Overview
A wireless controller consisting of two separate halves, each of which attaches to the side of a mobile phone with a clip, and connects to the phone via Bluetooth. It is intended for Xbox cloud gaming on Android devices. It features Hall Effect sticks and triggers, two programmable back buttons, light rings around the sticks with six effects, and a battery in each half.
Features as stated in the official manual:
- Two-half design: A left half and a right half that each attach to the side of the phone with a clip, and can be joined together.
- Hall Effect sticks with non-contact magnetic sensors that do not wear out or drift with use.
- Hall Effect analog triggers with 100% response area and constant smoothness, with quick-switch to hair-trigger mode.
- Two programmable back buttons, L4 and R4, which accept mapping the function of any button from a wide list.
- Six lighting effects in the light rings around the sticks, toggleable and with adjustable brightness.
- Two 400mAh batteries, one in each half.
- Magnetic face buttons; the four face buttons are removable to swap their layout.
- Swappable parts: two additional sets of stick caps, an additional D-pad, and rubber pads in two thicknesses.
Device Layout and Button Names
- Front: Clip, View button, Menu button, A, B, X, and Y buttons, Xbox button, and M button.
- Top Edge: LB and RB buttons, LT and RT triggers.
- Bottom Edge: USB-C charging port.
- Back: L4 back button and R4 back button.
Specifications
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Supported Platforms | Most Android devices, requires Android 8.0 or later |
| Connection Method | Bluetooth |
| Phone Size | 68 to 95 mm wide, max thickness 12.5 mm |
| Phone Case | Not recommended; if necessary, use a case thinner than 1 mm |
| Battery | 400mAh in each half |
| Standby Mode | After 10 minutes of inactivity; duration is adjustable via the app |
| Companion Software | GameSir App |
Box Contents
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Controller | 1 unit |
| USB-C cable | 1 unit, 0.5 meters long |
| Small stick cap | 2 units |
| Concave stick cap | 2 units |
| Faceted D-pad | 1 unit |
| 2mm rubber pad | 2 units |
| 1mm rubber pad | 2 units |
| Carrying case | 1 unit |
| User manual | 1 copy |
| Thank you & after-sales service card | 1 card |
| GameSir sticker | 1 sticker |
| Conformity certificate | 1 copy |
Swapping Face Buttons and Parts
- The four face buttons are attached with a magnetic design, so their layout can be swapped according to playing style.
- There is a carved groove to the left of each face button; align your fingertip with the groove and pull the button out.
- Place the buttons according to the desired layout to complete the installation.
- Available layouts: Xbox layout (Y at the top, X on the left, A at the bottom, B on the right) and Switch layout (X at the top, Y on the left, B at the bottom, A on the right). The default is the Xbox layout.
- The controller comes with two extra sets of stick caps and an additional D-pad, which are removed by pulling straight and installed by pushing straight.
Phone Requirements
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.0 or later |
| Phone Size | 68 to 95 mm wide, max thickness 12.5 mm |
| Phone Case | Not recommended; if necessary, use a case thinner than 1 mm |
Connection and Operation
Attaching the Phone, Powering On and Off
- Raise the clip on each half and attach both halves to the sides of the phone; the controller powers on automatically when the clip is raised.
- For forced power on if the clip is not raised: Press and hold the Xbox button for 5 seconds on the left half, and press and hold the Share button for 5 seconds on the right half.
- To power off: Close the clip and the controller will power off automatically. In forced power-on mode, the clip must be raised then closed.
- To power off in forced mode: Press and hold the Xbox button for 5 seconds on the left half, and press and hold the Share button for 5 seconds on the right half.
- In any power mode, join the left and right halves together and they will power off simultaneously.
Standby Mode and Waking Up
- If 10 minutes pass without use while both halves are on, the controller enters standby mode.
- To enter standby mode manually while both halves are on: Press and hold the Xbox button for 5 seconds.
- To wake the left half: Press the Xbox button or any D-pad arrow.
