Finding ways to stay entertained while on the go can be a bit challenging at times. While there are plenty of mobile and cloud games available, sometimes playing with your phone or tablet’s touch screen functionality just isn’t practical or fun in the slightest. Thankfully, there’s a gadget out there that takes care of all of that and more: the RiotPWR RP1950 controller.
Becoming an extension of your iPhone or iPad, the RiotPWR RP1950 controller brings comfort and practicality to mobile gaming. This is a full-sized Xbox-type controller that simply plugs into your compatible device via the included USC-C and Lightning cables. The cables are fairly easy to switch out, with a small pin-hole on the back of the controller that you can stick a paperclip in to release the current cable and then replace it with the other. They also made the connector angled, making it less likely to get damaged or tugged on.
Now, obviously you can’t hold the controller and your phone at the same time, but the RiotPWR team have taken that into consideration as well by including a device mount that attaches to the face of the controller. This mount can hold any size iPhone, including the new iPhone 15s, as well as the case (if you have one). It will clamp down on the sides of your phone, holding it sideways (of course). You can tilt your device forward or backward depending on your preference as well.
I initially had a couple of concerns looking at this design, that the mount would easily fall off or that it would get in the way of the controls. It does feel kind of wonky and heavy (understandably) having a phone attached to the top. Thankfully, both of those worries were immediately put to rest. The device mount is secure, even given how easily it snaps into place. It never rocked around or came loose, even after giving it a vigorous shake. My phone stayed fairly well in place, too. Obviously, if you’re shaking it side to side, it could slip a little within the clamp, but unless you’re flailing about, it’s going nowhere. As for the controls, the mount sets the phone up high enough that I never bumped into it while navigating the buttons.
The controller itself fits perfectly in my hands, just like my Xbox Series X controller. Its controls are superb, with crisp button presses and smooth stick movement. There’s no input delay (latency is possible with cloud gaming, but that’s a network issue) so gameplay feels flawless. The only difference I noticed, other than the added weight of my phone, was that there are no rumbles of any sort. This throws me off a little when playing shooters like Call of Duty Mobile or Rainbow Six Siege via the Xbox Cloud Gaming app as you’d usually feel the rumble feedback when shooting a gun, but I quickly got over it.
One question that’s sure to come up when talking about a device that connects to your phone is how much of a battery leach it is. The RiotPWR RP1950 controller does not have a rechargeable battery, instead pulling power from the device it plugs into. The good news is that I never noticed any substantial battery drainage as a result. I was able to play for a good couple of hours while still maintaining a good charge. The thing that’ll drain your battery the most is going to be the games you’re playing. However, if you do start to run low on power, there is an included USB-A to USB-C cable for pass-through charging. You may want to bring a USB extension cord with you, though, because it’s not particularly long, and I’m sure you don’t want to have to sit on the floor next to the outlet.
One thing to remember if you’re playing games on the go, especially in small spaces, is that not everyone wants to hear what you’re playing. Just like a regular controller, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom of the RiotPWR RP1950 controller to take care of that issue for you. Of course, you can also use Bluetooth headphones to wirelessly connect to your device as well.
The only other thing that I would say is missing is a carrying case for safe transport when not in use. As it stands, the device is vulnerable to developing stick drift when packed away unless you just so happen to have a case that might fit it. I would assume an Elite Series 2 case would fit it just fine, and there’s even space for cables in that case as well. However, not everyone has that option. Thankfully, the mount and cables are detached easily enough for easy stowage.
Lastly, but most certainly not least, there’s always the question of price and warranty with any device. The RiotPWR RP1950 controller retails for $69.99 USD. To some this may seem like a steep price, however you’re getting a full-sized and nearly full functionality controller. You may be missing the rumbles, but you’re getting other features that offset that. And, honestly, it’s not game breaking to not have rumbles. As for the warranty, every device comes with a limited lifetime warranty that protects against “defects in materials or workmanship under normal use and after proper installation,” so as long as you aren’t spiking it into the floor or otherwise abusing it, you’re covered. Just make sure to register your device on the RiotPWR website.
Cassie Peterson is an Editor for Gaming Trend but also a sporadic content creator and exceedingly average Rainbow Six Siege player. She goes by MzPanik on Twitter and Twitch and all of the gaming platforms.
The RiotPWR RP1950 controller is the perfect companion for comfortable and practical gaming on the go. It’s a full-sized controller with most of the functionality of an actual Xbox controller, but with the added features of pass-through charging and a mount to hold your display (unless you’re using an iPad).
PROS
- Full-sized and (mostly) full function controller
- Easy pass-through charging; doesn’t drain the phone battery
- Sturdy and reliable, performs perfectly
CONS
- No rumbles
- No carrying case
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