Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Tim Wells
Are you looking for an upgrade to your NVIDIA Shield controller or a new gamepad for your Android TV?
Since Android TVs can use both Bluetooth and wireless 2.4GHz gamepads, there’s a seemingly endless list of great gaming controllers to choose from.
Many offer great designs, comfortable ergonomics, and custom features. Plus, there’s the official NVIDIA Shield TV remote, which is a good option, too, if you can still find it.
I tested some of the most popular wireless 2.4GHz and Bluetooth gamepads for Android TV to help you find out which one is the best for you.
First, let’s look at the official NVIDIA Shield TV controllers to see where we’re trying to improve. Then we’ll go through the list to find the best controller for NVIDIA Shield TV.
For more great articles like this, head to my NVIDIA Shield TV resource page. You’ll find all my tips, tricks, reviews, and tutorials to help you get the most out of your NVIDIA Shield.
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Runner Up
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Best Overall
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Best Upgrade
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$39.99
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N/A
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Official NVIDIA Shield Controller [Discontinued]
Even though it’s the most straightforward controller to pair with your NVIDIA Shield TV, it’s been discontinued by NVIDIA.
Thankfully, there are much better options out there anyway.
The original NVIDIA Shield controller took its design cues from the original Xbox controller. It was bulky and awkward, which made it exhausting to use for extended play sessions. Thankfully, the new version, which came out in 2017, trimmed down the extra bulk to make it much more comfortable.
It might look strange, but the geometric design on the grips is actually really comfortable. Your hands grip around all those little contours so you don’t even notice that they’re there.
Unique looks aside, the analog sticks are flimsy and have too much play.
The same goes for the triggers and bumpers.
Overall, the NVIDIA Shield TV gamepad is a workable solution in a pinch if you can still find one. However, even casual gamers would do a lot better with an upgrade.
Best Bluetooth Gamepad Overall for NVIDIA Shield TV: Xbox Core Controller
After my tests, the Xbox One Core controller is easily the best Bluetooth gamepad for Android TV.
This latest version of the standard Xbox controller is an evolution rather than a revolution. This design has been tweaked and refined over the last decade. Built with gamers in mind, it offers more than enough features to make it top of most people’s list of the best wireless Bluetooth controllers.
It’s compatible with NVIDIA Shield TV, Amazon FireStick, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, mobile devices, and, of course, your Xbox game system.
Xbox Core Controller: Pros
The first time I picked up the latest Xbox Core Wireless Controller, I immediately noticed the difference.
It was always a really comfortable controller to use. The button layout is exactly what you’d expect it to be. The triggers and bumpers are crisp and responsive, with just the right amount of resistance when you press them.
Everything you want is right within easy reach without contorting your hand or stretching to hit a button that should be closer.
The controller’s built-in headset jack lets you plug any 3.5mm set of headphones or compatible wired gaming headset to trash-talk your teammates and friends.
This new version added a subtle texture along the grip that helped keep it from slipping around in your hands.
But the most significant change, IMO, was the D-pad. This new hybrid D-pad is indented to fit your thumb’s natural curve and feels much smoother to use than previous models.
The Xbox Core Bluetooth controller is simply the best in class for wireless gamepads in this price range. You’d generally spend $20-$30 more to get similar quality and features. This is the gamepad you need if you want a perfect gaming experience without dealing with cables.
Xbox Core Controller: Cons
My biggest complaint about the Xbox controllers is that it doesn’t include a built-in rechargeable battery. There’s one available through Microsoft, for an additional fee, of course.
But this is a premium Bluetooth gamepad, and using AA batteries is ridiculous. A rechargeable battery should be included.
Beyond that, anything else I say here will be nitpicking. As much as I’ve liked previous versions of the Xbox controllers, this new version feels perfect to me.
Fans of edgier, flashy controllers might not be fans of Microsoft’s Xbox controller design. Sure there are custom color schemes for select games, and you can even go to Microsoft’s design lab to create something. But the controller itself looks pretty plain.
If you want something more stylish, this controller isn’t your best option.
Also, the controller is relatively heavy, so your arms might get a workout after extended play sessions.
Microsoft stepped up their game with the newest Xbox One controller. Better grip and a more comfortable D-pad give you the edge you need to win. Fully compatible with Android TV!
Runner Up: GameSir G4 Pro Wireless Controller
The GameSir G4 Pro is an excellent Bluetooth game controller compatible with Android TV boxes and the NVIDIA Shield TV. You can also use it as a full-sized Xbox One or PS game controller on Windows PC (both USB wired and wireless) to improve your home console experience.
Best of all, its the cheapest gamepad on this list.
