Gamesir X3 Pro Type-C Cooling Wired Mobile Game Controller REVIEW

Responsive controls and powerful cooling tech in a portable package

I’m a hard-core CODM fanatic. I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing out a variety of controllers and accessories to ensure that I am getting the best possible gaming experience. While the game is designed to be mobile-first for smartphones, I have used both my iPad and a PC to play before. My current setup includes the RedMagic Nova Gaming Tablet, the FLYDIGI Apex 4 Controller and an external monitor.

Even though that’s what I consider my ‘pro’ setup, I do use my iPhone 16 Pro Max as well. I have been dabbling with touch-control playing, but due to some nerve damage in my left arm, this can be challenging. So, when I want to be 100% portable and take CODM with me on the road, I grab a mobile game controller to supplement my phone and the GameSir X3 Pro Type-C Cooling Wired Mobile Game Controller is a great option for this purpose.

About the GameSir X3 Pro Type-C Cooling Wired Mobile Game Controller

The GameSir X3 Pro Type-C is a high-performance mobile game controller designed to enhance your gaming experience. Featuring wired connectivity, the X3 Pro ensures ultra-low latency for a seamless and responsive gaming session. Its Type-C connection is easy to use and ensures maximum stability, even during the most intense gameplay.

One of its standout features is the integrated cooling fan, which prevents your device from overheating, ensuring long hours of gaming with consistent performance. The ergonomic design offers comfortable hand grips, and the customizable buttons and sticks allow for a truly personalized gaming setup. The X3 Pro supports a wide variety of mobile devices, making it versatile and compatible with many Android phones equipped with a Type-C port.

Whether you’re into competitive shooters, action-packed RPGs, or casual gaming, the GameSir X3 Pro elevates your experience with precise controls and advanced cooling technology.

Main Features

• Hall effects sticks: up to 5 million cycles, anti-drift
• Integrated cooler
• E-sports level
• Free customization: ABXY layout, stick caps, D-pad, grip sets
• Realistic & immersive rumble motors
• Motion Control: Immersive gaming, precise control, built-in 6-axis gyro
• Low latency
• Charge & cool: use one cable for both
• Micro switch triggers
• Peltier cooling plate: 900mm^2 cooling area, 12W maximum cooling power
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• GameSir moveable Type-C port

Pricing & Availability

The Gamesir X3 Pro Type-C Cooling Wired Mobile Game Controller has a list price of $79.99 on gamesir.com. The controller can also be found on Amazon.

User Experience

The Gamesir X3 Pro comes in a standard GameSir retail box. There is an image of the product on the front and some basic details of the product around the sides and back of the the container. When you open the box, you’ll find the travel case, which contains the controller and the packet that includes the manual and charging cable. The travel case is quite impressive. It holds the controller along with its extra stick and d-pad covers.

While this controller hits a lot of the high points for me, it does not include back paddles/buttons. It has the triggers and bumper buttons, but not the back buttons. I’ve come to rely on that type of controller functionality from ‘pro-level’ controllers so I was disappointed those inputs were not part of the X3 Pro. Another design point to address is that cases prevent the USB-C connector to make full contact and the controller is not useable. I had a standard protective case on an iPhone 16 Pro and while it looked as though the phone was connected to the USB-C connector, full contact was not made due to the case. Therefore, you have to use the X3 Pro without a case on your phone.

The charging cable that is included is USB-C to USB-C and it’s braided. The only flaw in the travel case design is that there isn’t a dedicated spot for the charging cable. It can fit inside the container with the controller, but it’s a tight squeeze. Normally I wouldn’t call this out, but since the cooler has to be plugged in to a charging source in order to function, I thought it was relevant. The other thing that I wish there was room for was my AirPods Pro. This travel case would be perfect if those storage considerations were included.

One of the unique design features of this controller is that you can use it as a standard gamepad style, or with the the grip set that makes it feel more like a console-style controller. I tend to prefer the console-style option since I feel like my fingers wrap around to reach the buttons better with the grip sets on it. The controller expands to fit most smartphones and potentially some tablets. The important thing to remember is that this controller only operates as a ‘wired’ controller. There is no option to connect via Bluetooth.

The X3 Pro controller is very comfortable to hold. It weighs approximately 322 grams, which is a bit more than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which comes in at 227 grams. So, you are essentially doubling the weight you are holding when you play, but it doesn’t feel like a burden in my opinion. I’m not a huge fan of being tethered to a cable when I play something, but I do feel that the cooler is essential because phones can heat up quite a bit — especially if you are a marathon gamer.

When I test out a controller, I like to play through a few games to see how different types of gameplay is effected by the controller. Plus, I’ve had issues in the past with how different controllers handle different games. The native input might handle a basic game just fine, but when it comes to something more complex, such as Call of Duty: Mobile, there is advanced programming that needs to happen. Here is a quick rundown of my gaming tests.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Classic: This is a basic level game in terms of controller function and it’s available in the App Store. Users only need a directional pad and the A/B buttons. The Gamesir X3 Pro was responsive and I didn’t experience any issues with it while I played.

Grand Theft Auto (San Andreas): This title was designed as a console game and originally released in 2004 for PlayStation 2. In 2005, a Windows and Xbox version was released as well. This game utilizes more controls than Sonic 2 does as you need to navigate your gameplay with both thumb sticks and control your character using the triggers and bumper buttons as well as the XYAB buttons. When I got into the game with the X3 Pro, I thought it was very responsive again and I didn’t have to do anything special to have the controls behave correctly.

Call of Duty: Mobile: CODM can be a beast to deal with when it comes to controllers since it’s designed as a mobile-first game. All the controls are meant to be activated with the touch screen and controller inputs have to adapt the touch screen input to a button press. Plus, the only sanctioned controllers CODM/Activision allows are the Xbox and Playstation controllers. Because of this reason, it can be difficult to find a controller that works out of the box without any extra programming. Gamesir has made a lot of improvements on their hardware/programming in the past few years and I’ve found that recent releases do work out of the box. The X3 Pro is one of those controllers. I started the game up and played through a few rounds without any lag or need to reprogram the inputs. I think some adjustments could be made but it was very functional without any user intervention.

Conclusion

The GameSir X3 Pro Type-C Cooling Wired Mobile Game Controller is a powerful accessory that checks many essential boxes for mobile gamers, particularly those who prioritize precision and extended gaming sessions. While its cooling technology and ergonomic design are standout features, the absence of back paddles and compatibility issues with phone cases detract from an otherwise stellar performance. It is especially well-suited for casual to intermediate players looking for a portable and effective controller but may leave pro gamers longing for advanced functionality.

For more information, visit gamesir.com.