GameSir X2 Mobile Gaming Controller - 2021 Revision (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://www.gamesir.hk/products/gamesir-x2-2021
GameSir is back, yet again, with an updated refresh of last year's X2 mobile gaming controller. What's changed since the last time we saw this little controller, and is it worth buying it again? We'll take a short look at the GameSir X2 mobile gaming controller - 2021 edition.
Seasoned gamers will be able to take one look between the previous GameSir X2 review and this one and notice the one--and only--difference between the two. The most irksome detail of the X2 has been resolved, changing the Switch-like arrow buttons into a fully-fledged d-pad. Every other single detail is the exact same, but now you'll be able to play your favorite 2D games in a much more enjoyable fashion.
Clicky, satisfying, and handling diagonal inputs with aplomb, the X2's d-pad is a really nice one. It's far and away better than its main competitor, the Razer Kishi's, which is much mushier. I'd go so far as to say the X2 is better than the Kishi in every possible way, except for one thing: the analog sticks. After having grown accustomed to using Razer's mobile controller, I much prefer its analogs, which feel much more like real-deal controller sticks. By contrast, GameSir's are now a little loose for my liking, but they're worth dealing with for a better experience overall.
I recommend checking out GBAtemp's initial coverage of the first X2, because nearly everything from that review still applies here. As opposed to my coverage of the original, I no longer have access to an Android phone capable of emulating the Nintendo Switch emulator that is exclusive to this device. However, Egg-NS hasn't been updated since November, so nothing has changed since that review in terms of compatibility. [see note] If it worked back then, it should work now.
[UPDATE] Following the writing of this review, a new v1.07 patch actually went out for Egg-NS. This surprise update actually improves the emulator's compatibility and offers better performance in a handful of games. The official patch notes are a little lacking, but Mario & Sonic at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Soul of Darkness are specifically mentioned as being playable in this revision, as well as Pokémon Sword and Shield and Super Mario Odyssey having a smoother framerate. Having asked a friend to test how the new v1.07 update fares on their Samsung Galaxy S20+, Odyssey now has brief moments of playability, running at full speed, at least in the first world. and a dramatic improvement over how it played back in November. It's not perfect, but it's a major step forward.
Honestly, if you were looking for a good way to play your favorite emulators on mobile, this is the perfect little controller. GameSir fixed the one problem that I had with the original. I still think that it's a fantastic little piece of hardware; everything from the buttons to the triggers are responsive and nice to use, even start/select. Having an actual d-pad is the icing on the cake. In short, your takeaway should be, "yes, this is great, I love it, 100% recommendation".
So, why is the score lower? Because it has only been four months since the original X2 came out. I'm glad GameSir addressed the lack of a d-pad, but I also feel like they just alienated anyone who bought the thing back in October. I'd have rather they spent a little more time improving more aspects than just this--maybe have used better materials, added other things. If they want to go and further enhance the analog sticks for an X2 2021 2.0 release, then it'll only look more awkward, and it'll only make people more apprehensive to buy one. Perhaps I'm just being nitpicky.
At $70, it's cheaper and better than the Razer Kishi, and a much more comfortable alternative than using a controller clip. Everyone who commented on the original review wanting a d-pad should absolutely be pleased, and should take the plunge...unless you bought the original already.
Verdict
- Compatible with even the biggest phones
- It won't scuff your phone when you attach it because rubber grips
- Again, supports the cool Switch emulator
- The d-pad is nice and satisfying
- Clicky buttons
- Didn't really try to improve or change anything from the last version except the d-pad
- The analog sticks feel a little loose
