As more and more time passes, the differences between various gaming platforms decreases. One major thing that does still separate them though is the input; the way we control the devices. The GameSir X2 Bluetooth Mobile Controller is the latest attempt at giving mobile phones the same responsiveness and interactivity as consoles, and it's a strong entry into the far-from-fledgling category.
In fact, the Nintendo Switch's influence can be seen in a lot of the recent mobile controller innovations. The Razor Kishi - seen by most as the premier mobile controller - Backbone One, Flydigi Wee and the GameSir X2 all closely resemble Nintendo's current sweetheart. And, why not? It's familiar, the stick layout is ergonomic, and everybody is used to the four shoulder button layout.
So, with that said, the GamerSir X2 Bluetooth Mobile Controller is almost certainly one of the most accessible controllers out there for mobile. It's got a familiar design, it fits most phones (up to 173mm in length), it runs on Bluetooth rather than a fixed connector, and it doesn't require a companion app to run. That also means that it works on both iPhones and Android phones.
That means that it's playing alongside the Dualshock and Xbox Wireless Controllers when it comes to accessibility, however, the GameSir X2 has something over both of those thanks to how it holds onto the device: you pull on it to extend it open, and release for it to pinch onto the phone.
That might not sound like much, but consider that half of the mobile controller industry thinks that the mobile phone screen should simply become a screen, rigidly held above the controller in a plastic maw and that the Dualshock and Xbox Wireless controllers don't mount onto the phone in any way... you might be starting to see the advantage here.
The pivot to Bluetooth for this iteration of the GameSir X2 does come at some cost. The other versions of it, which do plug into the phone, do pass-through power and that fitting does give an extra (surplus, frankly) layer of security to how the phone is held. But, the flexibility of the Bluetooth design definitely outweighs the lost features.
The layout of the right side of the peripheral is also trickier than alternatives because the analogue stick's default fitting is raised rather than dimpled. Thankfully there are extra stick caps included which alleviate this.
That said, the smaller stick makes it feel much more responsive, as though it has a wider movement arc, which feels fantastic. That's one of a few clever design choices - which also include the design leaving space to air cool the phone - that makes it stand out. The keymapping is also pretty easy to use, perfect if you decide to remap for running an emulator.