The Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) is a device that acts as a hub to connect compatible joysticks and buttons to create a customised controller. In an accompanying post to this one, we look at how the XAC can be used on Android devices. In this post, we will be outlining some of the controller compatible games on Android which can be played with a compatible gamepad and, consequently, the XAC.
This is not an exhaustive list but should give you a good starting place for mobile game options on Android that have controller support. We will also list the touchscreen controls for comparison. Links to the Google Play store page for each game (unaffiliated) are included in their section. Please be mindful that some may cost real money to purchase.
Depending on phone capability and external hardware you may be able to stream the game onto your TV for a larger screen.
Please note that these games may contain optional in-app purchases or advertisements. In-app purchases can be disabled within your device settings to prevent accidental or unwanted purchases.
Ashphalt 9 Legends
Asphalt 9 Legends is a controller compatible racing simulator game by Gameloft with various control schemes available, including ‘TouchDrive’ which lets players choose the direction the car will take from onscreen options or by steering manually in a more traditional way. Both of which are options whether you would like to use a touchscreen device itself or an XAC (or alternative compatible gamepad).
Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA9HM
Controls
Touchscreen: Tilt to Steer, Tap to Steer or ‘TouchDrive’ are all options and all include double-tap options for 360 and Shockwave tricks. You can also adjust the steering or swipe sensitivity and turn on/off horizontal tilt in the settings menu.
Gamepad controls: Either gamepad TouchDrive or manual steering modes are also available when using an XAC (or alternative compatible gamepad). The controls are listed below with the Xbox controller inputs followed by the PlayStation inputs in brackets.
Gamepad Controls
A, RB or RT (Cross, R1 or R2) = Nitro
B (Circle) = Respawn
X, LB, LT (Square, L1, L2) = Drift
D-pad/Left Stick = Steer (or select option in TouchDrive mode)
Right Stick = Toggle Camera
Double Press X, LB, LT (Square, L1, L2) = 360 Spin
Double Press A, RB, RT (Cross, R1, R2) = Shockwave
My Little Pony: Magic Princess
My Little Pony: Magic Princess is a town-building adventure game by Gameloft that enables a controller or XAC joystick to act as the cursor control for the game. Follow the various tasks, rescue your pony friends and design the towns as you want.
Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftPOHM
Controls
Left Stick = Moves Cursor
A (Cross) = Select
B (Circle) = Cancel
Y(Triangle) = Collect produce from shops
X (Square)= Direction option for the Stargazer minigame
Sonic Classic
Sonic the Hedgehog Classic is a controller compatible game by SEGA. It is a side-scrolling platform game which retains the retro control features. Move Sonic left and right and jump to various platforms as you zoom through the game at super ‘sonic’ speed (sorry, that pun was too good to pass up).
Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sega.sonic1px
Controls
Left Stick (or DpPad) = Moves Sonic Left or Right
A (Cross) = Jump
Rayman Adventures
Rayman Adventures is a controller compatible adventure platform game by Ubisoft Entertainment. It is an adventure game in which Rayman and his friends must rescue the Ancient Eggs and revive the Sacred Tree.
Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubisoft.raymanadventures
Controls
Left Stick = Moves character
A (X) = Select/Jump
B (Circle) = Cancel/Attack
Y (Triangle) = Jump
X (Square) = Attack
Note: Joystick and buttons required in combinations at the same time.
Oceanhorn 1
Oceanhorn is an action-adventure mobile game by FDG Mobile Games GbR. The game features a joystick and one button gameplay or via onscreen touch controls. Follow the leads to uncover the mystery behind your father’s disappearance, solving puzzles and defeating enemies along the way.
Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.FDGEntertainment.Oceanhorn.gp
Controls
Left Stick = Move
A button = Action (either Jump/ Attack/Pick-up)
Hill Climb Racing 1
Hill Climb Racing 1 is a cartoonish driving game by the developer Fingersoft. Drive up and down hills and collect the gas canisters to increase your fuel gauge. Be careful not to drive too quickly and crash. Use the Left Stick or the D-pad to act as your accelerator and brake in this high-speed two-button race.
Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fingersoft.hillclimb
Controls
On the Left Stick or D-pad
Move stick Left (or Left D-pad button) = Brake
Move stick Right (or Right D-pad button) = Accelerate
Minecraft
Minecraft is a creative open-world game by Mojang Studios. Explore infinite worlds, team up with friends and create epic buildings or play solo and mine for the rarest minerals. Some accessibility features to note include an auto-jump, remappable controls, and the ability to resize targets for Touch Controls mode.
Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mojang.minecraftpe
Controls
Minecraft on mobile has three control settings: Touchscreen, Mouse and Keyboard (if connected via Bluetooth) and Controller mode. Since this post is mainly covering the XAC compatibility, I will only be giving the Standard controller/XAC layout. The other modes are explained in further detail within the specific game settings menu. The game also enables you to alter joystick sensitivity and remap button mappings to suit your needs.
Left Stick = Move
Right Stick = Camera control
A (Cross) = Jump
B (Circle) = Sneak/Fly down
X (Square) =Crafting
Y (Triangle) = Inventory
LB (L1) = Cycle Item left
LT (L2) = Use/Place Item
RB (R1) = Cycle Item right
RT (R2) = Attac/Destroy
D-pad Up = Toggle Perspective
D-pad Left = Emote
D-pad Right = Open Chat
Share (Touchpad) = Notifications/Mob Effects
Left Stick Click = Sprint
Right Stick Click = Fly Down Slow
Crossy Road
Crossy Road is by Hipster Whale. Play as a chicken trying to cross an increasingly busy road (as well as a few railways and rivers added in).
Available from: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yodo1.crossyroad
Controls
The game features few controls with the main emphasis being on timing. Move your chicken left or right to get in the correct position and, when the coast is clear, quickly cross.
You can choose to play the game entirely with a joystick, the D-pad or a combination of those and an external switch to jump forward.
Left Stick = Move Chicken left or right and up to cross
D-pad Left = Emote
D-pad Right = Open Chat
A (Cross) = Cross/Jump forward
We also have a post on how the new iOS 14 update enables the Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) and its peripheral joysticks and buttons to work for games which have Controller Support and gave some examples of compatible games: https://gameaccess.info/how-to-use-an-xbox-adaptive-controller-on-ios-14/
For more information as to what joysticks and buttons can be used with the XAC, see our posts about the XAC joysticks we use at SpecialEffect: https://gameaccess.info/how-to-use-joysticks-with-the-xbox-adaptive-controller/ and also the switches we use: https://gameaccess.info/how-to-use-switches-with-the-xbox-adaptive-controller/.
If you have any questions, do contact us.
