I've spent a bunch of time with the SteelSeries Stratus+, and it’s OK on PC but struggles on Android

The SteelSeries Stratus+ is a budget wireless Bluetooth controller geared towards Android mobile gaming, with the option for wired USB-C support on Windows PCs. Initially priced at $59.99 or £64.99, it has since dropped significantly in price, now often found for as little as $25 or £25. While positioned as delivering a console-quality mobile experience, the controller's design and features leave much to be desired.

The Stratus+ adopts a familiar shape combining elements from Xbox and PlayStation controllers. It includes a removable phone mount, Hall Effect triggers, and a claimed 90-hour battery life via Bluetooth LE. However, the phone mount proves to be the controller's biggest weakness. Installing it is tricky, and the resulting top-heavy design causes it to wobble and balance poorly, often turning the connected phone off.

Game compatibility varies depending on the title. Fortnite usually works well, but more fussy games like Call of Duty Mobile and Need for Speed don't. Xbox Cloud Gaming performs adequately with Forza Horizon 6, but the added Bluetooth latency with remote gaming causes noticeable input lag.

When used as a wired PC controller via USB-C, the Stratus+ functions as a basic XInput device, mapped correctly in Steam. However, it faces stiff competition in the market, with better options like the Xbox Wireless Controller, the GameSir G8 Galileo mobile grip, and the GameSir G8+ Bluetooth controller all offering improved experiences. At its full list price, the Stratus+ struggles to compete, but at its current discounted price, it may be worth considering as a budget PC gamepad.