GameSir X3 Pro Review: Hall Effect Sticks, Cooling Fan, and More!

Mobile gaming has come a long way, and if you’re someone who takes it seriously, you know how important it is to have the right gear. Enter the GameSir X3 Pro, a controller that’s packed with features that scream “premium,” like Hall Effect joysticks for precise control, mechanical switches for that satisfying clicky feedback, and a built-in cooling fan to keep your phone from turning into a mini oven during those intense gaming sessions. Oh, and did I mention it’s fully customizable? You can swap out buttons, thumbsticks, and even the D-pad.

But here’s the thing—while it sounds like a dream come true for hardcore gamers, it’s not without its quirks. So, is the GameSir X3 Pro the ultimate mobile gaming controller, or is it just another gadget with flashy features?

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you’ll notice in GameSir X3 Pro is its design—it’s bold, it’s flashy, and it definitely stands out from the crowd. The controller has a translucent teal-green shell that gives it a retro, almost futuristic vibe. It’s not just for looks, though; the transparent design lets you peek inside at the mechanical switches and circuitry, which is a nice touch for tech enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of flair.

The build quality is solid, and it feels premium in your hands. The materials used are sturdy, and it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, which is a big plus for a controller that’s meant to handle long gaming sessions. The removable ergonomic grips are a standout feature. They’re designed to fit comfortably in your hands, and if you’ve got bigger hands, you’ll appreciate the extra support they provide. But here’s the cool part—you can take them off if you want a more compact setup, which is great for portability. Just keep in mind that without the grips, the controller feels a bit less comfortable, especially during longer play sessions.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you pick up the X3 Pro is its weight. It’s heavier than most mobile controllers, and that’s largely due to the built-in cooling fan on the back. While the added weight gives it a premium feel, it also makes it a bit bulkier compared to sleeker options like the Backbone One or even GameSir’s own G8 Galileo. If you’re planning to toss this in your bag for on-the-go gaming, the size and weight might be something to consider.

The cooling fan itself is a unique feature, and it’s integrated into the back of the controller. It’s not just for show—it actually works to keep your phone cool during intense gaming sessions. A USB-C connection powers the fan, so you’ll need to plug it in to get it running. While this might feel like a hassle, especially if you’re gaming on the go, it’s a small trade-off for the performance boost it provides. The fan is adjustable, so you can slide it up or down to align with your phone’s heat-generating components, which is a thoughtful touch.

The buttons and joysticks are where the X3 Pro really shines. The face buttons, D-pad, and triggers all use mechanical switches, which means they’re super responsive and have a satisfying clicky feel. If you’re into fast-paced games like shooters or fighting games, you’ll love how quick and precise the inputs are. The Hall Effect joysticks are another highlight—they’re smooth, accurate, and, most importantly, they won’t drift over time. Plus, the joystick caps are magnetic and interchangeable, so you can swap them out for different styles.

The D-pad is also worth mentioning. It’s clicky and responsive, making it great for platformers and fighting games. And if you’re not a fan of the default D-pad, you can swap it out for an alternative style that comes in the box.

Now, let’s talk about the USB-C connection. The X3 Pro connects directly to your phone via USB-C, which means there’s no Bluetooth lag to worry about. The connection is rock-solid and works seamlessly with Android and iOS devices (as long as your iPhone has a USB-C port). However, there’s a catch—you’ll need to remove your phone case to use it. The controller’s design doesn’t leave much room for cases, which might be a downside if you’re someone who likes to keep their phone protected.

Finally, the 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition. It’s something that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern controllers, so it’s nice to see GameSir include it here.

GameSir App

The GameSir app is designed to give you more control over how the X3 Pro performs. It’s available for both Android and iOS, and it offers a range of features to help you get the most out of your controller. One of the app’s standout features is the ability to remap buttons. This is especially useful for games that don’t natively support controllers or have awkward default layouts. You can assign different functions to the buttons, triggers, and even the D-pad. The app also lets you switch between Xbox and Nintendo button layouts.

The gyroscope settings are a game-changer if you’re into shooters or action games. The app lets you adjust the sensitivity of the gyroscope, so you can fine-tune your aim with motion controls. You can also map the gyroscope to specific buttons, like the left trigger, so it only activates when you’re aiming down sights. The X3 Pro has vibration motors, and the app lets you adjust the intensity of the vibrations. You can even turn off the vibrations entirely if you prefer a quieter experience.

The app allows you to adjust the joystick dead zones, which is a big deal for competitive gamers. Dead zones are the areas where the joystick doesn’t register movement, and reducing them can make your controls feel more responsive. You can also swap the functions of the left joystick and D-pad, which is handy for games that rely more on directional inputs.

