How to use a physical game controller with an iphone ipad or android device

Chris Hoffman is Editor-in-Chief of How-To Geek. He’s written about technology for over a decade and was a PCWorld columnist for two years. Chris has written for The New York Times, been interviewed as a technology expert on TV stations like Miami’s NBC 6, and had his work covered by news outlets like the BBC. Since 2011, Chris has written over 2,000 articles that have been read nearly one billion times—and that’s just here at How-To Geek. Read more.

“Mobile gaming” brings to mind swiping around on a touch screen, but you don’t have to use clunky touch controls. Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android both support physical game controllers, allowing you to use tactile controls with a smartphone or tablet.

Unfortunately, not every mobile game supports physical game controllers. But quite a few games do, thanks to the Apple TV’s support for MFi controllers. For Android, devices like the NVIDIA Shield have encouraged developers to have controller support to their games. So, while this won’t necessarily work for every game you own, it should work for a fair amount.

iPhone and iPad

With the release of iOS 7 in 2013, Apple added standardized gamepad controller support for iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches. Controllers developed and certified with Apple’s MFi (Made For iPhone/iPad) certification will work with games that have implemented MFi controller support. This is just like how Apple certifies other iPhone/iPad accessories, like Lightning cables.

Some of these controllers include a mount that locks your iPhone in place, allowing you to use the iPhone like a portable game console, holding the controller in your hands. Some MFi controllers use a physical connection, so you’ll have to plug them into the Lightning port on your iPhone or iPad. However, most MFi controllers just pair wirelessly via Bluetooth, like a Bluetooth headset or keyboard. Just put the controller into pairing mode, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, and select Bluetooth. Tap the controller to pair it with your device.

The new Apple TV also uses MFi controllers, so games that have updated to run on the Apple TV should also work with MFi controllers on your iPhone or iPad.

You can search for MFi game controllers on Amazon and elsewhere, but here are the ones we recommend. Be sure you’re getting an MFi-certified controller if you plan to use it with an iPhone or iPad, as it’ll be guaranteed to work with any games that support Apple’s MFi standard. While Apple doesn’t maintain a list of MFi-controller-compatible games, many MFi controller manufacturers do, like this one at Gamevice.

If you’ve jailbroken it, you can also try installing the “Controllers for All” Cydia tweak. It will allow non-MFi controllers like Sony’s PlayStation 4 controller to function as MFi-enabled controllers.

Android Phones and Tablets

Google hasn’t made a concerted push for physical gaming controllers on Android, but some developers have. NVIDIA’s Android-based SHIELD devices include physical gaming controllers, for example. Games that work with an NVIDIA Shield controller should work just fine with other types of controllers, too. Some games may advertise controller support on Google Play, but not all of them will, so it’s worth giving it a try with your favorite game either way.

Android supports several types of controllers. If you have a wireless Bluetooth controller, you can pair it with your Android device by putting the controller into pairing mode. Then, turn on your phone and visit the Bluetooth screen in the Settings app, enable Bluetooth, and you’ll see the controller. You can then pair it with your device, launch a game, and start playing.

You can buy Bluetooth controllers designed for mobile devices or use one you have lying around. If you have a PlayStation 4, the PlayStation 4’s standard controller–known as the DualShock 4–is actually a Bluetooth controller. You can put it into pairing mode and pair it with an Android smartphone or tablet, just like you could pair it with a PC.

If you have a USB OTG cable–the OTG stands for “on-the-go”–you can use it to connect a standard wired Xbox 360 controller to an Android tablet, too. You can purchase these cables for just a few bucks on Amazon and elsewhere. This same type of cable will also allow you to use other USB devices, such as USB storage drives, with your smartphone or tablet.

Once plugged in, games that support controllers should just work. Some games may offer a way to configure the controller or choose between control schemes.

If a game doesn’t work with either type of controller, you can install Tincore Keymapper. This app allows you to convert button presses on the controller into simulated touch events on the screen. If a game has on-screen controls, this means you can set up the controller to press those on-screen controls, making the controller work for the game.

Game controllers could also be convenient if you want to play games with emulators on your smartphone or tablet. However, Apple bans emulators from the App Store, so Android users may have better luck here. However, with recent versions of iOS, it’s now possible to compile and install open-source emulators without Apple’s permission.

