a real rival to the Xbox controller

Third-party controllers just like the Razer Wolverine and GameSir Tarantula Pro are real rivals to OEM alternate options for PC gaming due to their high quality development and modern options. I used to be excited to get my palms on the GameSir Cyclone 2 as a result of it takes styling cues from the Xbox controller, like related asymmetrical sticks and button placement, whereas including some distinctive twists to tell apart itself as one thing completely different.

The snug form looks like residence, and whereas it will not work on the Xbox console, it gives cross-platform compatibility on PC, Change, iOS, and Android. I examined it with varied video games on my PC and Android telephone to check its efficiency and options and decide if it could actually rival one of the best controller within the enterprise.

Editor’s Selection

GameSir Cyclone 2

GameSir’s Cyclone 2 is a multiplatform controller that connects to a PC, Android, iOS, or the Nintendo Change by way of Bluetooth, 2.4G, or a USB cable. It has an analogous form to an Xbox controller and provides additional options like adjustable triggers, TMR switches, and a charging stand.

Model

GameSir

Platform

Home windows/Nintendo Change/Android/iOS

Battery

860mAh

Connectivity

Bluetooth, 2.4G, Wired

Headset Assist

3.5mm audio

Programmable

Sure

Additional Buttons

Two additional buttons

Broaden

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Value, availability, and specs

The most recent tech in a snug form

The GamSir Cyclone 2 connects by way of a 2.4G USB dongle, Bluetooth, or a USB-C to USB-A cable if it’s essential to cost it whereas taking part in. Energy is provided by an 860mAh battery, which lasted round eight hours in testing with the RGB lighting and rumble options activated. Not like most controllers, it has an aluminum charging station that doubles as a stand. The stand took up minimal area on my desk, and I appreciated that I may place the controller on the cradle, and it might mechanically cost once I was completed taking part in.

Efficiency is superb from the responsive TMR sticks, which eradicate drift utilizing the most recent electromagnetic know-how and don’t have any shifting elements to speed up put on and tear. The ABXY buttons and rear paddles really feel sturdy and have a satisfying clicky really feel. I loved tinkering with the rear paddles, that are simply mappable to my keyboard or mouse buttons by way of the GameSir Join app to recharge well being and activate particular talents in my video games.

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The toggle triggers are my standout characteristic on the Cyclone 2. Every set off has a bodily change connected to it to vary between the hair set off and analog modes. The hair set off mode is ideal for on-line shooters as a result of it shortens the set off pull for an prompt response when firing. The analog mode is best for racing video games as a result of it lengthens the pull size so you possibly can management the revs when driving. GameSir’s clear triggers are a cool contact as a result of you possibly can view the internals and see how the switches work.

The Cyclone 2 is out there in Black or White. My white check unit has a semi-translucent end, lit by refined four-zone RGB lighting. GameSir Join makes it straightforward to regulate the lighting colours or add presets like Move, Rainbow, and Pulse. The app additionally helps you to individually regulate the left and proper grip rumble ranges or flip them off when you do not need to use them.

What I like concerning the GameSir Cyclone 2

Consumer-friendliness and ease

My PC mechanically detected the controller, and it was able to go in seconds after I plugged within the wi-fi dongle. It instantly labored with Steam and GameSir Join with out requiring any software program updates or configuration settings. After testing quite a few controllers, I appreciated the Cyclone 2’s straightforward plug-and-play setup as a result of I may get straight into my video games with out losing time attempting to get it working. It was the identical on Android, and my telephone immediately detected the Cyclone 2 and linked to it by way of Bluetooth.

I additionally appreciated that the Cyclone 2 has the identical snug form and different benefits of the Xbox controller whereas including refined adjustments to enhance its usability. Stick drift has turn into a factor of the previous due to TMR know-how, and also you needn’t fear about altering these pesky double AAs due to the built-in battery. The grips have higher texturing, and there are additional rear paddles and quick-switch adjustable triggers to enhance your gaming.

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It may not look like a giant deal, however the included stand/charging station provides spectacular worth and comfort to the Cyclone 2. The stand has a contemporary design with a sturdy aluminum base and a USB-C charging port. It offers your setup a clear aesthetic as a result of you possibly can go away your controller in a protected place to cost with out worrying about connecting and disconnecting cables. There’s additionally a USB-A port, which is helpful for storing the wi-fi dongle to forestall it from getting misplaced.

Customization goes an extended technique to enhancing a controller expertise. I loved fine-tuning the Cyclone 2 Execs efficiency with the user-friendly GameSir Join app, which divides the triggers, stick, lighting, and different options onto completely different pages to maintain issues easy. It helps you to change the report charge, regulate the stick and set off sensitivity, and remap the buttons. It can save you your settings in as much as 4 profiles for various video games while you’re completed.

What I do not like concerning the GameSir Cyclone 2

Extra backlighting, please

My solely situation with the Cyclone 2 Professional is its lack of backlighting across the ABXY buttons. The RGB lighting shining by means of the case considerably mitigates the problem, however I would nonetheless like particular person backlighting for every button to enhance visibility when taking part in at the hours of darkness.

It could considerably add to not solely the aesthetic but in addition simply enhance total visibility. Nonetheless, it actually would not impression the operate in any respect, so it is a actually forgettable qualm.

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Do you have to purchase the GameSir Cyclone 2?

It is a simple choice

I feel the Cyclone 2 is totally price your greenback as a result of it provides the most recent tech into a well-recognized form that the majority avid gamers love. It is a legit challenger to the Xbox controller for PC and cell gaming as a result of it comes at across the similar value whereas enhancing the design and including extras like a charging stand.

Utilizing the Cyclone 2 for aggressive PC video games like Naraka Bladepoint and Marvel Rivals on PC was terrific due to its quick response time and hair triggers. It additionally improved my gameplay on cell titles like Road Fighter IV CE and Actual Racing 3 due to its precision and arcade-like really feel.

Editor’s Selection

GameSir Cyclone 2

GameSir’s Cyclone 2 Professional is a multiplatform controller that connects to a PC, Android, iOS, or the Nintendo Change by way of Bluetooth, 2.4G, or a USB cable. It has an analogous form to an Xbox controller and provides additional options like adjustable triggers, TMR switches, and a charging stand.

Model

GameSir

Platform

Home windows/Nintendo Change/Android/iOS

Battery

860mAh

Connectivity

Bluetooth, 2.4G, Wired

Headset Assist

3.5mm audio

Programmable

Sure

Additional Buttons

Two additional buttons

Broaden

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