I indulged in the Red Dead Redemption mobile version, but I missed out on one essential item.

As someone who missed out on the original Red Dead Redemption during its initial release, I was excited to dive into the remastered version as soon as it dropped.

In case you haven’t heard, Red Dead Redemption has been remastered for modern consoles and is also available on Android and iOS. While it comes at a higher price point than your typical mobile game, Netflix subscribers can download it for free through the app on their devices.

However, after struggling through the early missions of Undead Nightmare, I found myself longing for the good old PS3 experience. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to enhance your gameplay: a mobile game controller.

There are plenty of options available, from controllers that cradle your phone to Bluetooth models that allow for separate placement, as well as standard console controllers that can connect to mobile devices.

One standout is the GameSir G8 Galileo, which is currently priced at $61.99 during a sale, making it a great deal compared to many others on the market. It’s compatible with any USB-C device, including Android phones and modern iPhones.

For a mobile game, Red Dead Redemption relies heavily on on-screen controls to guide John Marston. You’ll find buttons for aiming, shooting, moving, jumping, and taking cover. But since this is a console game adapted for mobile, the sheer number of controls can overwhelm the limited screen space.

My experience with Undead Nightmare was frustrating, to say the least. The multitude of icons made it difficult to remember what each one did, especially in the heat of the moment. Aiming and shooting simultaneously was nearly impossible due to the button layout, leading to a chaotic experience where I missed nearly every shot and got overwhelmed by zombies.

Had I invested in a gaming controller before jumping into Red Dead Redemption, I could have avoided these headaches. Using a controller with other games has felt so smooth and intuitive, almost like playing on a handheld console—exactly how Red Dead should be enjoyed.

I also tried playing Red Dead on a tablet, and it was even worse. The awkward controls were spread out over a larger area, forcing me into uncomfortable hand positions. A controller would have been a game-changer in that scenario, though it’s important to note that many mobile controllers don’t work with tablets since they typically act as a cradle for the device.

With the holiday season approaching, if you plan to spend your break enjoying the new mobile port, I highly recommend picking up a controller to enhance your experience.