GameSir X2 Lightning review: Not quite a Razer Kishi

Our Verdict

GameSir recently launched the Lightning version of its X2 mobile controller for iPhones. Information technology'south a solid production, simply far from perfect, as information technology can't handle the iPhone 13 Pro Max'south camera bump.

For

Looks squeamish
Passthrough charging
Rubberized grips

Against

Flimsy Lightning connector
Doesn't work with cases
Doesn't sit flush with iPhone 13 Pro
Connectivity issues
Spring-loaded design could be better

Tom'southward Guide Verdict

GameSir recently launched the Lightning version of its X2 mobile controller for iPhones. Information technology'south a solid product, simply far from perfect, as it can't handle the iPhone 13 Pro Max'southward camera bump.

Pros

+
Looks nice
+
Passthrough charging
+
Rubberized grips

Cons

-
Flimsy Lightning connector
-
Doesn't work with cases
-
Doesn't sit affluent with iPhone 13 Pro
-
Connectivity issues
-
Spring-loaded design could be better

The GameSir X2 exists to facilitate mobile gaming. Whether nosotros like it or non, gaming on smartphones is a major pastime for a lot of people. With the arrival of Xbox Cloud Gaming on phones, there's a market for external controllers. Y'all tin can become with an Xbox or PS5 controller and a phone mount, or something more integrated like a Razer Kishi.

In fact, the Kishi is my default recommendation for people who desire a controller feel on their phones. I take a USB-C Kishi and use it very frequently, despite a concrete fit issue with my Pixel 6 Pro. Merely GameSir, some other mobile gaming accessory maker, recently launched the Lightning version of its X2 controller for iPhones.

It's obviously an attempt to challenge Razer, but the GameSir X2 fails to match the Kishi. The X2 feels cheaper in many ways, such every bit in the button clicks and the size of the thumbsticks. And, because that there'southward now a Lightning variant of the Kishi, competition for iPhone controllers is pretty violent.

Read on for our total GameSir X2 Lightning review.

GameSir X2 Lightning review: What it gets right

gamesir x2 lightning closed in hand — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The GameSir X2 looks pretty proficient and functions as you'd await. My iPhone thirteen Pro Max had no problem recognizing it and accepting its input. I played through several hours of The Rising on Xbox Game Pass and Pascal's Wager (a Souls-like for iOS) with the X2, although I had some connectivity problems.

I'll address the negatives in a bit, but the X2 feels pretty sturdy and supports passthrough charging. Some gamers might appreciate the X2'due south very clicky buttonsas opposed to the softer actuation on the Kishi. To me, though, the X2's buttons felt cheap.

GameSir added rubberized grips to the back of the X2, as well as where the phone sits to ensure your device doesn't slide around.

GameSir X2 Lightning review: What information technology gets incorrect

While it gets some things right, the GameSir X2 Lightning has its faults. First, the Lightning jack feels very flimsy. It swivels on an axis to ensure easier phone installation and removal, but its lack of force leaves me very concerned. The X2 is too not long enough to piece of work with virtually iPhone 13 Pro Max cases I tried.

gamesir x2 lightning closed on table — (Image credit: Tom'southward Guide)

Granted, the Kishi doesn't work with almost cases, either, but the X2 could have solved that problem. I had hoped to come across this notable Kishi weakness addressed in what amounts to GameSir'due south endeavor to replicate it.

Speaking of the iPhone thirteen Pro Max, because of the X2's flat-backed, extending arm design, the phone does not sit down flush in the controller. Information technology comes downwards to the camera hump. The right side of the X2 has trouble gripping the tiptop of the iPhone. This led to the controller losing its hold and the whole thing snapping closed, startling me and stressing that poor Lightning connector.

gamesir x2 lightning holding iphone 13 pro max showing that the phone doesn't sit flush — Since the phone doesn't sit affluent, the right arm can't fully grip the iPhone (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

In fact, if you take an iPhone thirteen Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max, I strongly circumspection against the X2 Lightning for this reason. I did not think it was a good feel, and information technology turned me off of using the controller altogether.

Although the Razer Kishi has trouble with my Pixel half dozen Pro'south camera bar, the controller hasn't ever seemed like information technology would come loose. Furthermore, the Kishi doesn't sport a jump-loaded grip design like the X2 does.

My iPhone 13 Pro Max just stopped recognizing the X2 sometimes, too. I'd exist in the middle of a game, Game Pass or local, and the phone wouldn't register any controller inputs. I'd accept to disconnect the X2 from my phone and endeavor once more. Information technology'd piece of work for a little while, then stop once more. I encountered this problem on iOS fifteen.1 and iOS 15.1.ane.

GameSir X2 Lightning review: Verdict

I wanted to similar the X2 Lightning, but the flimsy connector and the disability to handle the iPhone xiii Pro Max's camera bump soured the experience for me. The connectivity problems also lowered my stance, just I'm willing to give the X2 the benefit of the dubiety and consider that iOS was the culprit.

gamesir x2 holding iphone 12 pro laying on table — (Image credit: Tom'due south Guide)

Equally it stands, the X2 Lightning appears to be fine for phones other than the 13 Pro. I tried an iPhone 12 Pro and didn't accept the fit event, fifty-fifty though I still had problem with inconsistent connectivity and the the flimsy connector. With a big phone like a Pro Max, the jump-loaded grip design concerns me a chip, as information technology takes some endeavor to install the iPhone in the controller.

The GameSir X2 Lightning isn't a bad product. In fact, I'd consider it merely average. But I would still propose a Razer Kishi Lightning instead.

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom'southward Guide, covering all things phone-related. He's written nearly phones for over five years and plans to continue for a long while to come. He loves nothing more than than relaxing in his home with a book, game, or his latest personal writing projection. Jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Jordan tends to lurk on social media, but y'all tin best reach him on Twitter.