The GameSir G Series is an excellent option for those who want an affordable gaming controller they can use with Android TV box games or their PC. This will save you from having to buy two separate products for multiple devices.
This product offers tons of options for all gamers. You can play games in your living room next to friends who also have Android devices but don’t want to carry around a controller or play games from your PC. You can even play with up to four players at the same time.
GameSir G4 Pro: Pros
As soon as you pick it up, it’s easy to see why the GameSir G Series is one of the most popular Bluetooth game controllers on Amazon.
It’s incredibly comfortable to hold, with a very ergonomic design. The hand grips are rubberized, giving it a higher-end feel than several other controllers I’ve tested. It’s super comfortable, even for long play sessions.
The GameSir G4 Pro has dual motors for vibration feedback, which is great for racing games.
Additionally, a six-axis gyroscope was added to the GameSir G4 pro, allowing motion control and more responsiveness to your movements.
It’s a wireless Bluetooth controller with a handle grip and air mouse functionality. It has a built-in lithium battery that lasts up to 20 hours per charge, a micro USB charging cable, and more.
The GameSir G Series is a versatile Bluetooth game controller that works with Android TV boxes, the NVIDIA Shield TV consoles, smartphones, Windows PC and Mac OS.
Best of all, it has better build quality than most other budget-friendly Bluetooth controllers. It feels on par with the Xbox One controller, which says a lot, coming from me.
GameSir G4 Pro: Cons
I have two complaints about the GameSir G4 Pro.
First, the controller feels small…even though it’s not. Side-by-side, it’s similar in size to the Xbox One Core Controller. However, the way the triggers are laid out, you have to stretch your index fingers to hit them.
That could mean the difference between reacting in time or needing to respawn in the heat of battle.
Also, since it was designed for smartphones, the center of the GameSir G4 Pro flips up to hold your phone in place.
That all makes sense.
What doesn’t make sense, however, is that GameSir decided to put the Turbo and Screenshot buttons under the center panel. That means if you’re using the controller on another Android TV box, you can’t get to those buttons unless you keep the center panel raised.
Since I don’t see myself using either button very often, it’s a minor detail. However, I can see it being a deal-breaker for some people.
- Android Phone/Tablet/TV Box/iPhone/iPad/Apple TV/Windows PC. Supports Type-C USB Wired/ Bluetooth/ 2.4Ghz wifi connection. 3.5-6 inch Phone Holder.
- One click Turbo function and Screenshot buttons
Best Upgrade: Sony DualSense Controller
If the Xbox Core controller is an evolution, the Sony DualSense controller is a revolution that takes a fan-favorite gamepad to the next level.
It offers vibration feedback via haptic technology with each button press. The layout of the buttons is precisely where you would expect them on the PS Vita or PlayStation Portable systems.
The controller layout remains the same from later versions of the PS4 DualShock gamepad. The D-pad is still four directional arrows rather than one circular pad. Also, the buttons are less bulky and blend into the clean design much better.
The Sony DualSense carries over the touchpad from the DualShock controller, which gives you another way to interact with the game. It also has a microphone for voice search and commands, which is great when using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Sony DualSense Controller: Pros
The controller comes with haptic motion sensing and vibration feedback. So if you’re the kind of gamer that physically leans into corners while you’re driving, now that’s actually going to transfer to the game itself. It’s worth noting that support for that feature may be limited on Android games.
The gamepad has a rich feature set that includes motion controls and customization options such as vibration feedback levels. Its slim design with textured handles improves grip, while the touchpad on top makes it easy to navigate without removing your thumbs from the analog sticks.
The triggers were also redesigned to register how hard or far you pull them. This adaptive trigger technology allows for more finesse in games – more than just an ‘on\off’ response.
This game controller features a dual analog stick design for greater control and accuracy. It is compatible with Android streaming devices as well as the NVIDIA Shield TV.
The wireless connectivity via Bluetooth allows you to play up to 30 feet away from your Android device or television screen.
Finally, it includes a built-in rechargeable battery, capable of up to seven hours of battery life on a single charge.
Sony DualSense Controller: Cons
The Sony DualSense controller is a great, innovative design, but it’s not cheap. At a retail price of $69.99, it’s roughly $20 more than any other controller on this list.
While that may be worth it if you have a PS5, it’s hard to justify that price tag if you’re only playing games on your Android TV.
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors.
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack.
Third Place: SteelSeries Stratus Duo
The SteelSeries Stratus Duo is one of the most popular gamepads for Android TV and the NVIDIA Shield TV. Still, there were much better options for the money.