No new control layouts to learn

While most hardcore gamers will give preference to a PC or a gaming console to play your games, let’s not forget that the recent Android and iOS devices also boast super gaming features. There’s a reason why a lot of PC-only and gaming consoles-only games have made their way to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store lately.

If you’re someone who enjoys gaming on both consoles and your mobile phones, you’d be glad to know that your PS4 controller can now be used to play games on your mobile devices. This makes it easier to play your favorite games on your mobile as you don’t have to learn new control layouts and you can use the default layout of your controller.

Since the PS4 controller uses Bluetooth to connect to the PS4 console, you can use this wireless functionality (Bluetooth) to connect your controller to your mobile devices. The following guide covers everything from connecting the controller to remapping the game controls to finally disconnecting the controller and connecting it back to your console.

Use a PS4 Controller With An Android Device

Pairing a PS4 controller with an Android device is extremely easy. All it requires you to do is press two buttons on your controller, enable an option on your Android device, and you are ready to play your Android games using your PS4 controller.

Not only does it let you play games but you can also navigate around your Android interface using the controller. The control buttons, though, will not always work the way you want but you have a fix for that as well.

Let’s first check out how to connect both the devices to each other:

• Unplug your PS4 controller from your console. Then press and hold down the Share and PS buttons together for a few seconds. Let go of the buttons when your controller starts to blink white.
• Your controller is now ready to be paired with your device.

• On your Android based device, launch the Settings app and tap on Bluetooth & device connection. Tap on Pair new device at the top to start looking for your wireless controller.

• Allow your device to scan for your PS4 controller. When the controller appears in the device list, tap on it to connect to it.

• The white light will stop blinking on your controller which indicates your Android device has been successfully paired with the controller.

You can press the navigation buttons on the controller to navigate around the options on your Android device. I played with it for some time to access various options in the Settings app and it worked like a charm.

Connect a PS4 Controller To An iPhone/iPad

Pairing a PS4 controller with an iPhone or iPad is as easy as doing so on an Android device. However, there’s one requirement that your iOS device must meet.

Your iPhone and iPad must be running the latest iOS 13 for your device to be able to connect to the PS4 controller. If you don’t run this version of the iOS, it’s time you head into Settings > General > Software Update and get the device updated to the latest version available.

Once the iOS version is updated, you’re ready to pair your device with the PS4 controller. Press and hold down the Share and PS buttons together and your controller will start blinking. Head to Settings > Bluetooth on your device and tap on the controller to connect to it.

Soon as you’re connected, the light on the controller will stop blinking. You’re now ready to play games and navigate around on your iOS device using your PS4 controller.

Troubleshoot The Lag Issues With The Controller

Sometimes the connection between your Android device and your controller may get interrupted. If it happens too often and causes too much inconvenience, you can fix the issue by installing an app on your device.

There’s an app called Bluetooth Auto Connect on the Google Play Store that allows you to fix many Bluetooth-related issues on your device. It has an option called Continuous Connect that ensures your device is always connected to the controller (or any other Bluetooth device for that matter).

Here’s how to use the app to keep both of your devices connected to each other:

• Launch the Bluetooth Auto Connect app on your device while your device is connected to the PS4 controller.
• Tap on Advanced Options followed by Continuous Connect (Sec). Type in any number between two and ten and hit OK.

The app will ensure your devices remain connected all the time. You may though change the numbers in the option if the current one doesn’t work for you.

Remap The Game Controls To Work With The PS4 Controller

If you’ve already started playing games using the PS4 controller on your Android device, you’d notice that some of the game control options aren’t really optimized for your external controller. This is because many of the games haven’t got the external controller support, yet.

However, you can change that with an app. Enter Octopus, a key remapper app that lets you change which key does what on your device. Using this app, you can customize your game controls in such a way that they fit with the controls of your PS4 controller.

Simply download and install the app on your device, add your game to the list, and start customizing the controls.

Disconnect The Controller From Your Devices

When you’ve finished playing games on your devices with the PS4 controller, you might want to disconnect the controller and pair it back to your console.

