The GameSir X2s Type-C Wired Mobile Controller is the latest mobile controller from the manufacturer. Established in 2013, GameSir is known for developing solid peripherals to complement your console, mobile and PC experience. We had the opportunity to review the excellent T4 Cyclone Pro last November and the G8 Galileo and were impressed with their build quality and functionality.
The X2s Type-C aims to level up your mobile gaming experience with some pretty impressive specs, including Hall Effect Sticks and triggers, mechanical buttons and ergonomic design. As the next evolution of the widely praised X2 Type-C, the X2s aims to improve on the original design offering some updated design elements.
Esthetically, the GameSir X2s Type-C Wired Mobile Controller is inspired by the SNES with its colour scheme and layout. The grey and purple design looks great and offers a unique design for this mobile controller. As such, it stands out in the crowd compared to other controllers on the market.
“Esthetically, the GameSir X2s Type-C Wired Mobile Controller is inspired by the SNES with its colour scheme and layout.”
The GameSir X2s is a fairly solid piece of hardware structurally. Leveraging an adjustable backplane, the X2s can accommodate phones ranging from 110mm to 168mm. This allows for a wide range of support, including the iPhone 15 series. The included USB-Type C can adjust up to 51°, allowing for easy connection to your smartphone. The spring-loaded backplane also includes foam-padded sides that help secure the phone in place. The whole system is easy to use and simple to set up. Additionally, rubberized grips along the back of the controller help keep it secure in your hands when in use.
With no battery of its own, the GameSir X2s does rely on your phone’s internal battery to function. While there was some concern about additional battery drain on the phone, after hours of testing, there wasn’t a notable difference in playtime with the controller attached. To help further mitigate any potential battery drain, the GameSir X2s comes with its own USB-Type C connection port, allowing for charging passthrough to the phone. It’s conveniently located in the lower left side of the controller keeping the attached USB-Type C cable out of the way while in use.
While the X2x is rated for phones up to 168mm, there are some things to note. After testing with several smartphones, it was observed that phones approaching the 168mm length apply a different angle of stress on the backplane, forcing the controller to bow slightly at its furthest extension. From a functionality standpoint, it had no impact on the gaming experience, but there is concern about long-term wear on the controller as it doesn’t remain flat when larger phones are cradled in it. On smaller phones, this extra stress didn’t seem to impact the backplane at all.
“…the GameSir X2s comes with its own USB-Type C connection port, allowing for charging passthrough to the phone.”
As for use and functionality, the GameSir X2s Type-C offers a solid play experience for the most part. The Hall Effect sticks work quite well, offering an accurate aiming experience for FPS games. Likewise, when tested twin-stick shooters and ARPGs, the sticks were responsive and smooth to use. The triggers and bumpers offer a solid, responsive experience for players. Each set offers a distinct click sound and feedback response, much in line with modern console controllers.
The Dpad and face buttons also feel great to use. The X2s includes a Turbo Functionality that can be programmed via the controller, offering additional functionality for those looking for an edge to their gaming experience. Simply hold the Capture button and then the button to be programmed to Turbo mode and the X2s takes it from there. It’s a simple but potentially helpful feature when used with the right title.
There is one area of critique with button location, however. The face buttons, XYAB, rest directly above the right stick. While this is in line with many modern controllers, there is no offset at all. This, combined with the height of the stick, makes it cumbersome to activate the face buttons easily. More than once during testing, I bumped the stick while trying to reach the A button. To accommodate this, I ended up having to keep my thumb bent at a sharp angle, which created some discomfort over time. A slight offset of the face buttons would have helped remedy this issue. It’s something I hope to see in future iterations of the controller.
The GameSir X2s Type-C also includes a hair trigger mode. This mode is specifically designed for FPS titles. In essence, it adjusts the sensitivity of the triggers, adjusting their actuation point for more accurate response times in-game. While it was noticeable during gameplay, the triggers were plenty responsive in normal mode, making hair trigger mode feel like an unnecessary add-on.
GameSir has also included its own app, but it’s worth noting that it is only available on the Google Play Store. From here gamers can further adjust dead zones, switch the A/B, X/Y layout, and toggle hair-trigger mode easily. Suggested games, as well as currently installed games, can also be accessed from here.
While the settings feature is a nice touch, it was interesting to note that some of the suggested games don’t have controller support. This is more of a PSA for mobile gamers in general. When researching a mobile controller, it’s important to always check that the desired title you want to play has controller support.
The GameSir X2s Type-C Wired Mobile Controller is a decent piece of hardware that suffers from a couple of design concerns. While the Sticks, triggers, buttons and hand grips all feel great to use, the face button placement will most likely cause thumb cramping over time. Additionally, the bowing in the backplane when larger phones are cradled is something to be aware of. While it doesn’t disrupt the gameplay experience, I wonder how well the X2s will hold up over the long term.
While there are a few design areas that could use some improvement, the GameSir X2s is still a fairly solid mobile controller offering. The included charging passthrough, adjustable USB Type-C connection, and foam padding to secure the phone offers a lot of protection and ease of use for gamers. Priced at $45.99 USD, the X2s is an option to consider when shopping for a mobile controller solution.
