You may assume it’s unusual that we at iMore are reviewing the X4 Aileron. In spite of everything, it’s marketed as being made for Android and Xbox. But once we requested GameSir about it, they advised us it really works completely properly with iOS as properly.
Placing that declare to the check, we determined to offer it a attempt to see if it’s price your time, and a coveted place amongst our greatest recreation controllers for iPhone rankings.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Value and availability
The GameSir X4 Aileron prices $99.99/£99.99 and is offered 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 worth level dead-center of the typical worth 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 should work along 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 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 area or weigh you down. Either side clips onto one finish of your iPhone, which leaves the again of your system free for telephone coolers and MagSafe charging pucks. The controller additionally comes with a sturdy protecting case, protecting it secure for those who determine to chuck it in a bag and take it travelling.
The format is designed to imitate that of a regular Xbox controller, with A-B-X-Y buttons and the non-symmetrical thumb stick format followers of Microsoft’s console shall 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 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 regulate lighting results and brightness, tweak set off resistance, remap buttons, and extra.
Once you elevate 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 refined, nice RGB lighting below every thumb stick that cycles by varied 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 unique form if you wish to strive 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 shall 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 free maintain in your telephone. The 2 halves are disconnected – there’s no “spine” locking them collectively – and the slot into which your telephone suits is kind of tall, that means there’s loads of wobble when the controller is in your hand. It’s a bit higher when you have your iPhone in a case, nevertheless it’s not essentially the most secure of grips.
Slotting your iPhone into place may also be a tad fiddly, as you need to both elevate the inexperienced clamp and maintain the controller with one hand whereas the opposite pushes your iPhone into place, or you could use your telephone itself to wedge the clamp upwards. That made us just a little apprehensive 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 succeed in the proper thumb stick and left D-pad, which made working them precisely harder than on a conventional Xbox-style controller.
A few of the buttons really feel just a little cramped on the 2 halves of the controller, particularly the A-B-X-Y buttons. The rear paddles on the again are additionally just a little onerous to tell apart from the raised fringe of the controller by contact alone.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Competitors
On the subject of this controller format, the Spine One is a well-liked selection. Its two halves are joined and it makes use of both a USB-C or Lightning connector fairly than Bluetooth. It prices $99.99/£99.99. GameSir additionally gives 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 can purchase this if…
- You need a controller that folds down right into a compact form
- You favor the Xbox controller format
- You need the peace of thoughts that Corridor Impact thumb sticks carry
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 neater match in your telephone
GameSir X4 Aileron: Verdict
The GameSir X4 Aileron has some neat tips for iOS players (regardless of its Android branding), however its cut up format is just a little wobbly and cramped. Xbox followers will recognize its try and carefully mimic Microsoft’s gamepads, however rival telescopic management pads really feel sturdier than the magnetic match the X4 Aileron depends on. For those who’re a family that makes use of each Android and iOS units although, it is connectivity gives flexibility that may make it a sensible choice for you.
Backside line: A stable, compact controller for Xbox followers. Simply pay attention to its barely constricted format.