GameSir x5s wireless game controller review

My first impression of the GameSir x5s wireless game controller was one of excitement. As I contemplated the chance to turn my phone into a fully-fledged gaming machine, I couldn’t wait to experience my favorite games in a new way. Unboxing the controller was an experience I was excited for, and it didn’t disappoint – the controller is a work of art with its sleek design and feels sturdy in all the places it should, while remaining comfy to hold and use.

In order to connect to the x5s, there’s a Bluetooth color-coded system. Red for Switch mode, yellow for Android mode, dark blue for DS4 mode, and light blue for G-Touch mode. I like this, and the manual clearly explains which color corresponds to which device the controller is set to pair with. However, I was slightly put off by the fact that it doesn’t really go into any troubleshooting details.

When my phone was struggling to pair with the controller, I couldn’t find any clues as to how I should fix it, other than an apparent lack of a flashing light that I was supposed to see. There were no issues with the connection once the pairing was complete, though – I sat for several hours straight with the controller, playing my top picks from our guide to the best mobile games, and faced no problems.

I was concerned when the manual recommended an app to download, especially as the app in question has a measly one star on both the App Store and Google Play, but you’ll be happy to know that it isn’t necessary to have a good experience. I didn’t think it was that bad, but it seems like the app has gotten better after some updates that coincided with the x5s’s release.

On the app, I found, among other things, customization for my button’s main color (I changed it to purple, hehe), vibration and calibration settings, and a list of recommended controller-compatible games, which was neat but not essential. I didn’t manage to play a single game with vibration, so the vibration menu gave me the chance to try it out. I found the left-side vibration to be perfect and the right-side a little lackluster, but it isn’t the end of the world.

My Android device slots in very neatly, and I found that while the controller grips very sturdily, there’s also room to adjust the way your phone sits within it because of the silicone pads provided. On this phone, I gave Sky: Children of the Light a whirl and found that the controller aided me immensely with the fine-tuning of the game. Everything felt easier, from moving and camera work to interacting with the world around me. The controller is beautifully responsive and enjoyable to use, as every button or stick neatly springs back into place after I let go of it, and more importantly, I’m no longer obscuring my own view of the game with my large fingers.

I also tested the x5s on my iPhone to check connectivity across multiple devices, and to increase the stakes a little bit, I tested it out using Hitman: Absolution, where I needed to shoot and then run away aggressively at certain points. This was my first real test of how the controller would hold up when shooting, and it passed, providing a smooth experience as I missed my headshot (a skill issue only, I can assure you). My iPhone 15 fit a little less comfortably than the Android did, as I had to keep it in one position to avoid the camera sticking out, but I was still generally impressed, and I was able to keep my phone case on the entire time.

All of my mobile testing took several hours back-to-back, during which my GameSir x5s did not even threaten to go dark on me. I did, however, run out of battery on both mobile devices, as the controller doesn’t support pass-through charging.

To begin anew with battery life and test input lag even more, I knew my Nintendo Switch would be the choice, and there was only one game I could possibly pick to test the controller to its full power: Splatoon 3.

My initial main gripe with Switch play was with the button layout; however, I learned only an hour after my first gaming session that the A, B, X, and Y buttons are designed to be slotted in and out to allow for customization, so I swapped A and B to give me that true Switch feeling. I like this feature, and it can only be a good thing that the buttons are so sturdy that I didn’t even notice that you can remove them until I scoured the manual. You can also remap the buttons (with or without the app) to a Switch or PlayStation setup.

However, the actual issue with the buttons turned out to be a small one – the D-Pad left something to be desired, as its weirdly concaved middle makes hitting the arrows a little annoying. This is a baffling decision for a controller that otherwise feels so comfortable and modern in its design, but seeing as I don’t use it that much, I can probably overlook it this time.

Anyway, I put the x5s through its paces on my Switch by furiously hitting ZR three hundred times in a row with my Splatana, tearing through the competition. It also survived my manhandling during Salmon Run as I twisted and turned using motion controls and the camera stick alike. Each press felt satisfying, and though I gripped the controller very tightly, it remained comfortable to use. On Switch, I kept going for hours and found the battery lasted about 10 to 11 hours before I eventually needed to charge it a couple of days later.

All in all, the GameSir x5s is an excellent controller for its price. Its versatility in serving any handheld device up to 213mm in length makes it a worthwhile purchase not just for Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, but also as a phone controller. You don’t need a fancy console or a high-end PC to experience gaming this way – you just have to have 50 bucks and a dream. The customization options, reliable connection, and fantastic feel make this a controller worth picking up.

That was our GameSir x5s wireless game controller review. For more great hardware, 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 new to play, see our lists of the best Android games and the best iPhone games.