Two of GameSir’s versatile mobile controllers for smartphones, small tablets, and Nintendo consoles are on sale for a limited time at Walmart and Amazon. Notably, each controllers will be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode. They provide higher ergonomics and have traditional D-pads, taller sticks, and bigger buttons than the Joy-Con 2 Controllers. The GameSir X5s is discounted to $40 (was $50) at Walmart and $45 at Amazon. GameSir just launched this budget-friendly model over the summer. In the event you’re willing to spend more, the higher-end GameSir G8 Plus Galileo adds remappable back buttons and a number of other features; it’s on sale for $59.89 (was $80) at Walmart and $72 at Amazon.
Walmart’s G8 Plus discount is listed as a “flash deal,” and Amazon’s offer is a limited-time take care of a selected number of obtainable units.
$40 at Walmart | $45 at Amazon (was $50)
The GameSir X5s has ergonomic, textured handles that ought to be more comfortable for many players compared to the flat Joy-Con 2 grips. Like other dedicated mobile controllers, the X5s has an extendable bridge and silicone pads to cradle devices measuring as much as 8.38 inches: Switch 2, Switch OLED, Switch, all iPhones, most Android phones, and small tablets.
The X5s is supplied with Hall Effect sticks and has removable face buttons, so you possibly can switch between Xbox and Nintendo control layouts. One other advanced feature is dual trigger modes. The Hall Effect triggers can move linearly like an everyday controller, or you possibly can lock them as rapid-fire buttons. Speaking of rapid-fire, there’s also a turbo function that will be assigned to the face buttons, bumpers, or triggers. It also has 6-axis motion controls and a traditional, 4-way D-pad.
With GameSir’s free mobile app, you possibly can adjust stick and trigger sensitivities in addition to the intensity of the twin rumble motors. The controller charges via USB-C and might run for as much as 12 hours between charges.
Key Features:
- Platforms: Switch 2, Switch, iOS, Android
- Cradles devices as much as 8.38 inches
- Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth
- 8-12 hours hours of battery life (USB-C charging)
- Hall Effect sticks
- 4-way D-pad
- Swappable face buttons
- 6-axis gyro motion controls
- Dual rumble motors
- Two trigger modes:
- Hall Effect linear mode
- Hair Trigger mode
- Turbo function
- Ergonomic, textured grips
- Extendable bridge with rubberized base/sides
- GameSir App customizations:
- Adjust stick and trigger sensitivity
- Adjust rumble intensity
- Create dead zones
- Firmware updates
$59.89 at Walmart | $72 at Amazon (was $80)
The G8 Plus has all the features found on the X5s, but it surely also has two remappable back buttons, removable faceplates, and comes with five swappable stick tops. It also has a bigger form factor and cradles devices as much as 8.46 inches.
I’ve tested the G8 Plus with Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and iPhone and was impressed by its performance and ergonomics.
Key Features:
- Platforms: Switch 2, Switch, iOS, Android
- Supports devices as much as 8.46 inches
- Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth
- As much as 8 hours of battery life (USB-C charging)
- Hall Effect sticks
- 2 remappable back buttons
- Removable faceplates
- 5 swappable sticks
- Swappable face buttons
- 6-axis gyro motion controls
- Dual rumble motors
- Two trigger modes
- Ergonomic, textured grips
- Extendable bridge with rubberized base/sides
Along with the usual black version, GameSir has two officially licensed editions themed around Marvel characters. A green Incredible Hulk Edition is on the market for $90 (was $100), and a Thanos Edition with a gold and purple color scheme is $100.
Nintendo Switch 2 Ergonomic Grips
In the event you’re mainly desirous about improving the Switch 2’s ergonomics in handheld mode, you would go for an attachable grip as a substitute. For the reason that Switch 2’s June launch, the marketplace for ergonomic grips has grown quite crowded. My favorite Switch 2 grip thus far is Dbrand’s Killswitch, which is now sold at Best Buy in an $80 bundle that comes with a canopy for the screen. The Killswitch has individual controller grips with contoured ridges to rest your fingers on. You may still use the console’s built-in kickstand with the shell attached to the back, too. Unlike some Switch 2 grips, nevertheless, the Killswitch prevents you from docking the console normally. Fortunately, it comes with a Switch 2 dock adapter that connects to Nintendo’s Dock Set. It’s cleverly designed and works incredibly well. The travel cover also has an attachment to store 10 game cards.
One other grip I’d recommend is Genki’s Attack Vector Grip Case. I do not think it’s as comfortable as Dbrand’s Killswitch, but it might use the Switch 2 Dock Set like normal. It comes with three different pairs of grips that will be swapped on the fly to suit your personal preference. Genki’s Attack Vector also comes with a travel cover. You may buy it for $60 at Amazon. It’s price noting Genki also makes a slim travel cover grip called the Force Field 2 that is $30.
There are many budget-friendly Switch 2 grips on Amazon. A few of these are clearly inspired by Dbrand’s Killswitch. As an illustration, the BHGift Dockable Grip Case ($20) and Timovo Dockable Grip Case ($14.87) have contoured ridges just like the Killswitch. For a budget option within the variety of Genki’s Attack Vector, there’s the Skull & Co. NeoGrip for $30.
JSAUX is one other popular budget brand with a number of nice options for $30 or less. The Split Protective Case with Travel Cover is simply $27 (was $30). We put together a custom Amazon page where you possibly can see these grips and others side by side.
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