• On your Android or iOS device, open the Bluetooth option in the Settings app. Then tap and hold on the PS4 controller in the devices list and select Disconnect followed by Forget.

• Your controller will disconnect from your devices and will be ready to pair with your console. Plug in the controller to the console using a USB cable and press the PS button.

Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm. Read Mahesh’s Full Bio

By Ed Hardy • 4:00 pm, May 18, 2021

• Reviews
• Top stories

GameSir G4 Pro game controller can be used with iPhone and Android devices. And iPad and PC too. Plus Nintendo Switch.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The GameSir G4 Pro is a wireless game controller that works with iPhone and iPad but also PC, Android and Switch. It resembles a wireless Xbox controller but with a flip-out mount for holding an iPhone.

I did quite a bit of gaming with the G4 Pro. Here’s how it stood up.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

GameSir G4 Pro review

There are so many ways to play games. Use different platforms and it’s easy to find yourself with a bunch of controllers taking up space. And emptying your wallet.

The GameSir G4 Pro is a cross-platform option that works with a variety of device types. You can easily swap it from your PC to your iPhone. From your Android to your Switch.

It mimics the shape of an Xbox controller so you should find the shape familiar. But with a nice twist: it includes a mount to hold your iPhone or Android while you’re playing. And there are no wires to deal with.

Hardware and design

GameSir obviously set out to recreate an Xbox controller. The layout of buttons and joysticks is essentially identical. Shoulder buttons, triggers, everything.

And beyond simple arrangment, the buttons feel right. They’re nicely clicky, not mushy. Well, the D-pad is a bit mushy, but is an exception. And it didn’t interfere with my gameplay.

Vibration is strong enough to feel. And the rubber-covered grips make holding the controller comfortable.

I’ve spend a few thousand hours holding an Xbox controller, so the GameSir G4 Pro felt immediately familiar in my hands. My learning curve was nonexistent — I went straight into gaming.

The 800 mAh battery lasted me through a couple of marathon gaming sessions before needing a recharge. Juice it back up via the USB-C port on the front and the USB cable that comes with this accessory.

Swapping between iPhone, Android, PC and Switch

Switching the GameSir controller to another platform is as easy as turning it off and on.

iPhone/iPad: Hold down the B button with the power button and the G4 Pro will start up acting like a wireless Xbox controller. Use Bluetooth to connect this to your iPhone or iPad and you’re ready to play.

I tested it with and iPhone and iPad and had no problems. That includes playing Apple Arcade games and ones with MFi support. (Devs have to build support for controllers into their games.)

Android: Hold down the A button and the power button to start the game controller in Android mode. Make a Bluetooth connection to your handset and you’re ready to go.

I tested this with an Android game designed for external controllers and it worked well.

PC: Hold down the X button and the power button to start up the G4 Pro in PC mode. You can connect via the USB-C to USB-A cable that GameSir includes in the box. But I prefer the handy 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Remove this from the bottom edge of the controller and plug it into the PC.

I used the Game Controller Tester Windows app to be sure the computer and controller were operating normally. The G4 Pro has both a USB-C port and a 2.4GHz dongle.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Nintendo Switch: Hold down the X button and the power button to start up GameSir’s accessory in Nintendo Switch mode.

I do a lot of gaming but I can’t cover all the bases. I was unable to test the G4 Pro with a Switch. That said, it works beautifully with every other computer I tested it with.

If you forget the various key combinations for the various types of devices , they’re written on the back of the controller.

Mount

A flip-out handset holder on the front of the controller frees up your hands so you can play games while easily seeing the screen. This isn’t a particularly sophisticated design, and makes the G4 Pro slightly front heavy, but it’s entirely usable. And it can hold the display at a wide range of angles.

The spring-loaded clip is padded to reduce the odds you’ll scratch up your device. And it can handle handsets almost 3.5-inches wide. If your device is exceptionally thick, there’s a clip-on holder. It certainly had no problems with my iPhone 12. An iPhone 12 fits nicely into i the GameSir G4 Pro‘s flip-up mount.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

GameSir G4 Pro final thoughts

Don’t buy a bunch of different controllers when all you need is one. I found the GameSir G4 Pro a good option for playing on a variety of devices: phones, tablets, PCs and whatever the heck the Switch is.

