By Daniel Waite -Apr 8, 2026

The Serafim S3 is a fantastic alternative to the much-loved Backbone controller. It has a pleasant ergonomic design with a heavy gaming focus. Moreover, it has a dedicated app for button mapping and easy access to your favourite platforms and games.

This easy-to-use approach was appreciated. I’ve tried and tested many of these mobile phone conversion controllers, and I hate wasting my time. Accordingly, the plug-and-play and friendly design made me breathe a sigh of relief. Everything about this product is aimed towards gamers on the move. The durable build quality and the strong extending case ensure that many phones can be used with this controller.

Word of warning, though, if you have an older iPhone with the Lightning connector, this device will not work. It is USB-C only, and this may cause a few issues. If you have an older phone, check for compatibility or buy a specific model for your device.

What’s in the box of the Serafim S3?

• The box is small but attractive. Furthermore, it is hard-wearing, and the contents were protected.
• The Serafim S3 houses most modern phones. The extending case holds your device safely, and you can game with ease. There is a through-charging port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and the buttons are well-positioned.
• Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The Serafim S3 has no built-in battery. This may annoy some people, but the through-charging point ensures that your phone never runs out of power. This worked extremely well, and I like the lighter and cleaner design choice. The USB-C port is positioned nicely, and many phones will be well-balanced.

This device is compact when in its “folded” state. It is approximately 26 x 9.4 x 3.4 cm in dimension. This was great as it can sit in your bag without causing an issue. Although it is compact, it can house up to a 17.9 cm long phone while supporting up to 3 mm cases. This is ideal if you want to keep your phone protected and you have one of the larger modern devices.

Once your phone is connected to the USB-C connection, you can start playing whatever game you have installed. Alternatively, you can use the free-to-download app to access a range of platforms and games. It must be noted that you must have any relevant subscription services to use PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, or GeForce Now.

The app.

This is a unified gaming hub that is compatible with Android 8.0+ and iOS 17.0+. The app automatically aggregates every game you install into an easy-to-use interface. Furthermore, everything remains faithful to its original platform, and this makes it easier to navigate.

Alongside this, you may use the content creation tools if you love to look at screenshots, video clips, or edit your media. Furthermore, there is an option to live stream to Twitch with integrated chat support. Although this wasn’t my go-to option, I love the freedom to use it, and many gamers will adore this feature.

Build quality.

Whenever there are moving parts, you need your controller to be durable. Thankfully, the Serafim S3 is unbelievably robust. The sliding mechanism is smooth and strong. Moreover, the areas that touch your phone clasp the case with minimal pressure. This reduces damage to your device while holding it firmly in place.

The USB-C connector isn’t as strong as its peers, but I wasn’t worried. If you connect your phone correctly, there will never be a risk of damage to your phone or the controller. I was impressed by the through-charging port. It is well-positioned and doesn’t impact the balance of the device.

If you want an ergonomic controller that looks great, the Serafim S3 should be on your radar. The carbon wrap offers a stylish and futuristic look. Moreover, the etched handles deliver a light friction grip that reduces the risk of accidents. The buttons are nicely positioned, and the analogue sticks have Hall Effect switches for accuracy and reduced stick drift.

Is the Serafim S3 worth it?

If you commute to work or love to game when others are watching TV, this is the perfect device. It is compact enough to sit in your bag and is suitable for many modern phones. Furthermore, it is lightweight, easy to handle, and the free-to-download software is a joy to use. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here!