Yes, Genshin Impact officially supports controllers across PC, PlayStation, iOS, and, as of a recent update in March 2025, Android devices too. This means you can ditch touchscreen controls for a more traditional gaming feel on most platforms where you play.

Playing Genshin Impact with a controller can really change up your game, especially in intense fights or when exploring the vast world of Teyvat. It often feels more precise and comfortable than tapping on a screen or using a keyboard and mouse.

Controller Support by Platform

Here’s a quick look at where Genshin Impact supports controllers:

• PC: Good news for PC players! Genshin Impact has supported controllers natively since it first launched. You can easily connect Xbox and PlayStation controllers (like the DualShock 4 or DualSense) via USB or Bluetooth. Setting it up usually means plugging it in and then picking "Controller" in the game's settings.
• PlayStation (PS4/PS5): Since Genshin Impact is also a console game, it works perfectly with PlayStation controllers right out of the box. No extra steps needed here - just pick up your DualShock or DualSense and start playing!
• iOS (iPhones/iPads): If you play on an Apple device running iOS 14 or newer, you're in luck. Genshin Impact has had native controller support on iOS since early 2021. You can pair most common Bluetooth controllers, like Xbox and PlayStation ones, to your device and then select the controller option in the game settings.
• Android: This is the newest and most anticipated addition! As of March 2025, Genshin Impact now officially supports controllers on Android devices. This was a long-awaited feature that lets you connect Bluetooth or USB controllers, including popular PlayStation and Xbox models.

Setting Up Your Controller

Getting your controller ready to play Genshin Impact is pretty straightforward:

1. Connect Your Controller: First, link your controller to your device. For PC and mobile, this usually means connecting it with a USB cable or pairing it via Bluetooth in your device's settings.

2. Launch Genshin Impact: Open the game after your controller is connected.

3. Change Control Type: Once you're in the game, open the Paimon Menu (usually by pressing Esc on PC, or tapping the Paimon icon on mobile). Go to "Settings," then "Controls," and look for "Control Type." Select "Controller" from the options.

One thing I've noticed, especially on PC, is that sometimes the game's user interface (UI) might look a little different when you switch to controller mode. It's not a big deal, but it's something to keep in mind. Also, if you use a keyboard and mouse a lot, you can't really use both at the same time; you have to switch back and forth in the settings.

Why Use a Controller?

There are a few reasons why many players prefer controllers for Genshin Impact:

• Better Combat: The action combat in Genshin Impact, with its quick dodges and elemental skills, often feels smoother with a controller. You get more precise movement and faster reactions. I remember trying to fight a boss on my phone with touch controls and kept fumbling my character swaps. Switching to a controller made a huge difference, making it much easier to unleash elemental bursts exactly when I needed to.
• Comfort: For longer play sessions, holding a controller can be a lot more comfortable than hunching over a keyboard or staring down at a phone screen. It helps your hands relax, and you don't block parts of your screen with your thumbs.
• Immersive Experience: For some, using a controller just feels more like a traditional gaming experience, pulling you further into the world of Teyvat. A while back, I tried playing Genshin Impact on my PC with a cheap generic controller that wasn't officially supported. I had to use Steam to trick the game into thinking it was an Xbox controller. It was a bit of a hassle to set up, but once it worked, exploring Mondstadt and Liyue felt much more natural and fun.

If you're playing Genshin Impact on PC and want to learn more about setting up your game, check out our guide on How to Play Genshin Impact on Pc.

Whether you're exploring new regions, tackling tough Spiral Abyss challenges, or just chilling with your favorite characters, using a controller can definitely improve your Genshin Impact experience.

If you enjoy Genshin Impact and want to make in-app purchases for things like Genesis Crystals or Battle Pass, you can use Playstorm to earn and redeem Apple or Google Play gift cards. We also offer Nintendo eShop vouchers for other Nintendo games!