game controller with edge

As manufacturers continue to improve gaming-focused smartphones, gamers’ demands for a better experience also grow. Input is always an important area, and for avid gamers, using a physical controller is a wise investment.

I took some time to review the new Gamesir X2s controller to see if my choice to increase the price a bit led to an even bigger increase in potential.

Connecting your handset to your controller is a simple two-part process. The first is to extend both sides. This is springy to help grip the handset during use, but the extra grip will keep everything secure.

The second is the USB-C port. This rotates up from the centerline, so you can connect the handset at an angle, pull on the side of the spring and lock it in place using a lever. This is practical, but the first few times it feels clunky, like you have to press the phone in a way it wasn’t designed for.

This port is designed to cover as much of your phone as possible, so it won’t necessarily fit snugly between the back of your phone and the back plate of your controller. This is unavoidable, because unlike the iPhone version, which fits into only a few designs, the Android ecosystem is far more diverse and arcane. Where there is room for improvement is the depth of the USB-C connector. Most phones require the USB-C port to be on the outside of a protective case to safely connect to the phone, and a longer retainer compensates for the extra thickness that comes with using a case. .

If there’s one keyword to describe Gamesir X2, it’s small. This may seem funny when you see something like the Pixel 8 Pro or Redmagic 9S Pro wedged on either side of a controller, but we’re not comparing it to a smartphone in your pocket. This is a game console that I kept in my tote bag while traveling. Modern consoles in the style of Steam decks and Asus ROG Ally are classified as portable, but they are bulky. That’s not the case here, but the buttons are smaller, the sticks and triggers have less travel, and the layout can feel cramped for people with larger hands.

Every game controller designer must choose which layout to use. There’s plenty of headroom for the small buttons, but deciding whether to place the two analog sticks at the bottom of the controller or diagonally in the top left and bottom right can go a long way in setting the tone of your device. Helpful.

Gamesir decided on a Nintendo Switch-style diagonal layout. This is considered the optimal layout for modern gaming, including many Android titles, so the X2s confidently declares its target market before opening the box (although the second model is an alternative It would be nice if they offered a control stick layout).

Another selection can be changed in the software. That is, which face buttons become action keys. Roughly speaking, the middle right is Nintendo’s way, and the bottom center is Xbox’s way. This can be set up with Gamesir’s Android app and downloaded from the Play Store. Apple lets you set several controller options, including analog trigger sensitivity, stick and trigger dead zones, and different layouts depending on what you’re playing.

The Gamesir X2s controller is small, but I never found that to be an issue during short gaming sessions. It may start to feel cramped after playing for long periods of time, but unless you’re using a home controller with some weight and bulk, this is something you’ll have to deal with with most controllers.

The grip below the trigger has more texture and friction than the rear plate. There is enough bulge to wrap your fingers around the surface to make the controller/smartphone combination easier to grip, and the rear part of the trigger housing can partially rest on the side of your fingers. Everything feels safe and easy.

All buttons and sticks are within reach, so you don’t have to worry about dropping the controller and handset combination. The same goes for using analog sticks. The two sticks use Hall effect to determine their position, rather than physically connected sensors. This reduces the chance of “stick drift”, where components slip over time, and allows for a more accurate measurement of input. This is a distinguishing feature of the X2s controller. For many, this is one of the additional features that makes the X2 worth considering.

Using a good game controller with your smartphone can lead to new discoveries. Where once we had touchscreens without feedback or precision, we now have physical guidance to where our hands need to be, tactile reactions to know when we press a button, and fine-grained control over small operations. It has stick precision. movement.

Driving games that used to be compromised by requiring auto-acceleration and tilt-steering action or basic on-screen left-right controls now have a much easier experience with analog acceleration and braking and steering that can be tweaked around corners. became. There’s a classic first-person setup where you see with a stick, move with a stick, and use triggers and shoulder buttons for action, combat, and inventory management.

If retro gaming is one of your passions, we have a controller setup that echoes the machines you want to play on your mobile device.

Gamesir has priced the XS2 a little higher than its competitors, and it shows. The Hall-effect stick is a big boon for the increased price, and the mechanical switch provides excellent feedback with a robust construction. However, this is still a controller that needs to meet your budget. The texture on the controls guides your fingers into the correct position, but the plastic feel remains.

High-level gaming on Android uses more battery power than basic browsing and social media interaction. The X2s also requires power and draws what it needs from your phone’s battery. It can cause double hits during the game. Thankfully, the X2s has pass-through power, so you can connect a USB-C charger to the controller, and thus your phone, but be aware that if you’re away from a power source, you’ll quickly need a power bank. please. later.

There are concerns about the permissions requested by companion applications, and too many $1,000 smartphones require removing the protective case to use the USB-C connector. Gamesir has found the right balance between features and cost. The X2s is not for everyone. This is for people who already know they’re gamers who play both mobile-only apps and streaming games like Steam or XBox, but who need more than just a basic controller.

As you probably know if you’re the type of player who plays with a combination of controller and smartphone, the question becomes about the X2’s value for money. It’s small, well-built, but has a hall-effect feel that makes it a good choice for people who want something a little more than your average smartphone controller.

Disclaimer: game sir provided X2s Type-C Wired Mobile Game Controller For review purposes.

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