- To wake the right half: Press one of the A, B, X, or Y buttons or the Share button.
- Automatic standby time is 10 minutes by default, adjustable via the GameSir app.
- In forced power-on mode, pressing the Xbox button for 5 seconds powers off the controller instead of putting it into standby.
- Standby mode differs from powering off: in standby, you wake the controller with a button; when powered off, you must raise the clip or use forced power-on.
Connecting to Android Devices via Bluetooth
- Raise both clips and attach the phone to the left and right halves to power on the controller, or power it on manually.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth pairing button for 2 seconds until the power indicator flashes rapidly.
- Turn on Bluetooth on the phone and select the device named "GameSir-X4a for Xbox" to pair.
- A solid white power indicator means the connection is successful.
- If the controller is connected to another phone, it must be disconnected before pressing the Bluetooth pairing button to enter pairing mode.
Pairing the Left Half with the Right Half
- Join the left and right halves together.
- Connect the USB-C cable while the left half is in forced power-on mode or powered-off mode.
- Re-pairing the two halves might be necessary after a firmware update or calibration.
Indicator Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Successful connection | Power indicator remains solid white |
| Entering pairing mode | Power indicator flashes rapidly after holding Bluetooth pairing button for 2s |
| Not connected to Android phone | Power indicator flashes slowly |
| Entering calibration mode | Power indicator flashes slowly, stick light rings change colors |
| Entering back button programming mode | Stick light ring flashes white slowly |
| Programming or cancellation complete | Light ring returns to set lighting effect |
| Successful mode switch (recognition error) | Indicator turns from blue to white |
Button Combinations
| Function | Combination |
|---|---|
| Enable/Disable Quick Trigger mode (When enabled, the stick light ring illuminates automatically upon pressing the trigger; setting remains after restart) | M button + LT or RT trigger for 2 seconds |
| Increase/Decrease brightness of the two stick light rings (Setting remains after restart) | M button + move left stick up or down |
| Toggle between the six lighting effects of the stick rings (Setting remains after restart) | M button + move left stick left or right |
| Increase/Decrease volume | M button + D-pad arrow up or down |
| Swap A/B and X/Y button values (Setting remains after restart) | M button + A button for 2 seconds |
| Switch mode until indicator turns from blue to white (Used when the app identifies the controller as an Xbox controller) | Xbox button + A button for 5 seconds |
Programming Back Buttons
Buttons that can be mapped to L4 and R4 include: A, B, X, Y, LB, RB, LT, RT, Left Stick Press, Right Stick Press, View, Menu, Share, and D-pad.
- To program: Press and hold the M button + L4 or R4 button until the stick light ring flashes white slowly.
- Press the button you wish to map, then press the L4 or R4 button. The light ring returning to the set lighting effect signifies the completion of programming.
- To cancel: Press and hold the M button + L4 or R4 button until the light ring flashes white slowly, then press the same L4 or R4 button. The light ring returning to its effect signifies completion.
- If 10 seconds pass without any input during setup, it will exit setup mode automatically and the button value will remain as it was.
Screenshot
Press the Share button during use to take a screenshot.
Charging and Battery Status
To charge: Join the left and right halves together, then use the included USB-C cable.
To check battery status while the controller is on: Press the Bluetooth pairing button twice consecutively and observe the color of the stick light ring.
You can play while charging; the controller continues to operate normally.
| Light Ring Color | Battery Status |
|---|---|
| Red | Low battery |
| White | Remaining charge level |
| Orange | Charging in progress |
Calibration
- While both halves are on, press and hold the LB + Xbox + RB buttons until the power indicator flashes slowly and the stick light rings change colors.
- Rotate the sticks at their maximum angle three times and let them return to their original position naturally.
- Press the LT and RT triggers to their full travel three times and let them return to their original position naturally.
- Press the A button to finish and exit calibration mode.
- Perform calibration movements at a constant, gentle speed to avoid data recording errors. Do not calibrate if the sticks and triggers are working correctly.
