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GameSir has become a major player in the gaming accessories arena, with affordable PC, Nintendo Switch, andXbox controllers. The manufacturer also targets the most competitive smartphone gamers withpremium mobile controllerslike the X4 Aileron. This Bluetooth Android device has a collapsible form factor that still allows for full-sized modular sticks and buttons. Some added perks like RGB lighting make the X4 Aileron more appealing than many console alternatives.
Split mobile controllers have obvious portability advantages but introduce more connectivity challenges. With each half of the X4 Aileron communicating using RF while relying on Bluetooth to pair with phones, gamers may have concerns about latency. TheTurtle Beach Atomis an example of another two-piece mobile controller that falls a bit short in terms of ease of use. GameSir graciously sent Game Rant a sample of the X4 Aileron to see if it performs any better during the most furious gameplay.
GameSir X4 Aileron Android Mobile Controller
If you’re looking for a reliable controller for mobile gaming that allows you to customize buttons and more, then the GameSir X4 controller should be on your radar. You get a stylishly designed controller that supports wireless charging and phone cookers plus it comes with swappable buttons. Its buttons relay quick and precise commands to the in-game characters, giving you the upper edge in intense months. It also supports cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass.
Contents of Package
Although the GameSir X4 Aileron is priced higher than many mobile controllers, its packaging meets expectations. All included components are shipped in an outer white box, with parts stored inside a fairly sturdy carrying case.
Gamers receive aUSB-C charging cable, rubber pads with adhesive to achieve a secure fit with phones, an array of swappable thumbsticks, and an alternate D-pad.
Another nice bonus is a code for a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Installation
With its split design, phones slot into each side of the X4 Aileron with adjustable green brackets that slide up and down. To accommodate phones and some cases of 68 to 95 mm thickness, gamers can install the bundled 3M sticky pads on the controller’s hard plastic backing. GameSir actually includes a choice of 2 mm or 1 mm cushions, but their sizes aren’t labeled. A few different phones were tested with the controller, and regardless of the pads used, there was some slight jiggling when each half of the device was lifted. Nevertheless, it wasn’t noticeable during gameplay, and there wasn’t a sense that the controller would fall off without a decent drop.
When the green brackets are raised, the controller will power on automatically. After interlocking, each half of the X4 Aileron should communicate with each other using an RF signal without any user input. The remainder of the setup process involves pairing the controller halves with the phone through Bluetooth. GameSir’s Android app can help with the pairing, but after holding the dedicated Bluetooth pairing for a few seconds, the X4 Aileron should appear as an available device. Initially, the controller failed to connect to the phone, but the second attempt was successful, and a reliable connection was maintained for the following weeks.
Since it’s Bluetooth-based, the X4 Aileron will also work with various Android tablets and even as acontroller for the Nintendo Switch. Ironically, since Microsoft’s system is fussy about Bluetooth peripherals, the X4 Aileron cannot be used with Xbox consoles, despite being ideal for Game Pass cloud gaming. Apple iPhone and iPad tablet owners are also out of luck, but hopefully, GameSir will develop a compatible version soon. If interested in a similar split controller for iOS, check outGame Rant’s review of the Turtle Beach Atom.
Before playing mobile games, gamers should check for firmware updates in the GameSir app. The overall setup routine was fairly painless, and most gamers should have the X4 Aileron ready to go in a matter of minutes.
Design
The split construction of the X4 Aileron has been used in a few other mobile controllers. However, GameSir perhaps executes the design with the fewest compromises. Although it remains on the chunky side, interlocking each side of the X4 Aileron saves a decent amount of space compared to mobile controllers with sliding back brackets. Without brackets surrounding the sides of a phone, more of a device remains accessible, which helps with cooling. Strong magnets ensure the controller won’t disassemble when traveling without considerable force.
WithHall Effect technologythat resists analog stick drift, microswitch buttons, and swappable parts, the X4 Aileron is a pro-grade mobile controller. Gamers can choose from concave or smaller-sized covers, and the analog sticks glide effortlessly before returning to a center position. The face buttons balance mushiness and clickiness with loud enough tactile feedback.
The default cross d-pad is elevated a surprising amount above the controller’s surface and feels just as satisfying to mash on as the XYAB buttons. Most gamers will prefer this component when used as afighting game controller, but a circular alternative easily snaps on. To aid virtual fighters and shooting game fans, the X4 Aileron also has L4/R4 buttons on the controller’s backside next to the handle grips. These commands aren’t defined by default but can be easily remapped to standard top triggers or other buttons in the GameSir app.
Along with the vital controls, the X4 Aileron includes an Xbox button to aid with cloud gaming navigation. When not using the Android app, gamers can press the small M button below the right analog stick in combination with other controls to change RGB lighting, volume levels, and hair-trigger settings.
One unexpected design element of the X4 Aileron is the dynamic lighting surrounding each analog stick. As seen with a handful of other premium mobile controllers like theRazer Kishi Ultra, gamers can choose between solid or multi-color effects or disable the lighting completely. Currently, there is no way to sync the RGB lighting with in-game events, but that may come at some point in the future.
GameSir’s controller charges with a USB-C port on the bottom of its left half. However, gamers will need to interlock the controller before recharging. Playing while charging with a cable is impossible, but the X4 Aileron supports some wireless chargers. Unfortunately, there also is no passthrough port to charge a phone or other devices while the controller is attached.