Pricing

The G4 Pro is $49.99 on the GameSir website. It’s also available for the same price on Amazon.com.

Comparable products

Pure iPhone gamers who don’t want to go wireless might take a look at the Rotor Riot Wired Game Controller ($49.95). Plug this into the Lightning port and bob’s your uncle. And it has a built-in iPhone mount, too.

Or the standard Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller ($59.99) works with iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.
But it doesn’t include an iPhone mount. Consider the OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip ($29.95), which fits perfectly on the Xbox controller.

And the GameSir X2 Bluetooth just launched. This game controller has a split design that puts the buttons and joysticks on either side of the screen.

Incidentally, the GameSir G4 Pro fits neatly into the OtterBox Gaming Carry Case ($44.95).

GameSir provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.

Photo: Arto Tahvanainen (Shutterstock)

Playing on the Xbox Series X | S is a hoot and a half, but there’s one thing about the console that made me want to pull my hair out: it does not allow you to quickly take screenshots outside of the game. If you want to display your home screen or take some screenshots of your settings pages, Xbox doesn’t make it easy for you. Fortunately, there is a workaround..

How Ttake Xbox Series X | S screenshots while playing

If you are playing a game, you can press the Share on the controller to take a quick screenshot. You can then press and hold the Xbox button to view the screenshot and share it, if you want. Alternatively, these screenshots also appear on the Xbox apps on all platforms, so you can share them from your phone or PC, too much.

How TTake screenshots of the Xbox Series X | S when you’re do not Game

When you’re not playing games on the Xbox Series X | S, the easiest way to grab a screenshot is by remote play. You can stream Xbox games to your iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows device. Once you’ve set this up, you can take screenshots of all the pages on Xbox whether you’re in a game or not.

G / O Media may earn a commission

Streaming Xbox games to other devices is basically like using your smartphone or PC as the screen for the game console. This means that you will be able to see the Xbox home screen, settings pages, or any other page. from the system user interface, on your smartphone or computer.

If you stream games from Xbox Series X | S on your iPhone or iPad , you can take a screenshot by pressing power button + volume up on Apple devices that don’t have a home button. If your Apple device has a home button, you can use the power button + home button shortcut to take a screenshot.

On Android, you can take these screenshots by opening the Xbox app and setting up the feed.. When you are ready, press power button + volume down. Those who stream Xbox One games on Windows can either tap Screenshot or Windows key + Shift + S to take a screenshot.

It’s a bit of a shame that you can’t natively take a screenshot outside of games on the Xbox Series X | S, but hey, if nothing else, it’s an opportunity to give remote reading a shot. IIt’s done the reason why i now regularly play Xbox games on my iPad; maybe you will like it too.

There is a way to take lots of screenshots of your beautiful Xbox home screen.

Gaming on the Xbox Series X|S is a hoot and a half, but there is one thing about the console that’s made me want to tear my hair out: It doesn’t let you quickly take screenshots outside of gameplay. If you want to show off your home screen or take a few screenshots of your settings pages, the Xbox just doesn’t make it easy on you . Luckily, there is a workaround .

How to t ake Xbox Series X|S screenshots during gameplay

If you’re playing a game, you can press the Share button on the controller to take a quick screenshot. You can then press and hold the Xbox button to view the screenshot and share it, if you’d like . Alternatively, these screenshots also appear on the Xbox apps across platforms, so you can share it from your phone or PC, too.

How to t ake Xbox Series X|S screenshots when you’re not gaming

When you’re not playing games on the Xbox Series X|S, the easiest way to take a screenshot is through remote play. You can stream Xbox games to your iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows device. Once you’ve set that up, you can snap screenshots of all the pages on Xbox, whether you’re in a game or not.

Streaming Xbox games to other devices is basically like using your smartphone or PC as a display for the gaming console. This means that you’ll be able to see the Xbox’s home screen, settings pages, or any other system UI page, on your smartphone or computer.

If you’re streaming games from Xbox Series X|S to your iPhone or iPad , you can take a screenshot by pressing power button + volume up on Apple devices that do not have a home button. If your Apple device has a home button, you can use the power button + home button shortcut to take a screenshot.

