You may suppose 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 instructed us it really works completely properly with iOS as properly.
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 recreation controllers for iPhone rankings.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Worth and availability
The GameSir X4 Aileron prices $99.99/£99.99 and is on the market 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 really like
Though it’s marketed for Android, the GameSir X4 Aileron makes use of Bluetooth for its connections, so it can 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 house or weigh you down. All sides 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, holding it secure when you resolve to chuck it in a bag and take it travelling.
The structure is designed to imitate that of a normal Xbox controller, with A-B-X-Y buttons and the non-symmetrical thumb stick structure followers of Microsoft’s console might 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 further 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.
If you carry the inexperienced clamps that maintain your iPhone in place, the controller robotically activates, which makes setup rather more simple. When it’s on, it emits some refined, nice RGB lighting underneath every thumb stick that cycles by numerous colors.
Contained in the case are 4 further thumb sticks in several sizes, plus an extra cowl for the D-pad (once more, in a special form if you wish to strive one thing new). GameSir additionally bundles in a free one-month membership of Xbox Sport Go Final.
The X4 Aileron’s sides are coated in a rubbery, dimpled floor that makes them very grippy. The button structure might 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 if 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 a number of wobble when the controller is in your hand. It’s a bit higher when you’ve got your iPhone in a case, however it’s not probably the most secure of grips.
Slotting your iPhone into place can be a tad fiddly, as it’s important to both carry the inexperienced clamp and maintain the controller with one hand whereas the opposite pushes your iPhone into place, or you should use your telephone itself to wedge the clamp upwards. That made us a little bit 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 it’s important to angle your thumb inwards a bit to achieve the precise thumb stick and left D-pad, which made working them precisely harder than on a standard Xbox-style controller.
A few of the buttons really feel a little bit cramped on the 2 halves of the controller, specifically the A-B-X-Y buttons. The rear paddles on the again are additionally a little bit exhausting to differentiate from the raised fringe of the controller by contact alone.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Competitors
In terms of this controller structure, 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 quite than Bluetooth. It prices $99.99/£99.99. GameSir additionally presents break up controllers with a stable again, such because the GameSir G8 Galileo, which prices $79.99/£79.99.
GameSir X4 Aileron: Do you have to purchase it?
You should purchase this if…
- You desire a controller that folds down right into a compact form
- You like the Xbox controller structure
- You need the peace of thoughts that Corridor Impact thumb sticks convey
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 to your telephone
GameSir X4 Aileron: Verdict
The GameSir X4 Aileron has some neat methods for iOS players (regardless of its Android branding), however its break up structure is a little bit wobbly and cramped. Xbox followers will respect its try to 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 presents flexibility which may make it a good selection for you.
Backside line: A stable, compact controller for Xbox followers. Simply concentrate on its barely constricted structure.