As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for high-performance controllers, I must say that the GameSir Cyclone 2 has left me thoroughly impressed! Coming from a life filled with countless hours of gaming sessions, I can confidently assert that this wireless beauty not only performs like a premium controller but also boasts an aesthetic appeal that puts many pricier models to shame.
In today’s market, there’s no shortage of gaming controllers, each offering unique features to outshine their rivals. Some emphasize design aesthetics while others prioritize raw performance, but GameSir stands out by masterfully blending both aspects in several of its controllers. The latest addition to this lineup is the GameSir Cyclone 2, which showcases outstanding performance, sleek style, and a degree of customization, all at an incredibly affordable price that undercuts the usual cost of Xbox and PS controllers.
GameSir has been a trusted name in the gaming world for quite some time now, providing top-notch controllers and accessories that have earned it a reputation as a preferred choice among gamers. It boasts collaborations with tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, Gameloft, DJI, and others. Regularly introducing innovative products, such as TMR joysticks, adjustable trigger response, customizable RGB illumination, and other cutting-edge gaming controller features.
What’s In The Box?
- 1x Cyclone 2 controller
- 1x USB Type-A to C cable
- 1x 2.4G receiver
- 1x controller stand
- Stickers and documentation
The packing process is quite simple and comes with the controller, a charging dock, a USB-C to A cable, a wireless dongle, a few stickers, and all necessary paperwork. The unboxing isn’t particularly exciting, which is fine because it allows for more emphasis on performance. I got to try out the Phantom White GameSir Cyclone 2 wireless controller, but there’s also a Shadow Black version available as well.
Design and Build Quality
When you take the controller out of its case, you immediately notice that the texture on it is much grippier than a standard Xbox controller. Throughout this discussion, comparisons will be made to both the standard Xbox controller and the PS5 controller, as the GameSir Cyclone 2 shares the same ergonomics and layout as an Xbox controller.
The Phantom White model boasts stylish gold and red highlights, in my view. Both the Shadow Black and Phantom White editions feature semi-transparent handles that reveal the vibration motors and some internal components. This semi-transparent/ frosted design enhances the visibility of the RGB lighting.
This game controller comes equipped with the typical joysticks, D-pad, ABXY buttons, and two menu buttons, plus two extra buttons, one of which is the versatile M button (details forthcoming). Additionally, you’ll find two more customizable buttons located at the back of the controller. These can be tailored to your preferences using the GameSir Connect app. They are conveniently positioned for easy reach, making them suitable for gamers with a range of hand sizes. The central button serves as the power button and the LED ring encircling it shows the connection status.
Towards the rear, in addition to the two additional buttons, there’s also a spot for attaching the wireless charging stand. As for the stand, it’s a sleek Y-shaped metal structure that holds and charges the controller. It sports a USB Type-C port at the back and a Type-A port at the front, which can be utilized to connect the wireless dongle. At the base, similar to Xbox and PlayStation controllers, you’ll find a 3.5mm audio jack, while the USB Type-C port is situated at the top end.
The GameSir Cyclone 2 game controller appears robustly constructed, without a hint of squeaking or clattering throughout my 10-day trial period. Notably, it remained free from discoloration due to my perspiring palms, but it’s still premature to make definite conclusions on that front. Moreover, the RGB lights emit vividly and maintain their brilliance, while the color transitions are seamless and fluid.
Specifications and Features
In essence, the GameSir Cyclone 2 appears to be a gaming controller packed with essential features, excluding the high-end modularity found in some pricier models. What sets this controller apart is its utilization of TMR (Trackball Magnetic Rotary) joysticks that employ magnets for input detection. These joysticks are not only more precise than Hall effect joysticks, but they’re also equally durable.
Instead of the default, these triggers operate in two modes: the primary one being the Hall effect, and the alternative is called “Sensitive or Instant Mode,” which can be activated by pressing both triggers along with the M button. This sensitive setting sends an input as soon as a trigger is pressed rather than waiting for it to be fully depressed. Additionally, there’s a physical switch that adjusts the movement of the individual triggers in this mode, creating a more tactile, mechanical feel.
The face buttons are designed to respond quickly due to their shallow depth, and they produce a tactile, mechanical-like ‘click’ because of the micro switches hidden beneath them.
