Positives
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Quick response controls
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Carrying bag included
GameSir X2 Pro is a premium handheld game console that surpasses its competitors.
About the GameSir X2 Pro Xbox Mobile Game Controller
- price: $80
- Delivery: USB-C (connects to device), USB-C (pass-through charging)
- Dimensions: 7.24 x 3.34 x 1.45 in
- Weight: 0.4 lbs
- Special features: Hall Effect triggers, Kailh microswitch bumpers, passthrough charging, two mappable back buttons, and textured rubber grips. Includes one month of free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
GameSir X2 Pro is compatible with Android 8.0+ smartphones that are 7.04 inches (179 mm) or shorter.
The buttons on the X2 Pro are as clicky and responsive as big-name mobile game controllers like the Razer Kishi V2 and Backbone One. The M1 and M2 buttons are located on the lower rear side of the X2 Pro, while the Kishi V2’s MM buttons are small squares located next to the trigger buttons on the top of the controller. (One spine ignores the M buttons.)
While the button location is a personal preference, gamers with small hands and/or short fingers will likely prefer the way Razer has placed the Kishi V2’s M-buttons because they are much easier to reach; I had to stretch and twist my fingers to touch the X2 Pro’s M buttons with my fingertips on the back, which got uncomfortable after a short amount of time. However, I never had a problem with my hands getting too warm or sweaty even after playing for more than 60 minutes.
The X2 Pro’s thumbsticks don’t have the same tactile feel as the Kishi and Backbone (those have a slight bump when moving the thumbsticks in any direction), but GameSir’s motion is just as smooth. In practice, this has little or no effect on accuracy in the game.
There’s also a USB-C passthrough built into the console for charging your phone while you’re gaming, and a dedicated Xbox button. Of course, since this is an official licensed Xbox console, it’s designed to work seamlessly with Xbox cloud games, but it also works with other popular cloud gaming platforms like GeForce Now, as well as locally installed games.
Credit: Review/Joanna Nelius
For $80, GameSir gives you a high-quality portable controller with a carrying case and four additional thumbstick grips.
In terms of design, the X2 Pro has slight differences in quality that I prefer over the Kishi V2 and Backbone One. The first is an adjustable wide back that supports the full width of your mobile phone up to approximately 3.5 inches; The second is a rubber (albeit tough) pad that completely protects the top and bottom edges of your mobile phone.
The Kishi V2 and Backbone One have the same features, but neither is quite as spacious. Their adjustable backs are less than 1.5 inches wide and both have shorter, no-roll rubber pads to protect the top and bottom edges of your phone.
As a final bonus, GameSir bundles its X2 Pro controller with a well-designed carrying case, something the Razer Kishi and Backbone lack. You can find one from a third party for around $15 to $20, but that pushes the price of both of these consoles up to $120 while the X2 Pro remains well under that amount.
Should you buy the GameSir X2 Pro Xbox Mobile Controller?
Yes, it is a great console that comes with complementary extras
Functionally, GameSir X2 Pro is not much different from other popular controllers that plug into your mobile device such as Razer Keshi V2.0 And one backbone. It’s responsive, well-designed, and works seamlessly with Xbox cloud gaming and other platforms.
For $80, about $20 less than these competitors, the GameSir X2 Pro comes with a few extras like interchangeable action buttons, M buttons, and a free carrying case that won’t take up too much room in a shoulder bag or backpack. All of these extras, as well as being a great handheld console in its own right, make GameSir’s X2 Pro a compelling buy.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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