Flydigi Apex 2 Controller Review

Mobile gaming has never been better. From cloud game streaming services such as Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud, GeForce Now, or Amazon Luna to retro gaming emulation and native Android games, there’s a ton to play. In addition to a phone for gaming, you’ll need a decent mobile game controller. The Flydigi Apex Series 2 is a fantastic gamepad for phones. With its stellar build quality and plentiful buttons, it’s one of the best game controllers for Android and iOS devices. Find out why you need to add the Apex 2 to your arsenal in our hands-on Flydigi Apex 2 controller review!

Flydigi Apex Series 2 Mobile Game Controller Overview

The Flydigi Apex 2 is a gamepad engineered for use with mobile devices such as Android phones and iPhones. It comes outfitted with virtually any button you can think of. There’s a pair of analog sticks alongside a directional pad (D-pad). In addition to the standard A, X, Y, and B buttons, you’ll find dedicated C and Z buttons. Start and Select buttons are onboard. Four shoulder buttons, L1, L2, R1, and R2 adorn the front of the controller. The X, Y, and B buttons sit on a draggable wheel that may be used to emulate a finger swipe functionality on a touchscreen. For instance, this is particularly useful in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games like League of Legends.

Aside from common controller buttons, the Apex Series 2 mobile controller sports an array of extra buttons that may be used as hotkeys. Located on the front of the controller with the L1, L2, R1, and R2 shoulder buttons are M5 and M6 buttons. Underneath the gamepad, you’ll find M1, M2, M3, and M4 keys as well as an on/off switch.

The Flydigi Apex Series 2 connects with either Bluetooth or 2.GHz wireless. Its built-in 6-axis accelerometer and gyro sensors provide motion control. An integrated phone clip supports even large phablet devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 21. Although the Apex 2 is a purpose-built mobile gaming controller, the phone clip may be removed and utilized as a desktop phone stand. Therefore, it’s compatible with not only Android and iOS phones, but PCs, game consoles, and Android TV streaming boxes.

Aside from the controller itself, in the box you’ll find a USB-C to USB Type-A cable that charges the device and a convenient hard-shell zippered carrying case. What’s more, replacement joysticks come bundled in three 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 is an extremely well-thought-out controller. It’s lightweight enough to feel comfortable throughout long gaming sessions, but with a bit of heft so that it maintains a premium vibe and doesn’t seem delicate. The rubberized palm grips provide ample traction and are a treat to hold.

Its button layout is fantastic. All buttons are logically placed. Any button or trigger you can think of comes standard, including several extras. As such, the Apex 2 is an extremely customizable gamepad. The top of the palm rests on both left and right sides pops off revealing different accessories. Underneath the right-hand faceplate is a USB dongle for using the Flydigi Apex 2 in its 2.4GHz mode, while the left-hand faceplate conceals a rubber ring that slots in the floating island that holds the X, Y, and B buttons. thus, if you want to prevent the draggable wheel from sliding around accidentally, you can keep it firmly in place.

A built-in six-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope sensor lend motion controls. There’s an on/off switch underneath the controller and instructions for toggling on the gamepad’s Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes which means you don’t have to look up how to switch between the two different wireless communication protocols. Alternatively, connecting the controller to a PC with the included USB-C to USB Type-A cable will let you use the Flydigi Apex 2 in a tethered mode. My desktop recognized the Apex as a generic Xbox 360 gamepad. Likewise, running a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable from the controller to my phone allowed me to use the device in a wired mode.

The integrated phone clip is comprised of sturdy plastic. It’s hinged and folds flat for easy storage. Plus, the phone holder may be removed for use as a desktop stand for your phone, or while connected to a streaming box like the Nvidia Shield TV, PC, tablet, and any number of other non-mobile devices.

Flydigi Apex Series 2 Mobile Controller Review – An Outstanding, Versatile Gamepad for Phones and More

In my testing, I found the Flydigi Apex 2 an exceptional game controller. My Samsung Galaxy S9+ Android phone fit perfectly into the included phone clip. Firing up some Hitman on Google Stadia, my controller was instantly recognized. There was no noticeable lag at all even in Bluetooth mode. I also played a bit of Halo 3 and Morrowind using xCloud. Again, the Apex Series 2 was immediately recognized and functional.

