The GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition might be a mouthful, but the compact controller delivers a sleek and portable gaming solution that doesn’t skimp on the essential functionality of a quality gamepad.
I’ve been a fan of GameSir for a long time now, particularly as someone who enjoys streaming and emulating their games on mobile devices via applications like Artemis and Apollo, or PlayStation Remote Play. Playing full-fat console and PC games can be great, but longer play sessions can feel cumbersome after a while when using larger mobile controller solutions.
The GameSir G8+ Galileo has been my go-to solution ever since I reviewed it back in 2024, thanks to its robust feature set and reliance on Bluetooth pairing, making it versatile to use on most devices. That said, the larger form factor of the controller when paired with larger-screen devices like my Samsung Z Fold 8 made the experience a bit uncomfortable after prolonged sessions. Enter the GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition, a budget-conscious and smaller USB-C-powered controller for your device of choice.
I was sent the Durr Burger variant of the X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition controller, which, outside of the controller itself, ships with a month of XBOX Game Pass Ultimate and a burger-themed skin for use in Epic’s popular crossover battle royale mega hit. The X5 Lite itself features your standard set of face buttons, hall-effect sticks, triggers and a D-pad, on top of capture and home buttons to round out its offerings.
“I found the GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition controller fantastic for playing older retro handheld games, such as Nintendo Game Boy Advance, DS and even 3DS games…”
Like some of GameSir’s larger controllers, the X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition also has hot-swappable face buttons, allowing users to change the orientation of the face buttons between Xbox and Nintendo-style schemas, making it perfectly suitable for those who like to emulate older games.
On the topic of emulation, despite the reliance solely on a USB-C connection, at first glance, I assumed I would not be using the X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition beyond the review window with my Samsung Z Fold8, as I prefer to use that phone in its full 2448 x 1848 resolution when unfolded, but of course, due to the placement of the USB-C lead, viewing 16:9 content while connected to the controller becomes impossible.
In practice, however, I found the GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition controller fantastic for playing older retro handheld games, such as Nintendo Game Boy Advance, DS and even 3DS games. Particularly the latter two, which perfectly conform to vertical orientation, making it suitable for use with the X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition controller.
“…the X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition also has hot-swappable face buttons, allowing users to change the orientation of the face buttons…”
Coming in at only 145 grams, the X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition controller transforms my Galaxy Z Fold8 into a dedicated Nintendo emulation machine, with the ergonomics and weight of the GameSir controller feeling great, even during longer sessions, something that can’t be said about other, larger offerings.
Of course, the vast majority of users looking at the X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition controller will be using traditional phones that use a standard aspect ratio, making its reliance on a wired connection over Bluetooth a non-issue. The only area in which the X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition controller sacrifices functionality is the lack of additional rear buttons or bumpers that typically allow for additional granular control, but realistically, those are features I hardly use when streaming regularly.
One thing I recommend new users do is toggle off the X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition controller’s LED, which by default I found way too bright when used in the dark, to the point where it was distracting me from my actual phone screen. Thankfully, holding the M + the sandwich (hamburger!) button for a few seconds will turn it off in a pinch.
In essence, the GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Edition controller is a solid and affordable controller that gets the job done while being surprisingly robust, even with the lack of a Bluetooth connection. Additionally, for those who care about latency, GameSir’s latest Fortnite-themed gamepad with its wired connection boasts a 250hz polling rate, which has an edge over a wireless Bluetooth connection.
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED BY XBOX & FORTNITE, APPLE MFI CERTIFIED: The GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX Fortnite Black Knight Edition features official XBOX and Fortnite licensing, Apple MFi certification, and includes highly sought-after, limited-edition in-game Emote and Glider rewards.
- EXPANDABLE DESIGN UP TO 213MM: This expandable phone controller stretches up to 213mm to accommodate compatible smartphones and tablets, including iPad mini models. Enjoy flexible mobile gaming across supported devices.
