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Best Bluetooth Gamepad for Android TV & NVIDIA Shield [2023]
Are you looking for an upgrade to your NVIDIA Shield controller or a new gamepad for your Android TV?
Since Android TVs can use both Bluetooth and wireless 2.4GHz gamepads, there’s a seemingly endless list of great gaming controllers to choose from.
Many offer great designs, comfortable ergonomics, and custom features. Plus, there’s the official NVIDIA Shield TV remote, which is a good option, too, if you can still find it.
I tested some of the most popular wireless 2.4GHz and Bluetooth gamepads for Android TV to help you find out which one is the best for you.
First, let’s look at the official NVIDIA Shield TV controllers to see where we’re trying to improve. Then we’ll go through the list to find the best controller for NVIDIA Shield TV.
For more great articles like this, head to my NVIDIA Shield TV resource page. You’ll find all my tips, tricks, reviews, and tutorials to help you get the most out of your NVIDIA Shield.
Official NVIDIA Shield Controller [Discontinued]
Even though it’s the most straightforward controller to pair with your NVIDIA Shield TV, it’s been discontinued by NVIDIA.
Thankfully, there are much better options out there anyway.
The original NVIDIA Shield controller took its design cues from the original Xbox controller. It was bulky and awkward, which made it exhausting to use for extended play sessions. Thankfully, the new version, which came out in 2017, trimmed down the extra bulk to make it much more comfortable.
It might look strange, but the geometric design on the grips is actually really comfortable. Your hands grip around all those little contours so you don’t even notice that they’re there.
Unique looks aside, the analog sticks are flimsy and have too much play.
The same goes for the triggers and bumpers.
Overall, the NVIDIA Shield TV gamepad is a workable solution in a pinch if you can still find one. However, even casual gamers would do a lot better with an upgrade.
Best Bluetooth Gamepad Overall for NVIDIA Shield TV: Xbox Core Controller
After my tests, the Xbox One Core controller is easily the best Bluetooth gamepad for Android TV.
This latest version of the standard Xbox controller is an evolution rather than a revolution. This design has been tweaked and refined over the last decade. Built with gamers in mind, it offers more than enough features to make it top of most people’s list of the best wireless Bluetooth controllers.
It’s compatible with NVIDIA Shield TV, Amazon FireStick, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, mobile devices, and, of course, your Xbox game system.
Xbox Core Controller: Pros
The first time I picked up the latest Xbox Core Wireless Controller, I immediately noticed the difference.
It was always a really comfortable controller to use. The button layout is exactly what you’d expect it to be. The triggers and bumpers are crisp and responsive, with just the right amount of resistance when you press them.
Everything you want is right within easy reach without contorting your hand or stretching to hit a button that should be closer.
The controller’s built-in headset jack lets you plug any 3.5mm set of headphones or compatible wired gaming headset to trash-talk your teammates and friends.
This new version added a subtle texture along the grip that helped keep it from slipping around in your hands.
But the most significant change, IMO, was the D-pad. This new hybrid D-pad is indented to fit your thumb’s natural curve and feels much smoother to use than previous models.
The Xbox Core Bluetooth controller is simply the best in class for wireless gamepads in this price range. You’d generally spend $20-$30 more to get similar quality and features. This is the gamepad you need if you want a perfect gaming experience without dealing with cables.
Xbox Core Controller: Cons
My biggest complaint about the Xbox controllers is that it doesn’t include a built-in rechargeable battery. There’s one available through Microsoft, for an additional fee, of course.
But this is a premium Bluetooth gamepad, and using AA batteries is ridiculous. A rechargeable battery should be included.
Beyond that, anything else I say here will be nitpicking. As much as I’ve liked previous versions of the Xbox controllers, this new version feels perfect to me.
Fans of edgier, flashy controllers might not be fans of Microsoft’s Xbox controller design. Sure there are custom color schemes for select games, and you can even go to Microsoft’s design lab to create something. But the controller itself looks pretty plain.
If you want something more stylish, this controller isn’t your best option.
Also, the controller is relatively heavy, so your arms might get a workout after extended play sessions.
Microsoft stepped up their game with the newest Xbox One controller. Better grip and a more comfortable D-pad give you the edge you need to win. Fully compatible with Android TV!
