Tips from China: Turn your phone into a Switch for 900 CZK. GameSir products are cheap and will please gamers

In the next installment of Tips from China, we’ll look at products that make sense mainly for gamers. GameSir has specialized in gaming controllers for years, and their offering on AliExpress is surprisingly good. Hall Effect joysticks eliminate stick drift, USB-C connectivity means zero latency, and prices start at 520 CZK. Let’s see if these controllers are worth your attention.

Why buy GameSir instead of an Xbox/PS controller?

An Xbox Core controller costs over 1,500 CZK, DualSense similarly. GameSir offers similar quality for half to a third of the price, plus some features that the competition doesn’t have – such as a wrap-around design for phones or a cooling system.

The main problem with mobile gaming is touch control. Classic controllers change the gaming experience beyond recognition. And GameSir offers solutions for both phones and classic controllers for PC and consoles.

GameSir Nova Lite – an affordable all-rounder for 520 CZK

The GameSir Nova Lite is the cheapest classic controller on offer. For 520 CZK, you get Hall Effect joysticks, Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz dongle, and compatibility with PC, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS.

Reviews praise the easy switching between devices – by pressing the Home button and one of the ABXY buttons, you switch between Bluetooth modes. The LED indicator color shows which device you are connected to. This means you can have your phone on Bluetooth mode 1, your laptop on a 2.4 GHz dongle, and switch between them in a few seconds.

Weaknesses? It weighs only 309 grams, which is great for travel, but feels light and plasticky in hand. A 3.5mm jack is missing, so wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter are a must. The battery lasts around 9-10 hours, which isn’t dazzling, but decent for this price.

Verdict: Best price/performance ratio for casual gamers. Hall Effect joysticks eliminate stick drift, and multi-device connectivity is great. Just be aware that it’s a plastic controller without premium features.

Price: 520 Kč

GameSir X2s – turn your phone into a Switch for 900 CZK

The GameSir X2s is a controller that wraps around your phone and turns it into something like a Nintendo Switch. USB-C connectivity means zero latency, which is crucial for action games and emulator titles.

Reviews highlight excellent ergonomics and Hall Effect joysticks. Unlike Bluetooth controllers with a phone holder, the X2s offers balanced weight distribution. The pastel grey/purple color is pleasing to the eye, but if you want full-fledged grips, you’ll have to opt for the more expensive G8 Galileo+.

Compatibility is wide – Android, iPhone 15 and newer, supports phones up to 168 mm in length. The pass-through USB-C port means you can charge while playing. Furthermore, no pairing or battery in the controller is needed, as power comes directly from the phone.

Verdict: Ideal for mobile gaming on the go. Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, and emulators work perfectly. For 900 CZK, a better solution than a Bluetooth controller with a holder.

Price: 900 Kč

GameSir F8 Pro – cooling grip for 900 CZK

The GameSir F8 Pro is a specific product – it’s not a full-fledged controller, but a cooling grip with a manual joystick. If you have problems with your phone overheating during gaming (typically with Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile), this is the solution.

Reviews confirm that the semiconductor cooling plate drops to 4 °C in a second. That’s great, but there’s a catch – the F8 Pro must be connected to power. No battery, you need a USB-C power bank or to be near an outlet.

Another problem – it’s not a full-fledged controller. The manual joystick has latency and only works in games with a virtual joystick in the bottom left corner. The RGB backlighting cannot be turned off or dimmed, which is annoying at night. And the grip covers the phone’s charging port.

Verdict: Perfect cooling system, but disappointing as a controller. Buy only if you have overheating issues and don’t want to change your phone. Otherwise, better invest in the X2s or G8 Galileo+.

Price: 900 Kč

GameSir G8 Galileo+ – premium choice for 2,630 CZK

The GameSir G8 Galileo+ is a top model with Bluetooth connectivity, a battery, a gyro sensor, and a rumble motor. Unlike the X2s, it works wirelessly, so you can use it with a tablet, Switch, PC, and phone.

Reviews praise its versatility and build quality. The 1000 mAh battery lasts for tens of hours, Hall Effect joysticks and triggers eliminate drift, and ergonomics are on par with Xbox controllers.

The problem? The price of 2,630 CZK is close to the Razer Kishi V2, which has better support and certified applications. And if you only want mobile gaming, the X2s for 900 CZK makes more sense. The G8 Galileo+ is for people who want one controller for everything – phone, tablet, Switch, PC.

Verdict: The best GameSir controller, but at a price where established brands already compete. Buy if you want a universal solution with maximum flexibility.

Price: 2 630 Kč

Conclusion: Which GameSir controller to buy?

GameSir controllers make sense if you play on multiple platforms and don’t want to buy an Xbox/PS controller for double the price. Hall Effect technology even in cheap models is a huge advantage, and USB-C connectivity in mobile versions eliminates lag.

My recommendations:

• For a budget classic controller: Nova Lite for 520 CZK – best price/performance ratio
• For mobile gaming: X2s for 900 CZK – zero latency, ideal for cloud gaming and emulators
• For versatility: G8 Galileo+ for 2,630 CZK – one controller for phone, tablet, Switch, and PC
• For phone overheating: F8 Pro for 900 CZK – but only if you don’t mind the need for external power

From the tested models, I would personally choose the X2s for 900 CZK – it transforms mobile gaming beyond recognition and has no competition at that price. If you want a classic controller, the Nova Lite for 520 CZK is a great choice, just be aware that it’s a plastic controller without premium features.

Do you play on mobile with a controller? Or is touch control enough for you?