Xbox-Now Reviews

Optics is (almost) everything

When you unbox the GameSir T4 Kaleid, you immediately notice the transparent case, the familiar asymmetrical stick arrangement from the Xbox, and the subtly colored ABXY buttons. I like the transparent case very much, because we all want a controller that looks good while gaming. However, there seems to be some kind of visually spruced up panel or even a foil underneath the upper casing that provides this distinctive design. Similar to some smartphones and other transparent devices in the past, you don't see the real PCB, but a decorative element, which improves the look and should still give the impression that it is the real PCB.

The additional RGB lighting is then supposed to illuminate the controller and the decor in an atmospheric way, of course. Some rumor that RGB on peripherals significantly increases the skill level when playing :). I actually get distracted by the RGB feature of the controller from time to time. Nevertheless, it also has typical GameSir Pro features.

Hall-Effect-Sticks!

Personally, I think that Hall-effect sticks will revolutionize controllers. In the sense that there is virtually no more stick drift. I received a few questions about Hall Effect triggers during my review of the GameSir G7, so I'd like to digress briefly here and talk about the advantages.

Hall effect joysticks are similar to traditional potentiometric joysticks in that both provide a proportional electrical output signal that corresponds to the position of the stick. The difference is that the operating principle of Hall-effect joysticks is based on non-contact Hall-effect technology, in which a magnet under the moving joystick lever affects the electromagnetic field generated by a Hall-effect sensor under the magnet. The non-contact Hall effect technology implies that there is no contact between the sensor and the moving magnet. Therefore, the sensor element is not worn out by repeated movements and strong vibrations, resulting in a significantly longer life expectancy.

 

Functions

No matter on which device I played, whether on the PC (here with Steam), the Nintendo Switch or the Android tablet, the sticks always felt perfectly precise. The controller experience is complemented by buttons with a very short pressure point of 0.6 mm. Each press is confirmed with a micro switch typical "click".

The triggers can be switched from analog to hair trigger and back via the proprietary GameSir software or button shortcuts on the controller. By the way, the triggers are also Hall effect sensors. In addition, you can adjust the button layout (ABXY) to your personal needs via software and assign the additional back buttons located on the back. This is also possible by simultaneously pressing the corresponding buttons with a function key located above the headphone jack (3.5mm jack). Thus, the functions that are needed more often can also be set directly on the controller. This is very good for people who don't have so many demands or who don't need custom layouts, but would like to map a key differently here and there.

In my opinion, it is clearest in the Windows app, which can currently be downloaded for PC directly from the GameSir site or from the Microsoft Store. In the software, you can also adjust the behavior of sticks and triggers, but also create or change Turbo (Rapid Fire), Marko functions and vibration intensity. For my best gaming experience, it was necessary to make changes to the dead zone of the sticks, as the Hall Effect triggers respond so insanely precisely and quickly that it was almost too precise.

We all love a bit of eye candy

The menu item I probably spent the longest time in was the configuration of the RGB LEDs. Four individual sets can be saved, each allowing detailed settings. From front-defined styles like Flow, Rainbow, Pulse or Alarm, the colors in the RGB code can be freely set at four points on the controller - namely at the upper and lower ends of the LED strings on the left and right, respectively - depending on your taste. You can even set keyframes and adjust the speed and brightness.

Even the guide button with the GameSir logo can be assigned a color independently of the strips. In the unlikely event that this is too much for you, you can of course turn off the RGB LEDs. But don't we all love a bit of eye candy? I'm sure that will be one of the reasons for some of you to buy it. Changing the RGB programs and the brightness can also be done directly on the controller with the function key and the corresponding direction keys on the D-pad. You can lose some time playing around.
 

 

Gyroscope on Board

A six-axis gyroscope is also on board, which is especially important for the Nintendo Switch. A few settings are also possible in the app, for example four presets for the response behavior. From "aggressive" to "balanced" to your own settings, a lot can be configured here.

Conclusion

Whether shooter, racing, platformer or casual games, the GameSir T4 Kaleid offers everything at any time and always puts your gameplay "in the right light". The reverb effect sticks and the diverse setting options form the perfect basis for this. It feels good in the hand, but might even feel a bit too light for adult gamers. The workmanship makes a good impression and the light texture on the underside of the grips makes the "T4K" an optimal companion. Unfortunately, it is corded and not suitable for Xbox consoles. Nevertheless, the controller is my first choice for the Nintendo Switch and PC from now on!

You can buy the controller now either at Amazon (DE/EU) for 58,00€* or at Amazon.com (USA) for $41,99*. However, you have to add about $10 for import fees and shipping, if you are located in Europe. Alternatively, you can also import it directly from China via AliExpress.

Unboxing Video

Tech Specs

Plattforms: Windows 10/11, Nintendo Switch, Devices with Android 8.0 or higher
Connection: Wired, 2m long, detachable USB-C to USB-C cable
3,5-mm Audiojack
Six-Axis-Gyrosensor
Recording button only in Switch mode
Microswitch Buttons with 0,6mm, lasting up to 5 Million clicks
Analog triggers with Hall-Effect-Magnetsensors
Hall-Effect-Sticks
Vibration Motors
Size: 156 * 107 * 60 mm
Weight: 212 g

Content:
1x GameSir-T4 Kaleid Controller
1x 2m USB-C Cable
1x Manual
1x Support and Warranty Card

*Affiliate-Links

However, we console gamers in particular have problems with touch input every now and then. So it is not surprising that there are gradually special controllers for smartphones.

Today we present the Leadjoy M1B Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone. What the controller can do and whether it makes our favorite hobby more mobile, we will show in the following.

The company Leadjoy has provided us with the M1B free of charge. Many thanks for that. This has no influence on the rating.

 

The Leadjoy M1B comes in a black cardboard box that can be opened at the top. The controller is embedded in foam, and there are also instructions in several languages, a USB-C to Lightning cable, and an adapter (rubber cushion) for older iPhones. The M1B is only intended for iPhones, but here for all with iOS 13 or higher. Thus, from the iPhone 6s to the current iPhone 14 all devices are supported.

So quickly unpacked and immediately clamped my iPhone 14 Pro Max. Even the largest iPhone can be connected without any problems, as there is enough space between the left and right handles, which are pulled together by a sturdy bar with a spring mechanism. Unfortunately, the springs are relatively weak, so the iPhone does not find much support on the left side. There is only about a third of the width rubberized, which can thus provide grip.

It is also the case with the M1B that the iPhones unfortunately only fit in the controllers without a sleeve. This is a bit of a shame and unfortunately also inconvenient. To protect my Lightning connector on the iPhone, I always start by inserting the top of the iPhone into the controller first. At least I imagine it minimizes the possibility of scratches.

 

 

However, I like the fact that the manual points out to pay attention to the protective foil when inserting the iPhone into the controller and not to press it too tightly. Reading instructions can be useful from time to time.

After the phone is inserted, the white ring around the "burger" button on the left side at the bottom of the controller lights up, signaling that it is ready for use. Of course, the first thing I did was try out Xbox Cloud Gaming. With Forza Horizon 5, I also got one of the more demanding games for Cloud, but also gave the controller itself a good try. After all, the LeadJoy M1B promises extremely responsive and precise feedback with its analog triggers with Hall effect and mechanical buttons with only 0.6 mm actuation distance. The mechanical keys are not only for the buttons ABXY (arranged in Xbox style), but can also be found in the D-pad. The convex, i.e. outwardly curved, sticks are distributed asymmetrically.

