Cyclone 2

Loves it: after testing a black one, they ordered a white one too, one for phone and Steam Deck and one for the PC.

“I really love this controller. I initially bought a Black one, then once I had tested it and it passed my criteria, I ordered a White one”

Two problems ruined it for them: the dongle randomly disconnects wherever it is plugged in, and the gyro drifts permanently and resets on disconnects. Wired and without gyro, it is flawless.

“The dongle will randomly disconnect, forcing you to manually reconnect the controller. I have plugged the dongle into the charging dock and directly into the PC, either or, both fail to prevent this.”

The right trigger cracked and broke within 15 minutes of play, something that never happened with their KingKong 3, 8BitDo Ultimate 2C or Xbox Elite.

“I bought this controller and owned it for 15 minutes and the right trigger straight up broke while i was playing monster hunter wilds.”

Instantly became their favourite controller, just ahead of the GameSir Kaleid, retiring their Xbox and DualShock 4 controllers.

“I bought cyclone 2 and it instantly became my favorite controller, moving kaleid into (close) second position, Xbox BT is happily retired next to DS4.”

A week in and by far their favourite; nothing to complain about unless you dislike clicky face buttons and D-pad.

“Just got mine a week ago and it's by far my favorite so far. Unless you don't like clicky ABXY buttons and a clicky D pad, I can't see anything to gripe about.”

Loves it after a few months; minor gripes are an awkward Select button behind the left stick and a dock that is fussier than 8BitDo's.

“I've had the GameSir Cyclone 2 for a few months as well and absolutely love it. The only real gripes I have (aside from the valid ones you bring up regarding ease of repair/replacement)”

Finds it cool, but the buttons and D-pad wobble more than on their DualSense.

“I bought the controller and yeah, it's cool. My only criticism so far is that the buttons and the D-pad have a bit too much wiggle space, compared to my dual sense.”

Notices perceptible wireless stick lag that makes casual play feel less fluid than a DualSense or DualShock.

“for casual play it still is quite annoying since there's this perceptible lag that reduces the "fluidness" feeling of the analog stick.”

Sometimes prefers their Cyclone 2 to the Apex 4.

Owning several pads, they find the Cyclone 2 okay and cheap with useful competitive features, but its wireless stick latency is high.

Switched to the Cyclone 2 after four broken Elite 2s for £35; their only complaint is that it feels smaller in hand.

Has used the Cyclone 2 as their main controller for about a year and it works flawlessly with long battery life.

Loves the Cyclone 2 but calls its D-pad the second worst they have used, unsuitable for D-pad-heavy games.

“I have both. The Cyclone 2 unequivocally has the second worst D-pad I’ve ever used, only being beaten out by the Xbox 360 controller for the honors of worst D-pad of all time.”

A mouse-and-keyboard player whose Cyclone 2 is making them switch to controller.

“Cyclone 2. I’m not much of a controller user and only have a DSE. This controller is making me drop my mouse and key for it.”

After years on Xbox controllers, the Cyclone 2 is their favourite and feels great, though the face buttons took adjusting to.

“I just got a Cyclone 2 after using Xbox controllers for years on my PC. It is my favorite controller and it feels great.”

Uses the Cyclone 2 as their main controller, with an EasySMX X20 as backup; both are fantastic.

“I ended up using the cyclone 2 as my main controller and use the x20 when the cyclone needs charged. They are both fantastic controllers”

Compared the Cyclone 2 with an EasySMX X20 and preferred the X20's clickier buttons and better triggers.

“I tried the cyclone 2 against the X20, and honestly, the X20 felt better to me. Buttons are a bit clickier, the triggers have better tension and less travel”

Owns both and finds nothing special about the Cyclone 2 next to the Vader 4 Pro.

“V4P all the way. I have both. There is nothing special about Cyclone 2 but V4P is something else imo.”

Prefers the Vader 4 Pro: the Cyclone 2 has slightly worse ergonomics and its two back buttons get pressed by accident.

“For me the cyclone 2 is nowhere near and that's because slightly worse ergonomics, but primarily due to the just two buttons below, which I accidentally trigger”

After switching to the Cyclone 2 they miss shots in Halo because its sticks differ from the Xbox sticks they are used to.

“I just bought a gamesir cyclone 2 and now I'm missing all my shots in halo because I have 20 years of muscle memory built up on xbox sticks.”

