Best Gamepad solution for the Nexus 7? - Nexus 7 (2013) Q&A

Hello,
I am so impressed by how well the Nexus 7 handles gaming specially N64 emulation that I want to use a game controller and it sems there are a few options.
Firstly, I am familiar with using a PS3 controller via the OTG cable unrooted and also with Sixaxis once rooted and the option to map the buttons for touch screen only games which looks brilliant.
My big hands prefer xbox controllers so I wondered what options there are for xbox controllers in a similar environment? I'd rather not use it wired but if that was the only drawback opposed to PS3 and Sixaxis then I'd live with it..
But what gamepad solutions are there for playing Android games and Retro emulators?
Thanks

The sixaxis is your best bet. I was in the exact same situation, wanted an Xbox controller but didn't want it wired. Problem with that is Microsoft uses 2.4ghz which the nexus 7 doesn't have built in. The sixaxis is Bluetooth so it connects fine and I've never had a problem with it on any device I've used it on as a gamepad.
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It is unfortunate that the device needs to be rooted for sixaxis to work, right?

I have large hands as well, but I only have wireless Xbox controllers and when I tried using the wireless PC kit on a tablet (Cube U30GT with Android 4.1), it got recognized in the home screen, but no game was able to use it. I didn't want to purchase a cable Xbox controller just for use with Android. So I got a PS3 controller which works well as you described. I have no problem playing games with it (Dead Trigger, Shadow Gun, GTA, Max Payne, SNES Emulators so far). Playing older games with the PS3 controller is better than with an Xbox controller in my opinion, because the Xbox controller has a rubbish D-Pad, which SNES games use a lot. Remapping touch controls to the PS3 with Sixaxis Controller app is fairly good and easy, once you get the hang of it.
If you don't care about the cable and have one laying around, an Xbox 360 controller should work, at least I've seen a lot of people use one with their android devices.
There are a lot of custom controllers for android devices, most of which use bluetooth. But they are either more expansive than Xbox/PS3 or not very well built in my opinion.

rickyoon.vegas said:
It is unfortunate that the device needs to be rooted for sixaxis to work, right?
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Yes, Sixaxis needs root
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Red samurai GameStop controller.
Bluetooth, Gamepad support, Keyboard mode for emulator button mapping, rechargeable via USB, can connect two controllers together for multiplayer action Dual analog sticks, d pad, l1 l2 r1 r2, start, select, 4 action buttons. Best thing is that its made specifically for android tablets
I have two and love them.
25 dollars at your local GameStop.

Related

Any Good Bluetooth Game Controllers?

I don't own the phone yet but just checking out all the options for it (I am pretty excited to get it).
This phone seems awesome for gaming. I have seen a few HDMI mirroring videos that has got me really interested in getting a games controller for it.
I have seen you can use a wii controller but I don't really like them. I do like the idea of using a PS3 controller but the idea of paying for an app for this has put me off.
Games have started to get really good for Android (one of the reasons I am upgrading and getting this phone) but I haven't really seen any good controllers yet.
Does anyone here own a bluetooth android games controller and if so what make and is it any good?
I just use a ps3 controller, it works perfect for everything.
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Sorry, but the best bluetooth game controller for android is the PS3 controller. The app allows the controller to be used in any game. since it can also map the controller to the touch screen controls.
Anyone one that uses the Wii controller?
pinguy1982 said:
I don't own the phone yet but just checking out all the options for it (I am pretty excited to get it).
This phone seems awesome for gaming. I have seen a few HDMI mirroring videos that has got me really interested in getting a games controller for it.
I have seen you can use a wii controller but I don't really like them. I do like the idea of using a PS3 controller but the idea of paying for an app for this has put me off.
Games have started to get really good for Android (one of the reasons I am upgrading and getting this phone) but I haven't really seen any good controllers yet.
Does anyone here own a bluetooth android games controller and if so what make and is it any good?
Click to expand...
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Great choice on phone, been lovin' mine for over a year now. And yeah, it is great for enjoying games on a large screen.
Hate to be the one to break this to ya, but if the game(s) that you are wanting to play do not have gamepad support built in you will be needing that app anyway. Even with those 'Android controllers'. In games without native support you will have to have a way to map the button presses to the touch screen equivalent. I would think that there is probably a really hard way to do that without the SixAxis app from the Play Store (or maybe there is a free app somewhere?), but, at only being 2 bucks it's a fast, easy, and really good way out. I've tried the 360 controller, the Wii, and a few others. None compare to the PS3 + SixAxis IMHO.

