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[Giallo Corsa]

So, I was seriously considering picking up a retro handheld lately, going back and forth on whether it would be worth dropping a few hundred euros just to relive some PS1, PS2, and arcade stuff in a more "plug and play" way.
The idea was appealing: dedicated device, proper controls, no setup headaches, just pick up and play -
but then it hit me… I actually had a spare phone lying around doing absolutely nothing.
That's what pushed me to try the Cannoli frontend and mess around with emulation again.

So yeah… after trying Cannoli the other day on my Google TV 4K streamer and actually liking it, i decided to install it on the spare phone I had lying around and… well, I'm fully back into emulation boys...

Now comes the annoying part: I need a telescopic controller to make the whole thing feel as close to a proper console as possible… and I've been researching for hours like a lunatic on YT and the intrawebs and still can't decide on one ffs.
Budget is 60 euros max. If I go higher than that, I might as well just buy a dedicated Android handheld and call it a day.
The main dilemma is USB-C vs Bluetooth : USB-C is obviously better for input lag, but if I'm being honest, I haven't noticed any real latency using my DualSense for emulation both of the Google TV streamer and my shitty Motorola g34.
Bluetooth, on the other hand, gives me flexibility since I could.also use it wirelessly on PC and other devices. With USB-C controllers, you're locked into the phone since they don't have a battery.
Then there's rumble… which, from what I've seen, is basically missing from most telescopic controllers - and I do want rumble, especially for PS1, PS2, and PS Remote Play.

Current options I've found:

- 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile: looks solid, Bluetooth, usable across devices… but no rumble

- EasySMX M15 : comes in both Bluetooth and USB-C versions, around 45 Eurodollars

GameSir X5 Lite: USB-C, no rumble, but ridiculously cheap (found it for ~20€ on AliExpress)
...And then there are like ten more options where each one is missing something (rumble, battery, headphone jack, etc.), and it's driving me insane.
One extra concern with Bluetooth: if I'm also using wireless headphones or earbuds, I'm worried about added latency or connectivity issues, especially since most of these don't have a headphone jack.

So yeah… what would you guys do? does anyone have any experience with this type of controllers ?

Thanks papitos

 

[willothedog]

If you have a case on your phone, you might find USB ones do not work as the connector does not insert far enough.

I'm using a D8 Pro Bluetooth.

 

[ReasonBeing]

If you have a case on your phone, you might find USB ones do not work as the connector does not insert far enough.

I'm using a D8 Pro Bluetooth.

Anecdotal, but mine works without issue with a case. Most of the controllers have rubber grips that can either be swapped out or straight up removed so that it fits. Case type does play a big role in this.

Giallo Corsa I'm one of the idiots who spend $150 on a BackBone pro. Sure it's great for my use case as I was traveling often at the time (use in on phone, PC, & Quest 3), but crazy overpriced.

I've tried some GameSir controllers and I would take a shot on one for $20.

 

[readonly]

More expensive but I got this one "GameSir G8 Plus MFi Phone Controller" and use it for remote play with a 9inch tablet. Has passthrough USB charging for your device and the controller itself doesn't have batteries.

 

[Magic Carpet]

Ive got a razor Kishi v3. TMR sticks and uses the phones battery through USB C. Has a nice software package. I forgot how much I paid. It's pretty nice. Fits my iPhone 17proMax even in a big bulky case. Comes with several sized rubber adapters to fit various phones.