I bought the old version a few weeks ago and seen they had an updated version. I was a little disappointed I didn't do a little more research like I usually do but they sent me the updated version. I love this controller
The same thing happened to me, actually! I looked at something randomly and was disappointed that I ordered the "older" version when a new one came in so quickly, but then I looked and saw mine was the updated.
@@nonnygb There's always going to be a bit more latency when using bluetooth compared to using a usb connection, but I can never tell since I always use bluetooth controllers and play retro games. I also use it for ps5 remote play and notice no lag, so you'll probably be fine if you go for the bluetooth one.
Razer Kishi's advantage is the analog triggers. The Gamesir's advantage is the overall better, more straightforward design when trying to place a phone in the holder, along with the bigger shoulder buttons. That third USB-C controller with the pastel buttons has a built in headphone jack. Can't somebody just make a controller that combines the best qualities of all 3?
You forget the gamesirs button mapping software it's a amazing feature that I wish my kishi had. But I don't really play enough native android games to care that much I guess I use it more for emulation.
@@TylerMBuller12 I think i'll get the X2. Kishi probably would have even better buttons but i dont mind, plus having analoge triggers isnt a priority for me even when i play racing games i am used to driving with keyboard so so i dont mind having no analogue triggers
The USB-C connector should be on the right half. This would allow the power button and the volume rocker of the phone to be on the upper edge. Edited: This was what I thought. Having bought one and tried out I realized the volume rocker and the power button are to be controlled with your right thumb and this is indeed better.
Not all phones have it so. Mine has volume rocker on the left so it would be on the upper side when inserted. I would preffer oppossing side mostly because i am used to having the speaker on right right side when i play
like many people already mentioned, not all phones will work exaclt like that. one thing to note is that this X2 model works best with the Galaxy fold series of phones, because when you expand the screen it actually will expand to the top instead of the bottom
What timing! I literally JUST got one of these in the mail today. The only downside I can find on it is the issue with the case. BUT it's one of the few controllers that fit my s9 plus.
I was one of those idiots having trouble setting up the overlay. In the end I just was not looking close enough. This product is awesome! Thanks ETA Prime!
Love my Gamesir X2 USB-C! Fits great on my Sony Xperia 1 iii, even with a case! (Granted, my case is a slim type one, à la Pitaka, but not quite) Didn't know about their app, though... Great video to show me that I could probably use it with PS Remote Play (which only support PS4/5 controller via Bluetooth, or only bluetooth controllers...)
I bought one of these about 6 weeks ago, the idea being to make my phone (Galaxy s20fe) as a mobile emulator. Wow! It's a cracking controller. It just works and great build quality.
Hi mate! I'm doing the same with that very phone! If you read this by any chance, can you tell me what you do about sound? I use USB C headphones on this phone, but I'm given to understand there's no pass through for things like that. Cheers mate.
@@NickTaylor-Phantom-Works2 Mine broke. Didn't even last much longer than 12 months. I don't recommend this anymore. The 'Kishi is a much better device. I've only ever used Bluetooth for audio though.
The Gamesir x2 with a decent phone is one of the best handheld emulator 'consoles' around. One issue I have with the controller is that it does drain the battery even when you don't use it over a day or so - so you either switch off the phone or keep it on trickle charge.
Wait, the Gamesir x2 uses battery while off or it uses up the phone's battery? Are you not taking it off while you're done playing and you just lug around your giant phone with you everywhere? 🤔
This looks perfect for my Galaxy S10plus. I have just begun playing older game systems such as Saturn, Dreamcast, N64 and Gamecube via emulators on my phone but also play Pubg and Cod Mobile, so this will be a handy controller for all of these games. Just ordered it, great review!
I have the last controller you showed and yes, it doesn't have L3/R3, but it has 4 option buttons that you can map to L3/R3, and also is really cheap, not the best, but is cool to have no input lag at all
I bought this one too, but I notice that it has a huge battery drain more than any other bluethooth models (other people from reddit noticed it too), so I bought a x2 after that.
I also have that controller and I must add that the sticks are super responsive and seem to be the same that the vita has (hence no button), has a built-in audio jack and the app of the controller lets you simulate touchscreen presses without having to activate the app like mantis and the stick sensibility options are great. really worth it, L3/R3 aren't even used that much, so isn't a great loss.
