You would possibly suppose it’s unusual that we at iMore are reviewing the X4 Aileron. In any case, it’s marketed as being made for Android and Xbox. But after we requested GameSir about it, they advised us it really works completely effectively with iOS as effectively.
Placing that declare to the take a look at, we determined to offer it a attempt to see if it’s value your time, and a coveted place amongst our finest sport controllers for iPhone rankings.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Value and availability
The GameSir X4 Aileron prices $99.99/£99.99 and is accessible from GameSir’s web site and third-party retailers. There are many telescopic management pads on sale for iPhone now much like the X4 Aileron, and GameSir’s providing right here sits at a value level dead-center of the typical value we see them retail at.
GameSir X4 Aileron: What I really like
Though it’s marketed for Android, the GameSir X4 Aileron makes use of Bluetooth for its connections, so it’ll work together with your iPhone. Since you don’t must plug something in, it additionally doesn’t matter in case your iPhone has a Lightning or USB-C port. To attach, press and maintain the Xbox and B buttons till the connection gentle flashes blue, then hook up with the controller from the iOS Bluetooth menu.
The X4 Aileron is available in a left and a proper half that may be magnetically snapped collectively into a really compact form for storage, and its light-weight body means it gained’t take up house or weigh you down. Either side clips onto one finish of your iPhone, which leaves the again of your system free for cellphone coolers and MagSafe charging pucks. The controller additionally comes with a sturdy protecting case, holding it protected when you determine to chuck it in a bag and take it travelling.
The structure is designed to imitate that of a typical Xbox controller, with A-B-X-Y buttons and the non-symmetrical thumb stick structure followers of Microsoft’s console might be used to. The thumb sticks include Corridor Impact tech that ought to cease them carrying down and giving rise to “stick drift” over time.
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Across the again are two further buttons that may be assigned to further controls, whereas there’s a USB-C port on the underside edge. On the entrance is an M button that allows you to modify lighting results and brightness, tweak set off resistance, remap buttons, and extra.
While you carry the inexperienced clamps that maintain your iPhone in place, the controller mechanically activates, which makes setup rather more easy. When it’s on, it emits some delicate, nice RGB lighting below every thumb stick that cycles by way of varied colors.
Contained in the case are 4 further thumb sticks in numerous sizes, plus an extra cowl for the D-pad (once more, in a distinct form if you wish to strive one thing new). GameSir additionally bundles in a free one-month membership of Xbox Sport Cross Final.
The X4 Aileron’s sides are coated in a rubbery, dimpled floor that makes them very grippy. The button structure might be acquainted to anybody who has used an Xbox controller, and all the buttons are satisfyingly clicky.
GameSir X4 Aileron: What I don’t love
The primary factor you’ll discover whenever you load your iPhone into the X4 Aileron is that it has fairly a unfastened maintain in your cellphone. The 2 halves are disconnected – there’s no “spine” locking them collectively – and the slot into which your cellphone suits is sort of tall, that means there’s quite a lot of wobble when the controller is in your hand. It’s a bit higher in case you have your iPhone in a case, but it surely’s not essentially the most secure of grips.
Slotting your iPhone into place will also be a tad fiddly, as you need to both carry the inexperienced clamp and maintain the controller with one hand whereas the opposite pushes your iPhone into place, or you have to use your cellphone itself to wedge the clamp upwards. That made us a bit fearful about scratches.
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Every half of the controller is pretty slender, so the thumb sticks and buttons are situated above one another. It means you need to angle your thumb inwards a bit to achieve the correct thumb stick and left D-pad, which made working them precisely harder than on a conventional Xbox-style controller.
Among the buttons really feel a bit cramped on the 2 halves of the controller, particularly the A-B-X-Y buttons. The rear paddles on the again are additionally a bit onerous to differentiate from the raised fringe of the controller by contact alone.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Competitors
Relating to this controller structure, the Spine One is a well-liked alternative. Its two halves are joined and it makes use of both a USB-C or Lightning connector somewhat than Bluetooth. It prices $99.99/£99.99. GameSir additionally affords cut up controllers with a stable again, such because the GameSir G8 Galileo, which prices $79.99/£79.99.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Must you purchase it?
You should purchase this if…
- You desire a controller that folds down right into a compact form
- You favor the Xbox controller structure
- You need the peace of thoughts that Corridor Impact thumb sticks deliver
You shouldn’t purchase this if…
- You discover the X4 Aileron’s thumb stick and D-pad positioning awkward
- You’re used to PlayStation controller layouts
- You need a better match in your cellphone
GameSir X4 Aileron: Verdict
The GameSir X4 Aileron has some neat tips for iOS avid gamers (regardless of its Android branding), however its cut up structure is a bit wobbly and cramped. Xbox followers will admire its try to carefully mimic Microsoft’s gamepads, however rival telescopic management pads really feel sturdier than the magnetic match the X4 Aileron depends on. Should you’re a family that makes use of each Android and iOS gadgets although, it is connectivity affords flexibility that may make it a good selection for you.
Backside line: A stable, compact controller for Xbox followers. Simply pay attention to its barely constricted structure.
