GameSir X3 Type-C Mobile Game Controller Review: Cool Combo for Android Phones

GameSir’s X3 combines a customizable Android telephone recreation controller with a remarkably environment friendly cooling system. From the entrance, it appears lots like different cell recreation controllers such because the Razer Kishi The place spine one — aside from a big silicone pad between the 2 management handles. This pad provides greater than only a grip to assist maintain your telephone: it is a Peltier cooling module backed by a warmth sink and a seven-bladed fan to attract warmth away.

Originally an Indiegogo projectthe X3 Kind-C controller is obtainable on Amazon and live from Gamesir for $100 The place £100. (It isn’t at present accessible in Australia, however the UK worth is transformed to AU$178.) The worth is common for a controller like this, though others do not have methods of built-in cooling. GameSir additionally features a carrying case, two concave and two convex thumb caps, two excessive rise thumb sticks, a faceted D-pad and a 1.5 meter USB-C cable.

I examined the X3 with my Google Pixel 6 Professional and particularly to play Xbox Recreation Go video games. The Pixel slots in slightly simpler due to the versatile, tilting USB-C connector. The controller cannot be used with a case in your telephone…not as a result of it does not match (though it does not with one of many slim circumstances I’ve tried) however as a result of the telephone should contact the cooling pad to be efficient. The controller took care of the Pixel 6 Professional’s large digicam bump, although, and the controls have been energetic and prepared for gaming as quickly because the USB-C connector was within the telephone’s port.

Out of the field, the ABXY buttons are configured like an Xbox controller. Nevertheless, you might have to replace the firmware on the controller earlier than it truly matches these buttons when used with Recreation Go. To do that, obtain GameSir’s cell app, open the app and join your telephone to the controller. The app ought to then immediate you to replace if mandatory. For many who desire a Nintendo Change controller format, the buttons are magnetically connected and may be eliminated and moved into the specified format.

Once more, the controls work nearly as quickly as a telephone is related, so you can begin taking part in instantly and it solely consumes 2mAh of energy out of your telephone. There isn’t a built-in battery. The cooling system requires an exterior energy supply like an influence financial institution or wall adapter (none included) to be related to the USB-C port on the underside of the cooler.

There is a second USB-C port on the underside proper of the controller. This port is used to cost your machine whereas gaming for those who join an influence financial institution or wall adapter to it and your telephone helps passthrough charging (the Pixel does). Which means if you wish to calm down and hold your telephone charged concurrently, two USB-C cables will must be related to the controller.

Cooling begins nearly immediately when related to an influence supply. There isn’t any energy swap or something, so while you plug within the controller, the rear fan spins and its colourful RGB lights activate. The silicone pad then turns into icy and begins to attract warmth away out of your telephone. It solely appeared to take a couple of seconds earlier than my telephone cooled down utterly.

The controller is comfy to make use of, assuming you do not thoughts being tethered to an influence supply for the cooling system. GameSir used Kailh switches on the buttons and the D-pad. The ABXY buttons vibrate a bit and are not as crisp as the opposite buttons. (Maybe a symptom of having the ability to pull them out and transfer them round.) All buttons have an audible click on, so if it’s essential to play quietly, that might be troublesome with this controller. The bumper buttons are nearly flush with the physique, and whereas that is okay, they might be slightly greater.

Total, GameSir X3 Kind-C is as promised: a cell recreation controller that may additionally forestall your telephone from overheating. Fortunately, it does not really feel as clunky because it sounds, and the cooling system works surprisingly properly. Add the included equipment and you’ve got a stable all-in-one resolution for Android telephone gaming.