BEST Budget Phone/Tablet Controller | GameSir X2S vs G8 compared!

[@retrohandhelds]

What's your thoughts on the X2S? Rare to see hall technology used under $50. An extra note on Razer: I enjoyed the V2 Pro, but X2S beats their offerings *at the price point* for me. Check out the new Razer Kishi Ultra (review on our channel), which while pricey is my favorite from them now.

[@ExileXCross]

X2s is $40 now.

[@snapdragon9300]

I just got mine 5 days ago. Will not synch with majority of my Android games bar zombie frontier. I'm using Samsung Galaxy A30. It won't register my gmail address eithe on the gamsir world app I downloaded seperate. Definatly not plug and play.

[@adinwalls]

Nothing like watching Stubbs actively trying to break stuff for a few minutes 😂

[@retrohandhelds]

NO REGRETS!

[@ETlandxoxo]

I have been waiting for this one since I saw your CES post. It aligns perfectly with my aesthetics and I love all the functions that come with it

[@retrohandhelds]

Ahhh ET, that's awesome to hear. The colorway totally fits your channel's vibes!

[@adelin081]

How comfortable is it to use with the Lenovo P11 Pro? I was searching for controllers to use specifically with this tablet and as luck would have it, you test it in this video. Would you recommend the X2S, is it comfortable during longer play sessions?

[@Simonnnnnnnnnnnnn]

Which telescopic controller has best dpad can accurately detect diagonal input for retro gaming? Can you answer please

[@CharlieWestGaming]

I'm still rocking the GS X2 Pro Xbox edition with S22 Ultra combo!

[@mattdavis9601]

X2 Pro gang represent! Mine is the matte black model and I've had it for about a year and a half now. It still looks and works like new. I don't expect to need a replacement for a long while and I'm hopeful they'll have an X2 Pro 2 by the time I do.

[@Ar1Ev3]

Thanks for the review and for the coupon 🙏 I just ordered it.

[@mattdavis9601]

Stubbs taught me something today. At 2:58 - I've had an X2 Pro for a year and a half and I did not know you can do that! My generic Chinese Android tablet that I use for Genesis, SNES, and WonderSwan has USB-C but, unfortunately, doesn't have USB PD 2.0 so it won't pair. At least I'll know for my next tablet. I'm somewhat confused by 6:20 - the part where certain emulators aren't detected unless opened in the GameSir App. Is that a bug that'll be fixed or something GameSir is doing to make people use their app? In comparison; my X2 Pro just works. I don't even have their app installed most of the time. I'll install it once every few months, check for firmware updates, and uninstall it afterwards because the app has this persistent notification that annoys me. What you've shown here is weird and kind of a deal breaker for me, and I'm usually one of GameSir's biggest Internet shills. Thanks for another excellent review. There's a lot of us, dozens(!), who use our phones and tablets as retro handhelds and it's good to get some representation. This is a definitely a review I can use.

[@retrohandhelds]

Glad to help! *Some apps and games do work natively, Drastic, GamePass and COD Mobile are a few that need the app in order to see the controller correctly. There are more, but I haven't tested every app. Thanks for watching!

[@mattdavis9601]

@@retrohandhelds - Thanks for the reply. Hopefully they'll fix this with an update, because the way you've described things, some work right while randomly others need the app, it sounds more like an unfortunate bug than an intentional decision by GameSir.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@mattdavis9601 Yeah just something with how the controller reports itself to Android perhaps. Maybe not an issue on the iOS side, but I don't have iOS devices to test with.

[@moviecouple1995]

Just curious… on your Z fold, what case are you using for it? Looks like it is good protection all around.

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah, it's the "Official Standing Case with Strap" and is about $25 used from Amazon. Love it!

[@hamdiabu-zalaf]

Cool, thorough review and consider me subscribed. 🎮👌 A few days ago I decided to buy both GameSir controllers: the Galileo G8 and the X2S (both worked out cheaper combined anyhow, instead of buying the Razer Kishi Ultra). 'Had quite the hours of fun using the X2S with me' Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 ['might sell off the XBox Series X controller I'd previously used with it] and have a number of other Android devices I can test the Galileo with.