I put off buying a phone controller for almost a year because all of the best ones had some kind of compromise, but now with this new x2, it's got type c connectivity, a read d-pad and the screen mapping app. I think its finally time to buy a controller.
@@McPatMan124 bluetooth headphones work, but for games like pubg that rely heavily on sound, the delay can be a game changer. We all know, just like the bluetooth counterpart for the gamepad has a button input delay, bluetooth headphones have an audio delay as well. If they can adjust a 3.5mm jack in the pad, it will be a game changer. The headphones with minimal audio delay cost hundreds of dollars. And there still is a delay. I was just watching reviews, and nobody seems to have mentioned this. Why not use the usb c port to it's full potential?
Fun fact. If you update the firmware from the android app, they have an option to swap the abxy layout from switch to Xbox, so the A button is on the bottom. Way better.
That was the first thing I've made after the last firmware update. I know that the design and layout was switch like but it just sucks and noone uses that 😂
I own this controller and I have for 2 months now. Things I have to say is after a while this controller can be uncomfortable especially on the right hand side. I think if they added some controller bulge to hold more in the palm like the bottom sections of controllers that stick out. I've had great luck with emulation on my phone and I really like the clicky-ness of the buttons except the sound for night time use but its not a real issue unless you are trying to hide that you are playing. I don't play fighting games so I do not get the issue people have the d button layout but I would have no issue if i had gotten that one instead. I have a note 9 and a spigen case and I have no issue keeping the case on while playing. I think the issue only comes with thick cases or for phones that are super big like the s21.
Hi there! I also have a note 8 with a Spivey phone. Would I be able to play GBA games through PS2 just fine? How is the input latency/lag with this controller?
@@JNguyen07Max there is no lag on the controller. Idk what a that other phone is. Also I have not done any testing on anything on anything other than gba, NGC, Wii and Gameboy. I would watch a separate video on your phone capabilities. The controller will not be a limitation on your ability to play.
The controller is not bad! Loses Bluetooth connectivity to my phone which is literally inside it once or twice but that seemed to be just the terrible interference I get in my building. Most of the time it's great. Octopus is horrible. It's a wrapper that you have to re log into your gplay account in. You're right Genshin doesn't work. They seem to be detecting for bots and are finding the container as a bot. I doubt it will ever work again and I regret paying for the Octopus upgrade. For retro gaming it's great, though. Just wish Android joystick support were universal.
Does anyone know how this actually performs? How are analog deadzones? Button and dpad clickiness? Any grinding? Basic things you'd think would be talked about in any gamepad review.
Just a note, the Bluetooth version of this supports iPhones as well. It's not MFi certified but it disguises itself as an Xbox controller so the iPhone will pair with it. I bought one last week and it's a great alternative to the Razer Kishi or the Backbone.
As for the GameSir Key mapper, can your account in Genshin Impact be banned due to it? Mihoyo has a nasty history of banning players using 3rd-party key mappers in the past, especially with Honkai Impact 3rd before...
Great review and great controller, I absolutely love mine! Works perfect with most emulators, but I struggle to get this set up as a Wiimote Plus on Dolphin. Could you please do a short video showing how to play Skyward Sword on Dolphin using this controller? Thanks a lot!
I'd go with bluetooth. YES I understand lag. BUT I'm not playing anything but retro (mostly) platformers. The issue I have is 1) damage to the connector and or port. 2) if my phone is too thick or thin it will also put stress on both points of contact.
I haven't watched the video yet, so he may have said this already, but the type C plug on this does swivel up and down. With that said, if your phone is too thick it's just not going to work. My daughters Pixel 4A phone with case and popsocket won't fit even with the popsocket removed (but the connector for it still on). I would still be careful plugging and unplugging the phone from it though. I use it with my Galaxy S9 and it seems to fit fine, but that's a decently thin phone.
@@freezingCode I'm using a 4a with it, actually, and that official felt case or whatever it's called. It fits in, but I have to push a bit on the top to get it to sync in. Works fine after that.
@@ThunderDragonRandy There's not that noticeable of a lag. I've played sonic, mario and whatnot on my phones with crapier 2.1 tech than 4.0 or 5.0 BT. It's easier to forgive lag than a damaged USB C port.
This is a really good controler but for thoes interested please keep in mind that the Power Pass-through Charging DOES NOT work with all Android Phones! I've had this and used it with my Samsung S20 FE and didn't get the Pass-through Charging. But strange enough my older Samsung A70 DID... This is the only fault I've found with this controler...
