Released on Wednesday, The GameSir X5 Lite is a low-priced iPhone game controller that can stretch to fit an iPad mini while still costing less than $40.
Wraparound controllers have been a thing for ages, but they were held back by Apple’s reliance on the Lightning port and the costly MFi program. Since Apple’s switch to USB-C in iPhone and iPad, there has been a slow trickle of new controllers from many manufacturers.
The latest entry is the GameSir X5 Lite, which brings all the functionality someone will need to play any controller-compatible game on iPhone or iPad. It strips out all the unnecessary cruft to offer bare minimum specs at a very low price.
GameSir made the excellent G8 Galileo, which I reviewed in 2024, but it was limited to iPhones and cost $80. The large grip design, changeable face plate, and programmable extra buttons helped it earn that price point.
For whatever reason, it wasn’t until the Abxylute S9 that a wraparound controller was released that could do everything the Galileo G8 could do, plus a bit more, and fit the iPad mini. Unlike the $150 Razer Kishi Ultra, it was $80.
The GameSir X5 Lite proves that iPad mini compatibility doesn’t have to be a premium feature. Coming it at $34.99, it is the lowest priced wraparound controller with a solid build and base specs.
GameSir X5 Lite review: Design
There’s not much new to say about wraparound controller design. After Backbone One perfected the sliding mechanism, many manufacturers have adopted the concept.
GameSir X5 Lite review: a familiar controller design and layout
The iPhone or iPad mini slips into the grips by attaching the USB-C connector and pulling the controllers apart until they grip the device. The result is a Nintendo Switch-like console with controllers on each side of a display.
The GameSir X5 Lite is very small, but the grips are thick with a slight curve that helps with ergonomics. While it is more grip-able than the even-smaller Backbone One, it is still small compared to a standalone controller.
There are two colors available, black and a light green called wasabi. The green is very slight and washes out easily when photographed, which is why some of the images in this review are closer to white than green.
Unlike the other iPhone grip controllers we’ve reviewed in recent years, there are no customizable face plates or joysticks. This, along with the simple plastic construction, likely helped get the price so low.
The joysticks are hall effect sticks, which means they use magnets to determine the position of the joystick. This eliminates problems like drift.
GameSir X5 Lite review: plenty of space for the iPhone camera bump
All of the face buttons and triggers are simple membrane-style buttons. The triggers have a very short actuation distance.
There are pads that cushion the iPhone when it is set in the grip. these are easily removed and replaced with different sized pads that help account for cases.
The controller is designed to account for the iPhone camera bump. Since the USB-C plug is on the left side, the camera bump ends up at the bottom of the device, making it rest on the controller back plate.
GameSir X5 Lite review: Features
Thanks to the minimal specs and design, the GameSir X5 Lite has very little in the way of specific features. It can be customized, like many other GameSir controllers, using the GameSir app on Android.
GameSir X5 Lite review: iOS mode is indicated with a red ring
There are two operating modes — iOS/Switch and Android. The controller was in the Android mode out of the box, but it was easy to switch by holding the menu and select buttons.
There is a turbo mode too, just hold the M button then press the button you want to assign to turbo. Clear turbo mode by holding M and pressing the Home button.
Users can also swap the function of the A-B or X-Y buttons by holding the M button and A button. This is useful for those that might be used to the alternate pattern.
GameSir X5 Lite review: keep your iPhone charged with USB-C power passthrough
Of course, like any game controller, the buttons can be remapped in iOS Settings.
The GameSir X5 Lite has a USB-C port for power passthrough. There is no headphone jack for audio, which was likely a deliberate choice for cost saving.
Overall, it functions without issue as a gaming controller. Response times are instant since it is plugged in, and there’s no need to worry about battery life.
Using the GameSir X5 Lite
There’s a difference between cutting corners to get a price down and rethinking a product to balance needs and price. GameSir does the latter with the X5 Lite.
GameSir X5 Lite review: a well-thought design in a low-priced package
It’s a functional game controller that feels good in the hand and is easy to use. It has all the buttons it needs to play any modern game or emulation without compromise.
I’m not a multiplayer gamer on any system, but especially not on mobile, so I won’t miss the headphone jack. However, that can be seen as a more premium feature anyway, since it is likely only necessary for gamers looking for lag-less wired headset audio.
The joysticks are a bit small, so they don’t have much travel either. Though, the face buttons are a standard size.
I can easily recommend this controller to anyone using an iPhone with a USB-C port. And while it’s great that it works for iPad mini too, the smaller grip size might not be ideal.
Excellent controller, mini price
Unless you want the extra customization options and programmable buttons found on other, more expensive, controllers, there’s no reason not to choose the GameSir X5 Lite. It is well made, sturdy, and ergonomic while also fitting both iPhone and iPad mini.
GameSir X5 Lite review: nailing down a price and feature set
At this point, it seems controller manufacturers like GameSir have arrived at the bare minimum spec for such controllers. I expect there will be several entries from competitors at similar functions and price points.
The next revolution in these wraparound controllers will be in their sliding backplate design. While these controllers are great for mobile gaming, they are quite big and can’t collapse down into a more portable fashion.
I don’t have any complaints about the GameSir X5 Lite. It’ll be a great option for casual gamers not looking for every possible feature or for younger gamers.
The price is its main feature. At a whopping $115 less than the first controller to support both iPhone and iPad mini, it’s a steal.
GameSir X5 Lite review – Pros
- Incredibly low price
- Has all the controls necessary for gaming
- Ergonomic design
- Smart padding system to account for cases
GameSir X5 Lite review – Cons
- Might be a bit small for some
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
These controllers are getting incredibly competitive. I gave the Abxylute S9 controller a perfect score because it checked all the boxes, was great for any customer, and hit a good price point below $100.
The only place the X5 Lite falls short is its size. It doesn’t have as many features as a flagship like the Abxylute model, but it has everything it needs and nothing beats it on price.
Where to buy the GameSir X5 Lite
Get the GameSir X5 Lite from GameSir’s website for $34.99. Best Buy also carries the controller, but the retailer is out of stock at the time of this review.
