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Should you get a wired or wireless controller for Apple Arcade?

SteelSeries Nimbus next to Rotor Riot's Wired gaming controller

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With Apple Arcade coming soon, we're checking out two controllers to see whether you should pick up the wireless SteelSeries Nimbus controller or if you should opt for the RotorRiot wired controller.

Apple's gaming service is almost here

Apple Arcade, if you're not aware is Apple's upcoming game subscription service that will introduce over 100 groundbreaking new games that are exclusive to Apple Arcade. The subscription also means there will be no ads or in-app purchases like some of the freemium games that are available on the App Store currently. Apple Arcade will also work across Apple's devices, whether it's on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV.

So with all of that being said, should you opt for a wired controller or a wireless controller? Today we're checking out two controllers we've been using the past several months, and that's the SteelSeries Nimbus, and Rotor Riot Wired Controller.

What are the differences?

One of the biggest differences between the two controllers is obviously how you connect them to a device. One being a wired connection with a Lightning cable means that the Rotor Riot controller is limited to just iOS devices that have a Lightning port. Unfortunately, the Rotor Riot doesn't have a USB-C variant that can connect to the 2018 iPad Pro line, or Apple's current MacBook lineup.

The SteelSeries Nimbus is a wireless gaming controller, perfect for all of Apple's devices. Whether you're on your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or a Mac, you'll be able to connect to your devices seamlessly. The controller connects via Bluetooth so you don't need to plug it into a device, and it features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40+ hours.

Rotor Riot Wired Controller vs SteelSeries Nimbus

The controllers themselves feel good in the hand. Both controllers feature the same control layouts except for the analog sticks, which are different for both Rotor Riot and SteelSeries.

The Rotor Riot controller is using a similar layout as the Xbox's controller with the left analog stick above the d-pad whereas the Nimbus is similar to the PlayStation 4 controller, with the analog sticks sitting side by side. We prefer the SteelSeries Nimbus's layout because it's what we've been accustomed to. However, the Rotor Riot's analog sticks click down for L3 and R3 input which the Nimbus doesn't offer.

Steelseries Nimbus is one of the best wireless controllers for iOS Steelseries Nimbus is one of the best wireless controllers for iOS

L3 and R3 support became available after iOS 12.1 but developers, such as Epic Games who created Fortnite haven't had the chance to update their game to support this functionality just yet. Hopefully, when iOS 13 comes out, we'll start to see more developers update their game to support this functionality.

SteelSeries Nimbus connected to an iPad Pro: Playing Fortnite Season X SteelSeries Nimbus connected to an iPad Pro: Playing Fortnite Season X
Rotor Riot controller  connected to an iPhone XS Max: Playing Asphalt 9 Rotor Riot controller connected to an iPhone XS Max: Playing Asphalt 9

Other than that, both controllers perform well on our iPhone XS and iPhone XR. When we're playing Fortnite, we didn't notice a difference in input lag or latency between the wired or wireless controller. It is nice to have the L3 and R3 option with the Rotor Riot controller in applications that support it, but you are limited to devices that have Lightning ports.

When Apple Arcade comes out this fall, you'll have access to those games on all of your Apple devices, so if you're looking for a universal controller that can connect to everything, you should pick the SteelSeries Nimbus.

When Apple announced iOS 13 earlier this year, they also opened up support for Sony's Dualshock 4 controllers and Microsoft's Wireless Xbox One controller. So if you already have these two controllers at home, you'll be able to connect these controllers to your Apple devices when Apple's new OS goes live in a couple of weeks.

Where to buy

The Rotor Riot Controller is available on Amazon, and it's only available for iOS devices with Lightning ports. The SteelSeries Nimbus is on Amazon and B&H, and it's compatible with almost all of Apple's devices, including Macs.

Spec Comparison

Rotor RiotSteelSeries Nimbus
ConnectionWired (Lightning)Wireless (Bluetooth)
Battery LifeN/A (Wired)40+ Hours
PortsLightningUSB-C
CompatibilityiPhone, and iPad (Lightning)iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (Pro), Mac, Apple TV
L3 and R3 SupportYesNo
Price$49$49



18 Comments

cgWerks 8 Years · 2947 comments

When Apple announced iOS 13 earlier this year, they also opened up support for Sony's Dualshock 4 controllers and Microsoft's Wireless Xbox One controller. So if you already have these two controllers at home, you'll be able to connect these controllers to your Apple devices when Apple's new OS goes live in a couple of weeks.

I have to disagree some here, and advise to just buy a Sony DS4 or Xbox controller and wait a bit (unless you really, really just have to get playing now). While I do like my Nimbus, it isn't a DS4 (in feel, or possibly even quality). It's hard to describe, but it just isn't quite as responsive or ranges/engagement-zones aren't as well designed as the DS4.

So, instead of 'if you have already' I'd say you're more likely to just want to start there.

gutengel 7 Years · 363 comments

These look hideous! I'm gonna wait to see what titles start rolling out after iOS 13 and probably buy a PS4 controller.

robjn 8 Years · 283 comments

It’s got to be wireless. How else would you use it with Apple TV?

Unless you know you’ll never own and Apple TV, get a wireless controller and probably consider a PlayStation or XBox one.

razorpit 17 Years · 1793 comments

cgWerks said:
When Apple announced iOS 13 earlier this year, they also opened up support for Sony's Dualshock 4 controllers and Microsoft's Wireless Xbox One controller. So if you already have these two controllers at home, you'll be able to connect these controllers to your Apple devices when Apple's new OS goes live in a couple of weeks.
I have to disagree some here, and advise to just buy a Sony DS4 or Xbox controller and wait a bit (unless you really, really just have to get playing now). While I do like my Nimbus, it isn't a DS4 (in feel, or possibly even quality). It's hard to describe, but it just isn't quite as responsive or ranges/engagement-zones aren't as well designed as the DS4.

So, instead of 'if you have already' I'd say you're more likely to just want to start there.

Agreed. I'm a PS4 player and plan to just repurpose a controller, with that said Xbox has routinely been praised as the standard of controllers. I think either of the two would be a better feel and function. A good follow up to this article would be to introduce these controllers to the 'AppleInsider Universe'.

GeorgeBMac 8 Years · 11421 comments

cgWerks said:
When Apple announced iOS 13 earlier this year, they also opened up support for Sony's Dualshock 4 controllers and Microsoft's Wireless Xbox One controller. So if you already have these two controllers at home, you'll be able to connect these controllers to your Apple devices when Apple's new OS goes live in a couple of weeks.
I have to disagree some here, and advise to just buy a Sony DS4 or Xbox controller and wait a bit (unless you really, really just have to get playing now). While I do like my Nimbus, it isn't a DS4 (in feel, or possibly even quality). It's hard to describe, but it just isn't quite as responsive or ranges/engagement-zones aren't as well designed as the DS4.

So, instead of 'if you have already' I'd say you're more likely to just want to start there.

I'm not a gamer, so my knowledge is limited.   But I thought that PS & X-Box controllers used some different type of communications protocol rather than bluetooth.   If that is correct, how would they connect to an Apple Device?