If you want to play games on your iPhone or iPad, you’re going to need a game controller, and the same is obvious for the Mac. GameSir’s Cyclone 2 might be my favorite, thanks to a familiar feel and some notable features.
Sure, you can play iOS and iPadOS games using on-screen controls, and for some, that works like a charm. But for others, a controller is where it’s at.
For me, a controller is a must for a couple of reasons. The first is muscle memory. I’ve been playing games using some sort of controller since the late 1980s, and stabbing at a screen just doesn’t have the feedback I need.
The second is perhaps a big reason why gaming on portable devices can often feel like an afterthought. No matter how big the iPhone 16 Pro Max and similar premium phones get, on-screen controls will always take up too much of the space that should be filled with content.
The A18 Pro found in the best iPhones is a gaming monster, and the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro Max I’ve been testing the Cyclone 2 with is no slouch, either. In fact, it powers the latest 6th-gen iPad mini which was my go-to gaming machine until my loan period with Apple was up. Games look stunning on these devices.
But that’s no use if you can’t see these modern chips throwing all of those pixels around on-screen, creating imagery that until recently was the purview of game consoles alone. On-screen controls simply get in the way of what we want to see, and that’s why a real controller is so vital if you’re serious about your mobile gaming.
And, without giving the game away too much this early in the review, I think I know which you should buy. Spoiler: it’s the one in the photo up top.
GameSir Cyclone 2 review: Design
Gamers of all ages will look at the Cyclone 2 and instantly feel right at home. It’s a familiar design that borrows heavily from the Microsoft Xbox lineup and feels very much like my Xbox Series X wireless controller in hand.
That’s a very good thing, in my opinion, but these things are subjective and I can imagine some people won’t be so keen. For those people, something with symmetrical sticks similar to a PlayStation controller is more comfortable and if that’s you, move on. This controller probably won’t change your mind.
Otherwise, this design is comfortable in the hand. All the parts of the controller that you grip also have a textured finish to help it stay put when things get sweaty, too.
Other design features of note include an Xbox-like layout to the face buttons as well as a lovely, textured D-pad and funky RGB lighting that can be configured using GameSir’s software. There’s an iPhone version, which works but lacks polish. There’s no Mac version though, which is disappointing.
That’s all good stuff, and enough to pique the interest. But the real fun starts when we get into the features and specifications. And yes, this controller does have specs that are worth talking about — although whether most people will ever use them is a matter of debate.
GameSir Cyclone 2 review: Features and specs
You might be forgiven for thinking that one controller is the same as the next, but you’d be wrong. And then some. Because the Cyclone 2 has a lot to shout about.
The GameSir Cyclone 2 has two customizable back buttons.
At the top of the list is the TMR joysticks. TMR stands for Tunneling Magnetoresistance and while there’s a lot to learn about it if you want to, you don’t need to. All that matters is the TMR joysticks used in the Cyclone 2 are more precise, smoother to use, and less likely to suffer from the dreaded stick drift issue.
Moving on to the triggers, they’re fancy as well. They use Hall Effect magic so everything is nice and smooth and should last for longer, too. A mechanical hair trigger switch can be found on each side of the controller.
Next, we have micro switch face buttons in an A/B/X/Y configuration which feel similar to a a keyboard click in some ways and while they might not be to everyone’s taste they do feel precise. And clicky.
The hits keep coming, too. There’s rumble support as is the norm while a six-axis gyroscope means you can play games that make use of such technology.
The button fun continues with the two customizable buttons that can be found around the back of the controller, while customizable turbo settings are also offered for the A/B/X/Y/LB/RB/LT/RT buttons and triggers.
In the center of the controller, you’ll find a Home button, a View button, and a Share button. A Menu button is also available. Again, it’s all similar to the Xbox controller, which is no bad thing.
There’s RGB lighting which can, again, be customized using an app. Unfortunately, there isn’t a Mac version of GameSir’s software but there is an iPhone app, albeit one that’s severely lacking in polish.
In terms of charging, there’s a USB-C port on the top of the controller while those who want to go the whole hog can get the Cyclone 2 with a handy charging station that automatically turns the controller on when it’s removed and off when it’s placed on charge. Handy stuff.
And somehow, there’s more. Bluetooth, wired, and 2.4GHz dongle connectivity options are available with the latter two options offering a 1,000Hz polling rate for super-responsive play.
Finally, there’s a headphone jack on the bottom of the Cyclone 2 for those who want to plug in a cable like it’s the year 2000.
Phew!
GameSir Cyclone 2 review: Compatibility
All of those features are pretty pointless if the Cyclone 2 doesn’t work with your choice of device. Thankfully, that’s unlikely.
