GameSir Cyclone 2 Review: Mostly Awesome (with only a minor complaint)

I’ve had my hands on the GameSir Cyclone 2 PC Controller for several weeks now, and I’m finding myself surprisingly pleased with what it brings to the table. While I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting much, the premium feel and Xbox-like ergonomics have made me reconsider my initial skepticism.

At first glance, the Phantom White version’s striking orange accents and RGB lighting might catch your eye, but there’s more to this controller than just good looks – both positive and negative aspects that deserve a closer look.

Key Takeaways

• Multi-platform compatibility includes PC gaming with stable wireless dongle connection and no noticeable input lag.
• Premium build quality features semi-translucent frosted backside, customizable RGB lighting, and ergonomic design with textured grips.
• Two programmable back buttons offer custom mapping options, while high-sensitivity triggers provide precise input control.
• Battery life is limited to approximately two hours per charge, which may require frequent recharging during gaming sessions.
• Priced competitively at $49.99 without dock, offering good value for basic features despite limited customization options.

Design and Build Quality

The Cyclone 2 consistently impresses with its premium build quality and sleek aesthetics. I’m particularly drawn to the Phantom White model‘s clean color scheme, which features orange and gold accents against a pure white base. Although the version I tried was the all-black color. Still, visually pleasing in all regards.

Both the white and black color schemes offer a semi-translucent frosted backside offers a peek at the internal components, adding a distinctive touch to the overall design.

The controller’s form factor closely resembles the Xbox Series controllers, which I consider a significant advantage. It’s equipped with laser-textured grips on both handles, helping maintain control during intense gaming sessions. It feels much grippier than I expected.

The build quality feels solid, and I’ve found the ergonomic design allows for extended play without discomfort or hand fatigue.

What’s really cool is the customizable RGB lighting on both handles, which you can program through GameSir’s companion app.

At $54.99 for the complete package, including the charging dock, you’re getting impressive value. The dock isn’t just functional – it serves as an attractive display stand that complements the controller’s aesthetics.

While the design isn’t truly revolutionary, it successfully combines style and functionality in a way that matches well with various gaming setups.

Performance and Gaming Experience

How does the Cyclone 2 perform where it matters most? After extensive testing, I’m pleased to report that input responsiveness is excellent across multiple platforms. I didn’t experience any input lag during my five hours of gameplay, particularly while playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The controller maintains consistent performance whether you’re connected to PC, PS5, or iPhone.

The controller’s ergonomics mirror the Xbox Series design, making it comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The laser-textured grips provide reliable control even during intense moments, while the high-sensitivity triggers offer precise input for shooters and racing games. The two back buttons add welcome functionality for custom mappings.

However, battery life is a notable weakness. You’ll only get about two to three hours of gameplay from a full charge, which falls short of both the PlayStation DualSense and Xbox Series controllers.

While the included charging dock (in the $54.99 version) makes recharging convenient, you’ll need to do it frequently. Despite this limitation, the Cyclone 2’s reliable performance and comfortable design make it a solid choice for multi-platform gaming at its price point.

Customization and Software Features

GameSir’s companion app provides basic RGB customization options for the Cyclone 2’s handle lighting, though its feature set remains relatively limited.

I found the app interface straightforward but bare-bones, allowing me to adjust the RGB colors and lighting patterns on the controller’s handles. While I appreciate the ability to match the lighting with my setup, I wish there were more extensive customization features available.

The two back buttons can be remapped through the app, which I found useful for games that require quick access to certain commands. However, that’s about as deep as the customization goes.

Unlike some competitors in this price range, you won’t find options for adjusting stick sensitivity, trigger dead zones, or vibration intensity.

I should note that while the software gets the job done for basic customization needs, it lacks the robust feature set found in apps from companies like Razer or Xbox.

If you’re looking for extensive button mapping, profile creation, or advanced input customization, you might find the Cyclone 2’s software offerings somewhat underwhelming.

Still, for users who prioritize simplicity over complexity, the straightforward approach works well enough.

Compatibility and Connectivity Options

When it comes down to connectivity options, I found the Cyclone 2’s multi-platform support impressively thorough. The controller seamlessly connects to PS5, Xbox Series X, Android, iPhone, and PC through an intuitive Bluetooth pairing process. You’ll just need to hold down the central GameSir icon button to initiate pairing, and within about a minute, you’re ready to play on your chosen device.

I tested the controller across multiple platforms, including my PC, PS5, and iPhone, and I didn’t encounter any connection issues. The wireless dongle provides a stable connection for PC gaming, while Bluetooth works reliably for other devices.

What’s thankfully remarkable is that I didn’t experience any input lag during my gaming sessions, which is often a concern with third-party controllers. The response time remained consistently sharp whether I was playing through Bluetooth or the wireless dongle.

The shift between different platforms is straightforward – there’s no need to go through complex setup procedures each time you switch devices. This versatility makes the Cyclone 2 a practical choice if you’re looking to use a single controller across multiple gaming platforms.

Value for Money

Beyond its impressive connectivity features, the Cyclone 2’s price point of $54.99 (with charging dock) or $49.99 (without dock) positions it firmly in the mid-range controller market. For this price, I believe you’re getting solid value, particularly if you opt for the charging dock version, which adds both functionality and display value for just $5 more.

When I consider what you’re getting – a well-rounded controller that works seamlessly across multiple platforms, responsive inputs, comfortable ergonomics, and RGB lighting – the price feels justified.

However, I must point out that the short battery life of two to three hours and lack of innovative features like swappable parts or advanced motion controls might make some users pause. You can find controllers with better battery life or more advanced features if you’re willing to spend a bit more.

Despite these limitations, I find the Cyclone 2 delivers good value for money if you’re looking for a reliable, multi-platform controller without breaking the bank.

It handles the basics well and offers enough features to satisfy most gamers’ needs, making it a sensible choice in its price range.

Final Words

I’m thoroughly impressed with the GameSir Cyclone 2‘s performance as a PC controller. Despite its short battery life, it’s won me over with its premium build quality, responsive inputs, and comfortable ergonomics.

While I’d love to see more customization options, the RGB lighting and Xbox-like design make it a solid choice. At this price point, I can’t deny it’s a worthy investment for PC gaming enthusiasts.