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 price your time, and a coveted place amongst our finest sport controllers for iPhone rankings.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Worth 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 like
Though it’s marketed for Android, the GameSir X4 Aileron makes use of Bluetooth for its connections, so it is going to work together with your iPhone. Since you don’t have to 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 connect 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. Both sides clips onto one finish of your iPhone, which leaves the again of your machine free for telephone coolers and MagSafe charging pucks. The controller additionally comes with a sturdy protecting case, maintaining it protected in the event you determine to chuck it in a bag and take it travelling.
The format is designed to imitate that of a normal Xbox controller, with A-B-X-Y buttons and the non-symmetrical thumb stick format followers of Microsoft’s console can be used to. The thumb sticks include Corridor Impact tech that ought to cease them sporting down and giving rise to “stick drift” over time.
Picture 1 of 2
Across the again are two extra buttons that may be assigned to additional 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 robotically activates, which makes setup far more simple. When it’s on, it emits some delicate, nice RGB lighting underneath every thumb stick that cycles by numerous colors.
Contained in the case are 4 additional thumb sticks in numerous sizes, plus a further cowl for the D-pad (once more, in a special form if you wish to attempt one thing new). GameSir additionally bundles in a free one-month membership of Xbox Recreation Go Final.
The X4 Aileron’s sides are coated in a rubbery, dimpled floor that makes them very grippy. The button format can be acquainted to anybody who has used an Xbox controller, and the entire buttons are satisfyingly clicky.
GameSir X4 Aileron: What I don’t love
The primary factor you’ll discover once you load your iPhone into the X4 Aileron is that it has fairly a free maintain in your telephone. The 2 halves are disconnected – there’s no “spine” locking them collectively – and the slot into which your telephone matches is kind of tall, that means there’s plenty of wobble when the controller is in your hand. It’s a bit higher in case you have your iPhone in a case, however it’s not probably the most steady of grips.
Slotting your iPhone into place may also be a tad fiddly, as you must both carry the inexperienced clamp and maintain the controller with one hand whereas the opposite pushes your iPhone into place, or you need to use your telephone itself to wedge the clamp upwards. That made us slightly apprehensive about scratches.
Picture 1 of 4
Every half of the controller is pretty slim, so the thumb sticks and buttons are positioned above one another. It means you must angle your thumb inwards a bit to achieve the fitting thumb stick and left D-pad, which made working them precisely tougher than on a standard Xbox-style controller.
Among the buttons really feel slightly cramped on the 2 halves of the controller, specifically the A-B-X-Y buttons. The rear paddles on the again are additionally slightly arduous to tell apart from the raised fringe of the controller by contact alone.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Competitors
In the case of this controller format, 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 moderately than Bluetooth. It prices $99.99/£99.99. GameSir additionally presents cut up controllers with a strong again, such because the GameSir G8 Galileo, which prices $79.99/£79.99.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Do you have to purchase it?
You can purchase this if…
- You need a controller that folds down right into a compact form
- You like the Xbox controller format
- 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 telephone
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 format is slightly wobbly and cramped. Xbox followers will admire its try and intently mimic Microsoft’s gamepads, however rival telescopic management pads really feel sturdier than the magnetic match the X4 Aileron depends on. In the event you’re a family that makes use of each Android and iOS gadgets although, it is connectivity presents flexibility that may make it a sensible choice for you.
Backside line: A strong, compact controller for Xbox followers. Simply concentrate on its barely constricted format.