Reset
There are no official instructions printed for using the reset switch mentioned in the bottom edge diagram; therefore, no approved reset procedure can be provided to the customer.
Companion Software and Firmware Update
- Go to the GameSir website from your phone or scan the QR code printed in the manual to download the GameSir app.
- Use the app to update firmware, test buttons, adjust stick and trigger dead zones, and set vibration intensity.
- Automatic standby duration and lighting effects are also adjustable via the app.
Safety Warnings
- The product contains small parts; keep it out of reach of children under three years old. Seek immediate medical attention if a part is swallowed or inhaled.
- Do not use the product near fire, expose it to direct sunlight or high heat, or leave it in a humid or dusty environment.
- Do not subject the product to impact, drop it, or touch the port directly as this may cause a malfunction. Do not bend or pull cable parts forcefully.
- Clean the product with a soft, dry cloth; do not use chemicals such as benzene or solvents.
- Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the product. Do not use it for purposes other than those for which it was designed. The company is not responsible for accidents or damages resulting from misuse.
- Do not look directly into the light emitted by the product as it may damage your eyes. If you have quality concerns, contact GameSir or your local distributor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mobile devices are supported? Most Android devices with a width between 68 and 95 mm; max compatible thickness is 12.5 mm.
Is the controller wired or wireless? Wireless; connection is via Bluetooth on the phone.
What is the latency? Very low latency according to the official source.
Does it have a battery? Yes, a 400mAh battery in each half.
What are the features of the sticks? Hall Effect sticks operate with non-contact magnetic sensors, so they do not wear out over their lifetime and do not drift.
Does it have analog triggers? Yes, Hall Effect analog triggers with 100% response area and constant smoothness, with quick-switch to hair-trigger mode by pressing the M button + trigger for 2 seconds.
What are the lighting features? Six lighting effects; you can toggle between them by pressing the M button + moving the left stick left or right, and adjust brightness by pressing the M button + moving the left stick up or down. Settings can also be adjusted via the app.
Can the button layout be changed? Yes, face buttons are magnetic so their positions can be swapped. You can swap A/B and X/Y values by pressing the M button + A button. The default is Xbox layout. Note: The manual table mentions 2 seconds for this combination, while the FAQ page mentions 3 seconds.
Does it work with a phone case? Using a case is not recommended; if necessary, it is advised to use one thinner than 1 mm.
What games are supported? All Android games that support controllers, including Soul Knight, Diablo Immortal, Minecraft, Fortnite, Dead Trigger 2, and Asphalt 9.
Can it be charged while in use? Yes, the controller continues to work normally during charging.
Only one half works, or the two halves do not re-pair. Join the two halves together to re-pair; under normal conditions, they operate and power off together when joined. If that does not work: after joining, press and hold the Share button until the light colors match, or press and hold the Xbox button until colors match, or put them on charge until the colors match.
Does not connect to Android phone and indicator flashes slowly. Press the Bluetooth pairing button for 2 seconds to enter pairing mode.
The app identifies the controller as an Xbox controller. Press the Xbox button + A button for 5 seconds until the indicator turns from blue to white.
Stick drifts or trigger does not work correctly. Perform calibration: with both halves on, press LB + Xbox + RB buttons until the power indicator flashes slowly and light rings change colors, then rotate sticks three times, press triggers three times, and press A to exit.
The included Game Pass code does not work. The code is for new subscribers only and cannot be activated by anyone who has previously had a subscription. You can verify regional support on the official regions page. If you are a new subscriber and receive a message that the code has been used, record the entire activation process and send it to customer service.
Documentation Notes
- The combinations table in the manual states that the time for the face button layout swap (M + A) is 2 seconds, while the FAQ page states 3 seconds.
- The product name appears in different formats between the manual cover, box contents, Bluetooth name, and store page.
- No steps for using the reset switch mentioned in the bottom edge diagram are printed in official sources.