GameSir X5 Lite review – Cheap and cheerful

GameSir have released a number of premium mobile controllers over the years, great for playing native titles or some older classics via emulators. But what if you’re not planning on using one much, or just want to dip your toes into mobile gaming for the first time? This is where the GameSir X5 Lite comes in, offering a cheaper entry level telescopic controller that’s also easy to transport via its smaller size.

GameSir X5 Lite Specs

• Compatibility:
• Connection: USB-C
• Max length supported: 105-213mm / 4.13-8.39in
• Buttons: Membrane (no analogue triggers)
• Sticks: Hall Effect
• Other features: Rumble, pass-through charging

Design and Initial Impressions

Out of the box, it’s clear that the GameSir X5 Lite is not intended to be the most premium feeling controller out there. It’s must lighter than the company’s other offerings (a plus for portability), featuring smaller analog sticks and membrane buttons.

When it comes to the main parts of the controller, they’re similar in size to the X2 and X3. However, while the backs have a similar mould, the sides extend slightly outward for a more comfortable grip. On the other hand, the back panel is much thinner, which allows for better cooling in lieu of a dedicated fan.

It might not be as premium as something like the G8 Galileo, but this is far from a bad looking controller. It’s just a shame that the Zenless Zone Zero limited editions never made it here, since I’m a fan of the white/black and orange colour scheme those used.

Does What it Needs To

In general, the X5 Lite is a fairly boring controller to use, and I mean that in the best way possible. There are no extra features to fiddle with, and its size means you can take it around in your bag without it getting in the way.

The sticks are great as always, even with their smaller size, featuring the grippy tops you see on other GameSir controllers. Face buttons are alright, with a slightly mushy feel that you’d expect from cheaper membrane buttons. Surprisingly, the shoulder buttons actually feel slightly more premium. They have more of a distinct click to them over the face buttons, without being overly stiff or hard to press. Meanwhile, the triggers fall in between both of these. They do the job, and the lack of analog movement isn’t that much of a downside for most mobile games.

One aspect of the controller I didn’t expect is the area around the USB-C connector. GameSir telescopic controllers all have removable plastic grips by the connector, used to hold your phone or tablet in place. While fine, this set nature meant that it could sometimes cause connection issues when using a thicker case.

For the X5 Lite, you can actually choose from multiple different plastic spacers. Thinner ones are best when using a phone case, and the spacers included should be enough to find something that works. It’s something that I hope future GameSir mobile controllers offer (along with perhaps some additional options to help keep the phone level).

Pricing

The GameSir X5 Lite is priced at £34.99 in the UK, though it’s a bit cheaper in the US at $34.99 (assuming no weirdness happens thanks to current events). While I would have liked to see it be slightly cheaper, this is still the cheapest base price for a GameSir controller on mobile.

Its biggest competition is likely the 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile, though this only works for Android. For £5 more, you get full size sticks, a nicer d-pad, and extra back buttons. The whole thing in general is more premium, down to the size of the device itself.

X5 Lite certainly has it beat in regards to portability, and the grippy sticks are great despite their size. Since it’s wired over 8Bitdo Ultimate’s Bluetooth-only connection, you also don’t have to worry about pairing or charging either.

GameSir X5 Lite Review – Final Thoughts

For £34.99, the GameSir X5 Lite offers a solid entry level choice that doesn’t take up the space of its larger predecessors. It has some competition in the Android space, though I still think it has its place in the market. Unsurprisingly, if you already own a previous GameSir controller then this wont do anything new or better, but it never needed to.

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A sample of the GameSir X5 Lite was provided by the manufacturer for this review. Purchase links: GameSir Store, Amazon UK.

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