Whether it’s dedicated mobile ports or game streaming, if you’re into playing "proper" games on your phone, you really need a controller. That’s where a product like the GameSir X3 comes in. It builds on the success of the X2 with a sturdier design, customizability, and even a built-in fan to keep your phone running at the optimum temperature.

Surprisingly Well Packaged

As with the X2, the GameSir X3 comes in quite a pretty package. The entire kit is contained within a carry case bearing the name of the controller that bears many marked similarities to the last model, though slightly thicker. Even better, inside you’ll find a small box containing a bunch of options to change various aspects of the controller. You can make the analog sticks longer, change the D-pad between two different variations, and even swap the face button to put the controller in both Nintendo and regular configurations.

Just like last time, you’ll also find an instruction manual, a GameSir logo sticker, and various other leaflets to help you get the thing set up. Of course, there’s also a cable included, though you can power it with pretty much any USB-C cable. Luckily it’s not hard to keep track of all these parts, as they fit inside of one little box, which sits comfortably in the middle of the carrying case even when it’s fully closed with the controller inside.

The Feel of the GameSir X3

As with most controllers, the key factor of the X3 is how it feels to actually use it. All the face buttons are surprisingly satisfying to press, considering you can swap face buttons on a whim. There’s also a satisfying weight to the controller, even without a phone inside, and there are really comfortable grips molded into the back. Altogether, this makes it pretty comfortable to use, even over extended periods.

Another big impact on the way it feels actually comes from the analog sticks. It is quite surprising how different a long analog stick actually feels from a shorter one. In general, it’s much better to have a short stick when you need to make a lot of quick movements, such as in action or sports games. That said if you’re dragging a cursor around a screen with the analog stick, the longer stick makes for much smoother movements. Combined with the changeable D-pad, you basically have the functionality of a premium controller, but in a product that works on the go.

Connection Conundrum

We’re reviewing the USB-C variant of the GameSir X3, as opposed to the Bluetooth version. As such, it’s not really possible for you to use an iPhone of any kind here, at least not until the EU has its way. Another important factor to bear in mind is that not every Android phone will fit. Obviously, it’s going to need to be a USB-C Android, so an older model won’t work, but there are also some physical size considerations.

For example, the GameSir X3 won’t work for phones that are exceedingly chunky, like the Doogee V20, for instance. If the back of your phone is too thick, the USB-C connector will be at the wrong angle and won’t fit inside properly. It’s pretty rare to come across a phone as chunky as that without it being the result of an overly protective case that could be removed. Still, it was probably for the best, with the added weight brought on by the sturdier design and included fan, adding the V20 to the mix might have been a recipe for arm ache.

The GameSir X3 is Fan-Tastic (Sorry)

Speaking of bulk, the main culprit is really that huge fan assembly that is placed on the back. This thing is also connected to a heat sync plate which rests right against the back of your phone, drawing away a lot of the heat generated by high-intensity usage. The fan works like a treat too, helping to prevent any issues with thermal throttling that you might usually get, especially if you’re phone is a bit on the old side. Of course, whether or not you’ll actually see any performance increases depends heavily on your phone, but you can be sure that it’s not going to be melting through your hands any time soon.

That’s not to say that the fan is all good news. Obviously, it adds a considerable amount of weight to the GameSir X3 overall, but on top of that, it also requires its own separate power source. You can’t run the fan off of the battery of the X3, probably because it requires so much power that you’d get about 50 seconds of gaming out of it before your phone died. That means that to use it you have to stay tethered to a power outlet, sort of defeating the purpose of a mobile gaming device.

Battery Life & Charging

So, now we move on to the thorny issue of battery life. Well, realistically there isn’t any. Unlike a Bluetooth controller, this controller is powered entirely by your phone, meaning it’ll last as long as your phone does. Thankfully, the controller does have some pretty low power consumption, so it doesn’t actually destroy your battery life completely when gaming on the go. That said, since it has no battery, it will mean less time actually gaming than you might have originally planned, so potentially worth investing in a power brick if you're doing a lot of traveling with it.

Another useful feature of the GameSir X3 will only be useful to certain people. The controller supports pass-through charging, meaning you can game while charging your phone, which is a great bonus if you like gaming away from your TV but are often near a power outlet anyway. Apparently, there are certain phones where this feature doesn't work, though. All the phones that we tested charged just fine, but you might want to check with the manufacturers before making your purchase if this feature is a deal-breaker.

Apps & Compatibility

When it comes to native Android apps the GameSir X3 works just fine. It’s easily recognized by services like Stadia and is easily mapped in games that have controller support. You can even use mapping programs with it quite easily, making it a breeze to use with games that don't officially support a controller, if you know what you’re doing. However, there is one big chink in the X3’s armor: Xbox.

For whatever reason, when you try to stream Xbox games using the X3, the face buttons become all muddled. X, Y, B, and A are all in the wrong places, making it very difficult to actually spend much time enjoying the game. Even swapping face buttons doesn’t help, since it’s a cosmetic change and not an actual physical change to which button goes where. Hopefully, some sort of firmware update or patch can fix this in the future, but right now, playing Xbox is a challenge.

Is the GameSir X3 Worth Your Money?

The all-important question is whether you should spend your hard-earned cash on the GameSir X3 USB-C Controller or not. Truthfully, that depends on what exactly it is that you want from a mobile gaming controller. If you're looking for a premium-feeling controller with lots of customization options and the ability to stop your phone from going into meltdown during a game session, then you've probably found your dream controller. If you're looking for something slimline, portable, and that will work with your Xbox games, then you really need to look elsewhere.