GameSir isn’t the first name that comes to mind when it comes to controllers. But maybe it should be? That’s never been more true than with the release of their latest gaming peripherals – the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro and GameSir T4 Cyclone. 

The two share many key features. Chief of which are the Hall Effect sensing sticks. It’s one of the hottest features in gaming controls at the moment since it prevents stick drifts. It’s based on electromagnetic technology. Essentially, the stick makes no contact with any other part of the controller. And no contact means there’s little to no chance of the sticks going all Initial D(rift) on you.

Other than that, they share a similar overall footprint. And the layout is asymmetrical, similar to Xbox game controllers. Fitting since the controllers can be used with PC, the Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. A key difference, though, are the face buttons. The Pro variant follows the Xbox layout, while the non-Pro one follows the Nintendo Switch. Whichever one you get, you can always tweak these things in the settings to follow the physical layout. 

Unboxing

The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro and GameSir T4 Cyclone pretty much share the exact same packaging and contents. Except, the Pro variant comes with a Wireless Dongle in the box.

Watch our unboxing. 

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Connectivity 

As mentioned earlier, these controllers can be used with many different devices. They can be connected via Bluetooth, USB-C and wireless dongle. The fine print says the non-Pro variant can also be used with a dongle. However, it didn’t come with one in the packaging. Just something to take note of. 

For this review, I focused mostly on using the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro. And while I tried all the three connections and all worked well, I’ve mostly defaulted to using the wireless dongle thanks to its convenience. It’s literally plug and play with no headache-inducing pairing involved. That’s great since I switched between some review devices during my time with the controller. 

Look and feel 

Sleek. That’s how I would describe the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro. The look is simple and subdued. Nothing flashy going on here, but as usual, the devil is in the details. 

The overall feel and footprint of the device feels like an Xbox controller. 

But it does have two macro back buttons that’s remappable. A welcome addition to a controller that otherwise feels like a regular Xbox controller. 

The build also feels very Xbox. There’s not a lot of heft here but it also doesn’t feel like it’ll break easily if you happen to rage quit and throw it across the room (don’t do that, please). 

The face buttons feel very tactile while the trigger and shoulder buttons provide a more than adequate press and click feel. 

The directional pad is okay. It’s not a button set that I used frequently. In fact, only really used it to call a couple of plays here and there while playing NBA 2K.

My favorite parts are  the handles. They have tiny grooves that go a long way in making the controller more grippable and less slippery. It’s a tiny design choice that I wish more controller makers would opt for. 

Play time thoughts

I’ve always held the opinion that a great device is one that doesn’t get in the way of what you intend to do with it. That’s the case with the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro. I plug in the wireless dongle, press the GameSir button, choose the game I want to play, and off I go. 

The thing that stood out to me is how it just worked. And how almost everything about it felt right. My comfort game is any NBA 2K so I make it a point to always play some version of the game whenever I test devices. My familiarity with the controls meant I didn’t have to think much despite the face buttons and shoulder buttons being named differently from what I used to. For context, I’ve mostly played on PlayStations since I was younger and those are the controls ingrained in me. 

I had more of an issue when playing games off Game Pass. But that’s only because when I’m prompted to hit the X button I still sometimes wound up pressing where the X button would be on a PlayStation controller over where it is for Xbox. But that’s a “me” issue more than anything else. 

The hall effect sticks don’t feel too different from non-hall effect ones. And that’s great. You get the same feeling while also eliminating the drift issue. 

The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro also has quad-motors inside which is great for shakes and rumbles wherever it is available in games. I only really felt this while Playing Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Granted, I only really played PC Game Pass games sparingly. 

The titles I tackled include Starfield (barely), Lies of P (just started), and Lego Star Wars: Skywalker Saga. I played mostly using the ROG Zephyrus G14 hooked up to my LG C2. And for the most part, this whole setup made me feel like I’m playing on a console. 

Customizations

As mentioned earlier, whether you go for the Pro or non-Pro variant, you get the flexibility of using it with multiple devices. And you can always map the controls to match the face buttons of the T4 Cyclone controller you opted to get. 

For more customization options, especially when playing on mobile, you can pair the controller with your smartphone and make adjustments on the GameSir app. This lets you map the controller on the specific games you regularly play. 

I’m personally not big on mobile games these days but the growing number of near AAA level games on the platform, and with these controllers in tow, means I get to enjoy these games the way I want to – which is pressing actual physical buttons and not tapping on a screen. 

Is the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro your GadgetMatch? 

The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro is a great choice of a controller for anyone who plays games on multiple devices. The multiple connectivity options and depth of customization means you’ll be able to squeeze a lot of value from a US$ purchase. 

GameSir needs to be more top-of-mind when it comes to gaming controllers. And the T4 Cyclone Series is a set of devices that goes a long way in heading into that direction. These controllers are well-built, function well, and are great additions to your gaming peripherals.

The GameSir T4 Cyclone and Game Sir T4 Cyclone Pro are now available on the Offcial website, Amazon, AliExpress, and select retailers.

Pricing are as follows:

• T4 Cyclone: US$39.99/￡49.99/€59.99/JP￥6599
• T4 Cyclone Pro: US$49.99/￡55.99/€65.99/JP￥7999

Order on the Official Website here and use MATCHT4C upon check out for 10% off.