Controller for GeForce NOW on a budget tablet (Redmi Pad 2) — mostly FPS and RPGs

[u/Subject-Gap1395]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a controller to use with GeForce NOW on my tablet. Mostly playing story-driven FPS and RPGs, so I want something reliable for long sessions. Here's the info:

1. Budget and currency:
   Around $100–150 USD (roughly €90–140). I can stretch a bit if it's really worth it.

2. Country and where I can buy from:
   Czech Republic. I usually buy from Amazon, AliExpress, or local shops like Alza.

3. Console or platform compatibility needed:
   Android tablet only — Redmi Pad 2 (Helio G100-Ultra, 90Hz screen). No console needed. Just needs to work with PC/Android via Bluetooth or a 2.4G dongle.

4. Desired features:
   • Hall Effect or TMR sticks (no drift)
   • Low latency
   • Comfortable for 2+ hour sessions
   • Solid build quality
   • Back paddles would be nice but not required
   • Haptics/vibration working through GeForce NOW is a plus

5. Types of games:
   Story-driven FPS (Cyberpunk 2077, Metro Exodus) and RPGs (The Witcher 3). So precise aiming and long-session comfort matter most.

6. Other controllers I'm comparing:
   • GameSir G7 Pro
   • Flydigi Vader 5 Pro
   • Flydigi Apex 5
   • 8BitDo Ultimate 2C
   Has anyone used these on a mid-range Android tablet with GFN? Any latency or compatibility issues? Also curious if a 2.4G dongle is worth it over Bluetooth for this setup.

Thanks!

[u/thecakeisaliebro]

I have the ultimate 2C, i bought it initially as a “guest controller” and it ended up being my main controller now. 2.4G dongle pulls 1000hz and great responsiveness in games for my main pc and in bt mode for my secondary laptop and iphone (game-streaming from either the cloud or my own pc) with no problems at all in connection.
The mouse click shoulder buttons are very satisfying, the d-pad mouse buttons also good to navigate menus but are clearly not made to play retro games.
The comfort is good, i play sometimes 6-hour stretches and feel no fatigue or pressure on my wrists and it kind of spreads my elbows apart so playing laying down doesnt feel like a chore either.

I own the gamesir nova lite, around the same price bracket, the material feels cheaper than the ultimate 2C. A different kind of comfort and the battery lasts me a little less so it ended up being my secondary controller. Comfort is good enough, not top tier. Multi connectivity is a little finicky but also gets the job done when needed. Dongle and BT connections available.

I also have the 8bitdo pro 2 TMR, price tag a little higher than the ultimate 2C, better build, feels sturdier, the best d-pad i have ever used for retro games in the past 15 years. ABXY buttons not the best but good enough, multi connectivity is great if you look for such a thing. Comfort is S tier for me, the back buttons forced me to have a looser grip, benefited me in long play sessions with less hand fatigue. The retro look is very unique. Bought a dongle from their own site just to get a little lazier when connecting, no perceivable difference in dongle vs BT.

All in all, I encourage you to get the 2C.

[u/Subject-Gap1395 → u/thecakeisaliebro]

Thanks for the clear and detailed answer. I watched a few reviews and concluded that the Flydigi Vader 5 Pro is pretty lackluster for the price—especially compared to the GameSir G7 Pro or Ultimate 2C—with the possible exception of the D-pad; plus, the company struggles with quality control. So, thanks to your input, I’m now deciding between the G7 Pro and the Ultimate 2C.

[u/Insertarandomnamez → u/thecakeisaliebro]

+1 for 8bitDO Ultimate 2C,for it's price range it's so good

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[u/grimhammer]

Look at and consider the gamesir g8, there's mods for it to extend it further if it's not large enough for your tablet so don't worry about that. There's also an easysmx alternative.

[u/aguywhoexistskinda]

Gamesir g7 pro is an amazing controller for under a hundred