It has an ergonomic design that feels like the Xbox controllers I grew up with, but with a twist. The SteelSeries Stratus Duo has excellent build quality and is comfortable to hold for hours while gaming.
It allows you to play wirelessly via Bluetooth or the included 2.4 GHz USB adapter. Once the battery runs out, you can connect via the USB-C cable.
Unlike most controllers, the analog sticks are placed side-by-side, like the Sony PlayStation and NVIDIA Shield controllers.
Shifting the left joystick to align with the right stick helps with ergonomics and comfort. However, it does take some getting used to if you’re an Xbox gamer like I am.
This controller comes in a basic black color scheme and lacks most of the flair and accents other controllers have. It’s compatible with Windows, Chromebooks, Steam, and Android games.
SteelSeries Stratus Duo: Pros
The Stratus Duo controller comes with a rechargeable battery with over 20 hours of playtime. There are voice prompts for pairing, power status, and more.
The biggest improvement on the Stratus Duo is a higher-end trigger mechanism that makes them much more responsive. For first-person shooters, your trigger finger really notices the difference.
I like that this controller allows you the option to plug in the USB-C cable and continue playing as a wired controller. Too many game controllers force you to pause the action when your battery runs out. The USB cable even charges the gamepad while you’re using it, so you can go wireless again after a quick recharge.
Overall, the SteelSeries Stratus Duo is a solid, feature-packed, rechargeable game controller that allows you to play your favorite games on Android TV & NVIDIA Shield.
SteelSeries Stratus Duo: Cons
There were a couple of things that I didn’t like about the SteelSeries Stratus Duo, however.
The analog stick layout takes some getting used to, and honestly, I’m not sure I ever did. They’re comfortable, sure. For me, though, one of the reasons I wanted to upgrade my NVIDIA Shield controller was to get to a more familiar layout with the analog sticks.
I’ve never been a fan of RBG lighting or crazy colors, so I appreciated the basic-black color scheme. I want a solid, durable gamepad, and this definitely fits the bill.
However, there are no creature comforts on this controller. There’s no padding on the grips, and the controller tends to slide around in my hands. It feels solid but somehow cheap at the same time. I think an accent color or different textures would go a long way to making the SteelSeries Stratus Duo feel more high-end.
It’s a great gamepadand plays well, but it doesn’t justify the price tag.
- Fortnite Ready on Android – A true console experience on Android mobile with software free setup. Just pair and play
- 2.4 GHz Wireless – Lag free gaming on Windows and over 5,000 controller enabled titles on steam
- Bluetooth Wireless: Easily pair with Oculus Go, Gear VR, Android mobile devices, and more
- Rechargeable battery: 20+ hours of nonstop use, as well as the ability to play while charging
If Money Is No Object: Razer Raiju Mobile
The Razer Raiju Mobile controller is one of the best gaming controllers for those who want to play mobile games with a gamepad and are not bothered by its price.
The game controller is compatible with the NVIDIA Shield TV box, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nintendo Switch, and other Android TV media players that support OTG or Bluetooth connectivity. It also works on Windows PC and Mac OS X computers when connected via a micro-USB cable.
This game controller includes an app that fully customizes your controller’s settings, layout, macros, remapping, etc. The Android/iOS app also includes several games specifically optimized for this gamepad, including thousands already in the library.
Key Features of the Razer Raiju Mobile
The Razer Raiju mobile game controller looks sleek and has four customizable buttons that can be used as shortcuts. This keeps essential features, such as home, back, volume controls, and your favorite app button, all on the touchpad.
The four remappable multi-function buttons can be mapped to any key or mouse function, for example, LMB/RMB.
It has a superior build quality with Razer Chroma backlighting and two extra triggers for fast access to actions.
The Razer Raiju mobile gaming controller charges via USB C and provides up to 27 hours of playtime on a single charge.
Easy Bluetooth pairing is enabled with Android devices via the Razer Raiju Mobile app. Pairing is done by entering a code displayed on the game controller’s touchpad to your Android phones and pressing connect in the mobile application. This allows you to share control of your game between two paired phones/tablets, allowing for multiplayer gaming sessions without buying another game controller.
The Razer Raiju is a really great controller offers a unique experience for gamers looking for more than just mobile games. It has a built-in phone mount for your mobile and allows you to switch between the touchpad or analog stick controls.
Razer Chroma customizable lighting with 16 million color options and effects provides a personal experience to the already impressive features of the game controller.
After a brief hiatus from the industry he's back at the helm of AndroidTVNews.com to bring Android TV and TV boxes to the forefront of the streaming world.
When he's not writing, he spends as much time as he can with his beautiful wife and his bulldog.
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