@@sem6045 to be fair, Qiqi is an immortal zombie who has livedfor hundreds of years, and Diona is a Cat Girl, so biologically speaking she should be old already (in terms of cat years, that is).
Why does the USB-C port have to be on the left side? I've seen a lot of landscape things default to an orientation 180 degrees to what's shown, and I always want my volume and power buttons on the top.
not only that, but the speakers are reversed, so you are forced to use headphones, but you can't even use headphones because it doesn't have an audio port and your phone audio port (if your phone even has one) is blocked, bluetooth has delay so isn't a good option.
OI I would not recommend the razer kishi myself. While it worked, it worked wellish. But at some point the left analog trigger started jamming and becoming unusable. After taking the controller apart and studying the design of it, and trying to fix it. It was unfixable, Also this was only having it for maybe a month. It was like... 80 or 100 CAD so it was very much a ripoff. Pls no buy
@@GabrielLimau I only notice any audio lag when I use a Bluetooth controller at the same time as a Bluetooth headphone. Other than that, there's no noticeable lag for me, and even if there was, it is hardly as concerning as input lag.
This review seals the deal for me - I have an old Huawei P10 that's got plenty of juice to play some of the more demanding games (upto PSP) and wanted to buy a controller to use it as an emulation console.
It's worth mentioning that the button layout is the same as Nintendo controllers, which are inverse to the Xbox layout. While a lot of games have options to remap button, a lot don't. In most emulators you'll have to remap the keys for sure.
Couple of suggestions: 1. Recessed analog sticks 2. A variety of sizes to match better with smaller phones (specifically used for retro gaming) 3. A couple of retro designs to choose from (NES, SNES,PSX style, etc)
So, Actually, for smaller phones, this thing is way better than something like the Razer Kishi. Using my Pixel 4a on the two of them, the Kishi isn't stable at all, while the GameSir X2 basically feels exactly the same as it does with bigger phones, but lighter due to the difference in phone weight. I don't agree with the recessed sticks (Would be more portable, sure, but those just aren't as good to use), but I do agree with the additional designs. Pure white isn't my favorite color in the world, and while I don't know if I would care about retro designs, I would like black or something.
Is tempted to get this controller... but really irked a bit that Genshin and Mihoyo's other game Honkai Impact doesn't support "Native"/"Official" Controller Support on Android. And is hoping that they add it in the near future. Would get this in the future... when I have a Better "Gaming" Phone
It's funny that as of 2023, both Genshin and HK3rd still dont support gamepad on Android, but their newest game Star Rail does. It seems like implement controller support for older games aint their priority.
I hope they release a version with a full Type C passthrough like the Backbone for the iphone. I want to use my DAC/AMP combos over using bluetooth for audio.
@@onion_____ The Bluetooth Saitake controller is more comfortable but we don't have a type C version and if we did I doubt it will have a full passthrough. Backbone may make one.
I loved my razr kishi for the first 6 months. After that the left side of the controller stopped responding. After looking into the issues it seems to be common due to the build. So I will be grapping this controller next.
1:18 There's also the fact that the Bluetooth version uses the traditional Xbox button layout while the updated version here still annoyingly uses the Nintendo button layout. Edit: Apparently, you can update the firmware of the updated version so that it uses the Xbox layout though I'm not sure of this.
I've had this for the past three months. Hate the placement of the screenshot button. Lots of accidental presses of it. Also needs foregrips for your palms for better comfort. Other than that, emulations have worked quite well. Way better than touchscreen alone.
It definitely took some time for me to adjust to holding it in a way that didn't become uncomfortable after 5 minutes. It still become uncomfortable after 20-30 minutes for me. I bought it because it was sleek, but definitely compromised comfort in the process. I have the same gripes with the Switch when it's not docked.
The razer kishi also shows up on Amazon renewed semi-regularly. Mine had the original box and everything, it looked like it was opened and then returned. For $50 not bad
If you use a bigger phone, I think the choice between the Kishi and the Gamesir does come down to personal preference, but for smaller models like the Pixel 4a, the Kishi isn't stable enough to be comfortable to use.
Mine just died and I barely use the thing. From what ive been able to find out, The usb c port ribbon on the inside breaks due to you putting your phone in the controller.
What about a headphone Jack? Old those vendors should include a 3.5 mm. If you are on the go you don’t want to bother the people around you. Don’t say Wireless because audio input latency is an issue. At least in games like Bust a Groove for PS1.