Whether convex or concave, everyone surely has their preferences. Opinions vary widely. Unfortunately, there are no attachable rubber caps for concave triggers.

Since the M1B plugs directly into the iPhone, it delivers ultra-low latency and can also be charged during extended gaming sessions on the bottom right. I really like the fact that a USB-C to Lightning cable is included. A headphone jack is not available. You have to use Bluetooth here. However, that is standard by now.

Back to the gaming experience and Forza Horizon 5. In short, everything works as expected. The reverb effect triggers deliver a wonderful feel. The sticks are great to control with and all the buttons work.

Some will now say, yes Cloud and Forza Horizon 5, that all doesn't fit so well together and Cloud in general and so...

Of course, I have also tried other games. It's just always a very tangible example, because many of you can then draw a direct comparison. So I also tried some Apple Arcade Controller supported games, Call of Duty Mobile, Genishin Impact and especially Diablo Immortal, but also Amazon Luna works fine. I did not test the services from Geforce Now, SteamLink, PS RemotePlay, Rainway and Moonlight, which all should work according to the specifications. I did not encounter any problems. The controller works and does exactly what it is supposed to.

By the way: Leadjoy also actively promotes a 3DS emulation, which can be explicitly downloaded for free on iOS. Since we were not informed about the licensing model of the 3DS roms, we will refrain from further details on this at this point. Nintendo handles this topic very strictly.

For those who like to share their gameplay and take screenshots or record video, the Leadjoy M1B has a button that supports this. Pressing the buttons on the left side twice triggers a screenshot, and pressing it longer starts the screen recording. All the shots are right in your photo library, as usual. Through the tutorial I noticed that there is an app from Leadjoy. But here you can only test the function of the buttons and sticks and nothing else can be set. Too bad, here they have missed a chance to adjust button mapping or trigger stop via software. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it will be delivered later.

After collecting my first impressions, I wondered what this rubber cushion was for and used an iPhone XS. It should work for all iPhone 6-13.

The current iPhone has a thick camera hump. To compensate for this and so that older iPhones with fewer lenses also lie well in the controller, this rubber cushion helps. Unfortunately, this is glued and I think multiple "in-out" it will not cope well.

By testing with an older iPhone, I then noticed the weak point. On the iPhone 14 Pro Max, one of the camera lenses rests directly on the bar of the controller. My first impulse was "oh my god", the controller is scratching my lens. I think that's probably not that dramatic, since the lens is already very scratch resistant. But you can already see slight marks on the controller bar. However, I cannot say how this behaves for the iPhone 12 and 13. It will also be exciting to see whether there are adapters for the iPhones 15, which are expected in the fall and will probably come with a USB-C port. Space would probably be available, though.

 

Conclusion

In summary, the Leadjoy M1B is a solid controller for a lot of iPhones and a huge range of possibilities. Every mobile game and cloud service I tested worked flawlessly. The triggers and buttons are very good. The sticks are a matter of taste, I would have preferred concave sticks for example. The grip of the device in the controller and the position of the iPhone 14 Pro Max should be improved. The RRP is relatively high at 89.99€/ $69.99 and thus in the range of various big-name competitors.

 

What is nice:

• Charging cable included in the box
• Hall effect triggers
• Mechanical buttons
• Screenshot and video recording at the touch of a button
• Support for all controller compatible services and games

Whats not so nice:

• Fixation of the iPhones (more grip desired)
• iPhone 14 Pro Max rests on the bar which could scratch the lens
• Unusually high price for a small, new manufacturer

You can shop the controller at Amazon (DE) for 89,99€* (from all over Europe; maybe also available in other Amazon EU stores) or at Amazon.com (USA) for $69,99*. However, you have to add about $10 for import fees and shipping. Nevertheless, you end up with about 73€ and thus well below the RRP in Europe of 89.99€.

*The given links are affiliate links with which we can receive a small commission.

 

Sooner or later, every gamer has to decide which material or controller to use for battles, car races or adventures. It is important to have a reliable controller in your hands that also has a few extra features. I think the GameSir G7 could be a suitable companion. But let's start at the beginning.

First Impressions

The first thing I noticed about the packaging is that it is a Microsoft or officially Xbox-licensed controller. So it is not surprising that the GameSir G7 looks like an original Xbox Series X|S controller. For us Xbox gamers, the first impression is the same visually, as well as physically, i.e. dimensions and weight.

But that was already it with the known. Because held in my hands, I immediately felt the differences. It has rubberized, diamond-textured grips that help not to lose grip in sweaty rounds. But also the additional buttons, one each on the left and right integrated into the grips, are clearly noticeable and my fingers land unerringly on them. This has become an indispensable feature of controllers for me. It's a bit of a shame that there are only two buttons and not four, like on Microsoft's Elite Controller. I'm an instant fan of the buttons. Nothing against the paddles, but buttons integrated into the grips are so much better for me. They are bigger and more ergonomic than paddles.

Buttons and Connectivity

Of course, the G7 has all buttons in the Xbox design. That means black buttons with the ABXY in the familiar colors printed on them. Select, menu and the share button are also available. You can hear and feel the differences here as well. The ABXY buttons are much softer and quieter than the original. To my surprise, however, I hear a small click, which sounds like a micro switch. That means very precise pressure point. That's exactly how it should be.

The D-pad is a 4-way control pad. And there are additional functions here as well. Together with the "M-button", a function button between the D-pad and the right stick, you can control the headset's volume as well as the balance between party chat and game. This is done by pressing the "M-key" and the D-pad up or down for the volume or left-right for the balance. However, you have to have a (wired) headset plugged into the 3.5 mm jack. Next to the jack socket is a mute button for the headset. I find the buttons and settings directly on the controller very practical. However, only if you still use a wired headset. That is probably no longer the case so often.

The sticks have a good grip and are rather concave with a textured edge. The resistance is well balanced and feels good to me.

The reverb effect - well who paid attention in physics? - is applied to the trigger keys. This means that there is no physical contact anymore, but works electromagnetically. As a result, it's super smooth with a noticeable but eradicable drawback, which I'll get to later, in shooters for example.

The GameSir G7 is a wired controller for Xbox consoles and the PC. It comes with a three-meter USB-C cable, unfortunately without a trip protection. For many, the cable is probably a no-go, making it out of the question. But keep in mind that wired here means that a very low latency of 4 ms is possible at a high 265 Hz sampling rate. That means the triggers, sticks, and each button are sending signals 265 times per second. 

Admittedly, I don't have the technical capability or any real evidence to verify this or what to measure it with. It is merely a feeling that there is something to it.

 

Extra Features

Let's move on to the extra features. Yes, I am overwhelmed by everything that is possible with the GameSir G7.

Using an app (GameSir Nexus), which is available on both Xbox and PC, you can set up a total of four profiles.

All sorts of configurations are possible in four categories, namely Mappings, Sticks, Triggers and Vibration. Button remapping, dead zones of the sticks, hair triggers with intensity for left and right separately as well as multi-level settings of the four vibration motors are possible. Almost everything a gamer's heart desires is available.

