$45 Dual-Screen and Tablet Friendly Controller (GameSir X2S)

The new GameSir X2S improves upon their original best-selling telescopic X2 controller in some big ways, and in this video we'll see if those upgrades justify its very modest $45 price tag.
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GameSir G8 Galileo review: • FINALLY, a SUPERB Phon...
This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:38 unboxing and impressions
03:39 the controls
10:43 using it with tablets
14:36 dual-screen gameplay (Surface Duo 2)
18:20 using it with a standard phone
21:00 GameSir X2S vs G8 Galileo
23:33 summary (likes and dislikes)
26:13 conclusion
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This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#GameSir #androidgaming #emulation #surfaceduo #ipad

[@joseduartecalado1312]

The video ended up being more of a showcase of the surface duo 🤣 Great video Russ!!

[@SoraCrosser]

As a foldable phone user (fold 5) the left usb c port is a blessing in disguise. I hope gamesir launches a revision of the g8 Galileo with a left usb port 🙏

[@OceanTechh]

Yes, I would love to see phones with the dual screen option

[@user-ds8rj2vc4v]

I used to have the Surface Duo and it was genuinely a terrible experience.

[@damianabregba7476]

I feel this can be a good option to play older pc strategy games as long as that crease is small enough

[@007NateNasty]

I forget the company but there was one that had a case that would add the second screen. Really cool.

[@OceanTechh]

@@007NateNasty mmm i think lg velvet

[@leaftye]

​@@007NateNastysounds like my LG V60

[@sullychow4123]

Glad they updated this and kept the USB c on the left side. As niche of a case as it is, this works so much better with the Samsung fold phones, makes it so the extra screen is at the top, not the bottom. And for all other phones you have auto rotate so no problem. A nice way of hitting every market.

[@hibikiholmes2867]

Agreed. I highly appreciate GameSir for doing this despite how small the userbase for this particular instance would be for.

[@MysticGohan01]

Thank you Gamesir for keeping the USB C on the left for all us Fold phone and Microsoft Duo users! We greatly appreciate it

[@juroBeba]

Finally someone that understands what this controller is for! The other reviews didn't even mention the reversed usbc at all

[@rhinous1199]

Definitely would love a review and setup of the Duo 2. That’s amazing.

[@chrismckenna6183]

Agreed especially for ds gaming

[@mohawho8251]

i want the review too!

[@ryandhearn]

Just pulled the trigger on this on your recommendation! Thanks for all of your amazing, in-depth reviews!

[@Junier-Hussein]

My current favourite, it's so good for it's price & it's competition 😊 Great video as ever. As expected you covered all bases. I love the joystick covers that came with it.

[@wes8382]

Thank you for the in depth review. It really helps for making an informed purchase. Great video!

[@pixelpuppy]

I bought one over the weekend. It even works with my Samsung s24+ with a (not-thin) phone case. Ymmv

[@SpeedsterBlur]

I didn't expect that. I've got the otterbox defender and I use the x2 Bluetooth, because I thought my case would be too big.

[@pixelpuppy]

@@SpeedsterBlur OtterBox might be too thick, even with the rubber bumpers removed.

[@ordinaryalan]

Absolutely i would love to see a video about emulation on the surface duo! I've been waiting for that for a long time! 😊

[@retrohandhelds]

I'm happy to see you enjoying the Duo, and thanks for showing off my controller popping skills! 😂Great video sir! - Stubbs

[@dintonfreeman4176]

Definitely would LOVE to see a video on the surface duo 2 to your standard of video, I love how in depth and detailed you always are!

[@benjaminjohnson6936]

Man, I _really_ hope they make a version of the Galileo that can fit a tablet without modification...

[@SebastianGMSFB]

Very unexpected but also exciting recommendation! Thanks, dude.

[@equinox7189]

I wish it was available in more color schemes, maybe soon. Thank you for the proper review! Planning to buy this for my Fold 4.

[@younki888]

Really appreciate the video, wanted one to use with my tablet. Purchased one while watching; thanks for the coupon code. You're bad for my wallet; at least this one is cheap. I want that surface duo too now. Keep up the good work!