Runner Up: GameSir G4 Pro Wireless Controller
The GameSir G4 Pro is an excellent Bluetooth game controller compatible with Android TV boxes and the NVIDIA Shield TV. You can also use it as a full-sized Xbox One or PS game controller on Windows PC (both USB wired and wireless) to improve your home console experience.
Best of all, its the cheapest gamepad on this list.
The GameSir G Series is an excellent option for those who want an affordable gaming controller they can use with Android TV box games or their PC. This will save you from having to buy two separate products for multiple devices.
This product offers tons of options for all gamers. You can play games in your living room next to friends who also have Android devices but don’t want to carry around a controller or play games from your PC. You can even play with up to four players at the same time.
GameSir G4 Pro: Pros
As soon as you pick it up, it’s easy to see why the GameSir G Series is one of the most popular Bluetooth game controllers on Amazon.
It’s incredibly comfortable to hold, with a very ergonomic design. The hand grips are rubberized, giving it a higher-end feel than several other controllers I’ve tested. It’s super comfortable, even for long play sessions.
The GameSir G4 Pro has dual motors for vibration feedback, which is great for racing games.
Additionally, a six-axis gyroscope was added to the GameSir G4 pro, allowing motion control and more responsiveness to your movements.
It’s a wireless Bluetooth controller with a handle grip and air mouse functionality. It has a built-in lithium battery that lasts up to 20 hours per charge, a micro USB charging cable, and more.
The GameSir G Series is a versatile Bluetooth game controller that works with Android TV boxes, the NVIDIA Shield TV consoles, smartphones, Windows PC and Mac OS.
Best of all, it has better build quality than most other budget-friendly Bluetooth controllers. It feels on par with the Xbox One controller, which says a lot, coming from me.
GameSir G4 Pro: Cons
I have two complaints about the GameSir G4 Pro.
First, the controller feels small…even though it’s not. Side-by-side, it’s similar in size to the Xbox One Core Controller. However, the way the triggers are laid out, you have to stretch your index fingers to hit them.
That could mean the difference between reacting in time or needing to respawn in the heat of battle.
Also, since it was designed for smartphones, the center of the GameSir G4 Pro flips up to hold your phone in place.
That all makes sense.
What doesn’t make sense, however, is that GameSir decided to put the Turbo and Screenshot buttons under the center panel. That means if you’re using the controller on another Android TV box, you can’t get to those buttons unless you keep the center panel raised.
Since I don’t see myself using either button very often, it’s a minor detail. However, I can see it being a deal-breaker for some people.
- Android Phone/Tablet/TV Box/iPhone/iPad/Apple TV/Windows PC. Supports Type-C USB Wired/ Bluetooth/ 2.4Ghz wifi connection. 3.5-6 inch Phone Holder.
- One click Turbo function and Screenshot buttons
Best Upgrade: Sony DualSense Controller
If the Xbox Core controller is an evolution, the Sony DualSense controller is a revolution that takes a fan-favorite gamepad to the next level.
It offers vibration feedback via haptic technology with each button press. The layout of the buttons is precisely where you would expect them on the PS Vita or PlayStation Portable systems.
The controller layout remains the same from later versions of the PS4 DualShock gamepad. The D-pad is still four directional arrows rather than one circular pad. Also, the buttons are less bulky and blend into the clean design much better.
The Sony DualSense carries over the touchpad from the DualShock controller, which gives you another way to interact with the game. It also has a microphone for voice search and commands, which is great when using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Sony DualSense Controller: Pros
The controller comes with haptic motion sensing and vibration feedback. So if you’re the kind of gamer that physically leans into corners while you’re driving, now that’s actually going to transfer to the game itself. It’s worth noting that support for that feature may be limited on Android games.
The gamepad has a rich feature set that includes motion controls and customization options such as vibration feedback levels. Its slim design with textured handles improves grip, while the touchpad on top makes it easy to navigate without removing your thumbs from the analog sticks.
The triggers were also redesigned to register how hard or far you pull them. This adaptive trigger technology allows for more finesse in games – more than just an ‘on\off’ response.
This game controller features a dual analog stick design for greater control and accuracy. It is compatible with Android streaming devices as well as the NVIDIA Shield TV.
The wireless connectivity via Bluetooth allows you to play up to 30 feet away from your Android device or television screen.
Finally, it includes a built-in rechargeable battery, capable of up to seven hours of battery life on a single charge.
