GameSir has just surprised us with a new release before the end of the year. Although many were waiting for the Pro version of the GameSir G7, the acclaimed controller manufacturer has launched the Cyclone 2, a new multi-platform controller with many of the latest generation technologies that released the Tarantula Pro, but with a more conservative Xbox-style design and a charging base that was quite innovative in my opinion.
We have been able to test the GameSir Cyclone 2 before its release on the market to tell you our impressions and experience with this controller. Is it really worth it? Come with us to get to know it in depth, because has some unique features that will surely interest you.
GameSir Cyclone 2 review: a multiplatform controller that excels in all sections
It’s exciting to see how GameSir refines its formula more and more with each release. With the Cyclone 2 it seems that they have achieved definitive controlbecause it excels in each and every aspect. Take a look at its technical sheet before delving into everything this controller has to offer:
Characteristics |
GameSir Cyclone 2 |
Dimensions and weight | 156 x 103 x 63mm. 229 grams. |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and cable Detachable USB-C. |
Ports | USB-C to connect it to a PC and 3.5mm connector. |
Compatibility | PC, Nintendo Switch, Android 8.0 or higher, and iOS 13 or higher. |
Control levers | GameSir Mag-Res TMR Sticks with 12-bit ADC chip and a 1000Hz polling rate. |
Vibration | 2 asymmetric vibration motors. |
Extras | 2 additional back buttons Transparent analog triggers with click mode Customizable RGB lights 6-axis gyroscope Aluminum charging base |
Battery | 860mAh. |
Software | GameSir app to map the control and customize the controller. |
What is the GameSir Cyclone 2 controller like?
What caught my attention the most when opening the GameSir Cyclone 2 box is that it includes a very minimalist and practical charging base. It is made of aluminum alloy and has two legs that provide quite a bit of firmness. (it doesn’t wobble on a table, even if you move it).
The base has magnetic charging pins and holds the controller solidly, so works as a wireless charger and stand. It allows you to have the controller well displayed in your setup when you are not using it. It also serves as a link between the controller and the PC, as it has a USB-C port for power and data input from your computer.
Besides, You can take advantage of the USB-A port that the base has on the front to connect the 2.4 GHz dongle (also included) that will allow you to play on your PC wirelessly with a more robust and lower latency connection. The truth is that I loved how useful this charging base is.
Now, let’s talk about the GameSir Cyclone 2 controller itself. Although in terms of features it is closer to the Tarantula Pro, its design is more similar to that of the Kaleid and Kaleid Flux or the Nova and Nova Lite. In fact, it looks like a combination of both, which is excellent news. Mixes a matte finish with transparent parts on the grips and triggersthus achieving a very cool cyberpunk style. Besides, it adopts the form factor of Xbox controllers that feels very comfortable in the hands.
Aesthetically it looks very handsome and ergonomically it is a 10 out of 10. In addition, as GameSir has accustomed us to, both the grips and the back buttons and the rubber bands on the joysticks They are textured for a firmer grip without unintentional slipping. And although it is made of polished plastic, the areas where you grip it have a rubber cover to prevent sweat from playing tricks on you.
Ultimately, the command feels very premium and comfortable in the hands and I have no complaints in this regard. By the way, it is available in black and white.
Ah! There is a curious detail about this controller that I cannot miss. At the top, Around its USB-C port, it has slots to attach a mobile holder. And, as it is a Bluetooth controller, it is 100% compatible with phones and tablets. Not all controller manufacturers think about that, so it’s a point in GameSir’s favor.
What technologies does the GameSir Cyclone 2 use?
The GameSir Cyclone 2 doesn’t have as many buttons as the Tarantula Pro, but it’s still suitable for Pro and eSports players. Mainly, for its Innovative Mag-Res™ TMR joysticksThey combine the precision of traditional potentiometers with the durability of Hall effect technology.
These sticks guarantee accurate answers in any gamesuperior to what you would get from a controller with joysticks that only use the Hall effect. On the other hand, highlight its analog triggers that also use Hall effect for greater durability and have a fairly generous travel.
What I like most about the triggers is that They have a small switch that when moved significantly reduces the stroke pathconverting the triggers into conventional buttons or “micro switches” for a quick “click” type press. This is very interesting, since it dynamically adapts to different games.
In racing games, you can put the triggers in full travel mode so that they detect different levels of press, while in shooting games You should put the triggers in “click” mode to use them as buttons and quickly detect each press. In both modes, they work quite well, with quick responses and a good tactile feel.