[@KrazyShark]

Man I was waiting for this ever since your CES vid :) Love the colorway. I thought they didn't change the tablet compatibility looking at specs but I'm glad you showcased how to put really huge tablets in it without any modding. Gamesir's really been knocking it out of the park. I'm guessing they will probably make a Galileo G8S to fit tablets without modding as well. Thank you 🙏

[@petepaxton5109]

I have the surface duo and I love it. I'm excited to try this controller

[@DaRazorback]

Thanks for reviewing this and I agree with everything you said including with my Oppo Find N3

[@MassiveRican]

Absolutely up for watching a vid on the dual screen phone. 🤩

[@dragon2knight]

Now this is finally one I feel safe about getting to try out this style of gaming with my phone. $80 for it's bigger brother was too much to swallow just to see if using this on my Samsung S23FE. Great review as always Russ!

[@malf84]

Awesome work as always Russ, would love to see you do a breakdown on the dual screen Windows phone!

[@Coconutgl]

Nice review, I use gamesir x2 (bluetooth) with my ipad mini6 over 2 years, playing DS is flawless.

[@KleyDeJong]

Good video Russ! I was looking at this recently. I went with a BSP G8 from Aliexpress. It was very cheap at like $23. It is bluetooth. Feels a little light in the hand, but overall I really love it so far. The buttons and sticks feel good. It can stretch REALLY wide. It has nice triggers and joy sticks. My only minor complaints are with overall comfort. It doesn't have any grips really and it has this bar in the middle which makes it a little awkward to place your fingers. The right stick and the d pad are a little cramped too. They're not in any kind of V pattern, but straight down. But man, for $23 it has really impressed me.

[@outthefryinpan]

thats so cool, wondering if there are any other similar duo phones that can work as well. Really thorough video per usual russ

[@MiBrCo4177]

I've got the Razer Kishi V2 and love it. It's fitting is the same as this one though since I use it on my note 20 and it's camera layout on the back makes it bow a tad inward but otherwise it's nearly perfect. for bigger tablets though I'd recommend setting the tablet up against something for support and getting a wired controller to use or bluetooth if all else fails. great controller though. love that it has multiple connection settings, ie.. blue light and pressing the select/start buttons. great vid!

[@thanosm.4056]

Thanks Russ , soo happy to see you answered my video request about the surface duo emulating DS/3DS. Now the setup video pleeaassee😂

[@SumWorries]

I second this request

[@chrismckenna6183]

3rd 😂

[@mohawho8251]

4th

[@BigMacWitCheez]

Finally a controller perfect for the foldables!! So glad they kept the USB-C on the left but gave it analog triggers and the xbox controller layout!

[@hotchoclateguy]

Awesome review Russ

[@rastamouse7861]

Looks like it’ll work with my pixel 8!! Thanks for review!

[@Stockarts]

finally, youve appreciated the "foldable" gamesir kombo. I do own a Samsung galaxy fold3 and since two month iam using a vivo x fold2 with the old gamesir X2 and its a great experience. Surely will buy the gamesir x2s and try that out as well.

[@TakisEnjoyer]

Had Fold 3 before flex mode cables broke under the hinge. Such a great smartphone for 4:3 gaming. Wish it lasted longer for me.

[@justicator]

YES FULL VIDEO PLEASE!

[@gnidrologeddie]

Thanks so much for this ! I wondered if you have an idea of the power drain on the phone when not in use ? I tried a Backbone, but returned it because I want to use it with a dedicated android phone, and it completely discharged the phone overnight. Again, thank you so much for your totally informative videos !

[@silaskoenig7761]

Please make a full video on the phone!! I’ve been contemplating picking one up for the ultimate Ds!

[@OSW]

I've no intention of buying a Surface Duo 2 but i would LOVE a video about setting it up! I would love u to tell us about Citra emulation, but just show footage of your actual 3DS, so we can just listen along.

[@neonoirex]

I would love to see a surface pro duo video. You making me wish I caught woot sales on that phone when they had extra stock

[@marcoanselmo1753]

I love my Surface Duo 1 and definitely buying this controller lol Would love to see a video of the Duo in our current climate. Trying to get a Surface duo and citra/yuzu.

[@dogboy0912]

I've been using a Bluetooth controller because of how off center the USBC port on the surface duo 1 is. I managed to get a wifi only surface duo for way cheaper than normal price.

