If you wish to play video games in your iPhone or iPad, you are going to want a recreation controller, and the identical is clear for the Mac. GameSir’s Cyclone 2 is likely to be my favourite, due to a well-recognized really feel and a few notable options.
Positive, you’ll be able to play iOS and iPadOS video games utilizing on-screen controls, and for some, that works like a allure. However for others, a controller is the place it is at.
For me, a controller is a should for a few causes. The primary is muscle reminiscence. I have been taking part in video games utilizing some type of controller for the reason that late Nineteen Eighties, and stabbing at a display simply would not have the suggestions I would like.
The second is probably a giant cause why gaming on transportable units can typically really feel like an afterthought. Irrespective of how large the iPhone 16 Professional Max and related premium telephones get, on-screen controls will all the time take up an excessive amount of of the house that ought to be crammed with content material.
The A18 Professional present in the most effective iPhones is a gaming monster, and the A17 Professional within the iPhone 15 Professional Max I have been testing the Cyclone 2 with isn’t any slouch, both. In actual fact, it powers the most recent Sixth-gen iPad mini which was my go-to gaming machine till my mortgage interval with Apple was up. Video games look gorgeous on these units.
However that is no use if you cannot see these trendy chips throwing all of these pixels round on-screen, creating imagery that till just lately was the purview of recreation consoles alone. On-screen controls merely get in the best way of what we wish to see, and that is why an actual controller is so very important for those who’re critical about your cellular gaming.
And, with out giving the sport away an excessive amount of this early within the overview, I believe I do know which you can purchase. Spoiler: it is the one within the picture up high.
GameSir Cyclone 2 overview: Design
Players of all ages will take a look at the Cyclone 2 and immediately really feel proper at residence. It is a acquainted design that borrows closely from the Microsoft Xbox lineup and feels very very similar to my Xbox Sequence X wi-fi controller in hand.
That is an excellent factor, for my part, however this stuff are subjective and I can think about some folks will not be so eager. For these folks, one thing with symmetrical sticks much like a PlayStation controller is extra comfy and if that is you, transfer on. This controller most likely will not change your thoughts.
In any other case, this design is comfy within the hand. All of the components of the controller that you just grip even have a textured end to assist it keep put when issues get sweaty, too.
Different design options of be aware embody an Xbox-like format to the face buttons in addition to a beautiful, textured D-pad and funky RGB lighting that may be configured utilizing GameSir’s software program. There’s an iPhone model, which works however lacks polish. There is not any Mac model although, which is disappointing.
That is all good things, and sufficient to pique the curiosity. However the actual enjoyable begins once we get into the options and specs. And sure, this controller does have specs which are price speaking about — though whether or not most individuals will ever use them is a matter of debate.
GameSir Cyclone 2 overview: Options and specs
You is likely to be forgiven for pondering that one controller is identical as the subsequent, however you would be fallacious. After which some. As a result of the Cyclone 2 has lots to shout about.
The GameSir Cyclone 2 has two customizable again buttons.
On the high of the checklist is the TMR joysticks. TMR stands for Tunneling Magnetoresistance and whereas there’s lots to find out about it if you wish to, you need not. All that issues is the TMR joysticks used within the Cyclone 2 are extra exact, smoother to make use of, and fewer more likely to endure from the dreaded stick drift subject.
Transferring on to the triggers, they’re fancy as nicely. They use Corridor Impact magic so all the pieces is sweet and easy and may final for longer, too. A mechanical hair set off change will be discovered on either side of the controller.
Subsequent, now we have micro change face buttons in an A/B/X/Y configuration which really feel much like a a keyboard click on in some methods and whereas they won’t be to everybody’s style they do really feel exact. And clicky.
The hits maintain coming, too. There’s rumble help as is the norm whereas a six-axis gyroscope means you’ll be able to play video games that make use of such know-how.
The button enjoyable continues with the 2 customizable buttons that may be discovered across the again of the controller, whereas customizable turbo settings are additionally provided for the A/B/X/Y/LB/RB/LT/RT buttons and triggers.
Within the middle of the controller, you will discover a House button, a View button, and a Share button. A Menu button can also be out there. Once more, it is all much like the Xbox controller, which isn’t any dangerous factor.
There’s RGB lighting which might, once more, be custom-made utilizing an app. Sadly, there is not a Mac model of GameSir’s software program however there may be an iPhone app, albeit one which’s severely missing in polish.
By way of charging, there is a USB-C port on the highest of the controller whereas those that wish to go the entire hog can get the Cyclone 2 with a useful charging station that routinely turns the controller on when it is eliminated and off when it is positioned on cost. Helpful stuff.
And one way or the other, there’s extra. Bluetooth, wired, and a couple of.4GHz dongle connectivity choices can be found with the latter two choices providing a 1,000Hz polling price for super-responsive play.
Lastly, there is a headphone jack on the underside of the Cyclone 2 for many who wish to plug in a cable prefer it’s the 12 months 2000.
Phew!
GameSir Cyclone 2 overview: Compatibility
All of these options are fairly pointless if the Cyclone 2 would not work along with your selection of machine. Fortunately, that is unlikely.
