When comparing SteelSeries Stratus XL vs Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad, the Slant community recommends Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad for most people. In the question“What are the best third-party game controllers for Android?” Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad is ranked 8th while SteelSeries Stratus XL is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad is:
For a device in its price range, the build quality is pretty darn good.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Comfortable to hold
This is a full sized controller, and feels similar to the Xbox controllers. Its curves help it fit comfortably in your hand, and the controller doesn't become uncomfortable to hold even for extended periods of time.
Pro Simple setup for both Android and Windows
Setup on Android is as simple as pressing the pairing button on top, and pairing it to your Android device like any other Bluetooth accessory. Windows setup is slightly trickier, but still easily manageable for nearly anyone.
Pro Great joysticks
The joysticks are indented on top, giving your thumb extra grip. The texture is also grippy, making the grip that much better. In addition, these joysticks can be pushed in like on console controllers which acts like an additional button.
Pro 40 hours of gameplay per 2xAA battiers
On a single pair of AA batteries you can expect 40 hours of game time. There are 4 lights on the front that indicate the battery life which will blink when there is about 20 minutes of battery life left.
Pro LED status lights
The 4 dots in the bar near the top of the controller are 4 LED lights which give you pairing information, as well as indicate battery life.
Pro Good build quality
For a device in its price range, the build quality is pretty darn good.
Pro 3rd party app support
There is a third party app that allows for customization of the inputs on this device. It is called Game Controller 2 Touch, and has full support for the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Mobile Gamepad.
Pro 3 modes of use for varied use
There are three different modes for this controller, the first is a mobile Bluetooth mode for Android devices, the second is mouse mode that turns the analog sticks into vitual mice and the third is PC mode which is compatible for PC games.
Pro Uses replaceable AAA batteries
There is a user openable compartment in the back that holds the 2 AAA batteries. These should offer up to 40 hours of continuous game time before they need to be changed out.
Pro First party app available
There is a first party app available for the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R and all other Mad Catz GameSmart enabled devices.
Cons
Con Bulky
Unlike many of the other controllers mentioned here, this one doesn't fold, and it isn't flat so it can't easily fit into a pocket. You'll need a purse, murse, backpack or satchel to carry it around which makes this a less attractive option if you'll be gaming on the go.
Con Uses AA batteries
Instead of an incorporated battery which can be recharged via a cable, this controller uses disposable batteries. You'll need to keep some on hand, and this will add to the overall cost over a length of time instead of simply being able to recharge the controller.
Con Mad Catz A.P.P. is useless
Apparently the first party app available for the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R is just a bunch of pictures of products and offers zero functionality to the device.
Con Dead space in the joysticks
You can push the joysticks a bit in any direction without any in-game response. This makes it harder to play fast paced games that require accuracy (such as FPS games).
Con Only pairs to one device at a time
You can't - for example - have it paired to both your phone and tablet. Whenever you want to switch devices, you will need to re-pair it.