Mobile gaming is on the rise, and it's becoming more important than ever to make sure we've got the right tools for the job. With cloud-based subscription services like Xbox Game Pass bringing huge libraries of classic titles to mobile devices, touch-based controls just aren't cutting it anymore.
While it's entirely possible to simply hook up an Xbox or PlayStation controller via Bluetooth and get to work, I've never really been a huge fan of this approach. There's a clunky disconnect in having my phone rest precariously in a flimsy clip while I hold my Xbox One controller and squint at my device from farther away than is comfortable. It just doesn't feel natural to me - home console controllers are for nice big TVs, not wee mobile screens.
Thankfully, as more and more titles have made their way to mobile via streaming or other means, companies have come up with plenty of elegant solutions to make sure turning your mobile into a dedicated gaming device is effortless and immersive.
No doubt you've seen the controllers out there that essentially take their inspiration from the Nintendo Switch: you simply clip your mobile into the middle of an extendable controller and bam! You've got yourself a seamless handheld. Most of these are pretty great and do the job well enough, but the GameSir X2 Bluetooth Controller is the most comfortable, stylish, and effective example of its kind that I've yet to use.
The GameSir X2 is priced at between £50 - £60 depending on where exactly online you're looking, but it's terrific value for money for a gadget that embraces a wide range of devices across Android and iOS. It's certainly one of the sturdiest mobile controllers I've ever used, and stretched to fit my S20 FE in its protective case easily and comfortably. The thumb sticks, triggers, and buttons all feel properly substantial; clearly designed by a team who wanted to make sure we'd be able to use the controller for a nice long period of time. Certainly, it's the first of its kind I've been able to use for more than an hour or so without becoming uncomfortable.
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The USB-C charging port is located on the bottom of the controller, too, which means you can game while you charge it up. You'd think I wouldn't have to specify that as a handy feature, but there are some... questionable design choices floating around out there. Oh, and there's a handy little button designed for taking screenshots without having to use your phone's touchscreen and break the illusion that you aren't using some kind of wondrous high-quality handheld game console.
There's no faffing around with setup either: just connect the controller via Bluetooth and it'll be hot to trot on Xbox Game Pass, Apple Arcade, or wherever you care to play. If you're the sort that enjoys using your phone to emulate older games, there's obviously some prep work required there, but the result is the same: pleasingly chunky, tactile mobile gaming. If you're looking to turn your phone into a dedicated gaming hub, I can't recommend the GameSir X2 enough.
Featured Image Credit: GameSirTopics: Xbox, GAMING, News, PlayStation