You do not need to spend $180 to enjoy Sideswipe. Here's what I've been recommending to friends this year.
Every time someone asks me what controller to buy for mobile, I have the same internal debate: do I be responsible and say 'get whatever you already own,' or do I get excited and start listing off my favorites? I'll try to do both.
First — if you own an Xbox or PS5 controller already, use that. Bluetooth pairs in about 10 seconds on modern Android. Don't spend money you don't need to.
If you're starting from zero, the GameSir Nova Lite is what I keep pointing people at. Around 30 bucks, hall effect sticks so no stick drift for years, and the d-pad is genuinely good. The build feels a little plasticky in the hand, but you forget about that after a match.
I'd skip anything under $20 that isn't a name brand. I bought one for a video once and the left stick had this weird deadzone in the top-right diagonal — exactly where you do half your air rolls in Sideswipe. Not worth the frustration.
One more thing: telescopic phone-holder controllers (the Razer Kishi type) are amazing for airplane play but the extra weight on your phone hurts after long sessions. I keep one for travel and a regular controller for the couch.