a real rival to the Xbox controller

Third-party controllers just like the Razer Wolverine and GameSir Tarantula Pro are real rivals to OEM alternate options for PC gaming due to their high quality development and revolutionary options. I used to be excited to get my fingers on the GameSir Cyclone 2 as a result of it takes styling cues from the Xbox controller, like comparable asymmetrical sticks and button placement, whereas including some distinctive twists to differentiate itself as one thing completely different.

The snug form looks like house, and whereas it will not work on the Xbox console, it affords cross-platform compatibility on PC, Swap, iOS, and Android. I examined it with varied video games on my PC and Android cellphone to check its efficiency and options and decide if it may well rival the perfect controller within the enterprise.

Editor’s Selection

GameSir Cyclone 2

GameSir’s Cyclone 2 is a multiplatform controller that connects to a PC, Android, iOS, or the Nintendo Swap through Bluetooth, 2.4G, or a USB cable. It has an analogous form to an Xbox controller and provides additional options like adjustable triggers, TMR switches, and a charging stand.

Model

GameSir

Platform

Home windows/Nintendo Swap/Android/iOS

Battery

860mAh

Connectivity

Bluetooth, 2.4G, Wired

Headset Assist

3.5mm audio

Programmable

Sure

Further Buttons

Two additional buttons

Increase

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Worth, availability, and specs

The newest tech in a cushty form

The GamSir Cyclone 2 connects through a 2.4G USB dongle, Bluetooth, or a USB-C to USB-A cable if you must cost it whereas enjoying. Energy is provided by an 860mAh battery, which lasted round eight hours in testing with the RGB lighting and rumble options activated. In contrast to most controllers, it has an aluminum charging station that doubles as a stand. The stand took up minimal house on my desk, and I preferred that I might place the controller on the cradle, and it might mechanically cost once I was executed enjoying.

Efficiency is great from the responsive TMR sticks, which get rid of drift utilizing the most recent electromagnetic expertise and haven’t any transferring elements to speed up put on and tear. The ABXY buttons and rear paddles really feel sturdy and have a satisfying clicky really feel. I loved tinkering with the rear paddles, that are simply mappable to my keyboard or mouse buttons through the GameSir Join app to recharge well being and activate particular talents in my video games.

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The toggle triggers are my standout function on the Cyclone 2. Every set off has a bodily swap hooked up to it to alter between the hair set off and analog modes. The hair set off mode is ideal for on-line shooters as a result of it shortens the set off pull for an on the spot response when firing. The analog mode is healthier for racing video games as a result of it lengthens the pull size so you’ll be able to management the revs when driving. GameSir’s clear triggers are a cool contact as a result of you’ll be able to view the internals and see how the switches work.

The Cyclone 2 is on the market in Black or White. My white take a look at unit has a semi-translucent end, lit by refined four-zone RGB lighting. GameSir Join makes it straightforward to regulate the lighting colours or add presets like Move, Rainbow, and Pulse. The app additionally helps you to individually regulate the left and proper grip rumble ranges or flip them off if you happen to do not need to use them.

What I like in regards to the GameSir Cyclone 2

Consumer-friendliness and ease

My PC mechanically detected the controller, and it was able to go in seconds after I plugged within the wi-fi dongle. It instantly labored with Steam and GameSir Join with out requiring any software program updates or configuration settings. After testing quite a few controllers, I appreciated the Cyclone 2’s straightforward plug-and-play setup as a result of I might get straight into my video games with out losing time making an attempt to get it working. It was the identical on Android, and my cellphone immediately detected the Cyclone 2 and linked to it through Bluetooth.

I additionally preferred that the Cyclone 2 has the identical snug form and different benefits of the Xbox controller whereas including refined adjustments to enhance its usability. Stick drift has change into a factor of the previous due to TMR expertise, and also you needn’t fear about altering these pesky double AAs due to the built-in battery. The grips have higher texturing, and there are additional rear paddles and quick-switch adjustable triggers to enhance your gaming.

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It won’t seem to be an enormous deal, however the included stand/charging station provides spectacular worth and comfort to the Cyclone 2. The stand has a contemporary design with a sturdy aluminum base and a USB-C charging port. It offers your setup a clear aesthetic as a result of you’ll be able to go away your controller in a protected place to cost with out worrying about connecting and disconnecting cables. There’s additionally a USB-A port, which is useful for storing the wi-fi dongle to forestall it from getting misplaced.

Customization goes an extended option to enhancing a controller expertise. I loved fine-tuning the Cyclone 2 Execs efficiency with the user-friendly GameSir Join app, which divides the triggers, stick, lighting, and different options onto completely different pages to maintain issues easy. It helps you to change the report fee, regulate the stick and set off sensitivity, and remap the buttons. It can save you your settings in as much as 4 profiles for various video games once you’re executed.

What I do not like in regards to the GameSir Cyclone 2

Extra backlighting, please

My solely situation with the Cyclone 2 Professional is its lack of backlighting across the ABXY buttons. The RGB lighting shining via the case considerably mitigates the problem, however I would nonetheless like particular person backlighting for every button to enhance visibility when enjoying at nighttime.

It could considerably add to not solely the aesthetic but in addition simply enhance general visibility. Nonetheless, it actually would not influence the operate in any respect, so it is a actually forgettable qualm.

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Do you have to purchase the GameSir Cyclone 2?

It is a simple determination

I feel the Cyclone 2 is totally value your greenback as a result of it provides the most recent tech into a well-known form that the majority avid gamers love. It is a professional challenger to the Xbox controller for PC and cellular gaming as a result of it comes at across the similar worth whereas enhancing the design and including extras like a charging stand.

Utilizing the Cyclone 2 for aggressive PC video games like Naraka Bladepoint and Marvel Rivals on PC was terrific due to its quick response time and hair triggers. It additionally improved my gameplay on cellular titles like Avenue Fighter IV CE and Actual Racing 3 due to its precision and arcade-like really feel.

Editor’s Selection

GameSir Cyclone 2

GameSir’s Cyclone 2 Professional is a multiplatform controller that connects to a PC, Android, iOS, or the Nintendo Swap through Bluetooth, 2.4G, or a USB cable. It has an analogous form to an Xbox controller and provides additional options like adjustable triggers, TMR switches, and a charging stand.

Model

GameSir

Platform

Home windows/Nintendo Swap/Android/iOS

Battery

860mAh

Connectivity

Bluetooth, 2.4G, Wired

Headset Assist

3.5mm audio

Programmable

Sure

Further Buttons

Two additional buttons

Increase

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