Game controller with slot for iPhone 15 and 16

iPhones have long been fast enough even for more demanding games. Apple recently emphasized this again after the WWDC developer conference in the summer of 2024. However, playing titles like “Resident Evil 4 Remake”, “Assassin’s Creed: Mirage” or “Death Stranding: Director’s Cut” via the touchscreen is not very pleasant. Cases with integrated game controllers are an option because with them you hold the iPhone in your hand and you do not have to put the smartphone anywhere – as is the case with normal gaming peripherals. According to provider spine Apple accessories specialist Zick also now has a related product available. It is cheaper and more variable than the competition.

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Currently much cheaper than Backbone One

You pay around 120 euros for the Backbone One as standard or PlayStation Edition, while Zik USB-C Mobile Gaming Stretch Controller Currently available as a pre-order for 60 euros and will later cost less than 80 euros. The Zick’s appearance is reminiscent of an Xbox controller, including proper button assignments; The standard Backbone One is more neutral visually and ergonomically. (However, the PlayStation version, as the name suggests, is loosely based on the PlayStation controller.)

The Zik case weighs 192 grams. It’s specifically for USB-C iPhones (15 and 16), but works with Android devices as well. The polling rate should be 1000 Hz. The joystick is actuated by a Hall effect sensor and a vibration motor is installed. The trigger release can be switched between “Precision” and “Fast”. If you prefer, you can also use the controller on a PC, Mac or iPad, but to do so you will need to plug the USB-C cable (a socket must be female) directly into the middle of the device.

Game controller with slot for iPhone 15 and 16

also compete with Corsair

It’s currently unclear when the USB-C Mobile Gaming Stretch Controller, which Zike has model number Z331, will go on sale – but it should be “very soon.” According to the manufacturer, delivery to the EU does not cost anything. A 20 percent discount code (“ZIKE20”) is also currently in effect, which drops the price slightly again.

However, not every user will like the look of the controller: it’s only available in white, not black like the Backbone One. There is also another competing controller from Corsair subsidiary Scuf. Whose nomad It currently costs 110 euros, comes in black and white and also works with USB-C iPhones. At 228 grams, it is slightly heavier than the Zik and also uses Bluetooth as a connection.

(B.Sc.)