Switching profiles, quickly mapping the additional keys in the grips or activating/deactivating the hair trigger is also possible outside of the app with the "M" key and the respective key combinations.

 

 

All design fans (including me) are thrilled that a white faceplate is also included in the controller's standard package. The faceplate is held by a magnet and can be changed within seconds. GameSir explicitly advertises that the white faceplate is intended for designers, painters, airbrushers and other hobby artists. From simple pens to complex airbrushes, you'll have a matching faceplate right at hand to let off steam. Until January 8, 2023, a competition for the best design is running on the GameSir website. And this will even be rewarded with prizes such as an Xbox console - if you win.

Using it

Of course, I tested the controller for a few hours. In the standard configuration, it is a worthy companion for everything from adventurers, jump & run, shmups and platformer lovers, especially due to the precise buttons. For all the shooter fans who especially want to activate the Hair Trigger functions, it should be said that my learning curve was very steep here. Due to the Hall Effect triggers, which were over-sensitive for me, you sometimes already aimed or shot without touching them. I even often had to literally "pull out" the trigger buttons to make it stop shooting. This also led to me being quite surprised in the Xbox menu at first, why the navigation in the app or through the dashboard no longer worked. Yet it was "only" the oversensitive triggering.

Problem recognized, problem solved. Fortunately, you can set this in the GameSir Nexus app. My recommendation: Make sure to lower the hair trigger sensitivity a few notches. For me, it was three levels less until it worked as I imagined.

Conclusion

The GameSir G7 controller is well designed with incomparable additional features. Yes, wired seems a bit out of date. But low latency and high sampling rates are not to be scoffed at and, as far as I know, only possible via cable. I was thrilled by the idea of the exchangeable front panels, which are explicitly described as paint-friendly and the design options that come with it. That is a novelty!
Until now, you had to pay dearly for something like this.

For an MSRP of €59.99, you won't get a better weapon for all our favorite games on Xbox and PC.

Kindly GameSir has provided us with the Game Controller for free. Many thanks for that!




Advantages:

• Extra buttons integrated in the handles
• Precise sticks and buttons
• Many configuration possibilities of the sticks, remapping of the buttons in the app
• Trigger with Hall Effect, Hair Trigger
• Fast mapping of the extra buttons and activating of the hair triggers outside the app possible
• Volume, game chat balance adjustable on controller
• Exchangeable faceplates with design-friendly additional faceplate
• Pleasant grip due to textures on the sticks, triggers and grips
• Price/Performance
• 1 month Xbox GamePass Ultimate for new customers

You need to know about:

• Wired
• App does not seem mature, is not fully displayed on Xbox.
• Hair trigger settings oversensitive
• Guide button does not light up
• Select and menu button are moved up a bit

Technical Specification

Platform: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows 10/11
Connection: wired, 3m detachable USB-C cable
3.5mm audiojack socket
Microphone Mute Button
Microswitch buttons: ABXY
Analog Triggers: Hall Effect Magnetic Sensors
Analog Joysticks: ALPS
Rumble motors: 4 in total, in each handle and trigger
Additional button: 2, configurable
Software: GameSir Nexus
Product Size: 152*103*63 mm
Net weight: 256g
Verpackungsgröße: 160*118*113mm

The GameSir X2 Pro has been on the market for a while, but the special and officially licensed Xbox version has only been available for a few months. Surprising that I really didn't notice anything about it. Visually, the mobile controller naturally resembles some competitors like the Razer Kishi. But why reinvent the wheel? The design is relatively established, and since a smartphone or even a small tablet has to fit in the middle, but the device shouldn't be bulky, it has been kept relatively flat with only 37mm. The dimensions are 184x 85 x 37 mm with a weight of about 180 grams. There are the familiar Xbox buttons, including a share button for taking screenshots, as well as two freely configurable buttons on the back. RT and LT are real triggers with a good pressure and spring point and can be used well for dosing the throttle in racing games. However, there is no multi-step adjustment to make the travel shorter, as known from SCUF controllers or the Xbox Elite controller, for example. That doesn't matter, as it probably isn't necessary for the intended use.

  

Whats inside the Box?

The GameSir X2 Pro comes in a storage bag that should protect it well during your travels. This actually looks much more valuable than I would have guessed. In addition to the controller, the package also comes with a small pack of instructions, warranty card, stickers, a code for one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and even two rubber caps for the analog sticks. This is really great, because how quickly do the sticks on a controller get worn and played down and then offer little grip? It also allows you to use the sticks the way you prefer. I, for example, prefer inwardly curved sticks, from which you don't slip off so easily. There are two variants of these supplied. If you leave out the rubber caps, the sticks are slightly smaller and curved outwards. These rubber caps are also available separately, so you can quickly swap them.

  

Design of the Mobile Controller

Admittedly and as already mentioned, the design is not new. Some other mobile controllers have already used it in this way or something similar. What I really like about the GameSir X2 Pro, however, is that the build doesn't feel as fragile as the Razer Kishi. With the GameSir, we have a solid-looking and also rubberized hull, which means your smartphone should be well protected and not scratched. The USB-C port is flexible and can be folded upwards, which makes clamping the smartphone very easy. A tight elastic band works inside the device to provide a secure hold, and there are thick rubber grooves on the inner edges as well. This even allows the game sound to come out of the smartphone well. The USB-C port is both a blessing and a curse because it excludes the vast majority of iPhone users, but it is the best choice for gaming because it does without a Bluetooth connection, which would increase the input lag by a few milliseconds during streaming. I am absolutely not a fan of such devices with Bluetooth, because they only allow playing casual games, since the input lag is already noticeably too high. Thanks to USB-C, the GameSir X2 Pro does not need its own battery, which saves you planning when traveling. Furthermore, parallel charging of the smartphone is possible. There is a pass-through USB-C port on the bottom, which allows charging the smartphone during gaming. However, there is no jack socket. Thus, headphones can only be connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. Most smartphones probably do not have a jack anyway.

 

Users of a flip smartphone should remember that the USB-C port is on the right side. The old version (without Xbox branding) of the GameSir X2 Pro probably had the USB-C port on the left side, so you could flip the Samsung Galaxy Flip up. If you now clamped it here, the screen would fold out downwards. That is also possible, but you have to know that.

Xbox Cloud Gaming vs. Nintendo Switch vs. Steam Deck vs. Everything

Actually, the device has Xbox branding and is primarily intended for streaming Xbox games via cloud gaming. However, that does not mean that it only works for that. Especially on the road, you do not always have the most stable connection and cloud gaming might be the wrong way to play. However, you can play pretty much every native smartphone game that supports a controller with the controller.

As far as cloud gaming or remote play is concerned, there are actually no limits. It is suitable for GeForce Now, Google Stadia (RIP), Steam Link or even Xbox Remote Play, where you stream from your local Xbox, which actually works even better than the cloud variant. In principle, you can control everything with it.

Speaking of everything. There is a quite useful Nintendo Switch emulator for Android - EggNS, which almost provides a real Switch feeling due to a funny feature. You can swap the magnetic ABXY buttons on the GameSir X2 Pro the way you want. For example, swap X and Y and A and B for a Nintendo layout. Provided you have a powerful smartphone, you can emulate Switch games pretty well with it. Some better than others, but often sufficiently good or even perfect. Parts of the code of EggNS probably come from the most famous Switch emulator yuzu, but it still hasn't made it to Android yet. According to my research, EggNS was originally only developed for the GameSir controller and could only be used with it. So if you don't want to lug all your devices around with you in the future, you can maybe leave the Switch at home for a few weeks.

