Just when you thought GameSir couldn’t possibly come out with any more new form factors, that’s when they surprise you. The GameSir X4 Alerion isn’t quite like anything we’ve seen from the company before. It’s a two-piece mobile controller that connects to your phone via bluetooth that’s also officially licensed by Xbox. 

First of all, that name is so badass. So we had to learn where it came from. A quick Google search says Alerion means “Heraldry. an eagle displayed, usually represented without a beak or legs.” Fitting because the Alerion controllers clip to your smartphone like wings. Pretty neat. 

Unboxing 

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Unboxing the GameSir X4 Alerion 🎮 #GameSir #X3Alerion #GameSirX4Alerion @GameSir

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Like most GameSir products, the packaging is pretty generous. Outside of the magnetically-attached two-piece controllers, you’ll also find the carrying case with alternate thumbsticks and D-Pad. You also get some stickers as well as a GamePass subscription code. 

With GameSir, you’ll never feel like you’re not getting your money’s worth. 

Features and Specs 

Like most of GameSir’s recent offerings, the X4 Alerion comes with Hall Effect sticks. That means no risk whatsoever of stick drift. Other than the D-Pad, the AXBY face buttons are also interchangeable. 

You have more customization options through the GameSir app so if you’re the type who likes tweaking their devices, you’ll have plenty to do with the Alerion. You can adjust trigger mode, RGB brightness, lighting effects, volume and key value freely.

Check out the specs: 

• Working Platform: Android
• Connectivity: Low-latency Bluetooth
• ABXY Buttons: Microswitch
• Hall Effect Sticks: Yes
• Hall Effect Triggers: Yes
• Trigger mode: Analog triggers or hair triggers
• Back Buttons: Yes, 2 mappable Back Buttons
• Customization Software: Yes, GameSir APP
• Button Layout: Xbox / Switch
• Compatible Model Width: 68-95mm / 2.68-3.74 in
• Compatible Maximum Model Thickness: 12.5mm / 0.49 in
• Pass-Through Charging: Yes
• Battery: Yes, one 400mAh battery in each controller
• Product Size: 120*104.6*42.7 mm / 4.72*4.12*1.68 in
• Net Weight: 188.5 g / 0.42 lbs
• Package Size: 160*118*84 mm / 6.30*4.65*3.31 in
• Gross Weight: 426.3 g / 0.94 lbs

Actual use and performance

It’s a pretty straightforward device. Snap the controllers onto your Android smartphone, pair via bluetooth, and you’re ready to play. 

It was perfect when we used it with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The controller snapped on to the sides without trouble. We then proceeded to play Pokémon Unite and Call of Duty: Mobile. 

It worked seamlessly with no noticeable delay on Pokémon Unite. It’s a different story for CODM though. While it did work right away, there was a bit of delay in the input which affected our gameplay. 

We also tried it with Asphalt 9 — it’s a game that’s known to work well with mobile controllers. With the X4 Alerion, it was no different. They worked together perfectly. 

It’s good to check first if the game you intend to play has controller support. If that’s the case, the X4 Alerion will work right off the bat. Without controller support, you’ll have to resort to button mapping. It’s not our favorite activity in the world, but if you’re hellbent on playing with physical controls, it’s something you just have to do. 

GameSir was kind enough to make their own tutorial video about this. Watch below: 

Not for every smartphone

While the X4 Alerion is a great mobile gaming partner for regular slabs, foldable users who want to play with the screen unfolded might have to turn to other offerings from GameSir. The clip at the top of each controller just isn’t tall enough to accommodate larger screens. You can, of course, still use it folded so there’s that option. 

Another pain point would be for those smartphones with huge, protruding camera modules. We tried clipping the X4 Alerion on the HONOR Magic6 Pro and well, it was an exercise in futility. It just doesn’t fit securely and would disconnect the bluetooth connection every time it gets yanked out unintentionally.

That said, it’s perfect for everything else. For best results, use the GameSir X4 Alerion with Android smartphones meant for gaming. Those tend to not have bulky camera modules and are more built for mobile gaming.

Price and availability 

The GameSir X4 Alerion is now available and retails for £99.99/$99.99/ PhP 5,900. 

Buy here and use GSX4A10OFF on the Coupon for a discount.

In a few short hours, Apple is scheduled to host an event for its iPad lineup. While the event’s invite makes no mention of the tablets directly, the graphic includes an Apple Pencil. Whatever is happening, tablets are involved. Now, we have a clearer idea of what’s coming in today’s event.

Via MacRumors, Apple’s Japanese website currently has a reference in its code to something called the “Apple Pencil Pro.”

It’s not a direct reference. Rather, it’s an alternative text to an included graphic on the homepage. “Folded green, yellow, orange and blue paper forms the Apple logo. Inside the logo, you can see the creator’s hand holding the Apple Pencil Pro and drawing,” it reads (albeit translated, of course).

Given the proximity to today’s event, the name might be more than a coincidence. Apple might actually release an Apple Pencil Pro later today.

However, tempering expectations a bit, the spotted reference is available only on the Japanese website. Other countries do not have the same caption. It’s possible that it’s just a translation error. It also doesn’t help that the graphic doesn’t actually depict a new Pencil.

If anything, Apple’s stylus needs an update. The Pencil hasn’t received a major overhaul since 2018’s second-generation model.

SEE ALSO: Apple MacBook Air M3 has finally reached the Philippines

In a world inundated with leaks, spotting an unreleased device out in the wild is less of a spectacle these days. However, there are still some sneak peeks that manage to catch our eyes. One such example is the sudden appearance of an unreleased Beats Pill in the hands of F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.

A Beats Pill is not an easy speaker to find these days. After all, the company discontinued the last one back in 2022. Unless they particularly love old devices, it’s likely not a coincidence if a popular personality is somehow toting one out in public.

In preparation for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix this weekend, Daniel Ricciardo, who currently races for the Visa Cash App RB team, strolled into the paddock carrying a golden Beats Pill. It’s also interesting that the Pill is positioned perfectly to display the Beats logo.

As if that’s not a sure sign already, LeBron James was also spotted with the same speaker before a game back in April. Serendipitously, the pictured speaker swung perfectly to display the Beats logo in the NBA star’s photo.

Because Beats has not announced a revival yet, it’s difficult to see what the audio company has in store for its next portable speaker. However, one thing’s for sure: A new lanyard will make it easier to carry around. It’s also safe to assume that the device will come with USB-C this time around.

SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ accidentally leaked on Amazon