section of How to Play Retro NES and SNES Games on Your Nintendo Wii for guidance.

After installation and ROM placement on the SD card, key mapping can begin. This example will utilize the MOGA controller, but the process remains identical for both the Wiimote and MOGA.

Launch SuperGNES, access the menu, and select Preferences. Following the previously outlined steps, tap the Orientation icon and choose Landscape. Disable the onscreen controller by tapping the Touch Controls icon. Finally, tap Controller 1 to assign the physical controller’s buttons to the emulator’s functions.

Within the controller menu, select either MOGA or Wiimote from the Controller option at the top, based on the controller you are configuring. To assign each button, tap the corresponding entry (like “A” or “Select”) and then press the desired button on your physical controller. Many applications employ this press-the-key method, although some may require manual selection of the hardware button, such as “Button 1” or “Left Trigger”.

Once the keys are mapped, launch a ROM and test the configuration:

After a brief period of gameplay within the Mushroom Kingdom, the consensus was clear: utilizing a physical controller significantly enhances the gaming experience compared to onscreen controls.

Recommended Emulators with In-App Key Mapping

For a more comprehensive mobile gaming experience, consider these emulators that feature in-app key mapping for seamless Wiimote and MOGA controller setup:

NES Emulators

• John NES ($3.19)
• NES-FC ($2.68)

SNES Emulators

• SuperGNES ($3.99)
• Snes9x EX+ (Free)

Gameboy Emulators

• My Boy! ($4.99)
• VGBA ($4.99)

Many of these emulators also offer Lite versions, which typically include the core features but may lack the ability to create custom save points. When searching the Play Store for additional emulators, look for keywords like “hardware support”, “Bluetooth controllers”, and “gamepads” in the application description to determine if it supports external gamepads and key mapping.

If you are enthusiastic about mobile and/or retro gaming, a variety of tutorials are available. Further gaming resources include:

• How To Turn Your Nintendo DS Into a Retro Game Machine
• Play SNES Games on Your iPad with Wiimote Support
• How to Play Retro Point-and-Click Adventures on Your Wii
• How to Play Retro NES and SNES Games on Your Nintendo Wii

Do you have a gaming guide request? Would you like to learn how to play your favorite retro console games on modern devices, or maximize your gaming enjoyment without overspending? Share your suggestions in the comments or email tips@howtogeek.com, and we will strive to assist you.