Some buyers unjustly view GameSir as a budget brand with flimsy hardware. In reality, the X4 Aileron’s overall build quality is outstanding, with a weighty feel that doesn’t detract from its portability.
Software
GameSir’s app has evolved since Game Rantreviewed the G8 Galileo mobile controllerlast fall. While it isn’t as refined as the app accompanying theBackbone One, the software will suggest controller-compatible mobile titles to play. There are plenty of settings to tinker with, like trigger and joystick sensitivity and dead zones. Gamers can switch the face buttons to a Nintendo Switch layout, and they even pop out of their sockets for rearranging.
Most changes are made without much effort, but GameSir’s V-Touch feature is not as straightforward. For titles that don’t natively support controllers, mobile gamers can map buttons to areas on a game’s screen where touch gestures are executed. However, users must enable Android developer options and enter a pairing code for the GameSir app interface to show up in games. Activating these menus to program buttons proved difficult since the floating GameSir icon tended to disappear. Specifying the controller mode in the app and launching titles from the software is also necessary for V-Touch to work.
One of the X4 Aileron’s biggest strengths is its integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming. Users shouldn’t have to do any button remapping with the extensive Game Pass collection of titles, as most recognize the GameSir device as a valid controller.
Most importantly, the GameSir app was a stable performer. When testing out previous GameSir controllers, there were some persistent background crashes, which no longer seem to be an issue.
Performance and Usage
A sturdy, well-designed controller is only worth considering if it performs reliably when gaming. Fortunately, the X4 Aileron’s low-latency Bluetooth connection can keep pace with rapid button presses, giving gamers a distinct advantage in competitive mobile gaming. The button and stick layout are comfortable, even when changing grip slightly to access the additional rear commands.
Unlike theGameSir G8 Galileo, there is no apparent way to use the X4 Aileron with the PlayStation Remote Play app. Nevertheless, other services like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and Steam Link should recognize the controller.
Only once during testing did the right half of the X4 Aileron randomly disconnect, which was quickly rectified by sliding it off and back onto the phone. The 400 mAh batteries in each half of the device seem on the light side, but the controller lasted six to seven hours on a single charge. Disabling RGB lighting would likely extend battery life further. Also, it’s wise to remember that one side of the controller may run out of power before the other, depending on usage.
The X4 Aileron also appeals to fans of customizable esports gear likeScuf controllers. The average gamer will probably be content with its default configuration, but being able to swap stick covers and the d-pad caters to all preferences and play styles.
Conclusion
GameSir continues to develop mobile controllers that offer more features and superior performance than similarly priced rivals. With the X4 Aileron, the manufacturer aims at its most premium competition from brands like Razer and Backbone One. While still pricey, GameSir’s mobile controller is one of the first to include esports-grade buttons and sticks in an ultra-portable two-piece design. Not only does the bracketless controller interlock to enhance portability, but it also leaves more room for coolers and wireless chargers.
The X4 Aileron doesn’t skimp on extras, shipping with a carrying case chock-full of swappable parts and accessories. Buyers will never question its durability, and regulation-sized components ease the transition from console andPC controllers. Programmable back buttons make it a solution for competitive gamers who seek an advantage over increasingly adept mobile opposition. Dedicated gamers won’t complain, but virtually mapping buttons to touch commands in titles without native controller support does take effort.
Perhaps the best quality of this GameSir controller is its no-hassle connectivity to phones. Once paired over Bluetooth, gamers only need to reattach each side of the device to smartphones to reinitiate the connection. However, while battery life is acceptable, users must keep tabs on power levels since USB-C recharging during use is not an option.
Labeling the X4 Aileron as an Xbox Game Pass device doesn’t do justice to the controller’s versatility. Whether buyers use the X4 Aileron clamped to a phone or as a standalone Bluetooth controller, it will enhance a gaming experience on multiple platforms.
Nuanced haptic feedback
$150 at Amazon
Intuitive and powerful launcher
$100 at Amazon
Long battery life
$60 at Amazon
Mobile gamers are not short of controller choices, with more manufacturers competing for their dollars than ever before. TheRazer Kishi Ultrais one of the priciest contenders but boasts advanced haptic feedback that most mobile controllers lack. Razer’s premium device also stretches far enough to fit tablets like the iPad Mini. Priced the same as the GameSir X4 Aileron, theBackbone Onehas smaller analog sticks, but its game hub app integrates with multiple cloud gaming services. Finally, theTurtle Beach Atomshares the X4 Aileron’s split construction and has remarkable battery life. Unfortunately, it demands more button presses to reconnect to phones.
FAQ
Q: What is the best iPhone controller?
The Razer Kishi Ultra and Backbone One are both excellent options for mobile iPhone gamers. Owners of iPhones prior to the 15 Series should gravitate toward the Backbone One with a Lightning port connector. Newer iPhone models require controllers with USB-C ports to avoid any added wireless latency.
Q: Does mobile gaming have a future?
The future of mobile gaming looks bright as developers continue to more closely emulate PC and console experiences on phones. Graphics have become increasingly realistic, and the games are enticing competitive players. Mobile controllers are necessary to overcome the disadvantages of touch controls and cater to the most devoted players.
Q: What is the top mobile game on Android?
Android mobile titles are now remarkably diverse and include competitive first-person shooters likeCall of Duty: Warzone.Robloxis also extremely popular on Android devices, allowing users to create and share unique gameplay experiences.
