Accessories

GameSir X3: A cooler way to play on smartphones

Mobile gaming elevated

Published

July 22, 2022

The last couple of months may have been the most time I spent playing mobile games. That’s because I got my hands on a couple of controllers/gamepads. First was the Razer Kishi V2. Next, and what I’ll talk about here, is the GameSir X3.

I know, the direct comparison between the two is inevitable since I’ve had the chance to use both. But that’s coming at a later time. For now, let’s dig through what the GameSir X3 has to offer.

Built-in cooler

Let’s start with the one that sticks out the most — the built-in cooler. It’s easily the most noticeable addition to this gamepad from its predecessor, the GameSir X2.

What it’s for is pretty straightforward. Smartphones heat up when you game, and heating affects performance. To keep things cool and running smoothly, you need a way to cool the phone. This is why the ROG Phone is always accompanied by the company’s own AeroActive cooler.

GameSir built this using the concept of the Peltier cooling effect. It’s basically the transfer of heat energy between materials when an electric current passes through. The information on their website says there’s a surface temperature drop of up to 24°C.

In practice, it does help extend your play session by keeping your device cool. I typically don’t play longer than an hour on mobile. Which seems to already be an extended play session for mobile gaming standards.

Honestly, I can stop here. This takes the cake in terms of value-add on gamepads. If you’re an avid mobile gamer, just the cooling alone should have you excited. But of course, there’s more to the GameSir X3 than just that.

Ports and connectors

This version is made specifically for Android smartphones with a USB-C port. The USB-C connector, like its predecessor, is able to tilt. This allows you to easily connect the phone at an angle.

While the phone is connected to the gamepad, you can charge it via the USB-C port on the right-hand side of the device. Meanwhile, to activate the fan, and its RGB lighting, you can connect a USB-C cable in the lower middle area of the gamepad.

It’s worth noting that the USB-C port on the right is meant only for charging. If you wish to use headphones, it’s advised to use wireless ones.

The bridge extends to comfortably fit even some of the largest smartphones out there. But if you want to know if your phone is a match, the compatible length is between 110mm to 179mm.

Buttons, thumbsticks, and d-pads

GameSir continues to be generous with options. Upon purchase, you’ll get two sets of d-pads, two sets of thumbsticks and their caps, along with two button layouts. One is for Xbox and another is for Switch.

You also get a USB-C to USB cable and a nice and sturdy carrying case. Great, great value.

I’m not one to tinker too much with devices, especially since I barely have the time to do so. That’s why I decided to stick to the setup right out of the box. That is the more traditional sticks and buttons. As for the layout, I went with the Xbox one.

I more regularly game on a PlayStation 5 so that’s my baseline comparison for how tactile buttons are. For what it is, the face buttons on the GameSir X3 feel alright. They’re smaller and don’t press as deep as what I’m used to. I’d say even the Razer Kishi V2 felt deeper but not by much. Regardless, I think it’s still a better experience than tapping a flat screen.

The thumbsticks feel great and appear to be durable. I can’t count the number of times I just suddenly space out while mindlessly playing with the thumbsticks. It never felt like they would break and there’s no drifting whatsoever.

The shoulder and trigger buttons have a more consistent feel to them. What I mean is that they feel similar when you press them which differs from most other gamepads. Usually, the shoulder buttons feel deeper than the triggers. It still feels nice to use and is something one can easily get used to.

App support

There are two key software you’ll want to check out and use alongside the GameSir X3.

GameSir World

First is the GameSir World app. Here, you can switch modes and force the button mapping configuration. With it, you can play games that typically don’t have controller support. The app will prompt you to press the G and Home buttons at the same time to Switch. The LED indicator on the left will change from Blue to Indicate to indicate the change in modes.

Personally, I used it to play Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile. I had a tough time playing the first person shooter, but on an open-world RPG like Genshin Impact, having a gamepad is a godsend. It felt like I’m actually playing on a hand-held console.

By default, with the LED indicator color in Blue, the GameSir X3 will work with any controller supported game. Some notable titles are: Asphalt 9, Final Fantasy VII: First Soldier, Life is Strange, and many more.

TapTap

If you’re down to explore more games, that’s where the second app comes in. It’s called TapTap. There’s a voucher inside the packaging that gives you a brief look at it. It also contains the QR Code you need to scan so you can download the app. You can either do that or download it here.

With the TapTap app, you’ll be shown a few feeds. The main one is a sort of hub for news on popular mobile games. Swipe right and you’ll see game recommendations by genre. There’s RPG, Action, Puzzle, Casual, and many more.

I had already forgotten some of the titles we tried but some of our favorites are a One Piece game and a side-scrolling beat’em up. With TapTap, it’s easier to find games that are controller-ready, so you don’t have to go through the trouble of mapping buttons before you play.

Is the GameSir X3 your GadgetMatch?

The GameSir X3 is one of the easiest gamepads to recommend. It builds on everything that was already good with its predecessor while adding a killer, or rather cooler feature.

Not only that, you get fantastic value with the assortment of buttons included along with the pretty sleek-looking carrying case.

GameSir went above and beyond in delivering a gamepad for mobile gamers that are desperate for physical buttons. With the GameSir X3, you get a complete package, and then some. This one easily gets the GadgetMatch seal of approval.

The GameSir X3 retails for US$ 99. Buy here.

Accessories

The GameSir G8 Galileo is great for PS Remote Play

While we wait for the PlayStation Portal

Published

November 30, 2023

Rodneil Quiteles

We happen to be in a region where the PlayStation Portal has yet to be released. Good thing, PS Remote Play is available and GameSir has a controller you can hook up to your smartphone that’s readily compatible. Enter the GameSir G8 Galileo.

