Priced at just $35, the GameSir X5 Lite proves that affordable mobile gaming controllers can still pack in useful features and great ergonomics.
For years, mobile gaming has been something I have wanted to explore further, but I have never enjoyed using touchscreen controls. Physical buttons remain far more satisfying, offering a tactile feedback that touch controls have yet to match. For the past several years, GameSir has been developing various controller grips, with its latest release being the X5 Lite.
Priced at just $35, the GameSir X5 Lite sits at the lowest end of the company’s mobile controller lineup. Do not let the low price fool you—there are plenty of features that make the X5 Lite a strong entry-level option for mobile gaming. There are no extra features such as cooling fans or RGB lighting, but what you get is more than enough to determine if this is a product you want to use more regularly.
When holding the GameSir X5 Lite, I immediately found it to be much more comfortable and satisfying than my old Razer Kishi V1. The controller offers a more traditional game controller feel, fitting the hands better than much of the competition. No matter which device I paired with the X5 Lite, the chassis remained rigid and sturdy, without weighing down my hands the way larger handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch might.
“Do not let the low price fool you—there are plenty of features that make the X5 Lite a strong entry-level option for mobile gaming.”
In terms of buttons, the GameSir X5 Lite features the standard D-pad with ABXY buttons and dual Hall effect sensor analogue sticks, along with dual shoulder and trigger buttons. However, I did find myself wishing GameSir had opted for analogue triggers for more precise control in some games, rather than the current button-style triggers. This certainly is not the most compact mobile gaming controller grip on the market, especially when compared to my Razer unit. However, it would not at all be difficult to pack away in a bag or backpack to take along when space permits.
One aspect I was thankful to see was GameSir allowing for multi OS support, meaning I could pair it with both my iOS and Android devices. Additionally, I was astonished seeing just how wide of a device I was able to use with it, even allowing me to use my 6th Gen iPad Mini, something I would not have been able to do with my previous Razer unit.
Switching between OS compatibility with the GameSir X5 Lite is as simple as holding two buttons for a few seconds, and I could easily toggle between whichever type of device I wanted to use. Gone are the days of needing a separate device for each os, something that can be pretty pricey depending on where you buy your controller from.
“I found that my time using the GameSir X5 Lite further enhanced my gaming experience and left me constantly wanting to play more games when time permitted.”
While each game you play may take a couple of extra minutes to set up once your device is connected, I found that my time using the GameSir X5 Lite further enhanced my gaming experience and left me constantly wanting to play more games when time permitted.
With iOS now allowing for some game emulation, I was quick to load up some of my favourite classics, such as Super Mario World for SNES. Within minutes, I was hooked and found myself spending several hours gaming away before I knew it, often without intending to play for as long as I was.
Button presses on the GameSir X5 Lite are smooth and provide a soft feel, which I personally prefer over clickier buttons. This is also beneficial for those nearby if you play in quiet environments where noise can be an issue. The Hall-effect sensor sticks are superior to traditional sticks, offering not only greater accuracy but also exceptional long-term durability, ensuring years of reliable use.
There is no need to worry when your battery starts to run low; GameSir addresses this with a pass-through USB-C port that allows you to charge while gaming. This feature is especially useful on planes, trains, or for children playing on their phones during road trips. Additionally, thanks to the different-sized spacer bumpers included in the box, users with thicker protective phone cases can still use the X5 Lite without needing to remove their case to play.
Mobile games continue to improve as technology advances, and the GameSir X5 Lite raises the bar for what is possible, making the overall experience noticeably more enjoyable and comfortable. It has quickly become my preferred mobile gaming controller and is well worth considering.
