GameSir X2s Type C review: Turn your iPhone into a small Steam Deck
Expert's Rating
Pros
- Easy to use
- Analogue controls
- Nice clicky feel
Cons
- USB-C iPhones only
Our Verdict
The GameSir X2s Type C turns your iPhone into a Steam Deck-like gaming machine. Great feel and its great analog controls give you an edge when playing in the mobile world. For example, if you have a Game Pass subscription, you can play really heavy games with this bad boy attached to your phone.
If you’re serious about getting a better handle on your iPhone gaming, consider a gamepad, an external device that provides physical controls–actual buttons, joysticks, direction pads, and more. One like the GameSir 2Xs Type C controller, which works with the iPhone 15 series of phones.
The “Type C” in the name gently refers to its USB-C connector that plugs into the iPhone 15 (it also works with Android phones). The 2Xs cradles the iPhone; just pull the 2Xs apart and place the iPhone in. The cradle is rubberized, so there is minimal risk of scratching the phone. It also gently squeezes the phone for a secure fit. The USB-C connector is adjustable so regardless of how thick or thin the phone is, the fit remains. I tested it with an iPhone 15 Pro Max and a regular iPhone 15 and there were no problems at all.
The 2Xs charges via a USB-C port and it also had passthrough charging. So while you are enjoying your game, your iPhone will charge at the same time.
GameSir 2Xs Type C: Control with feeling
As with most game controllers, the right side has X, Y, B, and A buttons, while the left side has a direction pad. The 2Xs itself feels solid. The underside is also rubberized for a more comfortable grip. The shoulder buttons make a satisfying mechanical click when you press them. According to the manufacturer, they should last for three million clicks. Both joysticks are also good and provide nice control when playing.
You can basically plug in your phone and start playing. But you can program certain buttons to perform special functions, like turbo firing and more. There’s an app for those who want to remap the buttons or reprogram them.
GameSir 2Xs Type C: Game on
I played Halo Infinite (Xbox cloud gaming), War Robots, and Asphalt with the 2Xs. It works just fine. Halo is easier to play because the buttons on the 2Xs have the same layout as the Xbox controller. It feels undeniably breathtaking to play such a heavy game on an iPhone.
However, the switch from using the touchscreen controls to a hardware game controller takes some time. Where I used to frantically tap the screen, I now have to do it with the controller, which in panic situations I forget. The fact that I couldn’t learn the controls fast enough is not something I will blame the manufacturer for. But the clan I belong to in War Robots was not at all impressed with my effort.
Petter Ahrnstedt
Should you buy the GameSir 2Xs Type C?
If you like to play more advanced games on your iPhone then GameSir X2s Type C is for you. It’s great for games with complicated controls that are overwhelming on an iPhone. For example, if you are thinking of downloading Resident Evil Village to your iPhone, then it is a must!
This article originally appeared on Macworld Sweden and was translated by Roman Loyola.