Bluetooth gamepad

What's a great gamepad for the One X? Would prefer non-wiimote and non-sixaxis recommendations. Something that would work OOTB is preferable.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
This: http://droid-den.com/accessory-reviews/review-gametel-bluetooth-gamepad-for-android/
Does it work without a driver? I thought 4.0 brought native gamepad support?
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
ICS brought plug and play for usb controllers for bluetooth ones you still need some sort of software/driver to map the keys.
Icontrolpad is better as it is the same price but offers analog controls as well and you can charge your phone with it.
Interesting... Any reviews between the icontrolpad and gametel?
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
i think out of the choices the sixaxis is on top its easy to setup and most people have a ps3 these days. if you do come across something good though post it up as i love playing games on my HOX, shadowgun is awesome so if there is a better control system than sixaxis would love to know about it.
Phonejoy is a good way to go, some apps are native support for it, for everything else there is an app called BluezIME.
Anybody done any testing on these? Or any pics of them connected??? They all look a bit cheap, Id guess if they really work a better quality Song one may come out soon Hmmm>?
Hunt3r.j2 said:
Phonejoy is a good way to go, some apps are native support for it, for everything else there is an app called BluezIME.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another vote for PhoneJoy. The buttons and sticks have a bit more resistance than a real PS3 controller, but the feel is pretty good, imo. I got their MHL adapter too, which is made much better than the one I purchased from Amazon, and integrates the HDMI cable into one unit.
BluezIME emulates keyboard and gamepad buttons so it works great with any game that those controls built-in. Unlike it the Sixaxis app, it doesn't need root. Analog support requires native support in the app, the only game I have that has it currently is N64oid, GoldenEye aiming is much improved with that enabled.
With an application called Game Enabler (this requires root), the PhoneJoy emulates a HID game controller. This means Shadowgun will support the analog sticks natively (essentially it will look like a Xbox 360 controller plugged in a USB port, like on a Transformer Prime; which is what the game was developed with). Since you cannot have MHL and USB OTG simultaneously on the One X, this will be the only way to get full analog control with HDTV connectivity.
My phone is not rooted so I have not been able to test Game Enabler. But even with the analog sticks mapped to key presses, control in shooters like Shadowgun is much improved, just takes a bit to get used to at first.
Has anyone tried the onlive wireless controller? http://www.onlive.co.uk/controller Gonna check it out tomorrow myself when I get it back from my friend. Would love to play games on my tv
Wiimotes work stock with the One X too, have used my Datel Retro Wireless with it (also my Phonejoy's work fine). iControlPad is well expensive compared to these two options.
NZtechfreak said:
Wiimotes work stock with the One X too, have used my Datel Retro Wireless with it (also my Phonejoy's work fine). iControlPad is well expensive compared to these two options.
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Is there any new pads out to try ?

Moga Controller worth it?

