Turn iPhone/Android into a Game Controller

Transform Your Smartphone into a PC Game Controller

Are you a fan of relaxed gaming experiences on your computer? Do you have either an iPhone or an Android-powered smartphone? Consider leveraging your mobile device as a controller for your PC games, bypassing the traditional keyboard and mouse.

If this concept seems appealing, exploring Wanderplayer is recommended. Currently in beta, this application allows users to enjoy 30 distinct games directly on their computer – whether running Windows or macOS – utilizing their smartphone as a convenient remote control.

Benefits of Using Wanderplayer

This innovative approach eliminates the need for awkward postures or uncomfortable seating arrangements often associated with keyboard and mouse gameplay. It provides a more relaxed and intuitive gaming experience.

Wanderplayer is designed for simplicity. Installation is straightforward, and the setup process is remarkably quick, enabling you to begin playing within approximately five minutes.

Key Features

Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Mobile Device Support: Compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones.
Game Library: Offers a selection of 30 different games to choose from.
Ease of Use: Boasts a user-friendly interface and a rapid setup time.

By utilizing your smartphone, Wanderplayer offers a novel and comfortable way to engage with PC games.

Getting Started with Wanderplayer

Begin by visiting wanderplayer.com [No Longer Available] to obtain the desktop application for either Windows or Mac OSX. The download size is minimal, approximately 1MB, and the running program requires less than 4MB of RAM, as observed on a Windows 7 system.

Following this, the mobile application must be installed on your iPhone or Android device. The website provides guidance after the desktop console download, or you can directly access the iOS or Android applications [No Longer Available] via these links.

Installation and Connection

After installing Wanderplayer on your desktop and launching the app on your mobile phone, the devices will automatically detect each other. Successful connection is indicated by a change in the Wanderplayer desktop icon to yellow, accompanied by an on-screen notification.

It’s important to ensure both the computer and phone are connected to the identical Wi-Fi network for this pairing process to occur. Given Wanderplayer’s intended use, this requirement is generally straightforward to fulfill.

The default device name, "My Android Phone," can be customized within the settings menu of the mobile application. With these steps completed, you are fully configured and ready to begin gaming.

Utilizing Wanderplayer for Gaming

Upon initial startup of Wanderplayer on your mobile device, a concise tutorial will guide you through the application’s functionality in three simple steps. An email address will also be requested during this process, facilitating the provision of feedback, as the application is currently in its beta phase.

Following completion of the tutorial, you’ll be prepared to begin gaming. The application interface is structured around four primary tabs: My Stuff, Play, Feedback, and More. Let's begin by exploring the 'Play' tab, which is central to the gaming experience.

Within the 'Play' section, a catalog of 30 games presently supported by Wanderplayer is available for browsing. While detailed descriptions are not provided for each title, the game names themselves are generally indicative of the gameplay, and the associated icons offer visual cues regarding the control schemes.

Should you encounter a prompt requesting installation of the desktop version of Wanderplayer after selecting a game, do not be alarmed. Simply retry the selection, or navigate to another section of the application and return to the game list. The game should then launch as expected.

For example, if you choose to play Lego Grand Prix, a notification will appear on your desktop computer, followed by the automatic launch of the game itself.

Controller Functionality

Your phone’s display will then transform into a dedicated controller tailored to the selected game. Each game utilizes a unique controller configuration. For Lego Grand Prix, the following controller will be presented:

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A diverse range of controller types are available. Some emulate a mousepad, others consist solely of buttons, and still others combine a joystick with button controls.

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Once the game is running and the controller is active, you can engage in gameplay as if using a physical joystick. The controller demonstrates impressive responsiveness, with no noticeable latency or connection issues. A period of adjustment may be required, and initial attempts may result in frequent in-game failures.

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Settings and Customization

If you experience unexpected sounds originating from your system while interacting with the controller, refrain from muting your desktop. Instead, disable audio feedback within the Wanderplayer mobile application’s settings. This settings menu also allows you to modify the device’s name and disable background operation.

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Wanderplayer offers a novel approach to gaming, transforming your mobile device into a versatile game controller. The application’s intuitive interface and responsive controls provide a compelling gaming experience.

The Current Beta Phase of Wanderplayer

As previously noted, Wanderplayer is currently in its beta testing phase, meaning users may experience occasional software imperfections. My personal experience was largely positive, though I did encounter instances where certain games failed to initiate. Selecting these games via the mobile application triggered a pop-up window on my computer, but no further action occurred.

However, the vast majority of games tested functioned as expected without issue.

Should you encounter any difficulties, have inquiries, or wish to provide positive feedback to the developers, the submission process is straightforward. Simply navigate to the Feedback section within the mobile app and select one of the four available options.

Submitting Your Feedback

The application will then guide you through the feedback submission process, allowing you to detail any bugs or issues you have discovered.

Interested in alternative methods for utilizing your smartphone as a remote control? Consider these resources:

7 Best Free Remote Control Apps for iPhone: Explore a selection of cost-free applications for iPhone remote control functionality.
Gmote 2.0: Discover how to transform your Android phone into a remote control for your media center.
Grooveshark Control via Chrome: Learn to manage Grooveshark from any device using a Chrome browser extension.

What are your thoughts on Wanderplayer? Are you aware of additional methods for employing your phone as a gaming controller? Please share your insights in the comments section below.