On Android, you can take these screenshots by opening the Xbox app and setting up the stream . When you’re ready, press power button + volume down. Those streaming Xbox One games to Windows can either press Print Screen or Windows key + Shift + S to grab a screenshot.

It is a bit of a shame that you can’t natively take a screenshot outside of games on the Xbox Series X|S, but hey, if nothing else, it’s an opportunity to give remote play a shot. I t’s actually the reason I now regularly play Xbox games on my iPad; maybe you’ll enjoy it, too.

Compared to Apple’s products like the iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets are very flexible devices. For instance, you can set a new home screen, replace the lock screen, or even beam files using NFC — but that’s just the software side of things, and the flexibility goes well beyond that.

Because of a technology called USB On-The-Go (USB OTG), your Android device might even be more powerful than you thought. This allows you to connect other devices to your smartphone or tablet using a $5 adapter that plugs into your charging port, and the possibilities are almost endless. But not all phones support USB OTG, and there’s a bit more to learn about the tech, so we’ll cover it all below.

What Is USB OTG?

USB OTG is a hardware and software standard that allows you to connect a device to your smartphone or tablet through the USB Type-C or micro USB port. Almost anything that uses a USB connector can be plugged into your Android device with USB OTG, at which point you would be able to control the second device using your smartphone, or vice versa.

Some good example uses for USB OTG include plugging a flash drive into your phone for extra storage, connecting your phone to a DSLR camera to serve as a viewfinder or shutter button, or simply plugging a mouse or keyboard into your tablet to get a desktop-like experience.

To accomplish this, you’ll need a special type of adapter called a USB OTG cable. These are available for less than 10 bucks, and they basically have one smaller end that plugs into your phone, with a larger end that you plug the second device into.

However, not all Android devices are compatible with USB OTG. So before you run off and buy a USB OTG adapter, I’ll show you how to make sure your phone or tablet supports the standard.

Step 1: Install USB OTG Checker

To find out if your Android device supports USB OTG, start by installing a free app called USB OTG Checker.

• Play Store Link: USB OTG Checker (free)

Step 2: See if Your Device Supports USB OTG

Next up, simply launch the app and you’ll get an instant readout on your USB OTG status. What you’re hoping for here is a message saying “Android compatible USB OTG.” Either way, you can learn more about your result by tapping the “Details” button.

Step 3: Purchase an OTG Adapter to Connect Other Devices

Now that you’re sure your phone or tablet can take advantage of USB OTG technology, it’s a safe bet to go ahead and buy a USB OTG adapter. There are two main types of OTG cables, one is powered and one is not. Most uses will not require an externally-powered USB OTG cable, so a regular OTG cable should fill all of your needs.

OTG Cables (Devices with micro USB Ports)

Here are some regular OTG cables with good reviews on Amazon for devices that have a micro USB port.

• Ugreen USB OTG Cable (currently $4.79)
• Cable Matters USB OTG Cable 2-Pack (currently $6.99)
• C&E USB OTG Cable (currently $4.99)

Powered OTG Cables (Devices with micro USB Ports)

If you’d like to be able to charge your phone while another device is connected to it, you’ll need an externally-powered USB OTG cable. This is basically a splitter that connects to three things at the same time: Your Android device, the external device, and a power cable. If you’re connecting a device that needs power to function (for instance, a Teensy programmable circuit board), externally-powered is the way to go.

OTG Cables (Devices with USB Type-C Ports)

If you own a newer Android device that uses the USB Type-C port, you should make sure to get an OTG adapter that will fit your phone or tablet. Here are some of the best options on Amazon.

• RAVPower USB-C On-The-Go Cable (currently $7.99)
• VicTsing Type-C USB OTG Dongle (currently $6.55)
• Jelly Comb Type-C USB 3.1 OTG Dongle (currently $11.70)

What devices have you connected to your Android phone or tablet using USB OTG? Let us know in the comment section below.

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How to pair an Xbox One / PS4 controller with Apple TV, iPhone or iPad

Submitted by Fred Straker on June 6, 2019 – 10:31am

Good news for fans of Apple and gaming. The Apple TV, iPhone and iPad can be used directly with Xbox One or PlayStation Dualshock 4 controllers. Bluetooth support for both controllers is included with tvOS 13, iOS 13, and iPadOS. Once your device(s) are updated, pairing an existing controller to use for supported apps and games takes place under Settings.