[@digitizer3627]

I really liked the Ipega ones because they can handle large tablets. I got both versions but adored them. Thanks for the review❤

[@yatza901]

I have been looking at the ipega to use with my tablet, do you find it works well? I have been playing with a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse but it's not so easy to play anywhere other than a table haha.

[@digitizer3627]

@@yatza901 Yes. It does a fine job especially the red tone one because its a bit bigger. I have an 11inch tab A. Havent tried it on my 12.4 inch yet though.

[@yatza901]

@@digitizer3627 yeah sweet, next time I have some spare cash I'll order one. I have a lenovo m10 plus, works great for in home game streaming.

[@Isaac________]

Would love to see a video on the surface duo 2.

[@magpiefirefly]

Been looking for a mobile controller like this, but the price wasn't right for me for other controllers. This being around $50 while also having hall effect sticks and triggers is amazing, definitely exactly what I was looking for.

[@DennisLofgren]

Yes please make a video on the Surface Duo

[@techietam]

Full video about emulation on the Surface Duo 2, please!

[@twitchster77]

The Microsoft Duo (1) is one of my funnest purchases I've made in the past couple of years. It looks amazing in white and is a dream for ds/3ds gaming. But the mass majority of why it was such a fun purchase is because I got it so dang cheap. I only paid $200 for mine (through Amazon) in used, like new condition. It came brand new but in an open box.

[@zu_perler3011]

Lol at my legitimate "HOLY CRAP" reaction at CES 😂

[@Blazingscourge]

Wow, I just got an iPhone 15 and had to get a new controller for it for gamepass! This looks perfect!

[@wongwwy]

Hi Russ, which gamepad tester app did you use for your test always? I tried to download some but I cannot find the exact one you use to test your controllers. Thanks for the informative review as always.

[@RayLancer]

Nice review. I like these style of controllers but I hate how wide it feels when using them with phones vs an actual handheld.

[@cangel8563]

Yeah, I have the old X2. I use it mostly for drastic and it's great but it takes a while to get used to how wide it feels

[@davebirch2543]

I bought the OG Gamesir X2 controller a few years ago and absolutely loved it. The only frustration for me was the lack of analogue triggers when streaming. As soon as I saw the G8 Galileo I knew I had to have one. The only thing about the Galileo though is the lack of a carry case, and the fact that it doesn't fit in the old X2 case. The X2S would have though. 20 20 hindsight and all that.

[@CLaRkMC]

Thankyou for covering this, I have a foldable and all controllers make the phone sit funny on the foldables

[@shilze1]

I've had my eyes on the other one like this that also had dome switches, definitely a big win if this really is cheaper than that when all is said and done. The only thing I could think would make it any better is being officially licensed with PlayStation while having the same exact design so it works out of the box with remote play (yes I know alternatives exist but that's not what this bit is about)

[@clownworld1017]

Finally. A good video on my emulation fantasy. The perfect HD DS

[@wonder8899]

I want a surface duo so bad. This is a dream set up

[@Doomhauser]

Very interested in the Surface 2 Duo setup - I am so far very underwhelmed with the state of single-screen DS emulation so this sounds like the perfect device along with this controller!

[@ShadyFurball1]

Great video. Are there any split controllers for android like the switch joycons? I tried pairing joy cons but would see them as two separate controllers.

[@shaderdream]

Seems like a variation of their X2 Pro, just with the ports on the left instead of right and some feature upgrades in the firmware carried over from the G8. The triggers on the X2 Pro looked just like these, too.

[@ericlefontainethompson7917]

Still rocking my surface duo 1 with the GamesirX2 as my primary emulation device. Pizza boy pro is awesome using one screen in portrait mode with the touch screen controls, it’s just the right thickness

[@LeonardoBarbosa-qw6fp]

Question: how is it with the battery of the Surface Duo 1? I heard that if the battery is bad and you need to replace, it is a pain to do. This is the only reason I’m not buying a used Surface Duo 1 right now but I may be wrong

[@ericlefontainethompson7917]

@@LeonardoBarbosa-qw6fp I bought a “used” one from Woot about a year ago for ~$200. It was actually new (MS factory seals, packaging, and warranty were all good) and I only use it for emulation in airplane mode unless I need to update anything. With the above in mind, the battery will last me anywhere from 6-12ish hours depending on what I’m playing. GC, PS2, & 3DS drain the battery the quickest. Anything from psp down and the battery life is quite a bit longer. Standby can last for quite a while since it’s in airplane mode. I wouldn’t consider replacing the battery myself. The Surface duo phones are built to such a high degree of precision, I wouldn’t be confident with replacing the battery and getting it back together.

