Ever since I started playing Stadia several years ago (and realized that mobile gaming could be more than Candy Crush and Tower Defense games), I have been searching for a usable and comfortable mobile gaming controller. Playing AAA games on my phone, in theory, sounds amazing. However, touch controls aren’t great for games like Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey and Doom Eternal. So, I started looking into ways to make this as convenient as I knew it could be. At first, I bought an Orzly mount for my Stadia controller. But it wasn’t ideal. The weight was off, the position wasn’t good. It worked, but not that well. This is when I started looking into mobile controllers.
After a mere 3 years of decision paralysis, the inevitable shut down of Stadia and my move into the Xbox ecosystem, I eventually settled on the GameSir X2 Pro-Xbox edition. You can purchase the device on Amazon (note: we earn commission) for $79.99.
There were several things that drew me to the GameSir X2-Pro over controllers such as the Razer Kishi V2; mainly the overall design, Flexible USB-C connector that works with both Android and newer iPhones and that it comes with a case.
One controller to rule them all?
The mechanism that extends the controller to fit your phone feels very sturdy. There is very little flex in it even at the fullest extension. And because of how it is designed, it creates a nice space for your camera bump to fit into, keeping the phone flat in the device. It is an especially good fit for recent Google Pixel phones. There are rubber bumpers at either end to keep your phone from getting scratched.
The Flexible USB-C connector makes putting the phone in much easier than with other controllers, and it feels safer as well as keeping latency to an absolute minimum. There is no battery in the controller either. This makes it smaller and lighter than a lot of other options out there – and it doesn’t represent another device to keep charged. It also means there is no Bluetooth connection; just the flexible USB-C connector.
About charging though, one of my favorite functions of this controller is that it has pass-through charging. I can charge my phone using the built-in USB-C socket whilst playing. Given that it is lightweight, and I can charge my phone, I can play for as long as I want without fear of hand cramps or a dead phone.
Buttons, buttons and more buttons
As well as the standard D-pad, ABXY and shoulder buttons, the X2-Pro has two programmable memory buttons on the back. They sit in a comfortable position and are easy to press. Out of the box, they do nothing, but after a quick multi-button code you can map them to duplicate any button on the controller. They are only button duplications, not additional buttons like you would get on a “Pro” console controller.
As well as the standard menu buttons, there is a stylized Xbox button which acts as the home button. Pressing it whilst using Game Pass Cloud gaming or streaming your Xbox will bring up the appropriate menus. If it is used whilst playing native games, it will bring you back to your phone home screen. So be careful!
There is also an additional screenshot button on the opposite side to the Xbox button. Currently, this just activates your phone’s screenshot action. It won’t save to your Xbox, or record a short video clip. I assume this could be solved with a firmware upgrade, but I doubt that will happen.
GameSir App
To do any firmware upgrades or map the controller to some native phone games such as COD: Mobile and Genshin Impact, you will need the GameSir Android App. The app itself is pretty basic. Here you will find a homepage that is full of games you can download from the Play store, or stream via Xbox Cloud, GeForce Now and Luna. (There is also a list of games that are hot on Stadia right now).
I have used the app once to update to the newest firmware, but I won’t open the app again.
As I mentioned above, the GameSir X2-Pro Xbox is not just for Game Pass Ultimate cloud. I have used it with (and it works just as well with) GeForce Now, Blacknut and Antstream. I cannot test Amazon Luna (I’m not in the US), but I have no reason to believe it wouldn’t work just as well.
What’s included in the box
Given that this is the pro-Xbox edition, you do get a bit more in the box than the standard X2 version. As well as the gamepad, you get a nice carry case to keep it safe in your bag. You also get a pair of Concave and Convex thumbstick caps to give a more controller like feel. And because this is the Xbox version, you get a 1-month trial of Game Pass Ultimate. This, however, is only for new customers.
There is also a user manual, thank-you card, warranty card and a nifty little sticker in the box.
Tech Specs
Expandable: Phones between 110-179 mm in length will fit
Connection: Built-in Flexible USB-C connector with pass-through charging*
Microswitch Bumpers: Yes, Kailh Micro Switches
Analog Triggers: Yes, Hall Effect Magnetic Sensors
Analog Joysticks: Yes, Alp
ABXY Buttons: Yes, swappable configuration for Xbox/Switch layout
Back Buttons: Yes, 2 Back Buttons
Product Size: 184×85×37 mm / 7.24×3.35×1.46 in
Net Weight: 179 g / 0.40 lbs
*Only certain phones will work with pass-through charging: see the FAQ for a list of phones that will support this feature
GameSir X2-Pro Xbox
Summary
Overall, the GameSir X2-Pro does everything I want it to in a mobile controller. It is sturdy, light, and comfortable. The price is a little high at £79.99/$79.99, but if you can get it when it’s on sale, you won’t regret it.
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