Im thinking about buying this controller to play emulator games on my phone. Just wondering if its worth it or is there something better out there? The only thing is missing is the bumpers how would that affect in playing a psx emulator? Does anyone have this and can tell how good this thing is?.
http://www.powera.com/moga
http://www.amazon.com/MOGA-Mobile-Gaming-System-Android/dp/B0096L2SJ0
The idea of having the phone attached directly to the controller is cool. But for the money, you would be better off buying a wireless PS3 controller and connect your phone through bluetooth via this app. At least then you can still use the controller for a PS3 or PC if needed.
Additionally, you can buy this extremely affordable Suction Ball Stand to set your phone on a desk/surface when gaming.
I managed to grab one of the MOGAs when they did their free+shipping Christmas offer. It works well, but I haven't tried it on any emulators yet.
I like it, but it is a questionable value at the $50 price point.. Like the prior reply, a PS3 remote would probably be better, but I couldn't pass up the chance to grab the MOGA for $5.
Google SNES Controller Bluetooth" or similar and bang out an affordable hack!
If you play at more 3rd Gen+ HW like PS1 etc. Maybe not ideal.
It does give you +3 to Nerdery and +2 to OG Rep though.
Sent with XDA Premium and TLC..
boricua10 said:
Im thinking about buying this controller to play emulator games on my phone. Just wondering if its worth it or is there something better out there? The only thing is missing is the bumpers how would that affect in playing a psx emulator? Does anyone have this and can tell how good this thing is?.
http://www.powera.com/moga
http://www.amazon.com/MOGA-Mobile-Gaming-System-Android/dp/B0096L2SJ0
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no support for any emulator or the games at this time but it is being worked on by the developers only games that will work with the moga game controller is the ones in the moga pivot app that syncs with the controller all other games are being coded by the developers to work with the moga, heres a list of games i have that work great
1.Asphalt 7<<<<apk
2.dead trigger
3.dungeon hunter<<<<apk
4.N.O.V.A. 3<<<<apk
5.pacman
6.sonic cd<<<apk
7.TDKR batman dark night rises<<<apk
all these games work great with the moga also via mini hdmi with my flat screen tv also there still other great games like grand theft auto & modern combat 4 wild blood and others soon to come that are being coded to work with the moga game controller also noted battery life not bad:good: i say great controller for on the go and for at home via hdmi with your galaxy S2, i got the moga when it frist came out and still works great.
caught this on engadget today. http://impulsecontroller.com/ Might be something to consider depending on what you're looking for
I was able to grab up a MOGA when they were giving them away, and I have both the official and the unofficial driver app (for emulators) on both my GS2 and Nexus 7 and I have to say that the controller works pretty fantastic both for emulators and for official games. Overall it is a great product that seems well made and manufactures, it connects fast with no issues, and is responsive. It still has L and R shoulder Buttons just no "L2" or "R2" which im guessing is what people refer to as bumpers. One downside for me with the MOGA though, is when playing NES/SNES/PSX emulation most prefer to have a D-Pad rather than be forced to use an analog stick. The MOGA has two nice analog sticks, but I think the lack of a D-pad is a downside on this compact model. A full size MOGA (Edit: http://www.destructoid.com/ces-full-size-moga-pro-controller-announced-for-android-241931.phtml here it is.) which looks more like a PS3 controller is supposed to be released soon as well, so be sure to google that before making a final decision.
For the money though, I agree with a few posts above me. There are pros and cons to both controllers, but If you are using it for mostly emulator gaming, I'd spend the money on a PS3 controller and use that. It'll be more comfortable, have more buttons, and can be set up great for emulators. The moga also works well, don't get me wrong... it's very portable, flat and fits well with your tablet or phone wherever you stash it, but if you don't have to worry about the portability factor then I'd take the PS3 controller over the moga still any time.
Bottom line. It's a great product that does what it says, but I wouldn't have bought one for the price tag if I hadnt gotten it for free in the deal. I would've eventually went PS3 or waited for the full size moga to drop.
I have a Moga controller and its freaking awesome.. Honestly it is more responsive in games than the PS3 controller was.. Not to mention they have alot of games are are optimized for the controller. Also If you download the universal driver the controller will work in unsupported games also.. For example GTA 3 doesn't work with the Moga app, but when you run the universal driver it works great..
Has anybody tried this ion go pad? Would it be compatible with our phone?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004YC4NN0/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&m=A9VBWN1Q1U6E6
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would love to try if it were like $20
message from the main

Moga pro vs ps3 controller?