Throughout the varied connectivity choices talked about earlier the Cyclone 2 works along with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac with out subject (and I would think about the Apple TV will be included right here, though I have not examined it.)
Outdoors of the Apple world, the Nintendo Swap, Android units, and Home windows PCs are additionally good to go however for those who’re eager to hook up with a PlayStation or Xbox, you are going to should look elsewhere. Fortunately, you’ll be able to pair multiple machine with the controller at anyone time and change between them, a minimum of.
GameSir Cyclone 2 overview: Pricing
The GameSir Cyclone 2 is not the most cost effective controller I’ve seen, but it surely’s additionally removed from the costliest. And given the options and connectivity choices I believe it is moderately priced.
You may pay $49.99 if all you need is the controller, however for an additional $6 you may get the controller and that aforementioned charging stand. That is the model I have been utilizing for the previous few weeks and, frankly, it is the model you can purchase if solely as a result of it offers you someplace to place the USB-A dongle if you aren’t utilizing it.
The one different resolution you’ll want to make is which coloration you need. I have been placing the Shadow Black one by its paces, and I am a giant fan of its stealthy look. The Phantom White different is unquestionably a vibe although, so I will allow you to decide which one to go for — it is your cash, in spite of everything.
GameSir Cyclone 2 overview: My experiences
By this level, it ought to be fairly clear that I am a fan of this controller and it is presently my go-to possibility. I solely want I may additionally use it when taking part in Xbox Sequence X and PlayStation 5 video games, though I do have one thing of a workaround that I will get to quickly.
The Cyclone 2 controller is a looker, to make certain.
So how have I been testing the Cyclone 2? Primarily, it has been linked to my MacBook Professional, but it surely’s additionally hung out paired with the iPad mini in addition to my 11-inch iPad Professional. It spent a short spell linked to my iPhone 15 Professional Max simply to verify it labored and, certain sufficient, it did.
By way of video games, this is the factor — I am not an enormous fan of most cellular video games. I’ve entry to Apple Arcade, certain, and it is high quality. It is how I get my Balatro repair.
However what I wish to do is play console-quality video games after I’m away from the TV or, as a rule, when another person is utilizing it. Which brings me again to my workaround.
Lately I play most of my video games both by way of Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming platform or Boosteroid’s different. It offers me entry to PC video games in addition to a bit of the Xbox Sport Move Final catalog with Xbox Sport Cloud choosing up the slack when wanted.
When cloud gaming is not an possibility, I take advantage of distant play as a substitute. Sure, I am fortunate sufficient to have gigabit web and a scary-fast Wi-Fi setup, however I work with what I’ve acquired.
And the Cyclone 2 hasn’t missed a beat.
Enjoying video games like Starfield has been a pleasure whereas I’ve loved my time with Hades, Vampire Survivors, and Cyberpunk 2077 simply as a lot. Typically utilizing third-party controllers could make the expertise really feel fallacious, for need of a greater phrase. Simply not fairly proper.
There was none of that with the Cyclone 2, though admittedly I have not made an excessive amount of use of its turbo or hair-trigger options. Once I did strive them they labored as marketed, however they only aren’t my type. In the event that they’re yours, you are going to love them.
Standout ideas for me after spending a number of weeks and untold hours with the Cyclone 2 embody the comfy match within the hand and the mechanical face buttons which have a satisfying click on that warms the center of this clicky keyboard fan.
GameSir Cyclone 2 overview: Conclusion
It will likely be no shock to anybody that I like to recommend the GameSir Cyclone 2 controller for those who’re out there for one thing to play your video games with. It is most suited to taking part in on the large display, and even an iPad, however it is going to work equally nicely with an iPhone as nicely.
That being mentioned, for those who’re taking part in solely along with your cellphone I would recommend trying out our assortment of the most effective wraparound iPhone controllers as a substitute. These controllers simply make extra sense if you’re on the go.
However for those who’re taking part in on one thing else, this might very nicely be the controller for you. I do know it is the controller for me.
GameSir Cyclone 2 overview: Execs
A well-known design that is comfy to carry for lengthy periods.
Mechanical face buttons are satisfying to make use of.
TMR and Corridor Impact applied sciences ought to cut back or get rid of the dreaded stick drift drawback.
Large compatibility and the choice for wired and wi-fi connectivity offer you choices.
The optionally available charging stand is a good way to energy, and retailer the controller. Get it.
Black and white coloration choices ought to cater to most individuals’s tastes.
There are extra options and customizability choices than you’ll be able to shake a stick at.
GameSir Cyclone 2 overview: Cons
The dearth of a Mac model of GameSir’s controller customization software program is a disgrace.
The iPhone software program leaves lots to be desired, though it does work.
It might be good if the controller labored with Xbox and PlayStation {hardware}.
There are a number of options that many, like me, won’t ever use however are nonetheless paying for.
GameSir Cyclone 2 Ranking: 4 out of 5Where to purchase the GameSir Cyclone 2
You should buy the Cyclone 2 straight from GameSir ranging from $49.99.
Alternatively, Amazon additionally provides the identical controller with its charging station for simply $50, making that the choice you must select.
