Better mobile gaming has never existed. There are many games to play, ranging from native Android games and retro gaming emulation to cloud game streaming services like Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud, GeForce Now, or Amazon Luna. You'll also need a good mobile game controller if you want to play games on your phone. A great gamepad for phones is the Flydigi Apex Series 2. It's one of the greatest game controllers for Android and iOS devices because to its excellent build quality and generous number of buttons. In our in-depth Flydigi Apex 2 controller review, learn why you should add the Apex 2 to your toolbox.
A controller called the Flydigi Apex 2 is designed to work with smartphones like Android and iPhones. It is equipped with almost every button you can imagine. A directional pad and two analog sticks are included (D-pad). There are specific C and Z buttons in addition to the usual A, X, Y, and B buttons. There are onboard Start and Select buttons. L1, L2, R1, and R2 are the four shoulder buttons on the controller's front. The X, Y, and B buttons are mounted on a movable wheel that may be used to simulate the touchscreen's finger-swiping capability. For example, League of Legends and other multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games benefit greatly from this.
The Apex Series 2 mobile controller has a number of additional buttons in addition to the standard controller buttons that can be used as hotkeys. The M5 and M6 buttons are situated next to the L1, L2, R1, and R2 shoulder buttons on the controller's front. The M1, M2, M3, and M4 keys, as well as an on/off button, are located beneath the gamepad.
Both Bluetooth and 2.GHz wireless are options for connecting to the Flydigi Apex Series 2. Motion control is provided by the 6-axis accelerometer and gyro sensors that are built-in. Even huge phablet devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 21, are supported with an inbuilt phone clip. The phone clip on the Apex 2 can be removed and used as a desktop phone stand, despite the fact that it is designed specifically as a mobile gaming controller. As a result, it works with PCs, gaming consoles, Android TV streaming boxes, as well as Android and iOS smartphones.
In addition to the controller itself, the box contains a charging USB-C to USB Type-A connection and a handy hard-shell zippered carrying bag. Additionally, replacement joysticks are included in three different sizes: 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm.
Apex Series 2 Mobile Controller Specs
- Lots of buttons – X/Y/A/B, C/Z, D-pad, 2 x analog sticks, Start/Select, L1/L2/R1/R2, M1/M2/M3/M4/M5, Home, Back, Forward
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity
- 6-axis accelerometer and gyro sensor
- Draggable wheel to simulate finger swipes
- Detachable phone clip that doubles as a desktop phone stand
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Android TV, tvOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, etc. for use with phones, tablets, PCs, and streaming boxes
- USB-C charging
- 5V 500mA battery
- Included accessories: 1 x USB-C to USB Type-A cable, hard-shell zippered case, 3 x analog stick replacements (6mm, 8mm, 10mm sizes)
Flydigi Apex 2 Gamepad Design and Build Quality
The Apex Series 2 controller is a really well-designed device. It's light enough to be comfortable during extended gaming sessions, but it has a little weight to give off a luxury sense and avoid appearing fragile. The rubberized palm grips are a pleasure to hold and offer plenty of traction.
It has an excellent button design. The locations of each button make sense. Every button or trigger you can imagine is included as standard equipment, along with a few extras. The Apex 2 is a very configurable gamepad as a result. Both the left and right sides of the palm rests have a cover that detaches to display various attachments. A USB dongle for utilizing the Flydigi Apex 2 in 2.4GHz mode is hidden beneath the right faceplate, while a rubber ring that slips into the floating island housing the X, Y, and B buttons is hidden under the left faceplate. Therefore, you can keep the draggable wheel firmly in place if you wish to stop it from accidently slipping about.
Motion controls are provided by an integrated gyroscope sensor and six-axis accelerometer. You don't need to look up how to switch between the two distinct wireless communication protocols because the gamepad's Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes are toggleable, and there are instructions for doing so underneath the controller. You can also use the Flydigi Apex 2 in tethered mode by connecting the controller to a PC using the USB-C to USB Type-A connector that is included. The Apex was recognized by my computer as a standard Xbox 360 gamepad. I could also use the device in a wired mode by connecting a USB Type-C to USB Type-C connector from the controller to my phone.
The built-in phone clip is made of durable plastic. It has a hinge and collapses for simple storage. Additionally, the phone holder can be taken off and used as a desktop stand for your phone whether it is connected to a PC, tablet, streaming box like the Nvidia Shield TV, or any other non-mobile device.
Flydigi Apex Series 2 Mobile Controller Review – An Outstanding, Versatile Gamepad for Phones and More
The Flydigi Apex 2 impressed me during my testing as a game controller. My Samsung Galaxy S9+ Android phone slipped right into the phone clip that came with it. On Google Stadia, my controller was immediately identified when I started playing Hitman. Even in Bluetooth mode, there was absolutely no lag to be seen. I also used xCloud to play a little Halo 3 and Morrowind. Once more, the Apex Series 2 was utilitarian and instantly recognizable.
The Flydigi Apex Series 2 performed admirably for both emulation and native Android gaming in addition to cloud gaming. I launched Grand Theft Auto III for Android and had no trouble playing. Even after several hours of use, the gamepad still felt cozy, and the button placement felt right. I played several old-school video games on my Android phone using emulators like PPSSPP and RetroArch.
The Apex 2 is a great choice for other platforms even though it has a phone clip and performs incredibly well for mobile gaming. You may remove the Flydigi's phone holder and use it as a regular gamepad with PCs, consoles, and streaming devices because it is detachable. In order to play games and emulate Android on my Nvidia Shield TV, I connected the Apex Series 2. The 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless modes were both faultless.
The Flydigi Apex 2 connected quickly to my PC using the included USB Type-C to USB Type-A connection and its 24GHz wireless dongle. Gaming on Origin, GOG, Steam, and Epic all worked nicely. Even with my Raspberry Pi vintage gaming system running RetroPie, I used the Flydigi. Oddly, while you can connect to PCs with a USB cable or 2.4GHz wireless dongle, the Flydigi isn't recognized by computers when using Bluetooth. Instead, Bluetooth mode is restricted to mobile devices.
The most basic games should be fine. The Apex 2 has every button available on an ordinary Xbox controller, as well as every analog stick, pad, and trigger you would require in the majority of circumstances. Additionally, a number of buttons, including the floating draggable wheel, 6-axis gyroscope, and its M1/M2/M3/M4/M5/M6 buttons, allow for extensive customisation.
Mobile App Software – Flydigi Game Center
Flydigi provides companion apps for a variety of devices to go along with its amazing hardware. The Flydigi Game Center is available on iOS and Android. You can choose multiple Flydigi game controllers, such as the Apex, x8, Wee, Wasp, and Q1, as well as carry out operations like firmware updates or keymapping. You can also add your various games and emulators.
I enjoyed the personalization choices that the Android app unlocked, despite the fact that it is completely optional. You can manage installed games, add controllers or accessories like headphones, alter the color of its integrated RGB LEDs, and do many other things. You can choose to launch a game with native controls or Flydigi button mapping after adding it. Stick with native for games that support controllers. With the Apex Series 2, you can still play games that are only compatible with touchscreens by using the Flydigi Mapping mode, which transforms gamepad buttons into simulated screen actions.