GameSir Cyclone 2 Review – Has potential, but not quite there yet

Despite a brief foray into different designs, the GameSir Cyclone 2 sees a return to Xbox-style controllers. While it was a shame to see what looked like more of the same, I was interested to see what this did differently from the ever-growing pool of GameSir options. After spending a few weeks with the GameSir Cyclone 2, I’ve come away somewhat liking the experience, though it’s still not quite the perfect controller.

Specs

• Compatibility: PC, mobile, Switch
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless dongle, wired
• Sticks: TMR
• Triggers: Hall Effect. Can be toggled to microswitch buttons
• Face buttons: Microswitches
• D-pad: Tactile switches
• Gyro: Yes
• Polling Rate: 1000Hz
• Battery: 860mAh
• RGB: One strip inside the controller
• Extras: 2 back buttons, turbo, rumble, optional charging stand

Design and Usability

Out of the box, it’s clear that the GameSir Cyclone 2 is aiming for a very similar design to most of the company’s recent output. It’s mostly shaped like a first-party Xbox Series controller, with a shape comparable to the Kaleid and the original Cyclone.

It’s a familiar and comfortable design overall, feeling great in the hands at all times. The handles are slightly textured for better grip, and matches the feel of the sticks. While I still prefer holding the Tarantula Pro, this is a layout that’s worked well in the past and still works well now.

Visually, it even resembles Kaleid. The most notable differences come with the use of a more frosted look for the front plastic that makes the RGB more subdued, and a switch to transparent plastic for the triggers.

I’m mostly a fan of this look, though I’d imagine the aforementioned change to the front plastic will likely not be to some user’s preference. It really does lower how bright the RGB effects can get, which I’d imagine is even more noticeable on the white variant. Personally, I quite like the effect it gives. However, I’m also someone that generally turns the brightness down on any RGB features, or turns it off entirely.

A Similar Experience to the Kaleid

While I’ve already mentioned it a few times, it bears repeating that the GameSir Cyclone 2 matches the Kaleid in a lot of ways. Not just in the overall shape and design, but also the buttons and general feel.

Unsurprisingly, this makes it a comfortable choice for long gaming sessions like its predecessor. And yet, I did start to notice a few things after many hours of use. I think there are a few areas where it improves upon the Kaleid, but a few issues managed to mar what could have been a perfect controller.

To start with, the face buttons once again make use of microswitches. They’re satisfyingly clicky, and seem to require slightly less force than the ones used on the Kaleid. Microswitches are a big plus for me on controllers, though there’s something up with the ones on the Cyclone 2.

While this could potentially be an issue with my review unit specifically, I noticed from the get go that the A button had a lot more wobble to it than I’m used to. It wasn’t a dealbreaker initially, and I figured I’d just get used to it over time.

However, this button problem actually got worse. After more use, it feels like the A button is often rubbing against the plastic frame of the controller. In fact, it also started to happen to the B and X buttons, though to a lesser extent.

It’s a shame, since without this issue they’d be exceptional buttons. Microswitch buttons (at least for me) feel better than most membrane options, generally offering more precise presses with proper feedback. I’m hoping the issue I had was just an outlier, rather than how all units of the GameSir Cyclone 2 will be.

Adding to the unfortunate problems is the d-pad. It almost feels like a weird mashup of membrane and switches, as the d-pad has a little travel before you properly press it in. The Kaleid was also a little like this, but it’s more pronounced on the Cyclone 2. I wouldn’t say the d-pad is awful, but it flounders in comparison to the Tarantula Pro.

Oddly enough however, the GameSir Cyclone 2 does actually fix something that I wasn’t the biggest fan of with the Tarantula Pro. The option to switch between hall effect triggers and microswitch buttons is present in both controllers, but on the Tarantula Pro it felt uncomfortable to use the latter.

While I don’t think the triggers have actually seen any changes — outside of the toggle switch being on the triggers now rather than on the back — they feel much more comfortable as buttons. It’s likely due to the GameSir trigger design fitting Xbox-style controllers better than the DualShock-esque Tarantula Pro.

Otherwise, everything else is what you’d expect from a GameSir controller. The sticks are great, having slightly more tension than the Hall Effect Kaleid sticks. Using non-GameSir sticks makes me appreciate the grippy design of the Cyclone 2 stick tops more.

You also get a pair of standard back buttons. Nothing outstanding, but they get the job done if you like to use them. Setting them to PC keys is easy enough via the GameSir Connect app, which is also where you can fine tune other settings like dead zones and RGB.

Pricing

The GameSir Cyclone 2 has a base price of £49.99, making it lower than both the Kaleid and Tarantula Pro in the UK. It’s a surprisingly competitive price, and one that is welcome when compared to some recent GameSir Controllers.

For £55.99, you can also get the GameSir Cyclone 2 bundled with a charging stand. Despite being cheaper than the £10 stand of the Tarantula Pro, this stand is much nicer. The base is heavier and has wider legs, both helping with stability. It can be a little clunky to try and align the Cyclone 2 on the charging pins, but it’s still a better experience than using the Tarantula Pro stand.

GameSir Cyclone 2 Review – Final Thoughts

The GameSir Cyclone 2 is a reasonably priced controller that could have easily rivalled other mid-range offerings. However, the issues I had with both the buttons and d-pad really detract from what is almost an excellent GameSir controller.

If these were just quirks of the review unit, then this is easily the best option you have when it comes to Xbox-style controllers (assuming you don’t actually need to use it on an Xbox.) However, it might still be worth waiting to see if others also run into issues over the next few months before purchasing.

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The GameSir Cyclone 2 was reviewed using a unit provided by the manufacturer.

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