The GameSir X5s mobile gamepad features extensive compatibility, Hall-effect thumbsticks and triggers, customizable features, and an optional accessory kit, including a smartphone cooler and an external battery. We’ll cover this new product in more detail in our review.
The gamepad comes packaged in a white cardboard box, which features an image of the model and its main features, such as three-mode connectivity, Hall-effect sticks and triggers, replaceable keys, and so on.
Although the box may get dented in transit, the controller will not be damaged, as it is additionally packed in a durable plastic case – a solution similar to the one used in the recent GameSir Nova 2 Lite .
The package also included a USB-A to USB-C cable, a set of silicone pads for adjusting the fit of the smartphone and portable console , a metal clip for removing buttons, a user manual in several languages, including Russian, and a sticker with the brand logo.
The GameSir X5s is a smartphone gamepad (primarily), so its design is similar: two halves attached to a sliding base. Both halves can be pulled apart, a smartphone or Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 can be placed between them , the connection can be established, and gameplay can begin.
At the same time, the device remains quite portable: its thickness and width are almost the same as a typical smartphone. The ribbed handles provide a secure grip, and the textured thumbsticks are easy to grip.
The thumbsticks are asymmetrically positioned, similar to Xbox controllers. The key layout is also reminiscent of that console, but offers the user some flexibility: the A, B, X, and Y keys can be removed from their sockets and swapped to create a Nintendo Switch layout.
The model has analog triggers that respond to the depth of pressure. They have a fairly short travel, but even for racing games, this is sufficient—you can smoothly accelerate and decelerate the car.
Overall, the GameSir X5s’s key set is identical to that of a standard gamepad. The exceptions are the multi-function M key, located at the bottom of the left half of the controller, and the GameSir key, located on the opposite side, on the right half.
At the ends of the case halves, there is room for a USB-C port for charging and wired connection, and a key for pairing the gamepad with devices.
Despite the built-in battery (420 mAh on each side), the GameSir X5s is surprisingly lightweight – the controller won’t weigh down the gamer during long gaming sessions.
The GameSir FX5 accessory set is packaged in a white box featuring the gadgets and their key features: magnetic battery, efficient cooling, and silent operation .
Inside the box is another one, containing two compartments containing the cooler and battery. A separate box contains the user manual and USB-C cable.
The GameSir FX5 consists of two modules. The cooler is equipped with a high-speed fan and a metal plate that dissipates heat from the smartphone’s body. It also features a mount for attaching the cooler to the jumper of the GameSir X5s gamepad, and magnetic contacts for installing the battery. Complementing all this is a three-color backlight , the color of which indicates the selected operating mode. The bottom edge houses a mode switch, a USB-C port, and a cooler off/on button.
The battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh. It is attached to the cooler with contacts, which automatically initiates cooling. The battery also features a backlight , a USB-C port, and an LED indicator showing the battery level.
It’s worth noting that the battery module can’t be used to charge the smartphone, despite the obvious need. The cooler, in turn, can’t be powered from the phone’s USB port—even though it attempts to spin the fan when connected this way, it quickly gives up due to insufficient power.
GameSir also offers the GameSir FX5 Lite, a simplified version that includes only the cooler without the LEDs. It requires an external power source (5V/3A), meaning gaming with this cooling system is only possible near an outlet or with a power bank .
The GameSir X5s supports three connection methods: wired USB, wireless Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz. However, a dongle for the 2.4 GHz radio connection must be purchased separately. This makes the device compatible with a wide range of devices: Android, iOS, PC, and Nintendo Switch/Switch 2.
Connection options are provided in the user manual. The model can be paired with a PC in Xbox, DualShock 4, and Switch modes; connected to an Android smartphone in Android and G-Touch modes (this mode allows you to emulate touch commands with the controller’s buttons); paired with iOS in DualShock 4 and Switch modes; and connected to a Nintendo Switch in native mode. The LED around the GameSir button will light up in a specific color depending on the selected mode.
Using the M key, you can use advanced features: enable dead zones for sticks, activate the Turbo function, set the vibration level, switch layouts, calibrate the gyroscope, sticks and triggers, and so on.
You can also use the GameSir smartphone app to configure the controller . It offers features such as key testing, key mapping customization, stick, trigger, and gyroscope settings, GameSir key backlight selection, resetting settings, and firmware updates.
You can also configure the G-Touch function, which emulates touches on the sensor using the gamepad buttons. This allows you to play games with the GameSir X5s that don’t support a gamepad, such as online shooters , where the device will give you an advantage over your opponents.
The device fits comfortably in your hands. Those with larger hands may find it less comfortable than those with smaller or medium-sized hands, but the controller is still comfortable to play with.
Thanks to its wide compatibility and software settings, GameSir X5s can be used with many platforms. On Android, you can run both native titles and those that don’t natively support gamepads by configuring G-Touch controls. Emulators of classic consoles are also available, significantly expanding the game selection. The Switch supports a gyroscope, vibration feedback, and layout selection. When connected to a PC, you can set XInput compatibility to eliminate game compatibility issues.
Although the controller’s form factor isn’t ideal for PC use, it can still be connected. This is ideal for users who primarily play games on their smartphone and occasionally play simple platformers and adventures on their PC, so they don’t see the need for a separate gamepad for that platform.
One of the model’s key features is the Hall-effect sticks and triggers, which eliminates stick drift, a common problem with Joy-Cons. Compatibility with the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 means you can replace the handheld’s original controllers with the X5s gamepad.
The cooling fan module is an original and practical solution. It can be attached to the gamepad whenever needed, making the GameSir X5s compact and smaller than, for example, the GameSir X3 Pro with its built-in cooling system, which we reviewed earlier. If you plan to play resource-intensive games, you can take the accessories with you, but if not, you can leave them at home.
The cooler is installed so that the 25 x 25 mm metal plate makes direct contact with the smartphone’s body, dissipating heat. Fan speed, and therefore noise, can be adjusted, but even at maximum speed, it’s not noticeably loud.
The cooling efficiency is noticeable: you can reduce gaming temperatures by 2-5 degrees, reduce chipset throttling, and provide a slight performance boost, which will impact frame rates and game stability. If you play titles with advanced graphics or intensive online games where high frame rates and no frame drops are essential, this accessory is definitely a must-have.
The device is equipped with an 840 mAh battery. It lasts for 8-10 hours of intense gaming—meaning you can play your favorite games all day and only charge the controller in the evening.
GameSir X5s is one of the best mobile gamepads that will allow you to turn your smartphone into a portable console.
The model’s advantages include a wide range of supported platforms, flexible customization options, zero-drift sticks, analog triggers, a gyroscope and vibration feedback, interchangeable key layouts, long battery life, and a included case. Accessories for effective smartphone cooling are a nice bonus.
The only drawback is its incompatibility with large tablets .
All in all, this is an excellent controller, at the very least worth considering when choosing. However, as always, we’ll leave the final decision up to you.
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