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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Nikita Achanta

The GameSir X5 Lite is comfortable, cheap and capable — as long as you’re okay making some compromises

A black GameSir X5 Lite mobile gaming controller.

GameSir makes some of the best mobile game controllers out there, and many of them are budget-friendly, like the GameSir X5 Lite. I’ve been testing it for a couple of weeks for on-the-go gaming, and it performs well for such a sub-$40 gamepad. Its plug-and-play design means setup is rapid and easy, and it’s compatible with a range of USB-C Android and iOS smartphones as well as mini tablets.

It features passthrough charging as well as Hall Effect thumbsticks that enable you to fine-tune your movements. However, it isn’t without its faults. Its build quality isn’t the sturdiest, and its membrane triggers leave a lot to be desired. Oh, you need to remove your phone case to use it, too.

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