Fortnite adds MFi controller support

Submitted by Marshall Walker on January 29, 2019 – 2:23pm

Epic Games has been kind with the Fortnite updates on both iOS and Android, but one long awaited update has finally arrived. Version 7.30 of the app on the Apple App Store adds MFI controller support. This means physical, third-party controllers like the Steelseries Nimbus and Gamevice will work while playing Fortnite on both the iPhone and iPad. Android devices will now work with most Bluetooth controller like the Steelseries Stratus XL, Gamevice, Razer Raiju, and more.

MOGA Rebel Controller will Support the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Submitted by Marshall Walker on September 11, 2014 – 11:42am

The MOGA Rebel MFi controller is releasing just a few days before the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus on September 17th. The good news is that it’s extendable clip (or MOGA S.M.R.T. Lock), which holds the iPhone, extends to 3.75 inches, meaning users will be able to attach the 3.07-inch iPhone 6 Plus to the controller.

The MOGA Rebel connects to the iPad (4th generation and above) and the iPhone/iPod Touch (5th generation and above) via Bluetooth. Obviously the MOGA S.M.R.T. Lock will not work with anything larger than an iPhone 6 Plus, but any basic iPad stand will work for use with all of Apple’s tablets. The controller features an Xbox-like design with shoulder buttons and triggers, a D-pad and two analog sticks. It is also supports “hundreds” of games, according to MOGA.

Razer Announces New Mobile Game Controller for the iPhone

Submitted by Marshall Walker on June 4, 2014 – 7:43pm

The popular hardware company Razer has announced a new MFi (Made For iOS) gaming controller for the iPhone. Razer describes the “Junglecat” as a “light weight and ultra-slim” gamepad case for hardcore gamers. The controller is designed with portability in mind measuring in at only 20mm thin so it can easily fit in your pocket. The Junglecat also features a slide-out tray that houses its D-pad, ABXY action buttons and bumpers, which makes it around the same size as a standard iPhone case when it is closed.

What separates the Junglecat from other MFi controllers on the market is its companion app which allows users to customize their experience. For example, gamers can use the app to adjust the sensitivity of each individual button and remap them anyway they want. Razer also promises that the Junglecat will deliver the full “tactility and precision of a full-fledged” gaming controller.

SteelSeries Announces First Wireless iOS 7 Controller for All Mobile Apple Devices

Submitted by Marshall Walker on January 6, 2014 – 6:56pm

SteelSeries announced today the first iOS 7 wireless controller for all mobile Apple devices. Unlike the previously released MFi controllers, which only support the iPhone, the SteelSeries Stratus is compatible with the iPad, iPhone and iPod. The wireless controller connects to iOS devices via Bluetooth 2.1 instead of attaching itself to a Lightning connector.

The Stratus is specifically designed for console-style gameplay and can even be used with an HD TV via AppleTV using AirPlay Mirroring.

“The Stratus Wireless Controller, the first wireless gamepad controller ever to be supported in iOS 7, forever alters the mobile gaming landscape,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “With Stratus, gamers have easy and direct access to a growing roster of great games on iPad that were intended for an immersive, controller-enabled experience.”

OnLive has announced the OnLive Player App for iPad. Like the recently announced consoles, the OnLive Player App will enable gameplay of virtually all OnLive games on an iPad or OnLive’s new Universal Wireless Controller. In addition, the OnLive Player App allows the tablet to be used as a touch and motion controller combined with an HDTV (or PC/Mac if preferred), and allows both synchronized or independent video on the iPad and HDTV screen, enabling combined gameplay with tablet and HDTV, or separate gameplay on tablet and HDTV.

Full voice chat-enabled multiplayer is supported, both in-room and with others throughout the world, providing a complete multiplayer experience whether at home or on the go with a mobile device.
Core patent-pending exclusive OnLive cloud gaming features such as massive spectating of live gameplay throughout the world, instant no-obsolescence gameplay, Facebook integration with Brag Clip videos, etc., will work seamlessly on both tablets and HDTVs and will continue to distinguish OnLive from consoles, both in 2011 and beyond.