 

In Practice

I did not notice any points of criticism for the GameSir X2 Pro while gaming, at least none that have to do with the device itself. Everything works well, the calibration of the sticks and buttons is good, pressure points and quality are excellent. Xbox Cloud Gaming is still not where GeForce Now or Google's Stadia are today. The latency is still noticeable, but Xbox Cloud Gaming is still officially in beta status. If you stream remotely from your own Xbox at home and have a good connection, you will certainly have more fun. You should also always use a 5GHz wifi on your smartphone if you have the choice. This of course reduces the latency significantly.

In short, and as with all the other devices of this type: It is rather not suitable for streaming 60FPS+ shooters if you are sensitive to latency. It is, however, significantly better than devices with Bluetooth-only connections. Limit yourself to casual games where minimal lag won't be noticeable or local content on your smartphone. Ultimately, however, this is a subjective assessment. I would classify myself as very "picky". Other people might not notice it as much.

 

Summary

The GameSir X2 Pro (for Xbox) is really a great device and I really have to look for points of criticism with a magnifying glass. Actually, I can only think of one. The ergonomics of the device resembles a Switch too much and is thus better suited for smaller hands in my eyes. Especially the fact that the buttons are located directly above the right analog stick is sometimes difficult to get used to if you are used to moving your thumb diagonally to the right. The grips on the side, if you can call it that, could also be thicker so that you have a firmer grip. It's actually like an Xbox controller with a smartphone in the middle. Vlt. is that something for a new revision? Otherwise, it's the best mobile controller I've been able to test so far.

More information can be found directly from the manufacturer: https://www.gamesir.hk/products/gamesir-x2-pro-xboxandroid

My personal rating for this device would be 4.5 / 5 stars!

A little tip: GameSir is currently offering a 20% discount on the X2 Pro for Xbox on Amazon (DE) for Black Friday. If you are interested, you can now buy this controller for just under 69€ - provided you have Amazon Prime. Here you can get directly to the offer*:
(European customers are able to purchase from Amazon.de without any issues)

Purchase GameSir X2 Pro for Xbox on Amazon - 69€ as a Black Friday Deal
 

* This is an affiliate link, whereby Xbox-Now receives a commission from Amazon for each purchase.

With their countless patents in this area, they are the market leader and trendsetter. Well-known things like the rear buttons, paddles, shortenable triggers and such stuff is all all coming from SCUF and were also the template for Microsoft's Elite controllers, which have licensed these technologies.

What is the SCUF Instinct / Instinct Pro Controller?

This is a high-end controller for pro gamers, or those who want to become one.

 

The controller comes in a nice box, which you can also put on the shelf by the way. It looks valuable and you immediately notice that you have bought a premium product. The controller is very present in it - which can be customized according to your wishes, by the way. You can choose between different monochrome, pattern-printed or camouflage faceplaces, customize some accent colors and thus personalize it nicely. Similar to what you already know from Microsoft with the Design Lab, but not quite as versatile. In my case, I chose the variant from the promo photos and the website, which is a very chic matte gray with orange accents on the thumbsticks. The shoulder buttons have a slight camouflage look and the ABXY buttons are black with white lettering. Fancy! Actually, I should have gotten one of the very stylish predefined faceplates in Energon purple, but it was not available at the time and will come a little later. Of course, I will add my own photos of it later.

In addition to the controller, the box also includes a USB-C (charging) cable, two AA batteries, two more thumbsticks so you can choose whether you prefer to use concave or convex curved sticks, and a few accompanying booklets.

Just like the official Microsoft Elite 2 controller, you can save multiple profiles for button assignments on the SCUF Instinct and switch through them with a button on the back. This causes a small LED on the mute button at the bottom of the front to change between blue, red and green. Mute button? Right. There is a button on the controller for muting your headset. Otherwise, the Instinct is visually and ergonomically identical to the Microsoft Xbox Series X|S controller, which means it is slightly smaller and has a better grip than the Xbox One controller. Of course, the new share button is not missing here either.

On the back, you'll find the four additional buttons known from SCUF to perform actions even faster without always having to move your right thumb to the ABXY buttons. This can be a big advantage in fast shooters or other multiplayer titles. Using them takes a bit of getting used to and practice, but the keys are very well positioned and can be felt blindly. They are somewhat L-shaped, so that your middle fingers lie there like in a hollow. You activate one function with an inward pressure and the other with an outward pressure. The middle finger no longer has to jump back and forth between the literal paddles like in the Elite 2 controller, and you don't need another finger. As I said, it feels unusual at first - at least for me. But it doesn't take long for you to use it in shooters to slide through the room while shooting and looking around. The keys can be freely assigned according to your wishes.

Qualitatively, the SCUF Instinct makes a damn good impression. Everything feels very well manufactured and very valuable. Nothing sticks out or scratches anywhere. Due to the usual good ergonomics of the original Xbox controllers and the corresponding non-slip grips on the bottom with textured rubber coating, you always have a firm grip. Unfortunately, only with the Pro. The only disadvantage of the rubber coating is that one or the other may sweat faster on the hands. However, the grip is still much better than with a normal Xbox controller (regardless of whether Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S). However, unlike the Elite 2, there are no textured grips on the top, and the faceplates are all smooth as far as I can tell. But this can possibly be changed in the future with new faceplates. The weight is also very pleasant. Not too light and not too heavy. Personally, I always found the normal Xbox controllers too light, which is why I've played with an Elite 2 so far. When playing intensively, you occasionally notice a slight creaking, because the faceplate is only attached via magnet and is not completely torsionally stiff. However, this is not particularly annoying. The faceplate snaps onto the body with 100% accuracy. Qualitatively, I would classify the Instinct clearly above all regular Xbox controllers, but on a par with an Elite 2. Overall, we are in the premium range here.

 

Let's come back to the faceplate. One of the great features of the Instinct is the changeable faceplate. It is simply attached to the case with five small magnets, but offers enough support so that it doesn't come loose by itself. So if you often feel the urge to change the look of your controller, you can order various faceplates or accessories from SCUF. For example, new thumbsticks can be attached when the old ones are worn out and worn down. I find it a bit unfortunate that SCUF only includes two additional thumbsticks in the box - and then also convex. Here I would have liked a little more variety and choice, as with the Elite 2, because I use, for example, only the inwardly curved (concave) sticks and in the box only two outwardly curved (convex) are included. Even with the Elite 2, there was a little more choice and combination options here. By the way, the sticks from the Elite 2 are not compatible with the Instinct. Especially because these are only sticks made of plastic, which are probably somewhere in the cent range, I would have liked to have different lengths, sizes, shapes and possibly colors here, since the controller naturally already has a premium price. But at least you can order them later at SCUF. Unfortunately, the resistances of the sticks cannot be adjusted, as you are used to with the Elite 2. However, the default resistance setting is decent and neither too strong nor too light. Balanced middle I would say.

  

The Instinct has a battery compartment like a regular Xbox controller and not a permanently installed battery! Two AA batteries (included), AA rechargeable batteries or corresponding Xbox controller batteries can be inserted there. If you want to use the controller as a wired controller for even more responsiveness, you can easily do so with the included 2m USB-C cable. But then please remove the batteries or insert a rechargeable battery.