Across the various connectivity options mentioned earlier the Cyclone 2 works with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac without issue (and I’d imagine the Apple TV can be included here, although I haven’t tested it.)
Outside of the Apple world, the Nintendo Switch, Android devices, and Windows PCs are also good to go but if you’re keen to connect to a PlayStation or Xbox, you’re going to have to look elsewhere. Thankfully, you can pair more than one device with the controller at any one time and switch between them, at least.
GameSir Cyclone 2 review: Pricing
The GameSir Cyclone 2 isn’t the cheapest controller I’ve seen, but it’s also far from the most expensive. And given the features and connectivity options I think it’s reasonably priced.
You’ll pay $49.99 if all you want is the controller, but for an extra $6 you can get the controller and that aforementioned charging stand. That’s the version I’ve been using for the last few weeks and, frankly, it’s the version you should buy if only because it gives you somewhere to put the USB-A dongle when you aren’t using it.
The only other decision you need to make is which color you want. I’ve been putting the Shadow Black one through its paces, and I’m a big fan of its stealthy look. The Phantom White alternative is definitely a vibe though, so I’ll let you pick which one to go for — it’s your money, after all.
GameSir Cyclone 2 review: My experiences
By this point, it should be pretty clear that I’m a fan of this controller and it’s currently my go-to option. I only wish I could also use it when playing Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 games, although I do have something of a workaround that I’ll get to soon.
The Cyclone 2 controller is a looker, to be sure.
So how have I been testing the Cyclone 2? Primarily, it’s been connected to my MacBook Pro, but it’s also spent time paired with the iPad mini as well as my 11-inch iPad Pro. It spent a brief spell connected to my iPhone 15 Pro Max just to make sure it worked and, sure enough, it did.
In terms of games, here’s the thing — I’m not a huge fan of most mobile games. I have access to Apple Arcade, sure, and it’s fine. It’s how I get my Balatro fix.
But what I want to do is play console-quality games when I’m away from the TV or, more often than not, when someone else is using it. Which brings me back to my workaround.
These days I play most of my games either via Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming platform or Boosteroid’s alternative. It gives me access to PC games as well as a chunk of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate catalog with Xbox Game Cloud picking up the slack when needed.
When cloud gaming isn’t an option, I use remote play instead. Yes, I’m lucky enough to have gigabit internet and a scary-fast Wi-Fi setup, but I work with what I’ve got.
And the Cyclone 2 hasn’t missed a beat.
Playing games like Starfield has been a pleasure while I’ve enjoyed my time with Hades, Vampire Survivors, and Cyberpunk 2077 just as much. Sometimes using third-party controllers can make the experience feel wrong, for want of a better word. Just not quite right.
There has been none of that with the Cyclone 2, although admittedly I haven’t made too much use of its turbo or hair-trigger features. When I did try them they worked as advertised, but they just aren’t my style. If they’re yours, you’re going to love them.
Standout thoughts for me after spending a few weeks and untold hours with the Cyclone 2 include the comfortable fit in the hand and the mechanical face buttons that have a satisfying click that warms the heart of this clicky keyboard fan.
GameSir Cyclone 2 review: Conclusion
It will be no surprise to anyone that I recommend the GameSir Cyclone 2 controller if you’re in the market for something to play your games with. It’s most suited to playing on the big screen, or even an iPad, but it will work equally well with an iPhone as well.
That being said, if you’re playing exclusively with your phone I’d suggest checking out our collection of the best wraparound iPhone controllers instead. Those controllers just make more sense when you’re on the go.
But if you’re playing on something else, this could very well be the controller for you. I know it’s the controller for me.
GameSir Cyclone 2 review: Pros
- A familiar design that’s comfortable to hold for long sessions.
- Mechanical face buttons are satisfying to use.
- TMR and Hall Effect technologies should reduce or eliminate the dreaded stick drift problem.
- Wide compatibility and the option for wired and wireless connectivity give you options.
- The optional charging stand is a great way to power, and store the controller. Get it.
- Black and white color options should cater to most people’s tastes.
- There are more features and customizability options than you can shake a stick at.
GameSir Cyclone 2 review: Cons
- The lack of a Mac version of GameSir’s controller customization software is a shame.
- The iPhone software leaves a lot to be desired, although it does work.
- It would be nice if the controller worked with Xbox and PlayStation hardware.
- There are several features that many, like me, will never use but are still paying for.
GameSir Cyclone 2 Rating: 4 out of 5
Where to buy the GameSir Cyclone 2
You can buy the Cyclone 2 directly from GameSir starting from $49.99.
Alternatively, Amazon also offers the same controller with its charging station for just $50, making that the option you should choose.