OnLive is excited to demonstrate the first game from a major publisher supporting both OnLive’s iPad/Android tablet touch and game controller, as well as running seamlessly on an HDTV, PC and Mac, to be released later in 2011. Come to OnLive’s booth at E3 Expo 2011 (South Hall, Booth #801) for a demo.

For gamers preferring a smaller screen, OnLive will provide the exact same functionality on iPhone and Android smartphones, allowing them to be used both as game systems themselves with touch and the OnLive Universal Wireless Controller, or as a controller to an HDTV (or PC/Mac), for simultaneous or independent play.

OnLive is also unveiling as part of this experience the first 10 gigabit cloud-based full-featured browser for iPad, Android and HDTV; bringing the full richness of the Web loading from ultra-fast 10 gigabit/second Web connections to OnLive’s cloud-based servers, including support for full-featured Flash and video sites. Mobile and home devices will no longer be limited to the speed of their local connection for Web browsing or Web plug-in compatibility, opening up access to Flash games and social gaming for tablets and HDTVs.

All OnLive games played using the OnLive Player App will play seamlessly across all OnLive-compatible devices, including iPad, iPhone, Android, on HDTV via the OnLive Game System, on connected HDTV and Blu-ray/media players and on PC and Mac.

The OnLive Player for iPad and Android is being showcased live at OnLive’s booth (South Hall, Booth #801) and will be available later this year.

[Attribution: MacRumors. Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Lynn Weiler” for the heads up.]

Hang onto your Traptanium as we play with the new Skylanders tablet controller.

Skylanders Trap Team makes its long-awaited debut October 5. Fans not only receive a new game on Skylanders Sunday, but also a variety of toys that compliment the experience, from the cool-looking Trap Masters to the pint-sized Minis. In addition, there’s Traptanium, magical stones that work in conjunction with the all-new Portal of Power, which the publisher refers to as the Traptanium Portal. When combined, users can essentially trap bad guys within Traptanium and control these creatures.

What’s especially interesting is the iOS (iPad) and Android version. Instead of creating a mini-game for smartphones and tablets, Activision will bring the full console experience to these devices. Shoppers can buy a Starter Pack for $74.99, and all of the new figures work with the included Portal; there’s even a physical controller.

With that in mind, we received an early Starter Kit and want to show you what’s inside the box. You can pre-order it now through Amazon.

The Skylanders Trap Team Starter Kit for iOS and Android looks almost exactly like the console bundles with the exception that players don’t receive a physical copy of the game. Instead, they’ll need to download it from the App Store or Google Play to their corresponding device.

Two Skylanders come with the package, Food Fight (with tomato cannon) and Snap Shot.

Players also get two pieces of Traptanium that match up with these characters. The blue Water Trap goes with Snap Shot, while the green Life Trap is for Food Fight.

Here is the brand-new Traptanium Portal. Instead of a white base, Activision went with a cool semi translucent plastic that resembles black glass.

Turns out, the controller is underneath the Portal for easy storage; AAA batteries included.

It appears the developers took inspiration from Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers, particularly the placement of the analog sticks and face buttons.

However, the Skylanders controller also comes with Sony PlayStation L1/L2 and R1/R2 buttons.

Although we’ve yet to use it, the controller feels great despite being a little small; you can opt for touchscreen controls if you prefer.

Place a Skylander onto the Portal and then insert some Traptanium. You’re almost ready to play!

There’s also a Traptanium checklist of sorts, where players can show off their collections.

Similar to previous Skylanders titles, Trap Team comes with a poster that displays the newest toys. We can hear parents gasping in holiday shopping angst.

Before you rush out and buy the tablet version of Skylanders Trap Team, keep this in mind. For Apple users, the game does not support the original iPad Mini, iPad 2 or earlier. On the Android side, you cannot play the game using a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 or earlier device, a 2013 Kindle Fire HD or earlier, or Nexus 10 and older. Thankfully, there’s a Device Compatibility section on the back of the box.

Personally, we can’t wait to experience the game, and will post a review of Skylanders Trap Team next week!

Now take a look at the coolest Skylanders Trap Team toys at Prima Games.