But don't worry, the response speed is also excellent via Bluetooth and is in no way inferior to the original Microsoft controller. The Verge reports that the SCUF controllers even contain original Microsoft controller boards. Everything responds instantaneously and without any noticeable lag. Funnily enough, the controller is also recognized as the original controller by the Xbox after the first pairing and is updated for now. The configuration app for the Elite 2 controller can also be used for the SCUF controller.

Another small difference to the Elite 2 controller are the LT and RT shoulder triggers. Unlike the Elite 2, they can only be shortened to two levels instead of three, but the short level is like a mouse click, whereas the Elite 2 requires you to press the trigger in a bit even on the smallest level. You are more or less directly at the button with your finger. Step two is the regular mode, where the trigger is slowly pressed in completely. To be honest, these two variants are completely sufficient. I have never used the middle variant on the Elite 2. The short variant can certainly be used well in shooters - here it can be another decisive advantage, and the long and regular variant can be used for racing games, for example, if you want to deliberately and continuously accelerate more.

The only drawback are the switches for switching between the levels. On the one hand, they are very short, directly made of metal and thus a bit scratchy, and in the normal mode (without a short mouse click) they almost interfere with the remaining fingers at the back of the controller - depending on how you hold the controller. They can be adjusted poorly or not at all during gameplay. I would definitely have solved that differently. I find Microsoft's approach with the Elite 2 with a small plastic plug much better. However, that is certainly complaining on a high level. Many of you will certainly buy the controller for shooters and use the short level with a mouse click, which means that the switch is no longer hard to feel and therefore not as annoying.

  

Connectivity

Of course, the Instinct can not only be used on an Xbox, but also on practically all other devices that work with controllers. Whether on a Windows PC, Mac OS, iOS and Android and possibly other consoles. This can be done via Bluetooth or USB cable.

Differences between Normal and Pro

The Instinct comes in a normal and a Pro variant, which differ only slightly but noticeably. Both have four freely assignable additional buttons on the back, you can switch between three profiles and swap the faceplates and thumbsticks. But only the Pro also has a textured grip on the bottom and the crucial short mouse button triggers. So anyone faced with the choice should think carefully. The latter two features cost an additional 30€, but you generally spend a lot of money for a pro-gamer controller and should not save 30€, especially since both features are really important.

Is it worth it?

Whether a purchase is worthwhile for you personally, no one but you can answer exactly. You should perhaps reflect on your gaming style and consider how much value you place on the aforementioned features and whether a normal controller isn't enough for you. The Instinct is certainly a niche product for a very special target group.

Upgrade from Elite 2 Controller?

It is difficult to answer whether an upgrade from the Elite 2 is worth it. I would say no. The Elite 2 offers a bit more and costs less. If you already have an Elite 2, you don't need to worry about an upgrade from a gaming point of view - at most if you want it to be a bit more individual visually.

For everyone else: Consider whether you appreciate the added value of the features and would use them. If so, the Instinct (Pro) can be very interesting for you. However, if you are a casual gamer and do not value mouse triggers or backbuttons, the controller is not so well suited for you. If you are simply looking for a personalized look, you can also colorize a controller at Microsoft's Design Lab.

What's good

• Very valuable
• Four freely assignable buttons on the back side
• Textured grips on the Instinct Pro
• Mouse trigger on the Instinct Pro
• Interchangeable faceplates and thumbsticks
• Ergnonomically excellent
• Fast response times due to original board
• Additional mute button
• Memory for three button assignments with LED

What's not so good

• Textured grips only with the Instinct Pro
• Mouse trigger only with the Instinct Pro
• Thumbstick tension not adjustable
• Fiddly pins for adjusting the triggers
• Few included thumbstick choices

Price and Conclusion

I really like the Instinct Pro. But aside from the mouse-like shoulder triggers, I miss the other unique technical features compared to an Elite 2 controller. This one simply has a bit more to offer with its selection of different thumbsticks, customizable tension, and also rubberized grips on the top. Furthermore, an Elite 2 controller costs noticeably less. On the other hand, the Instinct has a nice design and customization options, and the backbuttons might be a bit more usable for precise shooter multiplayer battles. The mouse trigger definitely makes a decisive difference here as well. Thus, each controller certainly has its own target group. You have to think about what is more important to you, since the Instinct Pro costs 209.99€, which is almost 50€ more expensive than an Elite 2. The only thing that really bothered me was the fiddly pin for adjusting the trigger length. It is difficult to adjust, made of metal and in my case at least somewhat sharp-edged. As long as you only use the mouse trigger mode and have no need to switch, everything is okay. But otherwise the pin can stick out a bit unsightly and disturb the other fingers. There is no built-in rechargeable battery. However, I would neither consider this an advantage nor a disadvantage.

Overall, due to the delay at customs, I can now say that the launch of both controllers went very well. The first batch of both controllers is already sold out - this sounds like a very high demand. So the interest is definitely there and this review only reflects my personal opinion. And who knows - maybe the second batch will fix some of the little things I noticed and you will get a really perfect controller.

You can purchase yours from the manufacturers website!

I'd give it a good 4/5 stars.

 

UPDATE 09. Nov. 2021: We finally received our beatiful additional faceplate. Here are some impressions!

 

 

Packaging and first optical impression

This Razer product also comes in an appealing packaging. Yes, I simply like the black-green packaging and the three-headed snake logo. Full of expectation, I opened the packaging, which then contains a high-quality piece of hardware already at first glance. This impression remains and is even more positive when I put my hands on, even in the form-fitting cardboard box. I immediately noticed that it is so "round" and edgeless. Now I have to put the headset on right away. The flowknit earpads with memory foam go over-ear, of course, and feel extremely comfortable. I like these flowknit or mesh structures with memory foam much better than (synthetic) leather or similar. While I rather like the open and not dense, so I hear my surroundings better and myself less from "inside". So there are just as many who like it the other way around. I would rank the Kaira Pro somewhere in the middle, so good sealed, but just not completely. The headband is also equipped with foam, so that the 330g light headset does not put pressure on the head. The green foam tries to adapt to all head shapes through the memory function to distribute the weight optimally. With my, how do I say it, rather larger head it succeeds very well.

  

Connecting and first sound check

Now it's time to connect the headphones to my Xbox Series X. Although on the bracket is a paper notice that you should check the firmware of the headset and update if necessary, all I want is to try it out immediately. Power button on the left side pressed and turned on. As known from Xbox controllers, you also connect the headset by pressing the connect button on the Xbox and on the headset afterwards. On the right side on the headset is the button that looks just like it does on a controller. Yes, that's exactly how it should be! Just seconds later, the Xbox welcomes the headset. It doesn't need a dongle, transmitter/receiver or anything like that. The microphone plugs into the jack socket on the headset. So it's detachable and comes with a wind shield. Of course, it's bendable and positionable to one's personal preferences.

 

Without any changes in options, I started a few games. From Forza to Call of Duty to Tetris Effect, I tried out how these sound with the Razer Kaira Pro. What can I say, I'm thrilled right away. The sound is expressive, powerful, clear, unambiguous, and knows how to please. This is certainly due to the 50mm drivers. While the 40mm drivers have proven to be the standard, Razer installs their so-called TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50mm drivers here, for an individual reproduction of high, medium and low frequencies. This allows for even clearer highs and rich basses. Compared to regular 40mm drivers, these are 56% larger diaphragms, which provide more volume.