First impressions: comfortable, if a bit light, with thumbsticks and D-pad they love but face buttons they like less.

“It feels pretty comfortable in the hand, although a little too light for my liking. Love the thumbsticks and the D-pad.”

Went back to their Ultimate 2C because the Cyclone 2's face buttons take too much force and feel mushy.

“I switched back to my 8bitdo ultimate 2c because I didn’t like the face buttons on the cyclone 2. They require too much force to press and feel mushy to me.”

After a week finds the Cyclone 2 very solid, with no D-pad or other problems.

“got my Cyclone 2 last week, it's pretty damn solid in my opinion, no problems with the d-pad or anything else.”

Finds the Cyclone 2 far more comfortable than a Blitz 2 for big hands.

“Blitz 2 is one of the best controllers I've owned, but it isn't great for big hands. Cyclone 2 is way more comfortable.”

Switched from a PowerA Ops V3 Pro to the Cyclone 2 and loves its mouse-click triggers and feel.

“Today i switched to Gamesir cyclone 2 and now finally i have come to know what mouse click trigger feels like.”

Finds the Cyclone 2 alright with good adjustable triggers, but its light weight and uneven face buttons feel cheap.

“I've got a cyclone 2 as well, and it's an alright controller, but the light weight, and the feel of the face buttons (uneven press travel between the four) really shows this is a cheap controller.”

Needed three replacements when they first got the Cyclone 2; solid otherwise, but the shell feels cheap and the sticks have deadzone issues.

“It's a solid controller, though having to have three replacements when I first got mine made it a difficult option to recommend, on top of the shell feeling cheap, & sticks having some really annoying dead zone issues.”

A few days with a second-hand Cyclone 2: works great, with ergonomics close to an Xbox controller, which they prefer to DualSense.

“I have had a cyclone 2 for a few days, I bought it second hand for 16€ and it works great. For me the cyclone is very handy, great ergonomic, very similar to the original Xbox controller”

Ran D-pad tests on the Cyclone 2 and EasySMX X20 and gives the Cyclone a slight edge for its rounder, less abrasive D-pad.

“I would give a slight edge to the cyclone 2. The d-pad is a little more rounded off which will be less abrasive during long sessions.”

Owns the Cyclone 2 and Vader 4 Pro and mostly uses the Vader for its features; the Cyclone's sticks feel a bit snappier, but less than people claim.

Loves the Cyclone 2 but still prefers a DS4's bumpers for Rocket League; the Cyclone worked fine in the Rematch beta.

After a few days, finds the Cyclone 2 comfortable and not too bulky, with a grippy but not rough texture; also tried it with RPCS3 and the GameSir phone mount.

“It's really comfy to hold, nice layout and not too bulky. texture is nice for grip without being overly rough”

Owned a Cyclone 2 and doesn't recommend it: the D-pad wasn't good and the model is known for QC problems.

“As I said i don't really recommend the Cyclone 2, as I had one but the Dpad wasn't really good, and it's known to have QC problems.”

Their new Cyclone 2 tests at 0.1% circularity error, the sticks feel great and the switchable triggers are handy; feels like a steal.

“Just bought mine and margin of error on circularity test is 0.1%. The sticks feel great. Two extra back buttons, can switch triggers from adaptive to insta”

Owns the Cyclone 2 and Ultimate 2 and finds both amazing; the Cyclone feels a bit cheaper but suits bigger hands.

“I have both cyclone 2 and ultimate 2 controller. Both are amazing. Both have TMR, docks,1000hz for PC and all the other functions of a pro controller.”

The Cyclone 2 feels much nicer in their hands than the slightly too small 8BitDo Ultimate.

“I found the 8bitdo ultimate to be just a bit too small in my hands where as the cyclone 2 feels much nicer in my hand.”

A week in, the Cyclone 2 works very well, with great trigger stops, TMR sticks and decent battery; the microswitch buttons felt odd at first after membrane ones.

“I bought Cyclone 2 earlier this week for 169AED from Amazon, and it's been working very well and I love the trigger stoppers, the TMR joysticks and the battery life is quite good too”

Uses the Cyclone 2 for iRacing and Assetto Corsa with no complaints beyond back buttons they don't need.

“I play iRacing and Assetto Corsa with the Gamesir Cyclone 2. My only problem is it has too many back buttons, I don't need any at all.”

For sports games like NBA 2K and Madden, finds the Cyclone 2's buttons wobbly, inaccurate and poor quality, though its sticks are great.