The app gives you control over the cooling fan, allowing you to switch between different modes like Silent Mode and Quick Chilling. Silent Mode reduces the fan noise, while Quick Chilling maximizes cooling performance (at the cost of louder operation). You can also monitor the fan’s performance and see how it’s affecting your phone’s temperature.

While the GameSir app is packed with features, it’s not without its flaws. The app’s design feels a bit outdated, and navigating through the menus can be confusing at times. Also, it doesn’t always recognize popular games, which can make button mapping a bit of a hassle. It’s not the most polished app out there, but it gets the job done, especially if you’re someone who likes to tweak and customize your gaming experience.

Performance and Gaming Experience

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty—how does the GameSir X3 Pro actually perform when you’re in the heat of battle? The Hall Effect joysticks are the star of the show here. They’re buttery smooth, incredibly precise, and, most importantly, they don’t drift. If you’ve ever played a game where your character starts moving on their own because of joystick drift, you’ll appreciate how big of a deal this is.

The mechanical buttons are another highlight. Every press feels satisfyingly clicky, and the inputs register almost instantly. This is a huge advantage in fast-paced games where timing is everything. The D-pad is also excellent—it’s tactile and responsive, making it perfect for fighting games or platformers.

Cooling Fan

The built-in cooling fan is one of the X3 Pro’s most unique features, and it actually works. During intense gaming sessions, phones can get hot—really hot. The X3 Pro’s fan pulls heat away from your phone and blows cool air over the back, keeping your device at a comfortable temperature. In my testing, the fan dropped my phone’s temperature by about 10-15°C during a 30-minute session of Call of Duty Mobile. That’s a significant difference, especially if you’re someone who games for hours on end.

However, there’s a catch: the fan needs to be powered by a USB-C connection. This means you’ll need to have a power source nearby, which isn’t always convenient if you’re gaming on the go. The fan is also a bit noisy, especially on the higher settings. It’s not ear-piercing, but it’s definitely noticeable.

Comfort During Long Sessions

The removable ergonomic grips make a big difference when it comes to comfort. If you’ve got bigger hands, you’ll appreciate the extra support they provide. The asymmetrical joystick layout (one stick higher than the other) also helps reduce hand strain, making it easier to reach all the buttons without cramping up. However, if you remove the grips for portability, the controller feels less comfortable, especially during longer play sessions. So, unless you’re really tight on space, I’d recommend keeping the grips on.

Compatibility

The X3 Pro is compatible with a wide range of games, from native mobile titles to streaming services like Xbox Game Pass and Steam Link. It works seamlessly with popular games like Call of Duty Mobile, Diablo Immortal, and Fortnite, giving you a console-like experience on your phone. The controller also supports emulation, so if you’re into retro gaming, you can use it to play classics from the N64, PS1, and more.

One thing to note is that the X3 Pro doesn’t have analog triggers, which might be a downside for racing games. The triggers are digital, meaning they’re either fully pressed or not pressed at all—there’s no in-between. This makes it harder to control things like throttle or braking in racing games, where analog inputs are crucial. However, for most other genres, the digital triggers work just fine.

Gyroscope Support

The gyroscope is a feature that often gets overlooked, but it’s a game-changer for shooters and action games. You can use motion controls to fine-tune your aim, adding an extra layer of precision to your gameplay. For example, in Call of Duty Mobile, you can use the gyroscope to make micro-adjustments while aiming down sights. It takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly effective.

Battery Life and Charging

Since the X3 Pro connects via USB-C, it doesn’t have its own battery—it draws power from your phone. This means you’ll need to keep an eye on your phone’s battery life, especially if you’re using the cooling fan. The good news is that the controller supports pass-through charging, so you can keep your phone powered up while you game. Just plug in a USB-C cable, and you’re good to go.

Pros and Cons

Final Verdict

After spending some serious time with the GameSir X3 Pro, it’s clear that this controller is designed for one type of gamer: the hardcore mobile enthusiast. It’s packed with features that cater to competitive players, streamers, and anyone who takes their mobile gaming seriously. But with a price tag of $79.99, is it worth the investment?

At $79.99, the GameSir X3 Pro sits in the mid-to-high range for mobile controllers. It’s more expensive than options like the Backbone One or GameSir X2, but it also offers features you won’t find on those controllers, like the cooling fan and Hall Effect joysticks. While it’s not without its flaws—like the bulky design and noisy fan—the X3 Pro delivers a gaming experience that’s hard to beat.

If you’re serious about mobile gaming and want a controller that can handle everything from competitive shooters to retro emulation, the GameSir X3 Pro is a fantastic choice. It’s not the most portable or affordable option out there, but for $79.99, you’re getting a premium controller that’s built to last and designed to enhance your gaming experience in every way. So, is the GameSir X3 Pro worth it? For the right gamer, the answer is a resounding yes.