GameSir x5s Wireless Game Controller Review – A budget triumph for any portable device

My first impression of GameSir x5s wireless game controller he was full of emotions. As I considered the possibility of turning my phone into a full-fledged gaming machine, I couldn’t wait to experience my favorite games in a modern way. Unboxing the controller was an experience that excited me and did not disappoint – the controller is a work of art with its sleek design and feels solid in all the places it should be, while still being comfortable to hold and employ.

To connect to the x5s, there is a color-coded Bluetooth system. Red for Switch mode, yellow for Android mode, shadowy blue for DS4 mode and delicate blue for G-Touch mode. I like this, and the manual clearly explains which color corresponds to which device the controller is supposed to pair with. However, I was a bit put off by the fact that it doesn’t really provide any troubleshooting details.

When my phone had trouble pairing with the controller, I couldn’t find any clues as to how I should fix it, other than the conspicuous absence of the blinking delicate I was supposed to see. However, once pairing was complete, there were no connection issues – I sat with the controller for several hours playing my best games from our best mobile games guide and encountered no issues.

I was concerned when the instructions recommended downloading an app, especially since the app in question has a paltry one-star rating on both the App Store and Google Play, but you’ll be content to know that it’s not necessary to have a good experience. I don’t think it was that bad, but the app seems to have improved after a few updates to coincide with the launch of the x5.

In the application, I found, among other things, the ability to customize the main color of the button (I changed it to purple, hehe), vibration and calibration settings, and a list of recommended games compatible with the controller, which was useful, but not necessary. I haven’t managed to play a single game with vibration, so the vibration menu gave me a chance to try it out. I find the vibration on the left side to be perfect and the vibration on the right side to be a little weaker, but that’s not the end of the world.

My Android device fits very well and I found that while the controller holds very securely, there is also room to adjust how you place your phone in it thanks to the silicone pads provided. I took a look at Sky: Children of the Light on this phone and found that the controller helped me tremendously in polishing the game. Everything seemed easier, from moving and working with the camera to interacting with the world around me. The controller is perfectly responsive and pleasant to employ because every button and stick returns to its place when released, and more importantly, I no longer block the view of the game with my massive fingers.

I also tested the x5s on my iPhone to check connectivity across multiple devices, and to up the ante a bit, I tested it in Hitman: Absolution, where I had to shoot and then aggressively run away at certain points. This was my first real test of how well the controller would hold up to shooting, and it passed with flying colors, providing a velvety experience when I missed a headshot (it’s just a matter of skill, I assure you). My iPhone 15 was slightly less comfortable than the Android because I had to hold it in one position to keep the camera from sticking out, but I was still impressed and was able to keep the phone case on at all times.

All of my mobile tests lasted several hours, during which my GameSir x5 didn’t even threaten to die. However, my battery died on both mobile devices because the controller does not support pass-through charging.

To start over, checking the battery life and testing the input lag even further, I knew my choice would be the Nintendo Switch, and there was only one game I could choose to test the controller at full power: Splatoon 3.

My initial main issue with the game on the Switch was the button layout; however, it wasn’t until an hour into my first gaming session that I learned that the A, B, X, and Y buttons were designed to slide in and out to allow for customization, so I swapped out A and B to give myself a true Switch feel. I like this feature, and maybe it’s just a good thing that the buttons are so solid that I didn’t even notice they could be removed until I looked through the instructions. You can also reassign buttons (with or without the app) to your Switch or PlayStation setup.

However, the actual problem with the buttons turned out to be minor – the D-Pad left something to be desired, as its oddly concave center makes hitting the arrows a bit irritating. It’s a surprising decision for a controller that otherwise feels so comfortable and up-to-date in its design, but since I don’t employ it very often, I may probably overlook it this time.

Anyway, I tested x5 on my Switch, furiously hitting ZR three hundred times in a row with my Spliced, tearing through the competition. It also survived my manipulations during Salmon Run, as I twisted and turned using the motion controls and camera stick. Each press felt satisfying, and even though I gripped the controller tightly, it was comfortable to employ. I worked on the Switch for hours and found that the battery lasted about 10 to 11 hours before I finally had to charge it a few days later.

Overall, the GameSir x5s is an excellent controller for its price. Its versatility to support any portable device up to 213mm in length makes it worth purchasing not only for the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, but also as a phone controller. You don’t need a fancy console or high-end computer to experience gaming this way – all you need is $50 and a dream. The customization options, reliable connection, and fantastic feel make this a controller worth purchasing.

This was our review of the GameSir x5s Wireless Game Controller. For more great gear, check out our guides to the best handheld consoles and the best gaming tablets while you’re here. Or, if you’re looking for something modern to play, check out our lists of the best Android games and the best iPhone games.