[@DiceRobo]

@@LeonardoBarbosa-qw6fp Mine just started having weird issues where it would turn off randomly, so there are definitely battery issues. When it was ok, it did Mario 64 for about 3 hours at full brightness. (my memory might be fuzzy, but I remember that i did it at the same time as a Switch Oled, and it was only at 50% when the duo was at like 10%)

[@X91X-km7hp]

Hey Russ, would love to see you review the BSP bluetooth controller series.

[@wilfredobracero4226]

I've actually been using the Gamesir x2 with my Surface Duo 1st gen to play DS games and 3DS gmes for a while now and it's been amazing. I'm thinking though if I should upgrade to a x2s though. Maybe if they make a Black variant color I will but for now I will hold off.

[@justicator]

I'm also curious if you've gotten or plan to get and test the JK02 telescopic controller with the built in peltier cooler. It seems like a budget version of the gamesir x3 in many regards

[@jonroies6857]

Be great if you did a video on the duo been using 1 for a while but would love some tips from you

[@acarrizosa08]

Can you talk about the power draw of these controls also? The Razr Kishi V1 draws power from the phone even when the phone is in sleep mode. Is that something that continues to happen with newer controllers also?

[@vixox314]

Could you do a review of the BSP-D9? It seems a good alternative to the G8 Galileo

[@AlexRubio]

This is great, I'm going to buy one cuz I have the galaxy fold 4-5 and open plus open going to use one of those as my gaming devices . Dual screen baby 😅

[@maxducoudray]

The Surface Duo is very cool. I was lucky to grab one when they were cheap. I’m curious whether you were able to successfully launch Drastic from Daijisho or Emulation Station. When I do, it won’t launch in dual screen mode.

[@bandito241]

This is my next controller for sure.

[@Thekidfromcalifornia2.0]

I used the x2 pro controller with a used android phone and works great. Living Europe it was a a cheaper option then emulation handheld.

[@Bendilin]

I plan on getting an Ipega controller for my Galaxy Flip 5, it seems perfect.

[@Grimlo9ic]

I was wondering why they put the USB connector on the left side this time around... but after seeing the DS use case for it, I'm impressed that they really considered that.

[@NotSoCleverUsername]

Feel like for tablets (and in my case, the LG V60 w/ Dual Screen case [cheaper Duo alternative @ $200]), its best to go with the BSP controllers (D8 or D9) for the time being. Bluetooth doesn't seem too bad unless you're planning to do streaming possibly. But I do think they are priced pretty competitively for what they feature, it just an Aliexpress purchase, so QC and shipping would be the trade offs. And the D9 in particular is funny enough to be the "we have the Playstation Portal at home" controller

[@acarajeh]

Russ, please do a dedicated video for the Surface Duo. Would love to get your insights.

[@meanderking]

i like that historical footage sign! 😁

[@DragonBourne]

GameSir has an older model designed specifically for tablets. I considered buying one a couple of years ago when I was trying to find the best way to turn an android device into a good game streaming solution. I ended up going with the PowerA xp7 and a phone, but only because I wasn't sure about the build quality of the GameSir hardware.

[@karld4737]

I had a gamesir x2 pro but gave it to my nephew cuz I didn’t like the Dpad nor ergonomics of it, it’s too cramped for dpad gaming. I too cut out the side padding to use it with a phone case. I ended up getting a Shanwan on Amazon and it’s become my favorite. I plan to use with a folding phone once I get one. It’s Bluetooth but feels responsive and it has one of the best dpads I’ve ever used.

[@fot3k]

Got the G8 last week for my S9 Ultra 1TB and is amazing for mobile gaming and emulators with ES-DE etc. I need a big one for my S8 Ultra Tablet 🤣

[@gregmasciola3332]

That original Gamesir controller was my first attempt with handheld emulation, but I could never get it to work. It would connect to my phone and Retroarch would let me map the buttons, but if I went to play a game, it just wouldn't work. After sending two of them back I just got a clip to attach my phone to my 8-bitdo SN30 Pro Plus controller which worked fine. But eventually after watching a bunch of videos by you and WulffDen I decided I wanted a dedicated handheld instead of using my phone.

