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The sheer range of mobile controllers has exploded in recent years, owing to the popularity of services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, which let you play full console and PC games on the go, straight from your mobile. Rather than relying on shaky touchscreen controls, we recommend getting a dedicated mobile controller to turn your smartphone into a fully fledged gaming handheld. Still, so many controllers are on the market now, and they are not of equal quality.
abxylute (yes, it’s supposed to be in lowercase) caught my eye recently with a press release touting its S9 mobile controller as a top 5 success on Amazon within 6 months of release.
Not a small feat when up against stiff competition from brands like Razer, GameSir, and Turtle Beach. Let’s check out the abxylute S9 controller and how it stacks up against the many other mobile controllers I have tried.
Jennifer Young
Jen has been part of the Windows Central team for two years and has been playing video games since the 90s. She is just as adept at Dark Souls and Diablo as she is at Petz 4. Playing mainly on Steam Deck, Xbox, and PC, Jen prefers to collect controllers over shoes and handbags. However, only a handful make it into the daily rotation while others are doomed to storage, and she’ll happily tell you why in numerous reviews submitted to this site.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by abxylute. abxylute had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
abxylute S9 review: Pricing and specifications
- The abxylute costs $79.99.
- It fits mabxyluteost Android smartphones and iPhone with USB-C connection, and even the iPad mini.
abxylute S9 specs
• Price: $79.99 at Amazon
• Connectivity: USB-C connector
• Compatibility: Android and iPhone 15/16 series (device length up to 216mm)
• Extra controls: programmable back buttons, 6-axis gyroscope, dual rotor motors
• Sticks: Hall Effect
• Triggers: Hall Effect
• Buttons: Micro-switch
• Customization: 3 D-pad options and 2 joystick heights
• Dimensions: 207.46 x 93.27 x 57.38mm
• Weight: 250g
The abxylute S9 is a mobile gaming controller designed to cater to both smartphones and tablets, so everything from the Samsung S25 Ultra to the iPhone and iPad mini. Priced at $79.99 on Amazon, it provides a premium set of features such as swappable faceplates and joysticks, programmable buttons, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, and passthrough charging, all within a sleek, lightweight design.
This controller aims to transform your Xbox Cloud Gaming experience into something akin to using a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck.
abxylute S9 review: The good
- The abxylute S9 accomodates a large range of smartphone sizes
- Swappable joysticks, and d-pads provide some customization
The abxylute S9 comes in all recyclable packaging, which is always appreciated nowadays, there’s no plastic to be seen here, and I like to see manufacturers being more mindful of their impact on the environment rather than the standard packed with plastic and polystyrene you can get with some other brands.
The controller itself stretches to accommodate a wide range of smart devices, including cased iPhones, iPad minis, and Android tablets. My main phone is a Samsung S25 Ultra, and while not the size of an iPad, I can still have trouble with some mobile controllers popping out of place. Thankfully, the design of the S9 held my phone in place perfectly.
The image below looks a little awkward because my case is really that bulky, with a camera protruding at the back, yet rest assured, the case held it firmly.
Customization-wise, abxylute has included swappable faceplates, joysticks, and d-pads without needing to pay for extra bits and bobs.
There are three D-pad styles (cross, circle, hybrid) to choose from. Hall effect joysticks reduce the risk of stick drift—a persistent issue with analog sticks used by the big names like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo.
Adjustable linear triggers, and the vibration can even be customized directly from the D-pad itself. If you want to go wild, the six-axis gyro system can even mimic joystick inputs.
The buttons are proudly advertised as ‘quiet,’ so they aren’t as clicky as I prefer, but not everyone wants to hear every button press, so I’ll let that one slide.
For those using Xbox Cloud Gaming. Nvidia GeForce Now or similar services, this controller makes mobile gaming far easier and more enjoyable than fiddling with touch controls.
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The USB-C connector plugs the device into your phone, meaning you don’t need to charge it separately, and it runs off your mobile power. This also extends pretty generously, so as I mentioned previously, there is no need to faff and remove your phone case. Not many mobile controllers can boast this.
There’s also a sticker included that you can put on the inner rubber showing the button shortcuts, which is another small detail I appreciated.
abxylute S9 review: The bad
- No faceplate variety despite them being swappable
- Lights on controller don’t turn off
I couldn’t find a huge range of the faceplates on abxylute’s website but I assume more will be added in time, though offering this feature while only having the black and blue available seems an odd choice.
There’s also no option to turn off the controller’s lighting, which, while it looks nice, would be a waste of my mobile battery.
Otherwise, there isn’t much to complain about with this controller. It does what it says, and while I prefer the handling and size of GameSir’s G8 grips, this is a solid choice and priced competitively. You’ve got to love options!
abxylute S9 review: Also consider
As mentioned, my favorite mobile controller which I recommend to anyone that will listen is the GameSir G8 which also has USB-C connectivity, or the GameSir G8+ for those that prefer Bluetooth. They are priced at $80 on Amazon. Both controllers offer swappable faceplates and joysticks, but the S9 takes customization a step further with multiple D-pad styles.
It’s a little heavier than the abxylute, and the grips are larger, so it is definitely down to personal preference, which is hard to convey. However, as they are priced very similarly, I suggest you check out both before making your mind up. I do have to take my case off with the G8, so the abxylute model does win in that respect.
abxylute S9 review: Final thoughts
You should buy this if …
✅You play a lot of games on your mobile and don’t want to rely on touch controls
The abxylute S9 is a solid option to give you full size gaming controls
✅You dont want to remove your phone case, or you have a large device
This case extends both outwards and has a generously sized USB-C connector to accomodate most phones and cases
You should not buy this if …
❌You want a controller that won’t use your battery
This controller does have light up elements that may drain your battery quicker than a controller that doesn’t
❌You want a more compact mobile controller
This doesn’t fold up like some mobile controllers
The abxylute S9 is a new contender in the burgeoning market of mobile gaming controllers, and it’s nice to see someone try to give GameSir a run for their money in the value stakes.
Given the extended size of the abxylute S9, it will make a good choice for those who want to use with multiple devices. abxylute is also working on its own full Android-based gaming device with the abxylute one Pro, which looks like a viable competitor for the Logitech G Cloud at a more reasonable price point. These are definitely a brand to watch in 2025.