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah cool! Thanks for watching and the sub. Which one did you end up using more?

[@hamdiabu-zalaf]

@retrohandhelds no worries at all and funnily enough I'm enjoying the X2S so much, since opening it up, that I *still* l haven't opened the Galileo G8 yet.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@hamdiabu-zalaf Oh wow! Haha, that's pretty good praise for it. Sometimes you just find the right one, and you're good to go!

[@matt_HM]

I just noticed that Commodore 1702 in the background. I have one too, love it!

[@retrohandhelds]

The best!

[@Esse_P]

Hi, a question: do they work with covers? With those armor-type covers, to be clear.

[@retrohandhelds]

They do, but I'm not sure on the thickness of armor covers. My case is maybe a medium size.

[@kamehamegamer]

Great review I've ordered it, worth saying the amazon 10% off code works in the UK :)

[@retrohandhelds]

Thanks! This is great to know. Hope you enjoy.😊

[@itsAphelion.]

Great video, been decicing on a g8 or just a clip and ps5 controller. My main use is game pass and ps remote play(using Android so i can use a 3rd party remote play that will register the controller) $80 for the g8 doesnt seem justified for my little use. But 40 for the x2s seems just right. If i was more of a mobile gamer g8 for sure but casual playing and light use x2s seems perfect

[@retrohandhelds]

Thanks!! Yeah for the weigh balance alone i'd recommend the X2S or G8, the phone clip setup used to be how I played COD back in the day, but so very top heavy and a strain on my hands.

[@danileo13]

In the case of devices with active cooling like the Redmagic phones or the Razer Edge, are the ventilation holes on the back of the phones obstructed by the controller?

[@retrohandhelds]

This is a great question. I'll check. I might also look at the X3 potentially as it has a fan.

[@NeroVingian40]

Oh, wow, it’s only $45? That’s a good price, ngl.

[@retrohandhelds]

Yeah when I finally saw the price reveal it blew me away. I was expecting $60.

[@NeroVingian40]

@@retrohandhelds yeah, $45 is crazy. Most controllers are $60.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@NeroVingian40 Agreed!

[@perryfitzherbert6977]

I have one. I use it with parsec to remote to my PC and play high end games on my phone. The USB-C connection gives 0 input latency which matters a lot when on mobile networks. I freaking love it.

[@XxxBabyGetShakyxxX]

Do you think I can make the gamesir X2 fit 12.7 inch tablet.

[@mufaa]

Will this controller accomodate a 13"+ tablet? I have the Huawei MatePad Pro 13".2 AMOLED tablet.

[@retrohandhelds]

We've only tested up to 12", it may be possible but I'm not confident on that.

[@wan9145]

Can g8 also pops out like x2?? Thank you for great comparison helped a lot to make decision!

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah it needs a little elbow grease, but it can be done! Check out RetroBreezeYT channel for a guide. Glad you enjoyed and the video was helpful 😁

[@alex_cookie33]

Depending on region, the G8 can go as low as $50 only. The advantages for X2S for portability and that pop feature.

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah thats great to know!

[@MarjorieLumabas]

You can mod the g8 to do that

[@aviagrawal5903]

@@alex_cookie33 173g vs 250, I modded my g8 and put an extra backplate and noticed it’s at least 300 grams. X2s will be a pound combinding the iPad mini 6, g8 was about 1.4 when I weighed it

[@m2ljay]

Curious on your thoughts on emulation on surface duo vs galaxy fold, which is better experience? Maybe a video?

[@retrohandhelds]

For DS & 3DS the Surface Duo all day (I don't have one at the moment, I would have shown it over the Fold)

[@GaamcouLia]

Will it work with PC/steam using a USB extension cable?

