a real rival to the Xbox controller

Third-party controllers just like the Razer Wolverine and GameSir Tarantula Pro are real rivals to OEM options for PC gaming due to their high quality building and revolutionary options. I used to be excited to get my arms on the GameSir Cyclone 2 as a result of it takes styling cues from the Xbox controller, like related asymmetrical sticks and button placement, whereas including some distinctive twists to differentiate itself as one thing totally different.

The snug form looks like dwelling, and whereas it will not work on the Xbox console, it presents cross-platform compatibility on PC, Change, iOS, and Android. I examined it with numerous video games on my PC and Android cellphone to check its efficiency and options and decide if it may possibly rival one of the best controller within the enterprise.

Editor’s Alternative

GameSir Cyclone 2

GameSir’s Cyclone 2 is a multiplatform controller that connects to a PC, Android, iOS, or the Nintendo Change by way of Bluetooth, 2.4G, or a USB cable. It has an identical form to an Xbox controller and provides additional options like adjustable triggers, TMR switches, and a charging stand.

Model

GameSir

Platform

Home windows/Nintendo Change/Android/iOS

Battery

860mAh

Connectivity

Bluetooth, 2.4G, Wired

Headset Help

3.5mm audio

Programmable

Sure

Additional Buttons

Two additional buttons

Develop

See our course of

How we test and review products at Pocket-lint

We do not do arm-chair analysis. We purchase and check our personal merchandise, and we solely publish purchaser’s guides with merchandise we have truly reviewed.

Value, availability, and specs

The newest tech in a snug form

The GamSir Cyclone 2 connects by way of a 2.4G USB dongle, Bluetooth, or a USB-C to USB-A cable if that you must cost it whereas taking part in. Energy is provided by an 860mAh battery, which lasted round eight hours in testing with the RGB lighting and rumble options activated. Not like most controllers, it has an aluminum charging station that doubles as a stand. The stand took up minimal area on my desk, and I appreciated that I might place the controller on the cradle, and it might mechanically cost after I was performed taking part in.

Efficiency is great from the responsive TMR sticks, which get rid of drift utilizing the newest electromagnetic know-how and don’t have any transferring elements to speed up put on and tear. The ABXY buttons and rear paddles really feel sturdy and have a satisfying clicky really feel. I loved tinkering with the rear paddles, that are simply mappable to my keyboard or mouse buttons by way of the GameSir Join app to recharge well being and activate particular skills in my video games.

Associated

This controller has every feature a pro gamer could want for a truly shocking price

The GameSir Tarantula Professional presents rear paddles, TMR analog sticks, and different premium options for an unbelievable value.

The toggle triggers are my standout characteristic on the Cyclone 2. Every set off has a bodily change connected to it to vary between the hair set off and analog modes. The hair set off mode is ideal for on-line shooters as a result of it shortens the set off pull for an immediate response when firing. The analog mode is best for racing video games as a result of it lengthens the pull size so you possibly can management the revs when driving. GameSir’s clear triggers are a cool contact as a result of you possibly can view the internals and see how the switches work.

The Cyclone 2 is offered in Black or White. My white check unit has a semi-translucent end, lit by delicate four-zone RGB lighting. GameSir Join makes it straightforward to regulate the lighting colours or add presets like Circulation, Rainbow, and Pulse. The app additionally helps you to individually modify the left and proper grip rumble ranges or flip them off when you do not need to use them.

What I like concerning the GameSir Cyclone 2

Consumer-friendliness and ease

My PC mechanically detected the controller, and it was able to go in seconds after I plugged within the wi-fi dongle. It instantly labored with Steam and GameSir Join with out requiring any software program updates or configuration settings. After testing quite a few controllers, I appreciated the Cyclone 2’s straightforward plug-and-play setup as a result of I might get straight into my video games with out losing time making an attempt to get it working. It was the identical on Android, and my cellphone immediately detected the Cyclone 2 and related to it by way of Bluetooth.

I additionally appreciated that the Cyclone 2 has the identical snug form and different benefits of the Xbox controller whereas including delicate adjustments to enhance its usability. Stick drift has turn into a factor of the previous due to TMR know-how, and also you need not fear about altering these pesky double AAs due to the built-in battery. The grips have higher texturing, and there are additional rear paddles and quick-switch adjustable triggers to enhance your gaming.

Associated

The GameSir X4 Aileron turns your Android phone into a mini Steam Deck

Take your gaming efficiency to the following degree on Android, Microsoft Sport Go, and Steam Hyperlink with GameSir’s Aileron X4 professional controller.

It may not seem to be a giant deal, however the included stand/charging station provides spectacular worth and comfort to the Cyclone 2. The stand has a contemporary design with a sturdy aluminum base and a USB-C charging port. It offers your setup a clear aesthetic as a result of you possibly can go away your controller in a protected place to cost with out worrying about connecting and disconnecting cables. There’s additionally a USB-A port, which is helpful for storing the wi-fi dongle to forestall it from getting misplaced.

Customization goes an extended approach to bettering a controller expertise. I loved fine-tuning the Cyclone 2 Execs efficiency with the user-friendly GameSir Join app, which divides the triggers, stick, lighting, and different options onto totally different pages to maintain issues easy. It helps you to change the report price, modify the stick and set off sensitivity, and remap the buttons. It can save you your settings in as much as 4 profiles for various video games while you’re performed.

What I do not like concerning the GameSir Cyclone 2

Extra backlighting, please

My solely problem with the Cyclone 2 Professional is its lack of backlighting across the ABXY buttons. The RGB lighting shining via the case considerably mitigates the difficulty, however I would nonetheless like particular person backlighting for every button to enhance visibility when taking part in at nighttime.

It might considerably add to not solely the aesthetic but in addition simply enhance total visibility. Nonetheless, it actually does not affect the operate in any respect, so it is a actually forgettable qualm.

Associated

Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro is the best third-party controller I’ve ever used

This Xbox and PC controller is a high-end gamepad centered on precision.

Do you have to purchase the GameSir Cyclone 2?

It is a straightforward choice

I feel the Cyclone 2 is completely price your greenback as a result of it provides the newest tech into a well-recognized form that the majority avid gamers love. It is a official challenger to the Xbox controller for PC and cell gaming as a result of it comes at across the similar value whereas bettering the design and including extras like a charging stand.

Utilizing the Cyclone 2 for aggressive PC video games like Naraka Bladepoint and Marvel Rivals on PC was terrific due to its quick response time and hair triggers. It additionally improved my gameplay on cell titles like Avenue Fighter IV CE and Actual Racing 3 due to its precision and arcade-like really feel.

Editor’s Alternative

GameSir Cyclone 2

GameSir’s Cyclone 2 Professional is a multiplatform controller that connects to a PC, Android, iOS, or the Nintendo Change by way of Bluetooth, 2.4G, or a USB cable. It has an identical form to an Xbox controller and provides additional options like adjustable triggers, TMR switches, and a charging stand.

Model

GameSir

Platform

Home windows/Nintendo Change/Android/iOS

Battery

860mAh

Connectivity

Bluetooth, 2.4G, Wired

Headset Help

3.5mm audio

Programmable

Sure

Additional Buttons

Two additional buttons

Develop

Associated

GameSir’s Kaleid Flux is an affordable wired controller for Xbox, PC, and Steam

No batteries, No worries. The wired GameSir Kaleid Flux presents professional options and unbelievable customization for Xbox, Steam, and PC.