Accessories
Gamesir X2 review: Turning phones into Switches
Supports a decent amount of games, but has its hiccups
One of the standard peripherals for any device capable of gaming is a controller. In the early days, most home consoles introduced a joypad with buttons and triggers designed for ease in gaming. I mean, instead of having to type the commands, you just had to press a button and it does it for you. Of course, even this kind of technology expanded to portable gaming devices.
Nowadays, you can use controllers to play games on your smartphone. In some genres like driving simulators and sports games, touch controls may not be the best way to play them. In their place, a controller is an ideal peripheral to have. This is where the Gamesir X2 Type-C Mobile Gaming Controller comes in, and that’s a mouthful to say.
Honestly, the entire name alone speaks of all the features the controller comes with, and on paper, it’s all good stuff. But is it something you should consider for the games you’re playing? Let’s find out.
A design that resembles a portable console
Upon initial inspection, the Gamesir X2 has the buttons and triggers you see in most controllers. Honestly, I find it weird that they incorporated Xbox/Nintendo face buttons but PlayStation triggers, but that’s just nitpicky. Also, the whole controller is made of hardened plastic that feels a little durable, but don’t try any drop tests on it.
At first glance, you would think it looks like a display-less Nintendo Switch, and I agree wholeheartedly. It comes with a USB Type-C connector for your smartphone, provided that it has a USB-C charging port and OTG connection support. When you plug your smartphone in, you basically get something that resembles the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model).
The only thing, though, is that it supports phones up to 6.5 inches in length. See, the whole controller extends to provide enough space for your smartphone to nest inside it while you play. Phones like the realme narzo 30A fit here quite well, so be sure to check your phone’s length first.
Setting it up was a little longer than expected
Now for what I think was the weird part of the experience: setting things up. Usually, plug and play controllers like the Gamesir X2 should be easy to set up. I mean, all you really have to do is plug it into your phone, and it just works. Apparently, there’s a lot more to it than just that as you need to tinker some phone settings first.
I mentioned earlier that your phone needs OTG connection support to use the Gamesir X2, and you have to toggle this in your phone’s settings. Once that’s done, it’s recommended that you download the Gamesir app to properly set up the controller. Unfortunately, you can’t use the app to create specific control mapping for certain games. After a required update, the Gamesir X2 is ready to go.
Honestly, for something like the Gamesir X2, this was a rather long set up process. I mean, most controllers — with or without Bluetooth support — end up relatively easier and simpler in the set up process than this one. Alas, it’s a necessary process if you want the controller to work as intended.
Easy to use, but not recommended for all games
Once you set everything up, the Gamesir X2 works quite well and is easy to work around. It supports a wide variety of games, depending on which mode you switched the controller to. See, there are light indicators on the right side of the controller that turn blue or green, and you can only switch to either mode through the app.
If the light is blue, it will only work for games that are officially supported by Gamesir. This means that these games are fully mapped out against the Gamesir X2’s buttons and triggers. In my time using the controller, I found that most driving simulators and sports games work best with it. Honestly, the Gamesir X2 nails the controls so well in this regard.
If the light is green, the Gamesir X2 will work across all games provided you add them on the app. In essence, Gamesir will assign its own control mapping, even if the game comes with its own controller mapping. Even if the buttons and triggers work, I found that in games like Call of Duty Mobile, it doesn’t follow the controller mapping. I’m honestly better off using touch controls instead of the controller.
Charge or play, it’s one or the other
Another feature I found with the Gamesir X2 is support for power pass-through. Yes, you can actually charge your phone while it’s connected to the controller, as long it has a USB-C charging cable. Honestly, this is good considering that your phone’s battery drains a lot faster when you play longer.
Although, when you choose to charge your phone while connected to the controller, you can’t use your controller. Within the app, there’s no setting that allows you to do this, which is a bummer. I guess that’s your reminder to take a break from playing too much with the controller.
Is this your GadgetMatch?
The Gamesir X2 is a decent game controller for all kinds of smartphones. Even with the long set up process, it’s easy to use and work around once you start playing. If you wanted to know what it feels like to have a Nintendo Switch, the Gamesir X2’s design roughly resembles that.
I caution you, however, that it suits those who play a lot of driving games or sports games like NBA 2K. See, these are some of the games the controller officially supports, so the experience is much better with them. Most games people play aren’t fully supported by the Gamesir X2, and the control mapping is whack if you try to play them with this controller.
Overall, the Gamesir X2 is well-suited for a specific set of mobile players, even if it caters to everyone somehow. It’s not for everyone, and it’s better that way.
The Gamesir X2 retails for PhP 3,499 /US$ 65.78 and is available on online shopping stores with various GameSir authorized resellers.
Accessories
OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is your next best pocketable 4K webcam
Fold the Flip for further protection
Several months ago, you might remember that OBSBOT revealed the Tiny 3 series of web cameras.
Six months after, they also unveil the all-new Meet Flip. From the name itself, it’s the company’s latest foldable 4K webcam that puts hardware privacy front and center.
Foldable and pocketable
Despite weighing just 37.7 grams, the Meet Flip aims to deliver premium webcam features for all types of users. Be it remote workers, professionals, or content creators.
Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight has got to be the webcam’s folding design. Not only it’s portable, it protects your privacy too.
Closing the device physically blocks the lens, giving users a visual confirmation that the camera is no longer active. When it’s time for a meeting, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go.
