CheckMag | This budget USB-C game controller is essential for mobile gamers and is now even cheaper
Whether you play retro games or the latest triple-A titles on your mobile, touch screen controls can be a nightmare. The lack of tactility means your fingers inadvertently drift away from the buttons, and games where you are required to press multiple face buttons simultaneously, are almost impossible. Pretty much any retro Mario game!
Similarly, phones and tablets are not particularly ergonomic. Holding a phone for extended gaming sessions can get tiring, and having a decent ergonomic grip can be the difference between carpal tunnel and an enjoyable experience. With so many triple-A titles available on mobile that weren't built with touchscreens in mind, the addition of a proper controller makes playing them a far superior experience.
That being said, mobile controllers can be expensive, especially when they are often a secondary device that only gets used from time to time. The Razer Kishi V3, for example, costs more than an official PS5 controller ($119.99 with a 20% discount on Amazon vs $73.99, respectively). While there are a range that will fit almost any budget, you'd be hard-pressed to find one this good at this price.
The GameSir X5 Lite
There is nothing flashy about the GameSir X5 Lite. No RGB (just a glowing GameSir button on the right-hand side to show it's connected), USB-C connection, no haptic feedback, and no Bluetooth. Just a standard set of (ever-so-slightly cramped) controls mimicking most regular controller layouts.
The thumbsticks are clickable and Hall effect, which means no stick drift develops over time. The buttons, while membrane as opposed to microswitches, are still tactile and relatively clicky, and the ergonomics of the palm grips are decent, if a little small compared with full-size controllers.
The controller can stretch to accommodate devices up to 213mm wide, which will fit most phones and some smaller tablets such as the iPad Mini. The controller comes with removable rubber pads that can accommodate different cases and different depth USB ports. Most devices should fit without a problem, as long as the controller can be stretched wide enough.
The fact that the controller connects with a wired USB-C connection instead of Bluetooth, means there is little to no latency, and you can charge your phone simultaneously thanks to USB-C passthrough. There are several shortcuts available, allowing you to change volume and assign turbo modes to different buttons. The grip on the phone is fine. It won't take being thrown around, but it is relatively secure.
The GameSir X5 Lite is probably best described as "good enough". The thumb sticks, buttons, ergonomics, and latency are all fine for their intended purpose and get the job done with little fuss.
Where the X5 Lite really shines, is with the value proposition. At £29.75 (15% discount) on Amazon UK, and $34.99 on Amazon US, this is as cheap as mobile controllers get. However, the value it adds to the experience of retro or AAA gaming on mobile is priceless.
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