As a gamer, I’ve got the GameSir Cyclone 2 wireless controller, sporting an integrated 860mAh rechargeable battery. What’s cool is that it charges while nestled on its stand, making battery life concerns practically irrelevant during my marathon gaming sessions. I can crank up the RGB lights when I want to, but turning them off helps stretch playtime even further. If I need to eke out extra hours, I can drop the polling rate down a notch to conserve power. So far, I’ve never found myself in a pickle where I run out of battery mid-game, as I always kick things off at 100%. The controller even comes with a handy USB Type-C cable for charging.
The most enjoyable aspect of this battery and charging setup is its wireless convenience. You just need to position the controller on the stand (which might require a few attempts to get it right), and it starts charging wirelessly. Interestingly, it disconnects from the dongle autonomously. Removing it from the stand instantly re-establishes the connection with the dongle, ready for use again. Additionally, it has an energy-saving feature that turns itself off after a certain period of inactivity.
The GameSir Cyclone 2 comes equipped with three ways to connect: 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth, or wired. Regrettably, it’s not compatible with Xbox or PlayStation systems, but functions perfectly with PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android devices. In my tests, I primarily used the controller on PC and Android (via Bluetooth), and the experience was smooth sailing, particularly when paired with a PC using the stand and wireless dongle. Additionally, it has a space for attaching a phone holder, although you’ll need to purchase that separately.
Four input methods are available based on your device type: DS4, XInput, Nintendo Switch (NS), and HID. To change between them, you can use a mix of the power button and face buttons.
To summarize, there are four distinct RGB zones within the hardware that can be personalized using the GameSir Connect application. While it offers some pre-set lighting patterns, you have the freedom to customize each zone according to your preference. Moreover, the software allows adjusting the brightness and speed of these effects as well.
Gaming Experience and Software
Regardless of other aspects, nothing matters much if the gameplay isn’t top-notch. Luckily, the GameSir Cyclone 2 provides an outstanding gaming experience, which is impressive given its affordable price range. From the initial setup, everything was easy and clear-cut. The controller synced swiftly with the 2.4G dongle in a matter of seconds, and the lights adjusted accordingly to show the same.
Right away, I delved into Red Dead Redemption 2 to determine if there were any noticeable distinctions between the Cyclone 2 and my long-used standard Xbox controller. It was almost like comparing day and night. Immediately, I didn’t detect any significant deadzone for either the joysticks or triggers, a difference that was quite evident in the gameplay. Arthur began moving with even the subtlest nudge on the left joystick. The vibrations seemed more refined, and I quickly acclimated to the shallower yet clickier face buttons.
In GTA Online, I found myself making more precise adjustments when driving a car on a narrow track during a custom online race. Although I’m not particularly skilled at playing shooter games with a controller, I decided to give Apex Legends a try, hoping my skills might improve with the Cyclone 2. Regrettably, my skill level didn’t seem to improve, but I felt more in sync with the character since my movements in the game were more directly influenced by my inputs. The Hair Trigger mode was quite useful as both triggers functioned similarly to left and right mouse clicks. It took a few matches for me to get used to not pressing the triggers as forcefully as I do on analogue triggers.
At the moment, the GameSir Connect app can only be found on the Microsoft Store. However, an older version of the app is listed which doesn’t accommodate motion controls. GameSir provided me with the updated version that supposedly includes these settings, but unfortunately, the motion control feature remains unresponsive. I’ve contacted GameSir and will make necessary adjustments to this review once they get back to me.
This app offers a range of customizations:
To update both the controller and the dongle, you’ll need to connect the controller using a cable and insert the dongle into your computer so that each device can be updated individually.
Final Thoughts
In simpler terms, the GameSir Cyclone 2 is an outstanding wireless gaming controller that delivers premium performance while maintaining a stylish appearance, particularly in its Phantom White variant. You can purchase it for $56 on Amazon, making it more affordable compared to Xbox, PS controllers, ManbaOne, BIGBIG WON BLITZ2, and other similar devices.
The Cyclone 2 is exceptionally adaptable, well-constructed, and demonstrates expertise in design – traits characteristic of a product crafted by an accomplished company. Regrettably, it’s not compatible with Xbox or PlayStation consoles, but it’s an excellent upgrade for your Nintendo Switch, computer, Android, or iOS gaming setup. Its wireless charging capability, easy connectivity, and the superior performance of its TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers make it a robust, trustworthy controller worth considering.
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2024-11-20 19:54