[@chadguts600]

I have X2 pro & I really love it.

[@darren591]

Looks like a great controller and yeah there's gonna be loads of people frothing for you to make a dual screen emulation video now haha. Personally I wish this controller came in some other colourways but it still looks great for $45 (compared to $70 for the 8bitdo Ultimate BT for example).

[@MsOniHime]

Awesome. It's Hadoukenable and Shoryukenable 👍

[@Lexberger]

What device do you use for the contra test at 6:40? (not that controller lol)

[@hristomirivanov]

Hey Russ, can you test some more foldables, like Samsung Flip 5, as you can use the compact screen for gaming as well as other apps.

[@elcoreano11]

Is the USB C port only for charging or can you add a flash drive to expand memory? My phone has no space for adding games. These telescopic controllers need a microsd slot especially if the intended use is for mobile phones. Their next iteration should include 2 USB Cs, microsd slot and headphone jack as well as expand a little bit more without unhinging it.

[@alanbooe]

Would be interested in a dual screen guide for emulation now that I really don't have any use for my duo2. Also is it worth it to upgrade to this is I already have the old x2?

[@LePro24]

Hey Ross I have a retroid pocket 3 without an SD card. I’m looking at buying one with ROMS preinstalled which would you recommend?

[@yashe6780]

I'm using BSP-D6, bought for around $14 + shipping. Buttons and dpad are a bit stiff, but otherwise it's quite nice for its price

[@user-ht7pm4nt9x]

Will the gamesir g8 and gamesir x2s work with phone case?

[@mohawho8251]

very interested in a duo 2 setup and review!

[@jaguar1101]

My dream phone controller would be one with recessed analog sticks (like anbernic devices) for better pocketability, and with the option to hold the phone either vertically or horizontally. I mostly play games on devices other than my phone, but dual screen gaming is just better on my phone because of the touch screen and aligning two screens when holding the phone vertically. Of course if you have these kinds of two screen phones it solves the issue as well, but if not, holding the phone vertically is just the only good option to show both screens at a reasonable size. I know the port wouldn't align so it would probably be a bt controller but still an idea.

[@JangleBoy]

Please make that video on the surface duo 2. It looks like a dream setup for 3ds

[@treymon3135]

Yoshi's Island looks beautiful on this device.

[@cashnelson2306]

Oh dude, now I’m feeling some buyers remorse about the New 3DS I upgraded to this week! I should have gotten this and a Surface Duo, that’s PERFECT!! I.. think I might actually be returning this lol

[@nodokaxnegi4ever]

When popped fully out, will it fit the iPad Pro 12.9in?

[@UMAMITORA]

Sick video, would love to see monster hunter 4 ultimate emulated on the surface duo 2, honestly any monster hunter game being emulated!

[@Ko0lAid117]

Plz make a video on how to setup the duo 2 for emulation!! 🙏🏻

[@DavienMcCarty]

What I would really like to see are more controllers that let me play games on my phone in both landscape and portrait mode. Dual screen and folding devices are fun, but they have a SUPER high cost of entry. Most everyone has a "traditional" form-factor smartphone these days and allowing the phone to be held in portrait mode would allow for "DS" style gaming while having both screens in their appropriate positions without having to drop a substantial amount of money on a niche device.

[@djbrotherson]

9:08 did you get thumbcaps with this? I'm using some from my Gamesirx2 and they fit PERFECTLY on my Retroid Pocket 4 Pro

[@Kirby5588]

I'm thinking yes. My x2 pro Xbox edition came with thumb caps.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Strangely mine didn’t come with caps, but other reviewers did get them. Must have been an omission with my review unit.

[@HonDashiStarRail]

friend, I understand that you compared this model in the video, but I’ll ask: I have a z fold 5, what do you think is the best controller for it, g8 gallileo or x2s? g8 is better in everything, but x2s has usc-c on the left side. I'm interested in your opinion. Whichever one you say, I’ll go buy it :))

[@HOUSTONERS420]

Please make a surface duo 2 video! I love mine, use it as a tablet but now with the new gamesir, going to try ds games and more

[@porgesomer]

Would you think that there is an upgrade from the x2? Aside from the extra stretch of the telescopic springs