Of course, the microphone is also important for gaming. Almost everyone had this any time - people in the party chat are often very quiet, noisy or simply have a poor quality. The polar pattern of the detachable 9.9 mm supercardioid microphone allows even less noise from the sides than a cardioid microphone and picks up the voice even more lifelike thanks to a low frequency response and an open housing. My fellow gamers confirmed this several times and kept asking which headset it was.

The headset can do even more

While the headset works flawlessly with the Xbox, you can connect it to a mobile device or BT compatible devices in parallel via Bluetooth 5.0. I had underestimated this feature until now. Not only that you can also ideally use cloud gaming on the mobile with the Razer Kaira Pro, optimized for GamePass. You can also take phone calls while playing on the Xbox, for example, or swipe between matches through TikTok, for example, without having to switch or not noticing anything. I wouldn't buy another headset that doesn't have this feature. It's so convenient and practical. How could I even live without it, I wonder? For on the go, the headset is great not only because of cloud gaming, but also because it has a second microphone built in that works without the clipped one. Great! The second mic only works with Bluetooth.

Besides the excellent sound, my highlight is the RGB-lit Razer logos on the left and right of the headset. That's the way it has to be, and that's what we love Razer for. The Chroma illumination can be turned off, which also increases the runtime of the headset from 15 to up to 20 hours.

  

You can adjust the Razer Kaira Pro in more detail in the Xbox app. There are customization options for personal EQ, microphone monitors, Chroma lighting and so on. There are four presets available for the EQ. You can also cycle through the EQ settings without the app by double pressing the connect button.

  

Technical data

Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth 5.0
Detachable Razer™ HyperClear super-cardioid microphone.
Dedicated mobile microphone
Razer™ TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers
FlowKnit ear cushions with memory foam
Windows Sonic
Controls on the ear cup
Battery life up to 15 hours (with Chroma lighting) / 20 hours (without Chroma lighting)
Approx. 330 g
Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance 32 Ω at 1 kHz
Sensitivity 108 dB
Driver size (diameter) 50 mm

Conclusion

At MSRP €169, the Razer Kaira Pro is the best wireless headset I've ever used and I've had a few. In addition to the sound, microphone and wearing comfort are important in a headset. The Razer is completely convincing in all disciplines.

There are only two things I had to get used to. The buttons and wheels, which are a bit too small for my fingers, were quicker ones while the plug-in microphone took me a bit longer to get used to. I would have liked it to be retractable, for example. It sometimes happened that I had to search for the microphone because I unplugged it in single-player games.

Unboxing

The packaging of the Wolverine V2 comes in a high-quality packaging typical of Razer. The colors of Razer in black and green are also very suitable for the Xbox, so that you feel at home as an Xbox gamer. Personally, I love the fabric loop on Razer's packaging. In addition to the image of the controller and the Razer logo, the “DESIGNED FOR XBOX” logo, the familiar green circle, is printed in the lower right corner. Yes, let's go, I want to open the box ...

Embedded in PU foam, the controller literally shines towards you and wants to be used. Design elements on the left and right, which separate the control panel from the handles, I like to say horns, by a green arch, make an extraordinary contribution. I like this design very much.

 

Processing and first impression in the hands

Finally, out of the packaging and in hand you can feel a valuable controller weighing 274 grams. The handles are roughened so they have a grip. The somewhat more pronounced "belly" of the handles compared to the standard Xbox controllers was noticeable and immediately felt. It is of course also noticeable that it is a wired controller. The cable is 3 m long and has a trip safety device at the end of the USB connector. A bit of nostalgic feelings arose when I pressed the ABXY buttons and the D-pad. A well-known clicking sound, yes, here I knew that with the built-in so-called microswitches, which Razer calls Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons, absolutely precise and responsive input is possible.

  

Let us play

The first mission is approaching. Now it has to be played at last. So, I plugged the Razer Wolverine V2 USB plug into my Xbox Series X and started the Call of Duty campaign. For the triggers LT and RT, the Wolverine Hair Trigger Mode offers a stop switch, i.e. the path of the trigger is shorter, for e.g. Shooter or longer, e.g. for racing games. Of course, I put the switches on short. As expected, the action buttons are absolutely precise. The clear pressure point is really awesome. But also the sticks, arranged asymmetrically, offer good grip and allow the character to be controlled reliably and precisely. Personally, I like the indentation in the sticks and the elements that are reminiscent of a target cross to increase the slip resistance of the thumbs.

The Razer Wolverine offers even more. On the front, between the triggers and shoulder buttons, there are two additional buttons, slightly offset to the center. These can be freely assigned. This requires the Razer Controller app on the Xbox, which can be downloaded from the store. Here you can put almost any button on it and create your own type of game. Several profiles can be created and saved in the app.

A previously unknown feature with these extra buttons is the possibility to use them as sensitivity controls for the sticks. It works in such a way that e.g. if you hold down the button, the stick reacts less, in terms of the distance covered, and you can control it more precisely. PC gamers know this feature from the so-called sniper button on gaming mice. This can be set separately on the Wolverine V2 for each stick and in 10 stages. Certainly a useful feature for story-based games.

I consequently find that the screenshot / record button is there.

More Specifications

Compatible with: Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC (Windows 10)
Length: 161.5mm
Width: 105.8mm
Height: 65mm
Weight: 274g
Cable length: 3m with trip protection
Analog audio port: 3.5mm

Conclusion so far...

I really liked the Razer Wolverine V2 controller. It lies really well in the hand and the initial "bulky" feeling of the handles turns out to be extremely pleasant after prolonged play. I found the position of my hands and fingers to be very comfortable. Ergonomics is great for my hands. The precision of the sticks and especially the action buttons is the highlight of the controller. I think it's a shame that the controller is wired. I would also have liked mapable buttons on the bottom and not just on the front. When I wrote this lines, I didn't know the price of the Razer Wolverine V2. And one more personal remark, when will an RGB version of the controller be available? I would celebrate if the green design element could shine too.

What is good

• Attractive design with a green design element
• Designed for Xbox, works on the PC
• Razer Mecha Tactile Action Buttons and D-Pad
• 2 hair trigger modes
• Sensitivity regulation of the sticks on demand
• ergonomics
• Separate screenshot / recording button
• Trip protection

What could do better

• It could be a native wireless controller
• More than two additional buttons on the front
• Not so bright LED to indicate operational readiness

This text has been translated from german to english by DeepL.com in most cases. Thanks!

Appearance and Finish

Externally, the headset also makes a very positive feeling. The ear cups are covered with imitation leather and have a mesh of light grey metal and the black Corsair logo on the outside. The frame of the ear cups and the transition to the bow, which is also covered with black imitation leather, is made of noble, matt and dark grey stainless steel. The inside of the headband is still pleasantly padded. For my taste the headband is padded well enough. Even after several hours I didn't have the feeling that something pinches or sits badly somewhere. Even my ears didn't get hot in the auricles, which has happened with other headphones vey often. Here I feel the wearing comfort is really first class. It's not too heavy for me, although with 330g it's already one of the heavier headsets on the market. Depending on your head size you can of course lengthen the headband like with other headsets - here in 9 steps. But you have to have a very large head to do this. For me it fits perfectly as it is, but my head couldn't be smaller, otherwise it could be uncomfortable. This means that the headset only works for adults. For a child's head, the headset is probably already too heavy and too big.

