Pros
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Responsive controls
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Included carrying case
The GameSir X2 Pro is a standout mobile game controller that sails past its competitors.
About the GameSir X2 Pro Xbox Mobile Game Controller
- Price: $80
- Connectivity: USB-C (connects to device), USB-C (pass-through charging)
- Dimensions: 7.24 x 3.34 x 1.45 inches
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
- Special features: Hall Effect triggers, Kailh microswitch bumpers, passthrough charging, two mappable back buttons, textured rubber grips. Includes one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free.
The GameSir X2 Pro is compatible with Android 8.0+ smartphones that are 7.04 inches (179mm) long or shorter.
The buttons on the X2 Pro are just as clicky and responsive as bigger-name mobile gaming controllers like the Razer Kishi V2 and Backbone One. The M1 and M2 buttons are on the lower backside of the X2 Pro, while the Kishi V2’s M-buttons are tiny squares located next to the trigger buttons on the top of the controller. (The Backbone One omits M-buttons.)
While button location is a personal preference, gamers with small hands and/or short fingers will probably prefer how Razer laid out its Kishi V2’s M-buttons because they are much easier to reach; I had to stretch and contort my fingers to touch the X2 Pro’s M-buttons with my fingertips on the back, which became uncomfortable after a short period of time. However, I had no issues with my hands getting too warm or sweaty even after playing for over 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 you move the thumbsticks in any direction), but the GameSir’s movement is completely smooth. Practically, this has little-to-no effect on in-game precision.
There’s also a USB-C passthrough built into the controller for charging your phone while you are gaming and a dedicated Xbox button. Of course, since this is an official Xbox-licensed controller, it’s designed to work seamlessly with Xbox cloud gaming, but it also works with other popular cloud gaming platforms like GeForce Now, as well as locally installed games.
Credit:
Reviewed / Joanna Nelius
For $80, GameSir gives you a quality mobile controller with a carrying case and four extra thumbstick grips.
With regards to design, the X2 Pro has subtle differences in quality that I prefer over the Kishi V2 and Backbone One. The first is a wide adjustable back that supports the entire width of your cellphone up to nearly 3.5 inches; the second is a rubber (albeit tough) cushion that protects the entire top and bottom edges of your cellphone.
The Kishi V2 and the Backbone One have the same features, but neither is as wide. Their adjustable backs are under 1.5 inches wide and both have shorter rubber cushions that do not wrap around to protect the top and bottom edges of your phone.
As a final bonus, GameSir bundles its X2 Pro controller with a well-constructed carrying case, something the Razer Kishi and Backbone lack. You can find one from a third party for about $15 to $20, but that pushes the price of both of those controllers to $120 while the X2 Pro stays well under that amount.
Should you buy the GameSir X2 Pro Xbox Mobile Controller?
Yes, it’s a great controller that comes with complementary extras
Functionally, GameSir X2 Pro is not all that different from other popular controllers that plug into your mobile device like the Razer Kishi V2 and Backbone One. It’s responsive, well-constructed, and works seamlessly with Xbox cloud gaming and other platforms.
For $80, about $20 less than those competitors, the GameSir X2 Pro comes with a few extras like swappable action buttons, M-buttons, and a complimentary carrying case that won’t take up a lot of space in your shoulder bag or backpack. All of those extras, in addition to being a great mobile controller in its own right, make GameSir’s X2 Pro a compelling purchase.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Meet the tester
Joanna specializes in anything and everything gaming-related and loves nerding out over graphics cards, processors, and chip architecture. Previously she was a staff writer for Gizmodo, PC Gamer, and Maximum PC.
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