Aside from cloud gaming, the Flydigi Apex Series 2 worked great for native Android gaming as well as emulation. I fired up Grand Theft Auto III for Android and was able to play with ease. The gamepad felt comfortable even after a couple of hours of use, and button placement was natural. Running emulators like PPSSPP and RetroArch, I enjoyed a spot of retro gaming on my Android handset.

While the Apex 2 is designed with a phone clip and works wonderfully for mobile gaming, it’s a solid option for other platforms. Because its mobile phone holder is detachable, you can take it off and use the Flydigi as a standard gamepad with PCs, consoles, and streaming boxes. I connected the Apex Series 2 to my Nvidia Shield TV for some Android gaming and emulation. Both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless modes worked flawlessly.

With my PC, the Flydigi Apex 2 paired easily with its 24GHz wireless dongle and using the bundled USB Type-C to USB Type-A cord. Gaming in Steam, Epic, GOG, and Origin worked equally well. I even used the Flydigi with my Raspberry Pi retro gaming console running RetroPie. Oddly, while you can connect to PCs using the 2.4GHz wireless dongle or a USB cable, the Flydigi isn’t recognized with Bluetooth on computers. Rather, Bluetooth mode only works for mobile devices.

Basic gameplay should be just fine. With each button found on a standard Xbox controller, the Apex 2 features any button, analog stick, pad, or trigger you could possibly need for most situations. Additionally, various buttons like its M1/M2/M3/M4/M5/M6, floating draggable wheel, and 6-axis gyroscope allow for ample customization.

Mobile App Software – Flydigi Game Center

Complementing its excellent hardware, Flydigi offers companion apps for various devices. On Android and iOS, the Flydigi Game Center. You can add your various games and emulators, select different Flydigi game controllers including the Apex, x8, Wee, Wasp, and Q1, as well as perform actions like firmware updates or keymapping.

Though it’s totally optional, I liked the customization options which the Android app unlocked. You can change the color of its onboard RGB LEDs, add controllers or accessories such as headphones, manage installed games, and more. Once you add a game, you’ll be able to select whether to launch it with native controls or Flydigi button mapping. For titles that include controller support, stick with native. Games with touchscreen-only capabilities may still be played with the Apex Series 2 using the Flydigi Mapping mode which enables gamepad buttons to be converted to simulated screen actions.

Should You Buy the Flydigi Apex 2 Gamepad?

Overall, the Flydigi Apex Series 2 is a well-built controller that works for a variety of purposes. It’s superb for mobile gaming in Android and iOS. Support for Android TV boxes lets you play native Android games or run emulators on the big screen. Its 2.4GHz wireless dongle and USB-C cable provide means of using the Apex 2 gamepad with PCs or consoles. There’s a premium aesthetic and excellent design. The accompanying Flydigi Game Center app for Android and iOS is a neat inclusion. With a slew of buttons, the Apex 2 is incredibly customizable.

Bluetooth support for PCs would have been nice, although that’s not a dealbreaker. The 2.4GHz wireless dongle or a wired connection using the included USB Type-C cable works well enough. Casual gamers will definitely benefit from the Flydigi Apex 2. It’s a phenomenal controller that rivals high-end gamepads with its stellar build quality and limitless button mapping capabilities.

Flydigi Apex Series 2 Game Controller Review Final Thoughts – A Cool, Customizable Gamepad

If you’re in the market for a terrific gamepad, the Flydigi Apex 2 is a compelling choice. It’s a good option for casual gamers and power users alike. The onboard detachable phone clip makes the Apex Series 2 a solid controller for mobile, PC, or console gaming. It’s comfortable and includes a bevy of buttons for exhaustive customization.

The Flydigi mobile app offers a host of features such as button mapping for specific games. With cross-platform compatibility, the Apex 2 can be used with phones, tablets, computers, and consoles. Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB modes mean you can hook the Flydigi gamepad up however you want. Bluetooth support for PCs would have been nice, though the 2.4GHz dongle or USB cable are perfectly suitable for compatibility with computers. Ultimately, the Apex Series 2 from Flydigi is a high-end mobile game controller with tons of customization potential and a lot of versatility.

Your turn: What game controllers do you recommend?