GameSir X4 Aileron is a pro controller for Android phones

Key Takeaways

• The GameSir X4 Aileron offers premium construction, Hall Effect sticks, and customizable features for a comfortable gaming experience.
• The controller is easy to use, automatically pairs with phones, and makes it easy to customize with a logical app layout.
• X4 Aileron improves gameplay, supports cloud gaming, offers GamePass Ultimate subscription, and is compatible with Steam Link.

I’ve never been a mobile gamer because I feel that touch controls can’t emulate the precision of a mouse and keyboard or the user-friendliness of a proper controller. That’s why I was interested in reviewing GameSir’s X4 Aileron, which turns your Android phone into a handheld gaming console by adding a comfortable controller layout, tactile buttons, and other pro functions.

So, what is so special about the X4 Aileron? Instead of a bar connecting the left and right sides like the Backbone One or Razer Kishi, it has a two-piece design that provides a good fit while allowing serious gamers to attach cooling fans or wireless chargers. The smart design has magnets that allow the two sides to come together into a compact shape to easily carry and charge their batteries through the USC-C port.

Aside from its design, the X4 Aileron has pro features and great customization options to make it stand out and elevate it above the competition. I spent a week with it to see what it could do and find out if it could live up to its big promises to turn me into a mobile gamer.

Price, availability, and specifications

Unique design packed with professional features

When I opened the white cardboard box, I was pleasantly surprised to find a high-quality, durable black protective case with a portable fabric and two-zipper design. The padded interior housed a controller with two additional pairs of different-sized stick caps and a spare D-Pad. Also in the box was warranty information, a GameSir sticker, and a one-month GamePass Ultimate subscription worth $10.

The two sides of the GameSir X4 Aileron have spring-loaded clips that open to accept Android phones of all sizes and automatically close to lock them in place. There’s no power button to worry about, and the controller turns on and pairs via slow Bluetooth automatically when it detects a phone, though you’ll need to remove the case for it to work.

Once connected, the X4 Aileron provides ample seating and a subtle texture on the back to provide a firm grip and prevent fingers from slipping. The overall design mimics the Xbox controller, with the same ABXY buttons, D-pad, and stick placement that most gamers will find comfortable.

GameSir’s latest products go a long way when it comes to performance, and the X4 Aileron includes Hall Effect magnets, which provide improved responsiveness and stability because there are no moving parts in contact. You also get tactile ABXY buttons with a satisfying click sound on each press and an actuation distance of 0.6mm. The comfortable treads have adjustable travel, and the two rear paddles provide additional in-game functionality for health or throws.

For those who are into RGB lighting, the X4 Aileron offers tasteful light rings around the sticks, providing subtle style without going over the top. Don’t be afraid if you don’t have the lights on because you can turn them off, adjust the colors, or switch between presets with the accompanying app, which I’ll touch on later.

Charging is a breeze. When the left controller is locked together, a single USB-C port charges the 400mAh batteries on both sides. You won’t be able to fill the controller with juice while playing, but I didn’t find it a big deal because four to five hours of playtime isn’t enough.

What I like about the GameSir X4 Aileron Controller

A game changer for Android

I was impressed by the solid construction of the X4 Aileron, and it feels like a premium product thanks to its Hall Effect sticks, tactile buttons, and overall ergonomics. Additional components add to its appeal because you can customize your gaming experience, and everything is safe and easy to carry with a portable bag.

Another highlight is its use of friendship. Thankfully it turned on and paired automatically when I shut my phone down and found many games without the need to change settings or balance the controller.

GameSir keeps things simple with an easy-to-use app for fine-tuning sticks, adjusting triggers and lighting, and checking battery levels. When I changed the stick caps to those of my choice and changed the software settings, I had a bespoke controller perfectly tuned to my preferences in terms of sensitivity and trigger travel that I wanted in my games.

Speaking of gaming, the X4 Aileron added a new dimension to my mobile experience because I no longer needed to use sensitive touch controls on a cluttered display. I had the freedom to enjoy the game in full screen with proper analog and trigger inputs to my liking.

I tested the X4 Aileron with a selection of Android games and found it to be incredibly responsive with no lag and easier to use than my phone for racing games like Asphalt 8 and fighting games like Shadow Knight and Mortal Kombat. The automatic movement and trigger settings were too slow for shooters like GangStar but were easily adjusted with the GameSir app to make them more responsive.

The X4 Aileron supports cloud gaming and offers incredible value by adding a one-month GamePass Ultimate subscription to play popular games like Forza Horizon 5 and Hollow Knight. My favorite feature of the X4 Aileron is Steam Link compatibility, which allows me to enjoy PC games like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Crusader Kings 3, and Soul Calibur VI on my phone. I had never taken the app seriously because of its clunky controls, but the controller opened up a whole new world for me by turning my phone into a mini Steam Deck.

What I don’t like about the GameSir X4 Aileron controller

It could use some refinement in some areas

The X4 Aileron won’t work with a phone case, and removing it every time you play can be annoying, but it’s not too bad considering the experience it provides.

One of the neat tricks of the X4 Aileron is that it can work as a standalone controller without having to attach it to your phone by holding the Xbox Share buttons to pair them together. This feature is great in theory, but the weak magnets and lack of a clip mean you have to hold the two pieces together firmly, or they’ll fall apart when you play. The loose fit makes playing with the X4 Aileron uncomfortable in standalone mode, and it works best when attached to a phone.

I can’t complete this review without addressing the X4 Aileron’s lack of pass-through charging because it may not be ideal for gamers who want to enjoy extended gaming sessions of more than four to five hours. On the other hand, the two-piece design minimizes its size and makes it a more useful option for larger competitors on the go.

Should you buy the GameSir X4 Aileron Controller?

It’s delicious

GameSir X4 Aileron is a must-have device if you are a serious mobile gamer. Its comfortable fit and user-friendly design changed my perception of gaming on my phone, and its $100 price tag is a bargain considering its premium build and many customization options.