My first experience with a GameSir controller was in 2021. The X2 Type-C was one of GameSir’s first major product launches, as Xbox Cloud Gaming gained traction. However, with the potential of Game Pass on mobile, GameSir has gone all in to become a top rival for players eager to leverage the power of the cloud. In fact, they are perhaps the largest manufacturer of mobile controllers.
They also have a huge variety of options. The X2 Type-C has long been pushed to the sidelines by the X2 Pro, the X3 Type-C Cooled, the G8, and the magnificent G8+. To be honest, no matter what kind of mobile controller you want, GameSir will most likely have something for you.
They’ve also received the GameSir X4 Aileron. Is it the most pocketable yet? Quite likely.
GameSir X4 Aileron for mobile
The GameSir X4 Aileron has some strong Razer Kishi vibes, but with a somewhat different approach. That was one of the first mobile controllers that popularized mass Cloud gaming, collapsible and easy to use, followed by the lovely small Turtle Beach Atom. The X4 Aileron operates along similar principles, and while we don’t believe it’s as good as their market-leading G8+ controller, it’s worth considering.
The X4 Aileron is compatible with Android devices, and we’ve tested it with a Google Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. It transforms from a microscopic little form factor to something that will allow you to game on the go easily. It’s simple to use, looks great, and, most importantly, operates as expected; it’s packed with cutting-edge technology that will appeal to a wide range of gamers.
The X4 is a two-piece, all-black design. When opened, there is nothing to limit the size of your phone, with left- and right-hand parts easily fitting into the top and bottom. It’s held in place by some springy green catches, and when you raise them, the X4 turns on and prepares for your gaming session.
It’s a pretty simple system to use, and aside from having to be careful not to pull the sides away from your phone (which you get used to after a few minutes of use), it feels great in your hand. When closed, simply detaching each side, clasping them together, and attaching using the accompanying magnets reduces this to a much smaller form factor. It fits easily into a pocket or the – truly superb – hard-shell carry case.
Designed for Xbox.
In terms of the controller, it is fully licensed and ‘Designed for Xbox’. That means you’ll get a true Xbox Nexus button to start things up, as well as the standard Xbox face buttons, a set of Hall-Effect thumbsticks, a d-pad, triggers, and bumpers. The typical Menu, View, and Share buttons are also there, as is the GameSir ‘M’ button, which is currently standard. This is combined with a couple of rear-mounted buttons enabling personalization and programmability, among other functions.
Everything on the X4 Aileron feels great to the touch, and while it’s as plasticky as it gets, the grips on each segment have some beautiful texturing. We’ve been using this item for a few weeks, through some of the warmest heat of the year, and we haven’t had a single slip of the hands. Or our thumbs, for that matter, as the two thumbsticks, albeit hybrid in design, have well-textured exterior surfaces. The d-pad is also very tactile, and while we would have preferred for the texture to extend down to the smooth triggers, it’s a minor point.
The face buttons are also excellent for smashing, as they are microswitched and easy to press with your finger. They may not be as large as a conventional Xbox controller, but they have proven to be nothing short of superb in use.
Additional features on the GameSir X4 Aileron include light displays circling the thumbsticks, which indicate power to the controller and allow for a light show. That power comes from a USB-C power connector, and each controller segment has a 400mAh battery. The GameSir App is also present, doing what it does best: allowing you to tailor the setup. We’re not convinced pro gamers will make the most of X4 Aileron, and on a personal level, we’ve discovered no issues right out of the box, but if you do need to make changes, the possibility there. You can also add some extra thumbsticks and a concave d-pad that can be simply swapped in and out if necessary. They all fit perfectly in the carry case, too.
Closes to a tiny form factor.
We discovered that the GameSir X4 Aileron also works with minimal lag. In reality, we’ve been really satisfied with the responsiveness of the buttons and triggers, with the exception of any errors discovered while gaming on the Cloud via Game Pass.
All of this suggests that the GameSir X4 Aileron is among the best collapsible mobile controllers available. It’s not as flashy as Turtle Beach’s Atom, but that could be because we prefer the color scheme of that product – and we’d still choose the GameSir G8+ for our mobile Game Pass sessions. However, the X4 Aileron remains an excellent alternative. The GameSir X4 Aileron is ideal for putting something small into a bag and whipping it out when commuting.