Im someone who loves a good mobile controller.

Ive been a big fan of the Backbone controller ever since its release.

It does so at $99.99/99.99, which puts it exactly even with Backbones signature controller.

GameSir X4 Aileron review image showing the controller clipped together

However, Ive not found that to be the case for the GameSir X4 Aileron.

Generally, youll find something half the size, like the Backbones tiny nubs.

GameSir has gone for the seemingly industry-standard layout of offset thumbsticks.

GameSir X4 Aileron being held by a reviewer

This goes for the D-pad and the bumpers too.

The GameSir X4 Aileron bucks the trend of having a spine that holds both halves of the controller together.

Instead, GameSir has opted for a more Nintendo Switch Joy-Con-style design.

GameSir X4 Aileron being held in front of a gaming monitor

Finally, it wouldnt be a nifty piece of gaming tech if it didnt feature some form of RGB.

As someone who isnt the biggest fan of it, I wasnt offended by it here.

Each thumbstick is surrounded by a ring of RGB which actually adds a nice finish to the controller.

GameSir X4 Aileron launching a game, standing on a desk

This was probably my favorite feature of the controller.

It really brought together my mobile gaming sessions, making them more comfortable and more like a console experience.

The buttons themselves are mappable via the on-board M button and are very straightforward.

GameSir X4 Aileron review show of the controller from the back

The biggest downside for me was the offset design.

It just didnt work for me.

Going into testing the GameSir X4 Aileron, my biggest concern was latency.

GameSir X4 Aileron in its carry case

This controller does not connect to your phone via USB-C and instead, its all done via Bluetooth.

Thankfully, it was seemingly indistinguishable 99% of the time for both native and cloud gaming.

Should you buy the GameSir X4 Aileron?

GameSir X4 Aileron Bluetooth…

Alongside cloud gaming, I extensively played Call of Duty Mobile natively on the phone.

For more on how we test the latest gaming gear, check out ourHardware Policy.

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