TL;DR: Before you buy a telescopic phone controller, check five things: that your phone fits with its case on, that the listing names iOS if you use an iPhone, how it connects and charges, what the sticks and triggers are, and which extras you will really use. For iPhone and Android, the BEBONCOOL is the simplest pick; the BSP D11 adds Switch, PS4 and PC play.
A phone is already a capable game machine; it just has terrible buttons. A telescopic phone controller fixes that by stretching around the phone and turning it into something that feels like a handheld console. In photos they all look alike, though, and the differences that matter, like iPhone support, trigger type and how big a phone they will hold, hide in the small print. Here are the five things to check, and how three stretch controllers we carry stack up.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Telescopic Phone Controller?
Run through these in order. The first two decide whether the controller works for you at all; the last three decide whether you enjoy it.
- Phone fit. Measure your phone's length with its case on and compare it with the stretch range on the product page. Not every listing prints a range in its specs, so for a large phone, check the product photos or ask us before ordering. Watch for camera bumps near the clamps, too.
- iPhone or Android support. A Bluetooth controller is only a safe bet on an iPhone if its listing names iOS. The BEBONCOOL and BSP D11 both do; the FEDI-D8 names PS3, Switch and PC instead.
- Connection and charging. All three connect by Bluetooth, which works with either phone type but means one more device to charge. The BEBONCOOL lists its battery as included.
- Sticks and triggers. Hall effect parts resist the wear that causes drift, and Hall-linear triggers let you half-press in racing games. The BEBONCOOL lists Hall effect, the BSP D11 has Hall-linear triggers, and the FEDI-D8 uses non-linear triggers.
- Extras you will actually use. Gyro aiming, turbo, vibration and RGB lighting look great on a box. The BSP D11 lists all four and the FEDI-D8 lists the first three; if you mostly play casual games, do not pay extra for them.
Three Stretch Controllers, Three Different Buyers
The BEBONCOOL telescopic controller, sold as models MC100, MC101 and MC102, is the phone specialist. It lists Android and iOS, including iPhone, plus Bluetooth, Hall effect and an included battery, for around $108 to $110. Its listing also spells out the pairing steps, which matters more than it sounds on an iPhone.
The BSP D11 is the all-rounder and the cheapest here at around $97. Beyond Android and iOS it lists Switch, PS4, PC and Steam, and it packs Hall-linear triggers, a six-axis gyro, turbo, vibration and RGB lighting, in white or black.
The FEDI-D8, around $122, lists Bluetooth 5.2, turbo, a six-axis gyro and vibration, with non-linear triggers, for PS3, Switch and PC. It is sold as a phone gamepad, but because the listing never names iOS or Android, it suits players who will mostly use it with a Switch or PC.
| Check | BEBONCOOL MC100 series | BSP D11 | FEDI-D8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone systems listed | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Not listed |
| Other platforms | Not listed | Switch, PS4, PC, Steam | PS3, Switch, PC |
| Connection | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Sticks and triggers | Hall effect listed | Hall-linear triggers | Non-linear triggers |
| Gyro, turbo, vibration | Not listed | All three, plus RGB | All three |
| Price | Around $108 | Around $97 | Around $122 |
| Best for | iPhone and Android players | Phone plus Switch, PS4 or PC | Mostly Switch or PC |
How Do You Pair a Stretch Controller With an iPhone?
iPhones natively recognize PlayStation-style wireless controllers, which is why the BEBONCOOL listing is specific about the mode you start in. The first time you connect, hold B, press HOME with another finger, and wait until LED4 flashes quickly. Release both, then open Bluetooth settings on the phone and pick the controller.
Check the name before you start a game. It should appear as DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller or Wireless Controller. If you see Pro Controller or GC Pad instead, the controller started in a different mode: turn it off and repeat the B and HOME start. After that, games with controller support pick it up, though some need controller support switched on in their own settings.
Telescopic Phone Controller FAQ
Do telescopic phone controllers work with an iPhone?
Telescopic phone controllers work with an iPhone when their listing names iOS, as the BEBONCOOL and BSP D11 listings both do. They connect over Bluetooth, and an iPhone recognizes PlayStation-style controllers, so the BEBONCOOL should show up as DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller or Wireless Controller. If a listing names only consoles and PC, treat iPhone use as unconfirmed.
How do I choose a telescopic phone controller for a large phone?
To choose a telescopic phone controller for a large phone, measure the phone's length with its case on and compare it with the controller's stretch range before you order. Leave a little margin, make sure the camera bump clears the clamps, and expect a big phone to shift weight to the middle. If a listing gives no range, ask us first.
Why does my controller show up as Pro Controller instead of Wireless Controller?
A controller that shows up as Pro Controller or GC Pad was started in the wrong mode, usually because only HOME was held. On the BEBONCOOL, turn it off, hold B, press HOME until LED4 flashes quickly, then pair again from your phone's Bluetooth settings. It should now appear as DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller or Wireless Controller.
Are Hall-linear triggers worth it on a phone controller?
Hall-linear triggers are worth it on a phone controller if you play racing games or anything that uses half-pressed triggers, because they read how far you press. For shooters and platformers, simple on-off triggers work fine. The BSP D11 lists Hall-linear triggers at around $97, while the FEDI-D8 uses non-linear triggers.
Can a telescopic phone controller connect to a Switch or PC?
Some telescopic phone controllers also connect to a Switch or PC, but only rely on that when the listing says so. The BSP D11 lists Switch, PS4, PC and Steam alongside Android and iOS, and the FEDI-D8 lists PS3, Switch and PC. The BEBONCOOL listing names only Android and iOS, so treat it as a phone controller.
Pick by Phone First, Then by Platform
If you play on an iPhone, start with the BEBONCOOL: it names iOS and documents the pairing step that trips people up. If you want one controller for your phone and your Switch, PS4 or PC, the BSP D11 covers the most ground for the least money. Whichever you choose, measure your phone first.
Compare every option in our controllers collection, and if you are shopping for a younger gamer, our retro handheld gift picks for kids may suit them better. Shipping on every order: Arrives in 8-15 business days · Pre-ship QC · Free worldwide shipping · Tracked delivery.