While it may seem unexpected for a tech-focused publication like ourselves to review an aircraft like the X4 Aileron, the truth is that this innovative flying machine has garnered significant attention in recent times. The mobile controller, marketed specifically for use with both Android devices and Xbox consoles. However, after inquiring about compatibility with iOS from GameSir, we were assured that the device functions flawlessly with Apple’s mobile operating system.
To gauge its worth, we decided to put it through its paces and evaluate whether it’s deserving of a spot among our esteemed rankings.
The GameSir X4 Aileron retails for $99.99/£99.99, available from both the GameSir website and third-party retailers.
While numerous telescopic management pads catering to iPhones are available in the market, with options like the X4 Aileron being prominent among them, GameSir’s offering occupies a sweet spot in terms of pricing, hovering around the average value that these products typically retail at.
While marketed specifically for Android devices, the GameSir X4 Aileron leverages Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring seamless compatibility with iPhones as well. Regardless of whether your iPhone features a Lightning or USB-C port, it’s immaterial what you plug into it. To pair your controller, simultaneously press and hold the Xbox and B buttons until the connection indicator flashes blue, then link it to your device via the iOS Bluetooth settings menu.
The X4 Aileron comes with interchangeable left and right halves that can be quickly magnetized together to form a compact unit for easy storage, ensuring a lightweight design that won’t encumber your movement. This side clip attaches securely to one end of your iPhone, leaving the opposite side unobstructed for use with phone coolers and pucks. The controller arrives with a robust protective casing, ensuring it remains safely stowed whenever you decide to pack it away for travel or storage.
The design emulates a traditional Xbox controller’s layout, featuring A-B-X-Y buttons and an asymmetrical thumbstick configuration identical to Microsoft’s console, allowing seamless use by its followers. The thumbsticks incorporate Corridor Impact technology designed to prevent them from drifting or sticking excessively over time.
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Along the top, there are two additional buttons that can be customized to control further functions, while a USB-C port is discreetly located on the device’s underside edge. At the entrance, a dedicated M button enables customization of various settings, including the ability to adjust lighting effects and brightness, fine-tune trigger sensitivity, remap controller buttons, and more.
As you secure your iPhone using novice-friendly clamps, the controller seamlessly engages, significantly simplifying the setup process. The controller’s ambient light feature shines bright when activated, showcasing a mesmerizing display of customizable RGB hues that subtly cycle beneath each thumbstick.
Within the package, four additional thumbsticks come in varying sizes, accompanied by an extra D-pad cover, allowing for experimentation with innovative configurations. The subscription to GameSir’s premium service, valued at $9.99, is bundled with the purchase of this controller for a limited time.
The X4 Aileron’s surfaces feature a textured, rubberized treatment on their sides, imparting an impressive level of grip and traction. The button layout is immediately familiar to anyone who’s used an Xbox controller, with all buttons providing a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed.
When installing your iPhone in the X4 Aileron holder, you’ll quickly notice that it offers a relatively loose grip on your phone. Two distinct halves comprise the design, lacking a unifying “spine” that binds them together; consequently, the compartment accommodating the cellphone exhibits a noticeable verticality, resulting in considerable wobbling when held. While an iPhone in a case may present a slightly increased profile, its hold on security remains questionable at best.
While slotting your iPhone into place can be a bit finicky, you’ll need to simultaneously operate the clamp with one hand while using the other to guide your device into position, requiring some manual dexterity and coordination. Alternatively, you might have to employ your iPhone itself to gently nudge the clamp upwards. Given our concerns about scuffs, we felt a bit anxious.
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Given the unique design of the controller, its halves being relatively slender, the thumbsticks and buttons are cleverly positioned in a stacked arrangement above one another. To navigate the exacting thumb sticks and left directional pad with finesse, one must adopt an inward angling of the thumb, rendering precision more challenging than its Xbox-style counterpart.
The A-B-X-Y buttons on the controller’s two halves exhibit a noticeable lack of spaciousness, particularly causing discomfort when pressed simultaneously. The rear paddles on the controller are somewhat challenging to distinguish from the raised edge by touch alone.
This controller format’s most popular choice is the. The two halves of this device are seamlessly connected, utilizing either a USB-C or Lightning port for connectivity purposes, rather than relying on Bluetooth technology. It prices $99.99/£99.99. GameSir introduces a range of split-back controllers, including the G3, which retails for $79.99/£79.99.
You can purchase this if…
- You’re looking for a controller that collapses neatly into a condensed state.
- I’m quite fond of the ergonomic design and the offset analog sticks of the Xbox controller, which provide a comfortable grip and precise control for gaming.
- The tactile reassurance of well-designed thumbsticks brings a sense of calm and control to gaming.
You shouldn’t purchase this if…
- You find the X4 Aileron’s thumb stick and D-pad layout to be somewhat uncoordinated?
- If you’re accustomed to playing games on a PlayStation console, you’ll find that the default Xbox controller layout is slightly different.
- You need to upgrade your phone’s storage to a neater match.
While the GameSir X4 Aileron excels in offering innovative features to iOS users, its layout suffers from a disjointed and cluttered design. While Xbox enthusiasts may appreciate the X4 Aileron’s attempt to emulate Microsoft’s gaming controllers, they will likely find that telescoping management pads provide a more robust experience compared to the magnetic attachment used by this device. As a family that utilizes both Android and iOS devices, seamless connectivity offers the ultimate in versatility, making it an attractive option for those seeking adaptability.
A sleek, ergonomic controller designed specifically for Xbox enthusiasts who demand precision and comfort during gaming sessions. Here is the rewritten text in a concise style:
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