Which do you prefer? Never tried linking a controller before. Not sure which to purchase based on variety of games it can be used on, and latency between input.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
memphian said:
Which do you prefer? Never tried linking a controller before. Not sure which to purchase based on variety of games it can be used on, and latency between input.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Ps3, since it has an app, and also, because I don't know moga lol. I use ps3 controller and works perfect
Moga for someone who doesn't want to root. PS3 for one that doesn't mind rooting. I chose PS3 just because I have 3 at home already.
PS3 is much better all around.
Better control
Better response
Lighter
Lots of colors
Rechargeable
Maps buttons onscreen buttons
More durable
Better DPad
Feels better
It requires root is the only downfall. But if you're on XDA, that should be an issue.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Got ps3 controller, six axis app, and fpse emulator. Have ps3 paired with six axis app. How do I get it connected with fpse?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
player911 said:
PS3 is much better all around.
Better control
Better response
Lighter
Lots of colors
Rechargeable
Maps buttons onscreen buttons
More durable
Better DPad
Feels better
It requires root is the only downfall. But if you're on XDA, that should be an issue.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better control
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Click to collapse
what do you mean?
Better response
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can you quantify this?
Lighter
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Click to collapse
I would have to weigh it, but my Moga Pro is pretty damn light; lighter than a PS3 controller I would guess.
Lots of colors
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true.
Rechargeable
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So is the Moga Pro, and with the same charger you're already using for your tablet.
Maps buttons onscreen buttons
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I don't know what this means, but I think you mean you can map screen presses to the controller? I can do this in all of my emulators.
More durable
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Probably true, but I haven't had either controller break yet.
Better DPad
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Disagree, close enough to just be a preference though.
Feels better
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Agree and disagree. I hate the PS3 triggers and the short nubs for handles. The Moga Pro fits better in my hand. The PS3 controller does have a nicer heft to it though.
Not to mention the Moga Pro has the built in clip for your phone, that's pretty sweet. Also the joystick nubs fit your thumbs a lot better (IMO)
Have you ever even used a Moga Pro? Because you seem really ill-informed.
There are more controllers being sold. For example the steelseries free, icontrolpad, and there are others around that connect with bluetooth
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Chaaqoti said:
There are more controllers being sold. For example the steelseries free, icontrolpad, and there are others around that connect with bluetooth
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Yea but this thread is specifically comparing 2. The MOGA and PS3 are probably the most supported.
I don't have a Pro so I can't compare directly but rather listing qualities of the PS3 more then directly comparing to the MOGA Pro. I do have the original portable MOGA. I like the MOGA but I use my PS3 more.
I think the PS3 is also cheaper.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Never used Moga but I use a PS3 controller with 4 of my devices. I love it, really awesome! I also use GameKlip to mount my phones on to my PS3 controllers. Works out great! Much easier just standing my tablets in a folio case for game play instead mounting them on to my controller. I wouldn't want the extra weight from a tablet in my hand while playing games. I'm not a little guy either, but that's a lot of unneeded weight in your hands in my opinion...
SwiftKey'ed from my '13 Nexus 7 FHD using XDA Premium HD
i have both the moga pro and the ps3 with sixaxis, and i like them both, now if you don't want to root the moga pro is a good choice because you can keymap any emulator and there are some games on the play store that are HID plus the moga game enhanced, now if you have root then the ps3 controller is able to do what the moga pro does and more, also i have an htc one rooted which i use the ps3 controller and a nexus 7 2 not rooted and use the moga and love using it just because its able to do what i want it to do plus i don't want to root the my tablet because is pure google and like it the way it is. so i would recommend to use what is more convenient to you. or what you like
AFAIK there isn't a Mac app to change the bluetooth address of your PS3 controller, is that correct? So you need to find a PC or dual boot or VM or something to setup, right? Also, for me at least, the PS3 controller isn't working on the HTC One yet (unless something has changed in the last couple of weeks).
arich said:
AFAIK there isn't a Mac app to change the bluetooth address of your PS3 controller, is that correct? So you need to find a PC or dual boot or VM or something to setup, right? Also, for me at least, the PS3 controller isn't working on the HTC One yet (unless something has changed in the last couple of weeks).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at the bottom of this page for changing the MAC address on a Mac:
SixAxis Pair Tool
I used it just fine to get my PS3 controller paired with my Nexus 7 via my Macbook Pro.
