GameSir is best known for its excellent mobile controllers, and to a lesser extent, its Xbox-style gamepads. When the company released the Cyclone 2, a feature-packed controller for PC, mobile, and Switch, I knew I had to get it. Now that it’s 20% off for Prime Day, it’s the perfect time to grab one yourself.

The GameSire Cyclone 2 is an Excellent Controller

The controller officially works on PC, Android, iOS, and the Nintendo Switch, and it supports four different input modes: DS4, Xinput, NS, and HID. This allows it to be used with emulators and ensures full compatibility with a wide range of games across different platforms.

While it doesn’t officially have PlayStation support, you might find some workarounds as detailed in this Reddit post that could get it to work. If you’re looking for official Xbox compatibility, GameSir offers several options, including the various G7, Kaleid, and T7 controllers.

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Let’s now circle back to the Cyclone 2 and its specs. This affordable third-party controller offers a variety of high-end features in an affordable package: a 1,000Hz polling rate with the included 2.4GHz dongle for a long wireless range with minimal input lag, but it also supports Bluetooth and wired.

It supports four different on-board profiles that you can configure with the feature-packed GameSir Connect app on Windows and the GameSir app on Android and iOS. The included magnetic stand makes for convenient charging, but there’s also a USB-C port if you prefer to charge on the go or use the controller in wired mode. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, perfect if you prefer wired headphones.

The main highlight of this controller, I’d say, is the TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) joysticks. In case you haven’t heard of TMR, it’s essentially a step up from Hall Effect, which is already praised for its resistance to stick drift and other common joystick issues. TMR is even more precise (thanks to the higher resolution) than Hall Effect while using significantly less power, allowing for a better battery life.

The Cyclone 2’s implementation of TMR is phenomenal—they’re the smoothest, most responsive, and most accurate sticks I’ve ever used. The software lets you adjust the deadzones to your liking, which is helpful if they feel too sensitive. These sticks can detect even the slightest input, including when your fingers are simply resting on them.

The D-pad and four main face buttons are all mechanical thanks to the use of microswitches similar to those found in a computer mouse. Additionally, the Cyclone 2 includes two programmable back paddle buttons that you can bind to any other button on the controller.

Another cool feature for Switch owners is the built-in gyro sensors. The motion controls work similarly to those on the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, making the Cyclone 2 a very solid alternative, particularly if you also game on other compatible platforms.

The ultra-smooth and precise Hall Effect analog triggers are yet another standout feature of the Cyclone 2. They feel a bit weightier and springier than my Xbox One controller’s triggers but in the best way possible. Similar to the TMR sticks, the triggers allow for highly precise inputs, making them a great choice for racing games.

For other genres, there’s a physical slider that lets you switch into hair-trigger mode, which activates a clicky microswitch for instant response—perfect for firing a gun, melee-attacking an enemy, or blocking an attack.

Last but not least are the design and build quality. The controller is built like a tank—it’s made of very sturdy transparent plastic (available in black and white) that seems more than capable of surviving serious drops.

While the triggers and body aren’t rubberized, they feature prominent dimples that help your grip. The sticks use high-quality rubber and are surrounded by metal rings to minimize wear. The controller also includes two RGB light strips that sync with the profile lights and Home button. If you prefer a longer battery life or just want a cleaner look, you can disable the lighting entirely through the app.

Why I Love the Cyclone 2

There’s a lot to love about the GameSir Cyclone 2. Thanks to the various input modes and adjustable triggers, it’s the Swiss Army knife of controllers that’s compatible with any PC or mobile game. Input lag with the included 1,000Hz polling rate dongle is practically non-existent, even when I’m on the opposite side of the room.

Whether I’m racing through Forza Horizon 5 or slashing through Norse creatures in God of War Ragnarök, I find myself always reaching out for the Cyclone 2 instead of my Xbox One controller and even my trusty keyboard and mouse.

The mechanical TMR sticks, mechanical face buttons, and HE triggers all feel phenomenal to use, both in analog and hair-trigger mode. Take it from me, a mechanical keyboard aficionado, this controller feels seriously satisfying.

I also love the programmable paddle buttons. In some games, I barely touch the face buttons at all, since the paddles, triggers, and shoulder buttons cover everything I need. If you haven’t used a controller with paddles, you don’t know what you’re missing. By the way, it’s difficult to find a controller with paddles for under $50, which makes the Cyclone 2 a phenomenal deal.

Battery life is solid, though you’ll need to turn off the RGB lighting if you want it to last more than a full day of heavy gaming. I made the dumb mistake of buying the controller without the charging stand, so I have to plug it in manually each time the battery drains. Fortunately, that’s not an issue if you buy it on Amazon now, since the charging stand is included.

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Grab the Cyclone 2 and Charging Dock at 20% Off During Prime Day

I paid around $50 for the Cyclone 2 without the charging stand, which itself is worth around $6 according to the $55.99 MSRP. If I could turn back time, I’d gladly pay extra for the stand. Thankfully, you can have your cake and eat it too—the controller is now on sale for just $44.79, a great price for one of the best controllers available for PC, Switch, and mobile.