Likewise, the GameSir Cyclone 2 has XYAB mechanical buttons and a D-Pad for fast and consistent touch response. It also has the typical home, quick view, menu, share and M (mode) buttons. Ah! And, in addition to the bumpers and triggers, On the back it has two additional R4 and L4 buttons that you can program to do what you want from the GameSir app.
It is worth highlighting the presence of two vibration motors and a 6-axis gyroscope on the GameSir Cyclone 2, as this makes it 100% compatible with all Nintendo Switch games that make use of these technologies. And if you are one of those who uses wired headphones to play, you will be happy to know that this controller It has a 3.5 mm jack at the bottom.
Incidentally, it has a customizable RGB lighting which I liked because, unlike other controllers, it is not very excessive and just adds a little color to the controller in a subtle and elegant way.
How does the GameSir Cyclone 2 work?
With a 1000Hz polling rate compatible with wired and wireless connections, the Cyclone 2 runs smoothly any way you plug it in to your PC, console, mobile or tablet. It does not cause lag or disconnection problems, and responds quickly and accurately to all the actions you execute.
The controller can be connect in three different ways to your devices, each of them with their advantages and disadvantages:
- By cable– Comes with a detachable 1 meter USB-C to USB-A cable that allows you to connect it directly to your computer. It is the best connection method in terms of speed of response, but it limits your movements by being tied to a cable.
- bluetooth: It is the best method in terms of compatibility and autonomy, as it allows you to connect the controller with PCs, mobile phones, tablets, consoles and any other device that has Bluetooth, consuming less battery than the 2.4 GHz connection. Bad? That the latency is higher and the wireless range is shorter (compared to the 2.4 GHz connection).
- 2.4GHz: It is the best wireless method to play with the controller on the PC (requires you to connect the included dongle to your computer), since through this network the latency is lower, the range is greater and the interference is less than with Bluetooth . Bad? That when playing with the 2.4 GHz network, the controller’s battery will last less.
As you can see, the controller gives you all the possible connection options so you can choose how to use it, according to your priorities. By the way, if you don’t know how to use a connection mode or how to connect to a specific deviceI recommend you see the GameSir Cyclone 2 manual where all this is explained very well and other tricks to get the most out of it.
If you don’t like something in particular about the controller, you can most likely adjust it to your liking from the GameSir Connect app. With this program, You can change button mapping and joystick calibration, as well as adjust motion controls, triggers, vibration, and lighting effects.. The app also allows you to save multiple profiles and switch between them quickly, making it easy to adapt the controller to different games.
How long does the GameSir Cyclone 2 battery last?
The battery built into the Cyclone 2 is 860mAh. I have never run out of battery while I am playing, because every time I finish I leave it in its base where it recharges automatically. So, every time I start playing, it’s at 100% battery. It is one of the advantages of including a charging base.
I was able to play several hours uninterrupted with it without problems. If you think your battery life is short, you can turn off the RGB lighting or even lower the polling rate to make it last much longer. However, in my experience I have not had to do that because I keep it charged thanks to the base, as I explained before.
Is the GameSir Cyclone 2 worth it?
The GameSir Cyclone 2 is simply the pinnacle of cross-platform wireless controllers. It has impeccable build quality, an ergonomic design and a set of cutting-edge technologies to play with precision and speed that are an advantage in competitive games.
It incorporates GameSir Mag-Res TMR joysticks that combine the durability of the Hall effect with the precision of potentiometers, as well as high-quality mechanical buttons for a consistent gaming experience, without glitches or inaccuracies. In addition, it has analog triggers that can be put in “click” mode to shoot faster in shooters.
The icing on the cake is its charging base that also serves as a support and allows you to keep the controller 100% charged at all times. The GameSir Cyclone 2 works via Bluetooth, USB-C cable or 2.4 GHz dongle, and is compatible with PC (including laptops like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally), Android, iOS and Nintendo Switch. In all its connection modes and with any type of device it has worked perfectly for us. Besides, It is appreciated for its very powerful GameSir Connect application that allows you to customize and adjust even the smallest details of the controller.
Sincerely, I can’t find any negative points about the Cyclone 2except that it cannot be used with Xbox and PlayStation consoles, which would be absolute perfection. Even so, this command has a official price of €68.07which is almost the same as the official controls of the latest generation consoles despite being inferior in practically everything, seems crazy to me.
Currently, you can buy it on Amazon with a 10% discount using the code cyclone2 and this button:
You can also buy just the controller (without the base) for 10% less on Amazon with the coupon cyclone2pro and this button:
If you want to buy it from AliExpress, don’t forget to use the coupon GAME2 10% discount with this button:
And if you want to get it from the official GameSir store with a 10% discount, apply the coupon C2FANS with this button:
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