I got the gamesir x2 Bluetooth version and I love it!! Works great with iPhone and android and I played lots a fighting games and surprisingly I have ZERO LAG. Love the Bluetooth version very much. Best Buy ever for me.
Got this at 50% off from a free market. Gotta this controller is really good (despite the yuzu code part). It fits better for a thinner phone. My Aquos zero 2 fits perfectly. They keys are super responsive and nice. Not a fan of the switch-like colour of the joycon joint tho. I still think it is a bit pricey but it is a really nice controller. The key mapping feature is the main reason that I am buying it ❤️
In regards to it not plugging in with a case on your phone. If you always use a case on your phone just take a box cutter to the rubber right beside the USB C port on the controller. After doing that my S21 fit with a fairly large case. I wouldn't expect a phone in a larger otterbox to fit but a phone in any silicon case won't have an issue.
One thing I'd like to add - I had to install the Gamesir app in order to change the controller from "Switch" mode to "Xbox" mode. The buttons were swapped and it was driving me crazy.
I didn't even know I had the updated version but it does have the real d pad so nice ! It's a really great controller to have I have it set up with an old google pixel xl and just use it mainly for minecraft bedrock edition although I might check out some emulation as well
I wonder if you could make a review on another mini pc called CHUWI Herobox and test some emulation. It’s pretty similar to the CHUWI Larkbox but there is some small changes with it. Big fan keep up the good work and great video👍🏻👍🏻
What I'm waiting on is a USB C controller that is case friendly AND works with larger phones like the S21 Ultra. Is that a thing, yet? I see the S21, but I usually have a bigger phone.
There apparently is one pokemon game with huge file size that my brother literally could not play for his life. He immediately uninstalled the application after realizing it was not playable by just the touch screen; at least with his gaming capabilities. It was available to download at least when he found it; it might be taken down from the store, however I feel that might not be the case because the name of the application is so obscure.
When you put the phone into the controller it's at a diagonal angle how is it possible to flop down like that? That's not healthy for the usb connector. Shouldn't it support it more ?
A Xbox Core Controller with a 8Bitdo Mobile Gaming Clip is still the best IMO for USB C options. You get access to any ports and once you flip the mount the screen can be positioned nicely over the controller.
Hey eta prime... Just got my hands on a optiplex 7070 ultra... Was thinking it would make a great machine for an arcade box. Anywho its an older model at this point but something ive never seen you do. Didnt know if you were aware of the model of pc. Would make for a cool arcade cabinet machine. Keep up the good work.
@@charlestannehill7537 It really goes against the "standard" angle for landscape phones. A lot of phones feel awkward playing them in reverse landscape.
@@charlestannehill7537 Except a Galaxy S21 for example has the volume on the right side not left lol.. Depends on the phone but i guess that makes sense, but kinda doubt thats the reason.
So many people seem to be confused by the legality of emulators AND the game files used by them. If you physically or digitally own a game, it is legal to play any game you bought, on any legally owned device or program for personal use. Simple. there is absolutely nothing more or less to that rule. As a consumer, the ONLY concern I should have, is whether or not I own the game (again, physically or digitally), and if the file is clean from malicious code (simply for my own safety). Meaning, as long as I own an official copy of the game in any shape or form, I am allowed by law, to download those files from anyplace I desire, even if they are riddled with viruses, whether or not the person I download from is allowed to give it to me or not. That's their problem, not mine.
Even if I am not 100 percent accurate by every single relatable law description. I will in no way be subject to any sort of consequence that means anything. If any effort goes out to punish someone, I am telling you right now, as a consumer with rights to own/download/use files I have licenses for, I will not be the one anyone goes after.
it would be awsome if there is an app that can make virtual joystick onscreen that you can make actions and conditions so you dont need to buy controllers
Slightly concerned it doesn't have a lip at the bottom to prevent phones from slipping out, however the rubber seems grippy enough. I'd probably go for the BT version to avoid wear on my usb c port, but also cause I like playing ds games in portrait orientation.
Hello folks, does anyone have a recommendation for a button mapper overlay for someone who is using an Xbox controller, if like to use it with genshin impact but I haven't been able to find a good one
It's crazy how the reviewers really don't like to say that besides the spare USB-C port EARPHONE IS NOT AN OPTION in this GameSir, so I brought another with earphone support.