Sony DualSense Controller: Cons
The Sony DualSense controller is a great, innovative design, but it’s not cheap. At a retail price of $69.99, it’s roughly $20 more than any other controller on this list.
While that may be worth it if you have a PS5, it’s hard to justify that price tag if you’re only playing games on your Android TV.
Best Gamepad for Android TV Box for 2023
Today´s Android TV boxes are getting increasingly more powerful. With their multicore CPUs and graphics processors, they are able to cope with more and more demanding games. And, because the Google Play store provides access to countless gaming apps, Android set-top boxes present a cheap yet very capable alternative to traditional game consoles with their high price tag and expensive games. In this article, I look at the best Android TV box game controllers on the market.
Best Android TV Gamepads Review
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad and Game Controller for Android, Fire TV, Samsung, PC, Steam and. | No ratings yet | Buy Now | |
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GameSir G4 Pro Bluetooth Game Controller 2.4GHz Wireless Gamepad for Nintendo Switch Apple Arcade. | No ratings yet | Buy Now | |
 |
Matricom G-Pad XYBA Wireless Rechargeable Bluetooth Pro Game Pad Joystick Controller (Samsung Gear. | 1,217 Reviews | Buy Now | |
 |
SteelSeries Stratus Duo Wireless Gaming Controller – Compatible with Android, Windows, VR, and. | No ratings yet | $59.45 | Buy Now |
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8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller for Switch, Windows and Android, 6-Button Layout for SEGA’s. | 2,433 Reviews | $29.99 | Buy Now |
Playing video games is supposed to be an immersive experience. Precision control is of utmost importance. It should be you versus the game. But, any standard remote control ruins this experience.
Ultimately, the whole fun of gaming is ruined as you are struggling with your controls. Anyone that has tried gaming using a standard remote or air mouse will instantly recognize that feeling of frustration.
Therefore, I decided to look at all the popular game controllers currently available and reviewed the best gamepads for Android TV boxes.
Gaming on Android Set-Top Box
Chances are, you didn’t buy your Android TV box specifically for playing games. Most likely, it was the streaming capabilities that convinced you to get your set-top box. The ability to easily stream movies and shows to your TV via Kodi, Netflix, or any of the other streaming services is the most popular use of these Android-powered streaming media players.
However, all that hardware that allows you to stream crisp HD content can do much more than you might have thought. Any of the current Android media players sport the latest generation quad-core processors with enough processing power to put your aged office PC to shame. Paired with 2 GB of RAM and a dedicated multi-core graphics processor, these small powerhouses run even the most demanding 3d games.
Of course, these Android boxes can’t compete with the high-end gaming consoles. Maybe with the exception of the Nvidia Shield TV which is purpose-built for gaming. Also, the Nvidia box comes with a great looking and game controller that performs exceptionally well. But, a PS4 or Xbox One will set you back hundreds of dollars. Additionally, the pricing of games is simply ridiculous. Especially when compared to the price of games on the Android Play store.
Gaming on Android TV Box Rocks
An Android media player is the ideal living room gaming device for casual gamers. Below are some of the key reasons why gaming on Android boxes is experiencing such an influx in popularity:
- Low price of games
- Insane amount of available games for every type of gamer (see some recommendations here)
- Cheapest way to turn your existing living room TV into a gaming hub
- Very powerful yet affordable Android TV boxes available
However, nearly every media player currently on the market is not fit for gaming right out of the box. One thing that you will find missing is a high-quality Android gamepad.
The Perfect Android Box Game Controller
So what should you look out for when shopping for the best gamepad for your new Android TV box?
- Durability: Buying a cheap controller that breaks easily is the most obvious mistake you could make. Sometimes, things can get a little heated when trying to beat that end-boss. Opt for a quality product that survives a fall or a frustrated toss.
- Precision & Feedback: Gaming is about skill and timing. A great gamepad gives you adequate stick precision and registers every press of a button without any hiccups.
- Connectivity: Opt for a wireless controller to avoid having to deal with wires. Also, keep an eye out for battery life as you don’t want to take an unplanned break because you run out of juice.
- Full size and familiar layout: Let’s not reinvent the wheel. Console controllers are tried and tested designs. All the gamepads I recommend below closely mimic their layout and size.
The Best Android Gamepads
Many manufacturers have released gamepads in recent years due to the increasing popularity of gaming on set-top boxes. However, many of these controllers are cheap and unreliable. Below are the top 5 gamepads for Android media players to ensure you’ll enjoy your living room gaming to the fullest.
1. Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R
- Premium brand
- Multimedia buttons
- Mouse emulation mode
- As precise as a console controller
- Clicky buttons
- More dead zone in left stick than I’d like to see
Okay, we’ll give Mad Catz the benefit of the doubt and just assume that there was an online petition to name their newest Android controller. And an eight-year-old apparently won. However, apart from the overly edgy name, there is very little wrong with this gamepad.
To be honest, it is great to see one of the big gaming brands entering the Android gaming market. Mad Catz is a respected company amongst enthusiasts, well-known for its quality products. And, without a doubt, their expertise shines through in this product.
The Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R is an absolute beast. It’s built like a tank, able to cope with the most aggressive button-mashers out there. Rest assured that this device will easily survive an accidental drop. Also, anyone with previous gaming experience will feel immediately at home when they pick up the C.T.R.L.R. All the buttons and sticks are exactly where you’d expect them. Additionally, the controller has a good weight to it.
Obviously, one of the most important aspects of any gamepad is precision. All the buttons and sticks have a snappy feel. You won’t struggle for control with this gamepad. However, the buttons tend to be a bit clicky. This is annoying but doesn’t impact the performance of this device. But, there is one downside: The dead zone on the left stick. This might be a personal preference, but we’d like to have a smaller dead zone than what is present on the C.T.R.L.R. Still, you get great precision and no noticeable lag with Mad Catz’ Android gamepad.
Connecting the controller is super easy. Simply pair it via Bluetooth and you are ready to go. Thankfully, Mad Catz added an auto-off feature to the C.T.R.L.R, which ensures that you don’t drain the battery when the gamepad is not in use.
Additionally, you get dedicated multimedia buttons, making this one of the best gamepads for Android TV boxes. This allows you to control your favorite streaming apps without having to switch between the controller and your remote.
Top 10 Best Controller For Nvidia Shield 2022 – Review & Guide
You can trust our selection for Controller For Nvidia Shield Reviews. Because We have worked hard studying and analyzing 53781 reviews for Controller For Nvidia Shield and rating them. It was a difficult job to list only ten products for Controller For Nvidia Shield where thousands of them available online. I hope it will help you to take final decision for Best Controller For Nvidia Shield.
| No | Product | Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NVIDIA SHIELD Controller — Android | 9.6 | Buy On Amazon |
| 2 | Silicone Protective Case Compatiable for NVIDIA Shield TV Pro/4K HDR Remote Controller | 9.6 | Buy On Amazon |
| 3 | Skinomi Silver Carbon Fiber Full Body Skin Compatible with NVIDIA Shield TV (includes Controller Kit)(2015)(Full Coverage) TechSkin Anti-Bubble Film | 9.6 | Buy On Amazon |
| 4 | NVIDIA SHIELD Remote; Voice Search | 9.2 | Buy On Amazon |
| 5 | NVIDIA SHIELD Controller (2015) | 8.8 | Buy On Amazon |
| 6 | BigNewPowered 5ft Cord for NVidia Shield TV Box Controller Gamepad Remote Micro USB Wire Cable | 8.6 | Buy On Amazon |
| 7 | Skinomi Black Carbon Fiber Full Body Skin Compatible with NVIDIA Shield TV (Controller Kit only)(2015)(Full Coverage) TechSkin Anti-Bubble Film | 8.6 | Buy On Amazon |
| 8 | Fintie Case for NVIDIA Shield TV Pro/4K HDR Remote Controller- CaseBot Light Weight (Anti Slip) Shockproof Silicone Cover | 8.2 | Buy On Amazon |
| 9 | Skinomi Brushed Steel Full Body Skin Compatible with NVIDIA Shield TV (includes Controller Kit)(2015)(Full Coverage) TechSkin Anti-Bubble Film | 8.2 | Buy On Amazon |
| 10 | NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro 4K HDR Streaming Media Player; High Performance | 8.2 | Buy On Amazon |
Comparison Chart for Best Controller For Nvidia Shield
We’ve scanned 53781 reviews for you. If you are looking for the Controller For Nvidia Shield than this review article may help you.
Table Of Content:
Top 10 Best Controller For Nvidia Shield. If you are looking for a controller for the Nvidia shield then this review article may help you.