dbeth said:
Look at the bottom of this page for changing the MAC address on a Mac:
SixAxis Pair Tool
I used it just fine to get my PS3 controller paired with my Nexus 7 via my Macbook Pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah thanks yeah. I should have said there's no app with a GUI to pair it (since not everyone is comfortable with Terminal). Thanks for the heads up.
If you use the Sixaxis app, can't you just pair it initially using a USB cable, skipping the step requiring a PC?
I know the Ouya does this. Just hardwire it, reset, and pair wirelessly.
I thought the Sixaxis App can do this too.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
player911 said:
If you use the Sixaxis app, can't you just pair it initially using a USB cable, skipping the step requiring a PC?
I know the Ouya does this. Just hardwire it, reset, and pair wirelessly.
I thought the Sixaxis App can do this too.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
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I believe so, I don't have a OTG cable so I always have to use a PC
Also. I seen in the paper that PS3 controllers are on sale this week.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
chamucoliz said:
i have both the moga pro and the ps3 with sixaxis, and i like them both, now if you don't want to root the moga pro is a good choice because you can keymap any emulator and there are some games on the play store that are HID plus the moga game enhanced, now if you have root then the ps3 controller is able to do what the moga pro does and more, also i have an htc one rooted which i use the ps3 controller and a nexus 7 2 not rooted and use the moga and love using it just because its able to do what i want it to do plus i don't want to root the my tablet because is pure google and like it the way it is. so i would recommend to use what is more convenient to you. or what you like
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id love for you elaborate your experience between the two.
Ive had the PS3 controllers for my ps3 but never used it on my android phone, and just got the Moga now. My deciding factors were,
Moga +
Better android support out of the box(almost all Gameloft support natively and many many games getting updated)
xbox 360 style and button layout, dual analog sticks positions are better
built in clip for mostly any size phones i.e. 3" - 6" devices, and yes note 2 does fit
long lasting battery and charge via any micro usb plug, unlike ps3 which need charging from ps3 or ac only
Dual connection mode(native or hid)
I would have over looked the issues on the ps3 controller but the moga was purpose built for android and with the built in clip and native game support was a no brainer. However I do feel at times the response is like 1/10 off so kind of annoying. But admittedly, i noticed the games that support native like gameloft modern warfare or crazy taxi, etc are near perfect. So who know this thing is just a few software updates from being even better.
It's been my experience with the PS3 controller that custom mapping all of the controls to get the game to work properly can be tedious. Although, with that said....it's also nice to be able to customize it however you want vs what is natively supported. Does MOGA allow this? I'm assuming not. Maybe someone can chime in.
Resolved.
GameKlip like Mount for Nexus 7 and Moga?
chamucoliz said:
i have both the moga pro and the ps3 with sixaxis, and i like them both, now if you don't want to root the moga pro is a good choice because you can keymap any emulator and there are some games on the play store that are HID plus the moga game enhanced, now if you have root then the ps3 controller is able to do what the moga pro does and more, also i have an htc one rooted which i use the ps3 controller and a nexus 7 2 not rooted and use the moga and love using it just because its able to do what i want it to do plus i don't want to root the my tablet because is pure google and like it the way it is. so i would recommend to use what is more convenient to you. or what you like
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the PS3 controller with the GameKlip and it works well for some games. While I am able to map the buttons and create custom profiles, I do notice the difference in the way the buttons work between a controller that is natively supported by the game as opposed to a touch profile created for the game to work with the PS3 controller. This could be just a settings issue, but for me the difference is very noticable. The one thing I love about the PS3 controller is the ability to use it with GameKlip. This setup is just awesome. I have the gameklip for S3 and Nexus 7 and gaming is the best experience with it.
Since you have the Moga controller too, do you know if there are any gameklip like solutions for Moga to mount the Nexus 7 on top of it? I think the default max width supported by the controller is less than the width of the Nexus 7. If there was a solution, i'd buy a Moga controller immediately. the amount of games they support is just great.

[Q] which plug and Play game controller?

Hi,
I'm wanting a good game controller for use with game emulation. I have connected my PS3 controller by Bluetooth but it cant be used at the same time as the firetv remote.
Can anyone recommend me a good one? I don't mind wired controller, just want a plug and play solution
Thanks
Hard Candy controllers are great and they are plug and play. Plus they take regular batteries so you don't have to worry about charging yur controller. I personally hate the idea of a rechargable controller.
I'm using the Logitech f710 controller which comes with a usb Wi-Fi dongle, seems to work fine on the games I've tested so far.

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