The Galaxy S22 Ultra is here, and it’s big. Literally.
With a sizable 6.8-inch screen, small bezels can only go so far. That unfortunately means some accessories that worked with your old phone, like certain game controllers or wireless chargers, might not line up quite so well with the S22 Ultra.
We checked a few controllers and measured some dimensions to take some of the work out of checking that for you. These are some of the best controllers that will work for with the new flagship phone, and a couple that you should avoid.
Xbox Controller + Moga Gaming Clip
When in doubt, grab an Xbox controller. Nine times out of ten, that’s a safe bet for gaming on anything that doesn’t have a Nintendo or Sony sticker somewhere on it. It’s a universally loved controller that works on phones, computers, tablets, and just about everything else with minimal configuration, and Android is no exception to that.
And if you want to use this excellent controller with your Galaxy S22 Ultra, you’re in luck. It’ll connect right away, and you can snag one of PowerA’s MOGA gaming clips. Attach it to your Xbox One controller, and your phone slots right in so you can get with one connected solution. Easy, especially if you already have the Xbox One controller.
PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus
Awful name? No doubt, but the PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus is an excellent controller, especially for Xbox or Game Pass fans.
You’re getting a fully wireless Bluetooth controller that integrates extremely well with Samsung’s phones, and it has a built-in clip at the top to hold your phone. There are extra mappable buttons on the back, wired and wireless connectivity, and good battery life to round out the package, and it frequently dips below $40 making it an excellent choice if you don’t already have an Xbox controller.
My only grips are the microUSB charging and lightweight construction of the controller, but if you need an all-in-one package, this clip is perfect for holding the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
8BitDo Controller Clips
8BitDo makes some excellent controllers if you prefer to use your phone for retro gaming or emulation. We won’t judge.
And like PowerA’s gaming clips, 8BitDo’s selection will definitely work on your Galaxy S22 Ultra, regardless of which controller you’re buying. They’ve got clips for their simpler controllers and the newer, fancier SN30 Pro+, so whichever flavor is your favorite, you’ve got options.
GameSir X2 Wireless Controller
If you want to turn your Galaxy S22 Ultra into a supercharged Nintendo Switch, the GameSir X2 wireless controller is a solid option. We liked it in our review, and it still holds up as a very good option a few months on.
You still get that standard asymmetrical analog stick layout and Xbox-style buttons, plus two shoulder buttons, a couple extra function buttons, and a decent D-pad for retro games. It’s totally wireless (although there is a USB-C option) and has good battery life, which should make for an easy accessory to bring along wherever you’re at.
Most importantly, the X2’s universal design means it’ll work with almost any phone, including our S22 Ultra reference point. I’d almost bet this controller works with small tablets, too. It’s flexible.
GameSir F8 Pro Snowgon
Sometimes you need a controller that just enhances your touchscreen experience. Not all mobile games support controllers, after all, or you might just prefer a touchscreen for some games. If you’re in that boat, GameSir has an extra option with the F8 Pro Snowgon.
This is another controller that we reviewed that isn’t a full blown controller, per se, but adds some grips to the sides of your phone with an optional touchscreen analog stick kind of thing and a cooling pad strapped to the back. If you’re playing something for long periods of time, it’s nice to have that extra grip for your palms, and it helps to not cover up the speakers on the side of your phone, too.
And like the other GameSir option, this one accomodates extremely large phones like the Galaxy S22 Ultra. You’ll have no problem with this one.
HyperX ChargePlay Clutch
The HyperX ChargePlay Clutch was a really cool controller for long touchscreen sessions, especially since it included a wireless charging battery pack integrated into the back of the controller. It felt good to hold and could keep your battery going and going without adding too much bulk.
It’s a close fit, but it does just barely stretch out far enough to accommodate the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s large design. All of the charging and everything works as well, making it a slightly heavier and pricier alternative to GameSir’s F8 Pro Snowgon controller.
Kind of works: Razer Kishi
Bad news about the Razer Kishi; despite the controller’s popularity lately, it’s actually just a tad too big for the Galaxy S22 Ultra. It doesn’t properly fit in the grip with the USB-C plug, and it’s too wide to stretch to the other side of the controller even if you do make it fit.
But, if you’re absolutely determined to use one, you’ve got an option. Those rubber inserts in the sides of the controller can actually be very easily taken out. Doing so leaves enough room that the Galaxy S22 Ultra will fit in, and can be properly slotted on both sides, although it does leave the controller bowed at kind of a weird angle. I’d have a hard time recommending this, and it almost feels like if you put too much pressure against the controller you’d accidentally snap your phone in half, but if you’re desperate or feeling brave, you can take a swing at it yourself.
I’d check out anything else on the list and use this as a last resort.