You might not see it right away, but the biggest difference with the G8 Galileo compared to other smartphone controllers (even the ones GameSir made themselves) is it’s actually full size.

Watch our unboxing.

@gadgetmatch

Unboxing the Gamesir G8 Galileo. Best smartphone controllers right now? #gaming #mobilegaming #remoteplay #RemotePlay #remoteplayps5 #mobilecontroller #controller #controllers

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch – GadgetMatch

Most smartphone controllers prioritize portability. Thus, they’re more compact. That means smaller face buttons, smaller thumbsticks, and generally smaller overall profile.

Usable, sure. But not exactly ideal for people with chubby hands like yours truly.

BackBone One | GameSir G8 Galileo

This is also one of the primary reasons why, despite owning a Backbone One, I’ve rarely used it for its intended purpose. And the reason why the PlayStation Portal is appealing to me.

The GameSir G8 Galileo changes all of that because of its size. It’s also not just larger. Its ergonomics are great too. Your hands will sit nicely on the nice, curved handles for a more comfortable, more enjoyable handheld gaming session.

PS Remote Play

Another big area of convenience is you don’t necessarily have to have the GameSir app to make it work. Simply download the PS Remote Play app, register, and fire it up.

To make sure it’s on PS Remote Play compatible mode, just press the Share and Options buttons simultaneously. Those are the tiny buttons on the left and right hand side of the controllers right above the left thumb stick and the face buttons.

Upon pressing simultaneously, make sure the color on the GameSir logo on the lower right part of the controller is white. That’s how you know it’s on PS Remote Play mode.

Currently green so you have to press the buttons for Remote Play.

Once done, just easily plug-in your smartphone with a USB-C port on GameSir’s signature flexible USB-C plug and off you go.

Actual play time

Here’s a quick Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 gameplay using the GameSir G8 Galileo along with the HONOR Magic5 Pro with Remote Play:

Playing #SpiderMan2PS5 via Remote Play using an HONOR Magic5 Pro and the new @mygamesir G8 Galileo. pic.twitter.com/q6eDBYAq1E

— rodneil (@rodneilquiteles) November 30, 2023

This under a minute clip, naturally, isn’t representative of the entire Remote Play experience. Anyone who has tried it before knows that with extended play time, you’ll likely experience a few hiccups here and there. That’s just the nature of the beast.

That said, this whole set-up has been generally great. Other than Spider-Man 2, I’ve managed to play a handful of quick NBA 2K24 games like this. I still racked up a handful of wins despite suffering from occasional latency trouble.

The feel of the controller is fantastic and is easily the most enjoyable out of every other smartphone controller that I’ve tried before. And I’ve tried a few other than the Backbone One. There’s the GameSir X3, GameSir X2 Pro-Xbox, and the Razer Kishi V2.

Compatible games, mapping

Depending on the platform you’re on, the GameSir G8 Galileo will work on multiple other games. If you’re an iPhone 15 Series user, Remote Play, select Apple Arcade games, and even the AAA games set to release for that iPhone will work with this controller.

For Android users, it’s the usual handful of controller supported games that will work with this. For everything else, you’ll have to resort to mapping — a task for those with patience.

If you need more tutorials on how to get it working, just follow GameSir on Facebook or YouTube. They constantly post tutorials.

You can buy the GameSir G8 Galileo here: https://bit.ly/gsg8galileo

Use G8Creator on the Coupon Code for 10% off.

Accessories

iPhone 15 series will get the first Qi2 wireless chargers

More chargers are coming by Christmas

Published

November 17, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

While wireless chargers are already viable charging solutions today, the technology is still clawing its way to upending wired charging as a universally accepted solution. The technology is constantly growing, though. After announcing the new standard at the start of the year, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has confirmed that Qi2 wireless chargers will start appearing in time for the holidays.

Today, the WPC announced a lineup of brands which will rock Qi2 first. Coming by Christmastime, the first chargers will come from Belkin, Mophie, Anker, and Aircharge. Additionally, over a hundred devices are already in the process of getting certification for the standard.

Besides the usual suspects of charger manufacturers, the WPC has also confirmed that the iPhone 15 series will start the train of Qi2 chargers for the holidays. That doesn’t come as a surprise, though. According to the WPC’s announcement months ago, Apple lent its MagSafe technology to help develop the Qi2 charging standard.

Naturally, the promise is faster charging than the current generation. By how much is still a question that will also depend on manufacturers. Additionally, the standard will have a better magnetic system. Like in Apple’s MagSafe chargers, devices will automatically snap into the optimal position when connected with Qi2 chargers.

Accessories

Rootique DUO: Make topical hair treatments a breeze

In as fast as 15 seconds

Published

November 10, 2023

GadgetMatch

It’s true that various technologies have made daily tasks and processes automated and much faster than before. It’s in this regard that the Rootique DUO hopes to make its mark.

Typewriters have evolved to computers, simple mobile phones have turned into advanced companions, and home electronics like vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and more have become “smarter” appliances to assist people every day.

For one’s hair care, Rootique DUO is set to make topical hair treatments faster than ever.

Rootique DUO

Patients use topical hair tonics like minoxidil to get themselves thicker or fuller hair. Traditionally, they use droppers manually to apply these tonics twice daily. And using their bare hands too.

Enter Rootique DUO, the world’s first micro-misting hair loss treatment device from startup company Rootique that shall hasten the process to as fast as 15 seconds.

The device lets users apply tonic evenly onto their scalps with a fine mist. It uses its patented DuoTrace system design and DUO IntelliMist technology. This way, mess created by droppers can be avoided and the actual process takes just a few ticks.

Lastly, the DUO Red Light therapy feature rejuvenates the scalp and follicies by using medical-grade LED lights to stimulate follicles for lushier hair.