“Probably the best retro emulation experience on the Android, with the right mix of tools!”
nubduck
Specifications:
Dual Thumbsticks with L3 and R3 clicks.
D-Pad on the Left
ABXY Styled buttons on the Right
4 Shoulder Buttons (L1, L2, R1, R2)
Dedicated Screenshot, Start, Select, and Home Buttons
Wired via USB Type-C
Ingredients List:
GameSir-X2 Type-C (S$210.35)
An old phone capable of playing your choice of game ($ ??)
Today we have the GameSir-X2 Type-C edition on highlights. It is worth noting that at the time of this post, there are 3 variants of the GameSir-X2; namely: GameSir-X2 Type-C (2021 with improved D-Pad), GameSir-X2 Type-C, GameSir-X2 Bluetooth. The unit we have for the review is the GameSir-X2 Type-C (2021 with improved D-Pad).
First Impressions
Out of the box, the GameSir-X2 comes in a carrying case which will not be used in most instances. The touch feels cheap, akin to matt coated Joy-Cons that came with the original Grey Nintendo Switch units.
D-Pad and ABXY buttons feel tactile and not mushy, but L1 L2 R1 R2 buttons are very loud and Clicky. Both thumbsticks are small (1.5cm diameter) but very usable, at least to me.
Upon closer inspection, the GameSir-X2 sports many thoughtful designs. The USB-C connector to the phone has a spring swivel attached, enabling ease of attaching and removing your mobile phone. The back rubber grips are functional, and improves ergonomics for longer gameplays.
Far from Perfect — but not their fault!
Not all phone cases will work with the unit, my Samsung Note 8 with Spigen’s Rugged Crystal fails to connect. However a Razer Phone 2 with a generic bumper case, and it works just fine. Your mileage may vary with your case, just want to keep that in mind while picking out accessories.
Audio Quality is great on phones with front firing speakers like the Asus ROG Phone (ZS600KL), Razer Phone 2, Sony Xperia XZ, just to name a few! However most phones today have bottom/back firing speakers such as the Note 8, will suffer from block/muffled sounds in this setup. Could GameSir have created an X-shaped clamp instead? Possible, but compatibility list will definitely suffer as a result.
Camera bump (?) may be an issue with the newer phones such as the Google Pixel 6 or iPhone styled squared camera bumps, while the controller will still work, you maybe forced to have it mounted slanted down towards the USB-C port.
Final grip comes with the included USB-C port on the controller. In most of my tests, the port is useless (no pass-through support), as the only function is to charge the phone via standard 5V 1A. USB-C Power Delivery fails to negotiate, and Qualcomm QuickCharge 2.0/3.0 fails to work as well.
Summary
Appearance / Presentation
Build Quality
Value
nubduck’s Satisfaction
I have very much enjoyed the gaming experience with the GameSir-X2. This review is based off me playing PSP (DJ Max), and SNES (Super Mario World). Button remap via the GameSir World App is straightforward and fuzz free. The GameSir World App also includes custom profiles for specific games such as Genshin Impact and they worked flawlessly out of the box. The GameSir-X2 leaves much to be desired for, but is a huge step in the right direction! Here is my tiny wishlist — Fix the USB-C pass-through support, factor in modern camera bumps and cater to it, add a cup shape audio channel for downwards/back firing speaker phones.
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