Phones are getting more powerful each generation, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung S24 Ultra now capable of natively playing AAA games. Although many games are now optimized for touchscreens, nothing still beats the feel of a tactile controller. So, if you want hardcore gaming on your smartphone, theGameSir X2scontroller will deliver the required tangibility.
GameSir X2s Type-C Controller
https://www.gamesir.hk/products/gamesir-x2s
The GameSir X2s Type-C Controller is a wired gaming controller compatible with most USB-C phones, including the iPhone 15. It works natively on some games, but you can also use it on almost any game with its software touch mapping input.
Make Your Phone Feel Like a Nintendo Switch (or a Mini PlayStation Portal)
The GameSir X2s emulates the form factor of the Nintendo Switch with its 17.7 x 8.3 x 3.7cm dimensions and 174g weight. Its 8.3cm depth means that most flagship smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max (7.7cm), Pixel 8 Pro (7.7cm), and S24 Ultra (7.9cm) fit neatly into the phone slot without any overhangs.
you may also fit a wider phone, which makes it feel like a PlayStation Portal, provided it can fit into the phone slot that extends as much as 17cm. This gives the latest flagship devices enough space to slip into the controller, even with a reasonably thick case.
For this review, I tested the GameSir X2s on my Samsung Note10+ with a thin Spigen case. I also used my wife’s Samsung Z Fold5 to see how it works with a bigger screen. However, since my other phone is only an iPhone 14 Pro Max with a Lightning port, I can’t see how it works with an Apple device.
I did, however, do a test fit and can confirm that recent Apple smartphones would fit on the X2s, even with their massive camera bumps. Nevertheless, because the iPhone 15 now sports a USB-C port, the X2s is compatible with it, allowing you to use the controller on newer Apple smartphones.
The GameSir X2s comes with a manual, documentation, a sticker, and two pairs of thumbstick covers. But it’s now notably missing the USB-C charging cable and carrying case that came with the previous X2 models.
Some Installation Required
The smartphone controller is easy to install on your smartphone, especially with its swiveling USB-C port. All you need to do is plug your phone, and the controller’s USB plug will naturally swivel to a comfortable position, preventing strain on your phone’s USB-C port.
Then, carefully pull the right side of the controller until your phone neatly slots into the cradle. The X2s has a narrow rubber grip on the USB-C side and a thick rubber layer on the left side to keep your phone secure. Once you’re done playing, carefully slide the phone’s right side up while supporting the right side of the controller. After all, you don’t want it to slam shut, potentially damaging the right joystick when it jams on your phone or causing it to slip off the cradle and fall to the floor.
Games with controller support will work with the X2s straight out of the box. But for titles not designed to work with controllers, you must install the GameSir app, available foriPhoneandAndroid, to activate touch mapping.
It’s Not Always Game and Go
Some game titles, like Soul Knight and Real Racing 3, and game streaming apps, like Steam Link and Xbox Game Pass, will work with the X2s without further setup. However, most popular game titles need touch mapping via the GameSir app to work correctly.
Touch mapping is when the app associates the controller’s keys with touch inputs on your screen. This will let you play games with the X2s even if they do not have official controller support. While the GameSir app usually has a preset available for most games, it’s sometimes inaccurate, with touch zones in many areas with no associated buttons and vice versa.
Nevertheless, setting up custom touch maps is pretty easy and simple. You need to launch the game from the GameSir app to ensure that G-Touch mode is enabled and then manually set the buttons (and even change their sensitivity) viai the floating GameSir icon.
Once you’ve set up and saved the control scheme, you may use it in your future gaming sessions and even save it to your GameSir account to use on other phones.
Port and Performance
The GameSir X2s is a pretty lovely controller to hold. The buttons are tactile and precise, while the Hall Effect joysticks and triggers are a joy to use without the apprehension that they will fail sometime soon. The controller’s spring also easily keeps your phone in place without being too difficult to open.
The contoured rubber grips at the back also feel great on the fingers, although they easily pick up dust that sticks on the rubber surface as a stain. Furthermore, since the phone is effectively sandwiched between the controller, its speakers are often partially blocked by the controller’s sides.
you’re able to also see the controller’s status with the two LED lights on its face. The LED light on top shows the current mode, while the lower one shows your phone’s charging status. That way, you can quickly see your device’s status while deep in the middle of a match.
Although the design of the rubber sides lets sound go through, it still affects the quality, especially if you’re an audiophile. The X2s also has a USB-C port in the lower left corner for passthrough charging. However, I only got a maximum of 15 watts input capacity reading when charging it with my testing equipment, meaning it could be a bit slow if you’re used to fast-charging phones.
Another thing I missed on the X2s is that it doesn’t have passthrough audio for 3.5 mm headphones or even via the USB-C port. So, if you want to listen to your game’s sounds without disturbing the people around you, you need a good pair of TWS earbuds.
Also, you shouldn’t keep your phone on the GameSir after playing, as the touch mapping remains on the screen even after you close your game. This could lead to unwanted screen touches, as the mapping only deactivates once you unplug the controller or switch to HID mode by pressing the G and S buttons together for two seconds.
Gaming on the GameSir X2s Type-C
Given that the GameSir X2s Type-C is physically connected to your phone, it has near-zero latency, thus giving you an advantage over your opponents. Furthermore, it’s extremely easy to hold despite its length with a massive smartphone installed.
It’s well-balanced, and you won’t feel exhausted from holding it, even after gaming for several hours. It also has a Screenshot Button at the lower left, allowing you to capture your games with just one push. And if you need to show the game launcher menu quickly when streaming games, the Home Button is conveniently located opposite the Screenshot button.
The joysticks are pretty small on their own. However, the thumbstick caps add a decent amount of surface area, giving your thumb a larger head to grip. The precise buttons also do well, as I feel that every press I make is deliberate, especially as I get tactile and audible clicks for every press I make.
Budget Console Gaming on the Go
TheGameSir X2sis currently listed at $45.99, making it an absolute bargain compared to other gaming controllers. And while not all games are suitable for controllers, the GameSir X2s finds ways to let you enjoy console gaming on just about any title on your smartphone.
So, whether you’re into AAA gaming on your console or spend hours playing mobile games on your smartphone, the GameSir X2s will enhance your experience and give you an advantage in whatever game you play.
