The X2 Professional is GameSir’s first formally licensed handheld controller designed particularly to be used with Xbox Recreation Cross cloud streaming. It improves on the earlier X2 Cellular controller in a number of methods by including options worthy of the “Professional” moniker, similar to programmable again buttons, interchangeable thumb caps, and customizable face buttons to fit your playstyle. Though the small dimension is not snug for lengthy gaming classes, it is nonetheless a terrific choice for gaming on the go along with your Android telephone.
GameSir X2 Professional – Design and Options
The X2 Professional is designed to work with most Android telephones working Android 8.0 or later and outfitted with a USB-C port for charging. The console options an expandable design much like one spine or Razer Keshi V2.0 To assist Android telephones from 110 to 179 mm in size. It additionally options an articulated USB-C connector that permits for a extra common match, and even accommodates most telephone instances.
For the reason that USB-C connector plugs straight into your telephone for energy, you do not have to fret about pairing or the potential latency that Bluetooth would possibly supply whereas gaming. And because it’s powered by your Android telephone, you do not have to fret about your console working out of battery whereas in use. Nonetheless, in case your telephone he Together with your battery working low when you’re gaming, you’ll be able to merely plug the USB-C cable into the underside of the X2 Professional console as a result of it options USB-C pass-through charging for supported Android units.
Designed for the Xbox, the X2 Professional options twin offset analog sticks, an Xbox button, and an Xbox-style A, B, X, Y button structure, in addition to the menu and show buttons discovered on Xbox Collection X | S. It is totally suitable with the Xbox Recreation Cross app on Android, and helps Xbox Distant Play out of your native console over Wi-Fi. Even higher, it features a code for one month’s free Xbox Recreation Cross to get you began, although it is just for new members and does not stack with current memberships.
The analog sticks are very responsive, however they’re very small in diameter by default. Happily, the X2 Professional contains two totally different units of rubber thumbstick caps in convex and concave shapes that make the sticks a lot better to make use of. If you happen to choose a distinct face button design, they’ll simply be eliminated and swapped because of a novel magnetic system. This system can be configured to fit your most popular structure.
Underneath the left thumb is a file very Clickable D-Pad button with very low journey. It definitely has a distinct really feel than the usual Xbox D-Pad, but it surely’s very responsive. Slightly below the D-Pad is a screenshot button which sadly did not work with the Android telephone I used to be testing the controller with.
On the highest of the X2 Professional are two Kailh micro-switch mechanical shoulder buttons, that are fast and responsive because of the tactical suggestions they supply. GameSir claims it has roughly 40% much less journey than normal membrane button buttons. Simply behind the shoulder buttons are two extraordinarily clean analog triggers that present management as exact as 0.1mm.
The again of the X2 Professional contains a barely raised textured grip for added consolation, with a customizable again button constructed into all sides. The controller’s largely rectangular form is not essentially the most snug design to carry, however its rounded edges and small deal with assist contour your hand a bit.
The X2 Professional is on the market in two colorways: midnight (black) and moonlight (white) and features a hard-zip carrying case for storing the controller, plus room for a charging cable in your telephone or headphones, if desired.
GameSir X2 Professional – software program
Though the X2 Professional plugs and performs out of the field with most Android telephones, you’ll be able to obtain the free GameSir cellular app to boost your expertise. Within the app, you will discover a Uncover web page with a set of cellular and cloud streaming video games that you could bounce to with a swipe, in addition to a class tab if you wish to discover a selected style. A lot of the suggestions are stuffed along with your typical Android gaming fare, however there are many premium ones that may be performed on cellular like Apex Legends, Lifeless Cells, Genshin Impression, and extra.
One other use of GameSir is to simply customise your controller and replace the firmware when wanted. When you can simply swap the ABXY button structure with a single faucet, there isn’t any approach to customise the again buttons from the app, which seems like an odd omission. As well as, there’s a Assist tab that features every little thing discovered within the console’s mini-manual.
Exterior of the app, you can customise the 2 again buttons on the fly by urgent and holding the menu, show, and again buttons for a number of seconds adopted by linking the required button to lock it.
GameSir X2 Professional – Video games
As we transfer in direction of a streaming-centric future with all our media, many are nonetheless attempting to determine one of the best ways to play video games on the go. Whereas I nonetheless do not suppose these expandable controllers are the right resolution, I believe the magnificence of selecting up your telephone and never having to fret about pairing or charging a separate system is certainly a step in the fitting course.
The X2 Professional delivers on its promise of fantastic efficiency and “skilled”-level options that make gaming on the go an pleasing expertise. For the reason that console was designed with Xbox Cloud Gaming in thoughts, I spent most of my time leaping into various totally different video games from the Xbox Recreation Cross catalog.
From fast-paced FPS video games like Doom Everlasting and Metallic: Hellsingers to cruising round Mexico in Forza Horizon 5, I used to be impressed with the response of the X2 Professional. I undoubtedly advocate throwing in one of many thumbstick cap choices as a result of the digital thumbsticks are extremely small and I discovered my fingers slipping lots whereas performing fast actions.
Regardless of being closely centered on Xbox, the X2 Professional works with all the main cloud gaming providers like Nvidia GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and extra. As well as, it really works with a lot of the cellular video games that you could obtain from the Google Play Retailer similar to Apex Legends Cellular, Genshin Impression, Name of Responsibility Cellular, and extra.
My foremost gripe with the X2 Professional controller is its lack of ergonomics and proper thumb placement. As talked about earlier, the X2 professional is a small rectangle with rounded edges, and the underside half dug in in a short time within the palm of my hand and brought about discomfort, making it not essentially the most snug controller to carry for lengthy durations of time. Moreover, the offset nature of the fitting thumb stick makes it sit fairly low on the controller, requiring my proper hand to be turned barely downward when taking part in FPS video games. This is not a difficulty with common controllers since they’ve a stem in your hand to carry on to, however the lack of any stems on the X2 Professional makes it a little bit tough to carry at instances.