Let me preface this by saying I have had this controller for less than a week, and the real test will be time. I don't like writing a review after so little time with a product because those reviews often feel like they're saying "It arrived and it wasn't on fire! Five stars!" But after my long search looking for a power-user controller that goes above and beyond what first-party ones offer and ending up disappointed and returning a few of them, I feel like my search has finally come to an end (for now) with the GameSir Cyclone 2 and that warrants a review.
GameSir is one of the most commonly-mentioned names when people talk about quality third-party controllers. This is my first GameSir, and though I have heard the first Cyclone fell short in a lot of ways, this successor to it lives up to the hype I hear the brand. It has an Xbox-controller shape (which I think feels better than the more parallel 8BitDo Ultimate and Switch Pro frames), the button faces and D-pad are mechanical and very easy to press without being sunken into the shell-- honestly even EASIER to press than other controllers, so it might take some time to get used to how they feel, though that's not really fault. Only two back paddles, but that's better than none, and they're fully configurable. It also something I feel is VERY important, the Cyclone 2 has trigger locks. It still offers a hair-trigger feature (where any trigger pressure registers as 100% activation), but the tactility of it just being a button can be a game-changer for some, myself included. And the way it's done is with very subtle, small levers nestled at the base of the triggers themselves, which are a little tricky to switch, but chances are if you use them you'll set them once and never touch them again so in that case it's nice they're out of the way.
Things that stood out to me are how seamless it is to turn on and off when the dongle is connected. The moment it connects, Windows recognizes it instantly (it appears as a Xbox controller), but more to my surprise is this: You know how when you plug in a controller mid-game and the game has to pause a moment to recognize it? Not with this controller. As long as the dongle is in, while I was playing, every time I turned it on, the game would just pick it up instantly and seamlessly. I don't know what magic they did to achieve that, and it quite possibly is a per-game thing, so it may not be the same for you. Just something I thought I'd mention. It also has a neat feature where you can designate a button to act as a Shift key, where holding the button down changes what all the other buttons do when that button is held down, effectively doubling the number of inputs available. Very neat.
The Cyclone 2 has a whole suite of features that can be configured directly on the controller itself through the Macro button, but you can do all of them AND more using the software, which is actually very quite intuitive. With the software, can bind multiple inputs to a button, keyboard inputs, mouse control, the "Shift" functions, configure deadzones, analog curves, turbo, and with four separate profiles you can switch between on the fly, it becomes quite versatile to pick up and go once you've gotten it the way you like. Speaking of pick-up-and-go, I very much like the charging stand. It has a USB input slot you can use for the dongle so it's not using up two ports, and it automatically shuts off after a bit of time when it's fully-charged or turned off.
Connecting the Cyclone 2 to the Switch was no problem, and switching back and forth between it and PC is quick and simple, though not as simple as flicking a switch: you have to hold down two buttons for a couple of second, one combination to activate bluetooth and another for the Windows receiver. Once connected, it works VERY well on Switch.
I could detail ALL the features, but I'll just summarize it as thus:
Pros:
• Easy to set up
• Mechanical D-pad and face buttons
• TMR joysticks (drift-resistant and accurate) which feel smooth as butter
• Trigger locks
• Back buttons
• Seamless transition between modes
• Ergonomic
• Nice charging stand that can house the receiver
• Software to configure it is simple to navigate
• VERY configurable with macros that include keyboard and mouse inputs, turbo, profiles, Shift profile, deadzones, curves, hair trigger
• Screenshot button for Switch
Cons:
• D-pad, while decent, isn't as nice as the Xbox Series X
• Can't adjust physical joystick tension
• While very Xbox-like and works wonderfully with Windows, it is NOT compatible with Xbox
• Only 2 back buttons, if you care for more
• Lots of on-board features, such as Switch/PC mode and profiles, require button combinations, and it can be troublesome remembering them all, so hang on to the manual
• It was just released this year, so its durability has yet to be thoroughly tested
Final word: I finally beat that post-game level in Rockin' Kats and the Platinum Ticket in Bayonetta 3 using this controller. I think that's a good metric which covers enough ground to know this controller is legit. Hope it lasts!
