Do you want to play Brawl Stars with a controller for more comfort and precision? Discover in this guide the compatible controllers and the steps to follow to set up your controller, whether on mobile or through an emulator.
Can you play Brawl Stars with a controller, and which controllers are compatible?
Brawl Stars does not natively support controllers. But don't worry, there are solutions! The most common one is to use an Android emulator on PC, like BlueStacks. It's simple and works well.
For mobile players, apps like Mantis Gamepad also allow you to connect a controller. In both cases, you can use most popular controllers:
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PlayStation Controllers (PS4 and PS5 Controller)
Xbox Controllers (One/Series)
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The big advantage? These controllers are easy to find and generally well recognized by emulators and apps. You won't need to tinker for hours to get them to work.
How to connect a controller to your device
Most modern controllers connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, directly from your device's settings. For those who prefer to avoid any latency, a wired connection is also possible with a suitable USB cable.
Connecting via Bluetooth
Let's take the example of a PS4 controller. To put it in pairing mode, you need to press and hold the PS and SHARE buttons simultaneously. You'll know it's successful when the light bar starts flashing. At this point, your controller is ready to be detected.
Next, go to your device's Bluetooth settings. Enable the search for available devices and select your controller from the list. Once the connection is established, the light bar on the accessory will stop flashing and stay on. You're now ready to play Brawl Stars with your controller!
Wired connection
The wired connection is a direct and effective way to use a controller with your device. Simply plug in your controller using a compatible USB cable. Make sure the cable is appropriate for your device (USB-C, micro-USB, or another, depending on the model).
Once connected, most devices automatically recognize the controller without requiring additional configuration.
One of the main advantages of this method is that it eliminates the risks of latency, often present with a Bluetooth connection. This guarantees better responsiveness, which can make a difference in a competitive game like Brawl Stars. If you're looking for a quick and reliable solution, the wired connection is an excellent choice.
Playing Brawl Stars with a mobile controller: a practical solution for on-the-go gaming
If you play Brawl Stars while commuting, in a waiting room, or even comfortably seated on your couch, you've probably noticed that the touchscreen can sometimes be a limitation. Between imprecise controls and the risk of slipping at the wrong moment, using a mobile controller can be a real game changer.
Unlike traditional controllers, mobile controllers are designed for quick and comfortable handling. They connect directly to your smartphone via Bluetooth or a USB-C port, offering improved responsiveness and ergonomics optimized for long gaming sessions.
For Brawl Stars, a mobile controller provides more precise control over movement and attacks, while freeing up the screen for better visibility. Models like those offered by Nacon feature responsive buttons, precise joysticks, and sometimes even programmable triggers, which can make a difference in combat.
If you're looking to enhance your gaming experience while maintaining the portability of a mobile device, investing in a mobile controller is a great solution. More and more games are integrating support for these accessories, and even though Brawl Stars doesn't yet offer native support, some solutions allow you to map buttons for full compatibility.
Third-party apps and software to play with a controller
If your controller is not directly compatible with Brawl Stars, don't worry! There are software solutions to make it work.
On mobile: Mantis Gamepad is the most reliable option. Once downloaded from the Play Store, the app allows you to configure button mapping via Bluetooth. You’ll need to connect your phone to a PC to complete the setup, but it’s worth it.
On PC: Use an Android emulator like BlueStacks 5 or LDPlayer. These programs include mapping tools that allow you to easily associate the controller's buttons with the game’s commands. It's simple and works well.
