The X2 Professional is GameSir’s first formally licensed cell controller designed particularly to be used with Xbox Recreation Cross cloud streaming. It improves on the earlier X2 Cellular controller in some ways by including options which are deserving of the “Professional” moniker, corresponding to programmable again buttons, interchangeable thumbstick caps, and customizable face buttons to fit your playstyle. Whereas the compact measurement isn’t snug for lengthy gaming classes, that is nonetheless an ideal possibility 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 operating Android 8.0 or later and geared up with a USB-C port for charging. The controller options an expandable design much like the Spine One or Razer Kishi V2 to help Android telephones starting from 110-179mm in size. It additionally options an articulating USB-C connector that permits for a extra common match, and even accommodates most telephone instances.
As a result of the USB-C connector plugs immediately into your telephone for energy, you don’t have to fret about pairing or the potential latency that Bluetooth might introduce whereas gaming. And, because it’s powered by your Android telephone, you don’t have to fret about your controller operating out of battery throughout use. Nevertheless, in case your telephone is operating low on battery throughout gameplay, you possibly can merely plug in a USB-C cable to the underside of the X2 Professional controller because it options USB-C passthrough charging for supported Android units.
For the reason that X2 Professional is designed for Xbox, it options twin offset analog sticks, the Xbox button, Xbox-style A, B, X, Y button structure, in addition to the Menu and View buttons discovered on the Xbox Sequence X|S controllers. It’s totally appropriate 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 1-month free Xbox Recreation Cross to get you began, though it’s just for new members and doesn’t stack with current memberships.
The analog sticks are tremendous snappy and responsive, however fairly small in diameter by default. Fortunately, the X2 Professional contains two totally different units of rubberized thumbstick caps in convex and concave variants that make the sticks really feel a lot better to make use of. In case you desire a distinct structure for the face buttons, they will simply be popped off and swapped because of a novel magnetic system. The software program may even be configured to match your most well-liked structure, as properly.
Under the left thumbstick is a very clicky D-Pad with very low journey. It’s undoubtedly obtained a distinct really feel than the usual Xbox D-Pad, but it surely’s extraordinarily responsive. Just under the D-Pad is a screenshot button which sadly didn’t work with the Android telephone I used to be testing the controller with.
On high of the X2 Professional are two Kailh micro-switch mechanical shoulder buttons which are each snappy and responsive because of the tactical suggestions they supply. GameSir claims they function round 40% much less journey distance than normal membrane controller buttons. Simply behind the shoulder buttons are two very easy analog triggers that supply exact management that’s correct all the way down to 0.1mm.
The rear of the X2 Professional options barely raised textured grips for added consolation, with a customizable rear button embedded on either side. The mostly-rectangular form of the controller isn’t essentially the most snug design to carry, however its rounded edges and small grips assist to contour to your hand a bit.
The X2 Professional is offered in two colorways: Midnight (black) and Moonlight (white) and features a hardshell zippered carrying case to retailer the controller, in addition to room for a charging cable on your telephone or headphones, if desired.
GameSir X2 Professional – Software program
Whereas the X2 Professional is plug-and-play out of the field with most Android telephones, you possibly can obtain the free GameSir cell app to reinforce your expertise. Within the app, you’ll discover a Uncover web page that encompasses a assortment of cell and cloud streaming video games that you would be able to bounce into with a single press, in addition to a Class tab if you wish to discover a particular style. Many of the suggestions are stuffed along with your typical Android cell recreation fare, however there are many standouts highlighted which are playable on cell corresponding to Apex Legends, Useless Cells, Genshin Influence, and extra.
The opposite use for the GameSir app is to simply customise your controller and replace its firmware when wanted. When you can simply swap the ABXY button structure with a faucet, there’s no option to customise the again buttons from the app, which appears like a bizarre omission. Moreover, there’s a Assist tab that features all the pieces discovered within the controller’s small handbook.
Outdoors the app, you’ll be capable of customise the 2 rear buttons on the fly by urgent and holding the Menu, View, and rear button for just a few seconds adopted by your required button binding to lock it in.
GameSir X2 Professional – Gaming
As we transfer in the direction of a streaming-centric future with all of our media, many are nonetheless attempting to determine the easiest way to play video games on the go. Whereas I nonetheless don’t consider these expandable controllers are the right resolution, I believe the class of snapping your telephone in and never having to fret about pairing or charging a separate gadget is certainly a step in the proper path.
The X2 Professional delivers on its promise of fantastic efficiency and “Professional”-level options that make taking part in your video games on the go an pleasing expertise. For the reason that controller is constructed with Xbox Cloud Gaming in thoughts, I spent most of my time leaping into quite a few totally different video games from the Xbox Recreation Cross catalog.
From fast-paced FPS video games like Doom Everlasting and Steel: Hellsingers to cruising round Mexico in Forza Horizon 5, I used to be impressed with the responsiveness of the X2 Professional. I undoubtedly suggest throwing on one of many thumbstick cap choices because the default thumbsticks are extremely small and I discovered my fingers slipping off ceaselessly whereas performing fast actions.
Regardless of the heavy emphasis on Xbox, the X2 Professional works with all main cloud gaming providers corresponding to Nvidia GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and extra. Moreover, it really works with most cell video games that you would be able to obtain from the Google Play retailer corresponding to Apex Legends Cellular, Genshin Influence, Name of Obligation Cellular, and extra.
My most important gripe with the X2 Professional controller is its lack of ergonomics and proper thumbstick placement. As beforehand talked about, the X2 professional is mainly a small rectangle with rounded edges, and the decrease half in a short time dug into the palms of my palms and brought about discomfort, making it not essentially the most snug controller to carry for lengthy intervals of time. Moreover, the offset nature of the proper thumbstick locations it very low on the controller, which required awkwardly shifting my proper hand down a bit when taking part in FPS video games. This can be a non-issue with common controllers since they’ve a stem on your hand to carry onto, however the lack of any stems on the X2 Professional makes it a bit awkward to carry at instances.