 

A real advantage is the removable microphone. This is simply plugged into the socket on the headset with a jack plug. If you don't need it, there is a small rubber plug in the scope of delivery, with which the socket can be closed. There is also a wheel for the volume and on the other side for the balance between game sound and voice volume. On the left side there is a mute button and on the right side the power button. Charging is done via USB-C (Type-C) plug. The headset also supports the Power-Delivery Standard and can be charged with a suitable notebook power supply. Of course, any smartphone power supply or directly the Xbox itself is also possible. The integrated battery should be sufficient for a playing time of about 20 hours, charging was very fast with a PD notebook power supply. The battery performance is of course also dependent on the volume, but is within a good range.

With some practice you can find the mute button quite fast, but a rough texture would have been helpful, so that you can feel the button directly with your finger. In addition, it takes a short moment after pressing the mute button until it is actually muted. A short acoustic signal comes as confirmation.

Soundquality

Since the HS75XB WIRELESS is a Dolby Atmos headset, you should of course use it. You don't have to buy the app on Xbox or PC, because the headset is pre-activated in the Dolby app. This means that you don't get a key for a free Dolby Atmos license, but the headset is automatically recognized in the app and the Dolby function is activated. This is of course great, because the headset then would not only work with the account which activated the code, but on every Xbox you are connecting it with. Very good Corsair!

  

The integrated 50mm Neodymium drivers achieve a very good sound experience. In combination with Dolby Atmos, very coherent spatial depth and a good immersion comes across. What many headsets often fail to achieve is a projection of the rear sounds. Everything in front of you works even with a Dolby Atmos emulation on stereo headsets. But here everything fits very well. Most current games already make use of this technology and especially in multiplayer games you can take advantage of it. For a fine adjustment you can adjust the controls directly in the Dolby App according to your needs and set them to your own optimum. The sound quality of the language of your party chat is good, but of course it also depends on the technology of your counterpart. Treble, midrange and bass sound balanced and not overdriven. All in all I am very satisfied with it. The only small flaw may be that without sound output, you may hear a very slight noise in the left auricle, but only when nothing else is heard. I think you can get over that.

What I find really annoying is that the volume of the headset is reset every time and I have to readjust it with the left wheel. It would have been better to save the old volume level at the moment the headset is turned off. This saves you having to readjust it every time. The same applies to the balance between game sound and party chat.

By the way, the auricles do not seal off so strongly that you cannot perceive your surroundings. This may be good for some people and rather bad for others. I think it is good. In addition, it does not create an unpleasant feeling of pressure, as I mentioned above.

Connecting with Xbox and PC

Paring with Xbox is nicely solved, because the headset can be connected like an Xbox controller. You just click on the Sync button, wait until the Xbox logo pulsates and shortly after that you press and hold the power button on the headset for about 10 seconds until the LED also pulsates. Shortly after that the two devices found each other and the profile logged on to the Xbox reports with a message that the headset has been assigned to the current profile. Very nice and uncomplicated. Similarly, it works on the PC - unfortunately, the Xbox Wireless Adapter is required. Without this, a coupling with the PC is not possible.

The headset has, as the name suggests, no cable, but is completely wireless. It is also not necessary to plug an adapter or similar to the Xbox. It is completely native compatible.

The headset is certified by Microsoft for the Xbox platform, Xbox One and even Xbox Series X|S.

The headset unfortunately does not support Bluetooth. Therefore you cannot use it on the PC without the Xbox Wireless Adapter described above or with other devices. With Bluetooth it would be even more attractive, because you could have used it as a headset on other devices or consoles, but especially as a headset without the microphone on your smartphone. Unfortunately a very big chance was missed here. I also tried to connect the headset directly to the PC with a USB cable. It is recognized by Windows 10 immediately, but cannot be used as a microphone or for audio playback. This would also be possible with a software update. Then you would at least have a wired headset on your PC.

  

I found it a bit irritating that you can't use the power button as an off switch. Once the headset is on, you can only turn it off by turning off the Xbox. But for this it must be paired. If the headset is in pairing mode and you switch off the console, the headset won't switch off and I couldn't switch it off manually. Possibly I would have had to wait until the battery is empty. In that case I turned the Xbox back on, re-paired it and then turned the console off again - which turned the headset off.

Why you can't use the power button to turn it off at any time is a mystery to me.

Specifications

FEATURE	DESCRIPTION
Audio Treiber	Angepasste 50mm Neodymium
Frequenz	2.4Ghz/5.2Ghz/5.8Ghz
Wireless Reichweite	Bis zu 12 Meter
Akkukapazität	Bis zu 20 Stunden
Frequenzbereich	20Hz – 20kHz
Impedanz	32 Ohm @ 1kHz
Sensitivität	109 dB (± 3 dB)
Mikrofonart	Uni-directional noise-cancelling
Mikrofon Impedanz	2.0k Ohms
Mikrofon Frequenz	Im Bereich 100Hz – 10kHz
Mikrofon Sensitivität	-40 dB (± 3 dB)
Abmessungen	160mm(L) x 100mm(W) x 205mm(H)
Gewicht	330g
Garantie	Zwei Jahre

Conclusion

I really like the Corsair HS75 XB WIRELESS. I have really enjoyed the last days with it. The disadvantages and shortcomings are limited and many things could be fixed by a software update - I have passed it on to the manufacturer. Good luck! The only real disadvantage in my opinion is the missing Bluetooth support. The few bucks for an appropriate chip would have been surely in it, particularly since the price with 159.99€ ERP and a current street price of 179.99€ on Amazon is not straight a good deal. Possibly the missing Bluetooth is due to the Xbox certification, which forbids this. I do not know.

On the other hand, the headset scores with an excellent quality of workmanship and syncing with the Xbox is just as easy as you would wish. Even the new Xbox Series X and S are already officially supported. Dolby Atmos is included for free, which you would have to buy additionally for 17,99€ at other manufacturers headsets. The most important thing with a headset is the sound, which is really well tuned and balanced, and can be fine-tuned with the Dolby App. Together with the high-quality materials I can recommend the headset!

What is good

• Outstanding workmanship and high-quality materials
• Xbox certified - also already for Xbox Series X|S
• Synchronization could not be easier
• Very good sound quality
• Removable microphone + jack cap
• Dolby Atmos AppLicense integrated for free
• Completely wireless
• 20 hours battery
• USB TypeC charging connector incl. PD standard
• Wireless range approx. 12 meters
• Separate dials for volume and sound balance
• Does not generate an echo at the opposite side
• Sound from behind can be well located
• Pleasant wearing comfort and the ears do not get hot

What is not so good

• No Bluetooth
• Usable at the PC only with a Xbox Wireless Adapter
• The headset is probably too big for smaller heads (especially children)
• No off switch ?! (could be fixed probably with a software update)
• There is a strange pairing bug, because the headset cannot be switched off manually (could be fixed probably with a software update)
• No instant mute (could be fixed probably with a software update)
• Volume and sound balance must be adjusted each time again (could be fixed probably with a software update)

Most of the text was automatically translated from german to english using DeepL.com

Powerbank inclusive

Besides the integrated powerbank there are more differences to the original Xbox controller. First of all there are the rubberized handles, which are covered with a rough texture (like the elite controllers), so you won't slip away easily. I also like the fact that the thumbsticks also have a slightly rough texture. This is good for the handling. Really interesting are the two new buttons at the back, which can be programmed freely. This makes it possible to "clone" one of the conventional keys and thus move the function to the back, so that you don't have to use your thumb. Can make a difference in some games. Owners of an elite controller know and appreciate such additional programmable keys! The programming is very easy. You press the small green button on the front where the clip snaps in, then press the key you want to clone and finally press one of the two new keys. That's it.

