GameSir X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller | Hardware Review

December 23, 2025 Scott Clark

Back in 2021, I decided to bite the bullet and pick up a Backbone peripheral to be able to play Xbox games on my iPhone. When I talked about it on our June 30th podcast episode, I agreed that the novelty was cool, but it just didn’t quite click for me. I had issues with the device fitting my phone, which had a case on it. I kind of assumed my days of playing Game Pass Games portably were over unless I wanted to fork over the cash for a ROG Ally. Thankfully, GameSir has come to the rescue with their latest release of the X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller. I was shocked by its overwhelming number of features and ease of use. Plus, it fits my phone that has a case and a pop socket on it! It’s definitely way more versatile than any other product of its kind that I’ve experienced.

Adaptable Design

Right off the bat, I knew that the X5s had a lot going for it. Not only is it compatible with both iPhone and Android devices (the Backbone had a separate device for each of those), but it also works with the Nintendo Switch & Switch 2. If you love to play portably, but find the Switch 2 to be less than ideal for adult hands, simply attach this device to your tablet. It takes seconds to sync via Bluetooth, or connects directly to your device via USB-C. Its design isn’t catered to just one device and can be stretched to fit anything up to 8.39 inches.

I couldn’t get over how quickly I was able to get into a game and start playing. It’s very easy to fit my phone into the X5s, and the Bluetooth connected almost instantaneously. I don’t play a ton of twitchy games on my phone, because using touch controls are simply not the ideal way to play. Now I have the option to have tactile controls, and it’s making me rethink my entire approach to mobile gaming. Not only that, but my Xbox Game Pass subscription allows to me play games from that library anywhere I have a wi-fi connection.

Features

Tri-Mode Connectivity for Wide Device Compatibility
Lightweight Design, Perfect for Gaming on the Go
Precise and Anti-Drift: GameSir™ Hall Effect Sticks
Precision-Tuned Hall Effect Analog Triggers
HD Vibration
Native Motion Control with 6-Axis Gyro
Swappable ABXY Buttons for Your Preferred Layouts
Optional Custom Thermoelectric Cooler – FX5 / FX5 Lite
Turbo Function
Play without Limits. Game with GameHub
Software Customization

GameSir X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller Final Verdict

At half the cost of other similar products, the X5s is a great value. Playing on the go has never been easier or more cost-effective. The only downside is that the lightweight design makes the device feel less solid than you might be used to. So maybe don’t pick this one up for your kids. But for a responsible adult who doesn’t want to miss out of gaming while traveling, this is an easy recommend.

To hear me talk more about the GameSir X5S Wireless Mobile Game Controller, be sure to listen to the November 19th, 2025 episode of The Gaming Outsider Podcast around the 1:24:03 time stamp.

This review is based on a physical unit provided by Viral Promotors for coverage purposes.