[@perryfitzherbert6977]

Connect with parsec and a phone.

[@netbirth]

Spen case fit on the z fold 5 with it plugged in by chance ?

[@retrohandhelds]

That shouldn't be an issue depending on the thickness. I have an average size case on my z fold here.

[@MulaMagnis]

Do you know if this gamepads are compatible with phones which have big camera bump like Xiaomi 14 Ultra please ?

[@retrohandhelds]

My phone has a larger bump without the case, was not an issue, but I haven't tried the Xiaomi specifically.

[@ianerrolserapio5913]

Hope you notice me. Is this compatible with my Xiaomi 13? I really want to buy this kind of controller. But not sure if i can use this

[@retrohandhelds]

I read every comment. It should be compatible looking at the size. Thanks for watching!

[@sara.cbc92]

Can you play with a thin jelly case with these controllers?

[@retrohandhelds]

If it's on the thinner side then yes

[@MarjorieLumabas]

Sad to see the case is not included anymore

[@ultragamingcom]

does Gamesir G8 support bypass charging like gamesir x2 ?

[@dee12yearsago88]

It says pass through charging on their website so i'm guessing yes?

[@retrohandhelds]

Yes it works

[@quisshmoov6313]

The X2 pro is on sale to be arount the same price as X2s which one is better in your opinions if price didnt matter?

[@retrohandhelds]

X2S

[@quisshmoov6313]

@retrohandhelds Thank you any reasons why you say that ? Can't find any comparisons online.

[@murdocdark5230]

@@quisshmoov6313 the L2, R2 bumpers i think are better

[@christianv5539]

Great video. I ordered one cause I'm sick of bringing a controller with me to play emulators.

[@skeletoninyourcloset471]

The gamesir x2s bluetooth is compatible with Nintendo switch Dock the switch Connect usb type c to dock Make sure its on the lower side usb Then connect it to the controller then boom you can use it on your switch 😄

[@Zen.bassoon]

Does it work with Yuzu?

[@DrGreenThumbNZL]

Durrrr what a moron

[@nintendork07]

man, 80 dollars for a controller that you can only use wired is a tough ask. rather just get a phone clip & use my xbox controller at that point really like the x2s' design. just ordered one, but hopefully there's not much standby drain for your phone with it connected. that was a big problem for the razer kishi, since there was no standby mode for it. the g8 doesn't have this problem

[@retrohandhelds]

I hear you there. It is very power efficient compared to Razer.

[@gzoe4real4ever]

That usb type c sticking out to me is a designed flaws. It should be optional. Rather you wished to game through Bluetooth only vs type c only. That thing can easily messed up the port to the phone if not careful.

[@samuelvanlane]

I eant one but absolutely hate the color. Ive hewrd bad things about the swappable buttons on the x2 pro sticking to your fingers and lifting off 😑

[@crystiethompson4465]

Can this work with free fire?

[@gregorywilson2124]

I’d pay the 80

[@Bugside]

Not $40 in Europe though

[@andrewanderson2975]

Don't you find Samsung Z Fold great for gaming iv got Fold 3 it plays PS2 and Gamecube

[@retrohandhelds]

Absolutely! Fold 3 is still a beast

[@Xarai]

did you seriously use a dam analog for a 2d game?

[@Alice8000]

So inspiring to see a successful LGBTQ+ KZbinr 🏳‍🌈❤ Retro

[@agprime]

What does sexual orientation has to do with retro reviews?

[@Alice8000]

@@agprime exactly. Everyone can enjoy video games.

[@foxhound6364]

@@Alice8000 So why be weird and bring his sexual preferences into it? Is it also inspiring to see a successful KZbinr with a foot fetish? Who gives a shit? People who are against it are weird, and you are just as bizarre.

[@eddiew.4650]

@@Alice8000 So why did you bring up the fact? Someone's sexual orientation shouldn't define how successful they are when making KZbin videos.

[@Alice8000]

@@eddiew.4650 my point exactly