GameSir Cyclone 2 PC Controller Mag-Res TMR Sticks 1000Hz Report Rate Hall & Micro 2-in-1 Triggers RGB Lighting with Charging
4.4
| 93 ratingsPrice: 55.99
Last update: 12-23-2024
About this item
Multi-platform Compatibility: Works with Switch, PC, iOS, and Android devices.Tri-mode connectivity: 2.4G Wireless Dongle/Wired/Bluetooth
GameSir Mag-ResTM TMR Sticks: GameSir Mag-ResTM TMR Sticks combine the precise performance and low power consumption of traditional potentiometer sticks with the high durability of Hall Effect sticks, ensuring a higher and more stable polling rate
Microswitch Face Buttons : GameSir cyclone 2 is equipped with face buttons that can withstand up to 5 million clicks. Upgrade your pc gaming controller with our high-precision micro switches! Enjoy fast, accurate response and long-lasting durability
1000 Hz Wired/Wireless Polling Rate: The pc controller provides ultra-fast response times, registering inputs quicker for smoother gameplay and better accuracy. Perfect for competitive gamers who need every edge!
Hall Effect analog triggers: One Controller With two Kinds Triggers, Seamless Switch Between Hall Effect Triggers and Micro triggers! Enjoy precise control with quick toggling for enhanced responsiveness in any game
Intelligent Charging Station: Our charging station is designed for instant, seamless power. Just lift the controller to start playing, and place it back down for automatic charging. The aluminum alloy build adds durability and a sleek. Always powered, always ready!
Customizable RGB Lighting Effect: Illuminate your gaming setup with customizable RGB lighting on Cyclone 2. Adjust and personalize your lighting effects through the software for a truly unique gaming experience.
Realistic and Subtle Vibration: The controller features two asymmetric rumble motors, providing immersive and realistic vibration feedback and ensuring that every small crash and shot is felt in your hands as if it were happening on the spot
Quickly Switch Profiles on-the-fly: Quickly switch profiles on-the-fly for different games using simple button combinations. Easily transition between diverse gaming styles and games.
Software Customization: Tailor Your Controller! Download the GameSir Connect app to upgrade firmware, adjust stick and trigger dead zones, customize vibration intensity, and test buttons. Access many features on-the-fly for seamless adjustments to fit your playstyle
GameSir Mag-ResTM TMR Sticks: GameSir Mag-ResTM TMR Sticks combine the precise performance and low power consumption of traditional potentiometer sticks with the high durability of Hall Effect sticks, ensuring a higher and more stable polling rate
Microswitch Face Buttons : GameSir cyclone 2 is equipped with face buttons that can withstand up to 5 million clicks. Upgrade your pc gaming controller with our high-precision micro switches! Enjoy fast, accurate response and long-lasting durability
1000 Hz Wired/Wireless Polling Rate: The pc controller provides ultra-fast response times, registering inputs quicker for smoother gameplay and better accuracy. Perfect for competitive gamers who need every edge!
Hall Effect analog triggers: One Controller With two Kinds Triggers, Seamless Switch Between Hall Effect Triggers and Micro triggers! Enjoy precise control with quick toggling for enhanced responsiveness in any game
Intelligent Charging Station: Our charging station is designed for instant, seamless power. Just lift the controller to start playing, and place it back down for automatic charging. The aluminum alloy build adds durability and a sleek. Always powered, always ready!
Customizable RGB Lighting Effect: Illuminate your gaming setup with customizable RGB lighting on Cyclone 2. Adjust and personalize your lighting effects through the software for a truly unique gaming experience.
Realistic and Subtle Vibration: The controller features two asymmetric rumble motors, providing immersive and realistic vibration feedback and ensuring that every small crash and shot is felt in your hands as if it were happening on the spot
Quickly Switch Profiles on-the-fly: Quickly switch profiles on-the-fly for different games using simple button combinations. Easily transition between diverse gaming styles and games.
Software Customization: Tailor Your Controller! Download the GameSir Connect app to upgrade firmware, adjust stick and trigger dead zones, customize vibration intensity, and test buttons. Access many features on-the-fly for seamless adjustments to fit your playstyle
Product information
ASIN | B0DBLMZJRJ |
---|---|
Release date | November 18, 2024 |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars
69 ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #2,033 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #29 in GEM Box Microconsole |
Package Dimensions | 7.01 x 6.61 x 3.82 inches; 1.43 Pounds |
Type of item | Video Game |
Item Weight | 1.43 pounds |
Manufacturer | GameSir |
Batteries | 1 D batteries required. |
Date First Available | November 18, 2024 |