  

Haptically you can't really call big changes to the Xbox controller. It all feels very familiar and good. Also the build quality is good. Very close to the original. Only the D-Pad looks a little simpler, but still not too spongy. The thumbsticks react well and precisely, have a pleasant pressure point and about the same counter pressure as the original controller. Also the LT/RT triggers or the shoulder buttons are pleasantly off the pressure point or resistance. The only really noteworthy difference on the controller are the Select and Start buttons, which have moved a little bit upwards, probably to match the design language of the smartphone holder, and so that the Xbox-Guide button is not too far up and out of reach. Doesn't really bother me, though. In principle, the keys have only changed their position. The ABXY keys also have a very pleasant pressure point, are precise and are in no way inferior to those of an original controller.

Mobile Gaming Clip - You good old friend

Many people are probably familiar with PowerA's smartphone clip and most curious xCloud beta testers should already have one at home. The quality is super, the locking wheels are very easy to turn, nice and tight to fix even heavy smartphones and due to the pleasantly rubberized surface the smartphone does not scratch and the clamp looks altogether more valuable. In addition, the position of the smartphone can be adjusted either so that it sits directly above the buttons and sticks, which improves the center of gravity enormously, especially on heavy smartphones, or it can be placed above the controller, as you can see on many product photos. Unfortunately, the clamping mechanism is slightly different to the single clip, so that it cannot be attached to an original controller. It only holds on the XP5-X Plus!

  

In addition to the connection cable for playing (MicroUSB to MicroUSB or Type-C) (approx. 30cm), the controller also comes with a USB-A to MicroUSB/Type-C cable (approx. 30cm) for charging the smartphone. For charging the controller there is a long 2m USB-A to MicroUSB cable, which fits in every socket adapter of smartphones or a PC. You can also play with a tablet, but don't clip it into the holder. The controller is compatible with Android and Xbox streaming as well as Google's Stadia or GeForce Now! Unfortunately, you can't connect the controller to the Xbox One wirelessly nor with a USB cable, so it can not be used as a replacement for an original controller, despite Xbox certification. A pity!

  

The MOGA XP5-X Plus in practice

I have tried both variants (Bluetooth and cable) with two different smartphones. Once with an old Honor 7 (with Bluetooth 4.1 LE but 5GHz Wifi) and a Xiaomi Mi 9T (Bluetooth 5, 5GHz Wifi) and made you a video of both variants to convey impressions better.

 

In advance I was really curious to see how cloud streaming, which works quite well with Bluetooth, could be improved with a cable connection, since the latency would then of course go down a bit. To be honest, I was disappointed.

Unfortunately the latency with Bluetooth is clearly noticeable. And it is much stronger than with an original controller. The cable connection can compensate for this, but not better than an original controller via Bluetooth, but only just as good. This can now mean two things: Either the MOGA XP5-X Plus has a half applied handbrake even with a cable and an original controller could play latency-free via cable, or it simply doesn't go faster and the remaining latency simply comes through the cloud stream. Let's assume the latter, which is more likely, and the remaining latency really only comes from the cloud stream. After all, the controller's input has to go to the smartphone, which sends it via Wifi over the Internet to Microsoft, which serves the server on which the game is running, and the result comes back to the smartphone as a compressed video stream. A short digression: The Internet ping alone already causes a certain latency. For comparison: A ping on heise.de, one of the fastest German websites, gives me 18-20ms. That is already a good value. Add to that the time my smartphone panel needs to render the picture. Some smartphones already have 120Hz panels or more, most current ones around 60Hz and older smartphones even less. This also causes a certain delay. Assuming a perceived delay of 50-60ms, it is very difficult to get an equivalent result to a local console with all these components. But all theory aside. To put it in a normal understandable sentence: I was able to play the 60 FPS game "DOOM Eternal" via cloud streaming with the cable connection without any problems. After a few minutes, you got used to the new situation and it is playable well, although not quite as directly as on a console in the same room. It will take a few more years before this works.
As I said, only the Bluetooth connection on the MOGA XP5-X gave me a little bit of trouble, because with that it would definitely not be playable anymore. This is only suitable for casual or less intense games that don't necessarily require precise control. Maybe PowerA can get it a bit faster with an update, so that it is on the same level as the original controller.

 

Conclusion

The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus is not a bad controller, but still leaves a mixed impression on me. My wish would have been that the latency with Bluetooth would be on the same level as an original controller and that the cable would save another 10ms latency at the input lag. Unfortunately the reality looks different. But even the latency with cable is still noticeable. As described above, this is probably due to the cloud gaming itself. This does not work as well for Microsoft in general as for example Google's Stadia. But it is still in the beta phase. Apart from that, the XP5-X Plus is a good device, which also feels valuable. Because of the larger application area with Google Stadia, Android games, GeForce Now and possibly more, the controller is not only worthwhile for Xbox players. Thanks to the integrated powerbank, you are well equipped on the road, where you would probably have to do without cloud gaming anyway. The few differences to the original controller, like the rubberized handles or sticks and the two programmable buttons are nice, but not a decisive reason to buy. I would say the controller is suitable for people who don't own an Xbox, but want to play something on the train or similar on the way. But if you already own an Xbox, you may prefer to buy the single smartphone clip controller holder from PowerA and equip your original controller with the same functionality. This would also be a much cheaper option, since the MOGA XP5-X Plus costs a whopping 74.99€. You can get the single clip for less than 20€ and the original controller can be used on an Xbox and the input lag with Bluetooth is much lower.

Many thanks to PowerA, who kindly provided us with a free copy for this test!

Summary of advantages and disadvantages:

# Pro
    - Rubberized handles with rough texture
    - Rough texture also in the thumbsticks
    - Smartphone clip fits perfectly thanks to the matching opening (better than the normal controller, but only on the XP5-X)
    - Two additional programmable buttons on the back
    - Also usable for Google Stadia, GeForce Now or directly with Android Games
    - Smartphone connection cable has a combination connector with MicroUSB and Type-C
    - Smartphone charger cable also with combo plug for MicroUSB and Type-C
    - Good processing, very similar to the original controller
    - Integrated powerbank with 3000mAh and battery status display
    - Very light weight, comfortable to hold
    - Works with Bluetooth or cable
    - Same and familiar layout as the Xbox controller 

# Contra
    - No iPhones are supported (but this is a problem of Apple)
    - Bluetooth connection much too slow, generates high input lag
    - Only with cable at the level of an original controller
    - Cannot be paired with the Xbox despite certification
    - Smartphone clip cannot be attached to an original controller
    - Simultaneous charging of the smartphone only possible with Bluetooth gaming