That lightweight body also features a built-in mounting clip that works with laptops, monitors, and tripods. Users can mount it in landscape, portrait, or even upside-down orientations depending on their setup.
Despite that absurd amount of lightweightness, the OBSBOT Meet Flip is still able to house a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology. That’s something more commonly found among bigger and higher-end web cameras.
Other camera features include:
- 4K video recording / 30fps
- 1080p recording / up to 60fps
- HDR support for challenging lighting
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
- 4x digital zoom
- f/1.8 aperture with ISO 100-6400 support for low-light environments
Beyond just video calls
The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t just packed with serious camera hardware, it’s seriously intelligent as well.
The Meet Flip supports AI Auto Framing. This automatically keeps users centered during meetings — regardless if they are presenting alone or with a group. Gesture controls also let users activate framing or adjust zoom without touching the keyboard or mouse.
Another standout feature is AI Magic Notes which provides real-time meeting transcription and automatically generates summaries, action items, and key discussion points.
The feature works with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams through OBSBOT Center. Every webcam includes complimentary transcription of 120 minutes.
With that being mentioned, OBSBOT Center also makes users gain access to software features such as background blur, virtual backgrounds, beauty mode, and picture-in-picture overlays for presentations.
Those who want more advanced controls can enable Smart Eye Tracking, teleprompter support, and manual image adjustments.
Audio also gets an upgrade through an intelligent dual-microphone system that offers four recording modes:
- Directional Mode / solo calls
- Dual-Directional Mode / interviews
- Smart Omni Mode / group meetings
- Pure Audio Mode / unprocessed stereo recording
AI Noise Reduction and Automatic Gain Control are also available across most modes to help improve voice clarity.
OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is also compatible with mobile devices through the OBSBOT Live app and supports integrations with accessories including Elgato Stream Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and UVC-to-NDI/HDMI adapters.
Pricing and Availability
The OBSBOT Meet Flip is available starting today for US$119 through OBSBOT’s online store, Amazon US, and select retailers worldwide. Regional pricing may vary.
Accessories
CASETiFY drops Samsung Galaxy Z8 series collection
Tailored for the latest foldable devices
CASETiFY, as expected, has dropped its latest ecosystem tailored for the new Samsung Galaxy Z8 series devices.
The lineup caters to all devices under the series: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, Z Fold8, and Z Fold8 Ultra. Accessories under the lineup range from US$ 20 to US$ 70. They are available across more than 70 CASETiFY Studio locations worldwide.
The latest collection reimagines the relationship between hardware and style, effortlessly bridging heavy-duty, military-grade protection with a modular network of magnetic add-ons and deeply personalized visuals.
Recognizing that the hinge is the most fragile component of a foldable device, CASETiFY is introducing a precision-engineered, smooth-gliding hinge protection mechanism for the very first time.
This is fortified to be incredibly tough and resilient against daily impacts for uncompromised 360-degree defense.
At the same time, CASETiFY still promises a seamless open-and-close movement each time to make the phone secure, clean, and easy to carry.
The CASETiFY Samsung Galaxy Z8 series lineup includes:
Impact Magnetic Case
The signature case introduces a breakthrough, smooth-gliding hinge cover that fully encases the device’s moving parts — minus the bulk. It is fortified with EcoShock technology and protective raised bezels.
Impact HD Screen Protector
This ultra-responsive defense layer is crafted from surface-strengthened 9H tempered glass. It features advanced anti-fingerprint and antimicrobial coatings.
Impact Camera Lens Protector
This scratch-proof tempered glass shield keeps your camera safe from every angle. It is also precision-engineered to prevent flash light haze to preserve original photo quality.
16 Personalities Print Collection
In addition, CASETiFY is giving enthusiasts a way to show who they are with the brand-new 16 Personalities Print Collection.
This typography-centered collection turns a four-letter personality personality archetype into a high-design visual manifest.
The highly collectible print collection expands far beyond the Galaxy Z8 series. It will be available across a wide selection of iPhone silhouettes and compatible lifestyle options.
CASETiFY has unveiled a new Marvel collaboration inspired by Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The collection marks the brand’s first Spider-Man release since 2023. It also arrives alongside Sony Pictures’ upcoming film, which opens later this month.
The lineup includes phone and tablet cases, MagSafe accessories, earbuds cases, watchbands, laptop sleeves, and wireless chargers. It is headlined by two premium phone cases. The Aluminium Spider-Man Mask Case costs US$84, while the 2.5D Silicone Case sells for US$78. Both are available for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Fans can also choose from five printed phone case designs: Spider-Man New Mask, Spider-Man Poster, Spider-Man Medley, Spider-Man Medley (Dark Version), and Spider-Man New Suit. CASETiFY also lets buyers personalize select phone cases and MagSafe wallets through its Custom Sticker feature.
More Spider-Man accessories
The collection goes beyond phone cases. It also includes MagSafe Grip Stands, Cardholder Stands, Wallets, a 2-in-1 Charging Stand, Earbuds Cases, Watchbands, Camera Lens Protectors, Laptop Cases and Sleeves, Tablet Cases, and Wireless Chargers. Prices start at US$24 for the Camera Lens Protector and go up to US$92 for the 2-in-1 Charging Stand.
The Marvel Spider-Man: Brand New Day x CASETiFY collection is now available through CASETiFY’s website, the Co-Lab app, and CASETiFY STUDiO stores worldwide.
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