REVIEW – When you informed me in 1999 that sooner or later I’d have the ability to play my beloved Quake 2 on a cell phone related to the web, I’d assume you have been loopy. Right here we’re although, and cell gaming is alive and nicely because of sport streaming, excessive velocity cell web service, and succesful cell {hardware}. GameSir is repeatedly making an attempt to push the gaming expertise for these of us on the go to the subsequent degree, and the X4 Aileron is a brand new, pocketable gamepad that’s full of nice tech.
What’s it?
The X4 Aileron is among the newest cell (Android) gamepads from GameSir, and their solely gamepad which makes use of a totally cut up design. The place most cell controllers use an extensible clamp design, this full cut up permits the controller to nest inside itself for a small, pocketable footprint when saved away. The X4 Aileron connects to your telephone by way of Bluetooth, and the 2 halves speak to one another over a 2.4ghz connection.
Branded as a ‘Designed for Xbox’ controller, it ought to be made clear up entrance that this won’t work on an precise Xbox or PC, regardless of having the devoted Xbox buttons. Android solely.
What’s included?
- GameSir X4A for Xbox
- .5m USB-C cable
- 2x small thumbsticks
- 2x concave thumbsticks
- 1x faceted d-pad
- 2x 2mm rubber cushions
- 2x 1mm rubber cushions
- Carry case
- A sticker!
Tech specs
Click on to broaden
| Controller model | Xbox, Bluetooth, Break up halves |
| Weight | 6.5oz |
| Button kind | Microswitch |
| Sticks | Clickable, corridor impact |
| Triggers | Corridor impact |
| Lighting | RGB round thumbsticks, customizable |
| Software program | GameSir |
| Battery | 400mAh in every half |
|
Compatibility |
Android 8.0+ |
| Gadget width: 68-95mm | |
| Max system thickness: 12.5mm | |
| Circumstances as much as 1mm |
Design and options
As a Designed for Xbox cell controller, we’ve got a fairly acquainted button and thumbstick format that could be a shut sufficient facsimile to a conventional Xbox gamepad. The Xbox button is moved to the decrease left half, and we additionally discover devoted Bluetooth, mode, and screencap buttons. The sticks are corridor impact and the buttons are microswitch for that snappy, mouse click on really feel.
With the 2 halves of the controller nested collectively magnetically, the footprint is kind of small and genuinely pocketable. I’d nonetheless throw it within the included case when touring, however it’s good which you could throw the X4 Aileron within the pocket whenever you want your telephone again.
The controller halves will activate robotically whenever you prolong the inexperienced, GameSir branded mounting clips. Conversely, the controller robotically turns off when the mounting clips are lowered. The auto-on/auto-off is a pleasant contact. On the subject of energy, a single USB-C port is discovered on the decrease left half. The controller halves have to be nested in an effort to cost either side.
The X4 Aileron additionally options RGB within the thumbsticks that are configurable within the app or by way of the M button, and we even have configurable again paddles. Extra factors of customization are discovered within the triggers, which could be tuned between typical pull and hair triggers.
Meeting, Set up, Setup
Out of the bundle, you could possibly activate the controller, join by way of Bluetooth within the Android settings, and be able to go. I recognize that Gamesir doesn’t require you to undergo these steps of their app, and out of doors of customizing button mapping or updating firmware, you actually don’t want it.
The app expertise isn’t dangerous. As soon as put in you simply want so as to add your system (if it’s already related to your telephone this can go fast), and it’ll instantly test for any updates robotically. Mine had one, so off we went into the replace circulation.
The firmware replace turned barely dramatic when, after a short time, a message popped up that the replace had failed. Hysterically (not) the left half of the controller didn’t seem like turning on anymore, though the appropriate half was fantastic. After a little bit trial and error I used to be happy to find that the controller was nonetheless in a position to hook up with the app (it was exhibiting up as particular person halves now), and after re-running the firmware replace on the left half, all the pieces was fantastic once more. Whereas annoying, it’s additionally good to see that there are updates to the product, and that it has some extent of tolerance for when one thing doesn’t replace as anticipated.
As soon as related and all updated, the Gamesir app affords a good bit of customization choices for the controller.
Efficiency
I’ve been having fun with my time with the GameSir X4 Aileron gaming controller paired with my Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely with Ringke case. Other than the false begin with the firmware replace, it’s been functionally working nice and not using a hitch. The controller is responsive and works nicely natively on all the pieces I threw at it, from Xbox Recreation Go video games by way of cloud streaming to native Android video games.
I actually appreciated with the ability to connect the controller rapidly with out having to take my telephone case off. The forgiving vary of system widths and heights made connecting a literal snap, which is ideal to leaping right into a sport rapidly on the go. I additionally am a fan of forgoing the USB-C attachment into the telephone, as they have a tendency to develop into a failure level over time.
There are some issues in the case of the design of this controller. Since this doesn’t use any form of clamping mechanism between the halves, there isn’t something ‘structural’ connecting them. Placing sufficient strain towards one of many controller halves could cause it to push away from the telephone, which can develop into annoying in the event you’re repeatedly on the transfer with the X4 Aileron connected to your telephone.
One other name out right here is that, in contrast to with different GameSir pads, there isn’t any form of energy cross by way of to your telephone (and even between halves once they aren’t nested). The one USB-C port for charging the controller will solely cost the left half except the controller is nested. In case your telephone helps magazine protected + wi-fi charging, you could possibly connect a devoted charger that method if there’s sufficient room between the controller halves to cost your telephone. Charging the appropriate half although means sport over till it’s topped off.
Lastly, with this being as small as it’s, I did wrestle with consolation in longer periods. Not likely having a palm relaxation makes this more durable to carry in twin stick shooters, although barely extra snug in button mashers. Ergonomics are seldom the sturdy level to those cell sport pads, however one thing just like the GameSir G8 Galileo can be a extra snug design as reviewed by Matt.
What I like about GameSir X4 Aileron sport controller
- Tremendous compact, pocketable design
- Xbox options add high quality of life for Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Deep customization choices in app
What must be improved?
- Incapacity to cost each halves whereas enjoying
- Some ergonomics points for lengthy periods
Closing ideas
The GameSir X4 Aileron makes gaming on the go along with your Android system a way more pleasing expertise, and has a whole lot of nice options for the informal and fanatic gamer alike. For me the promoting level is with the ability to rapidly connect, detach, and pocket the X4 Aileron, which makes it way more manageable on the airport or within the automobile than hauling out my Steam Deck. The ergonomics and lack of ability to cost the appropriate half in any respect whereas in use make it much less palatable as an extended session possibility. The {hardware} although is stable, and GameSir has a usually good product right here.
Value: $99.00
The place to purchase: GameSir, Walmart, and Amazon
Supply: The pattern of this product was offered without cost by GameSir. GameSir didn’t have a last say on the assessment and didn’t preview the assessment earlier than it was revealed.