“I have Cyclone 2 and if you play sports games I cant recommend it to you. The buttons are very wobbly unaccurate and overall very bad quality.”

Returning their Cyclone 2 because it must be re-paired with its dongle every time it is turned on.

“I have a Gamesir Cyclone 2 that I’m sending back to due to connection issues - every time I turn it on I need to re-pair it with the dongle on my pc.”

Bought the Cyclone 2 on its universal praise, but calls its face buttons the worst they have used.

“Just bought a cyclone 2 off of Amazon (my own money, no affiliation) and was having high hopes with this one as it seems to be universally praised on all platforms.”

Returning to controllers after a decade, was surprised the Cyclone 2's stick tension can't be adjusted.

“After not touching a controller for well over a decade i bought a cyclone 2 and was a bit surprised i cant adjust it.”

A mouse-and-keyboard player who found the Cyclone 2 hard at first in CoD, then got used to it and now really likes it.

“I got the Cyclone 2 and it was a difficult experience in COD... but I got used to it and really liked it.. Cyclone 2 is very good for COD..”

Owned the Cyclone 2 and Vader 4 and prefers the Vader's build, but calls the Cyclone a solid, cheaper all-rounder.

“don't get me wrong the cyclone 2 is a solid all rounder choice moreso if you factor in the dock which in total is still much cheaper than the vader controller itself.”

Loves the Cyclone 2 but finds it a little small, making the triggers uncomfortable for their fingertips.

“My only complaint with the Cyclone is that it's a little small, so the triggers are a little uncomfortable for me to use with the tips of my fingers”

Uses the Cyclone 2 daily on Windows 11 and Switch; excellent value and probably the best controller app.

“i can recommend the Gamesir Cyclone 2 , TMR sticks , i use it every day on win11 and works on switch , excellent quality/price , probably the best app for a controller”

After many hours, calls the Cyclone 2 incredible, reaching for it over their DualSense Edge.

“I have logged quite a few hours with my Cyclone 2 at this point and can say with confidence that it is an incredible controller. Hits all of the things you are looking for too.”

With small hands, has no comfort issues with the Cyclone 2, unlike the cramp-inducing 8BitDo Ultimate.

“I have small hands and the 8bitdo Ultimate gave me cramps. I think it's just a bad shape in general. Don't have any issues with the Cyclone 2.”

Their brand-new Cyclone 2 randomly presses buttons and drifts by itself in Fortnite and Forza Horizon 5.

“My brand new GameSir Cyclone 2 wireless randomly activates its buttons, drifts its joystick independently of anything I'd noticed.”

Likes both their G7 SE and Cyclone 2; the Cyclone adds 1000 Hz wireless with good dongle latency, smoother and more responsive TMR sticks, gyro and better vibration.

Shelved the 8BitDo Ultimate for fit; the Cyclone 2 has been awesome and works better than an Xbox controller.

Owns both and rates them great, but finds the Vader 4 Pro slightly better almost everywhere; the Cyclone's start/select placement is awkward.

Bought the Cyclone 2 to play on a MacBook through GeForce Now, where it works unlike some rivals. Its plastic feels nearly as premium as a PS5 pad, though they find the white-and-gold look tacky; good budget pick.

Bought five controllers at once and rates the Cyclone 2 the worst of them, feeling cheap next to the Vader 4 Pro.

Finds the Cyclone 2 pretty good, but stick latency is lowest only when played wired.

“I have cyclone 2 and its pretty good but if you want to reduce the stick latency to maximum you will have to play wired”

Calls the Cyclone 2 probably the best controller they have used, with nothing better for the money.

“I picked one up myself and it is probably the best controller I've personally used so far.”

Calls the Cyclone 2, bought for $60, the best controller they have owned, praising its dock, sticks, buttons, trigger stops and programmable paddles.

“I got a Gamesir Cyclone 2 for $60, best controller I've ever owned. Wireless charging dock, hall effect sticks, microswitch face buttons, toggle trigger stops, and back paddles that can be programed to any button.”

After two GuliKit KK2s that died, finds the Cyclone 2 superior in almost every way, with great sticks and response for the price.

“I came from two Gulikit KK2 controllers that both completely stopped working. The Cyclone 2 is superior in basically every way to that.”

A lifelong fighting-game player finds the Cyclone 2's D-pad decent, solid enough for simplified combos and better than the Ultimate 2's.

“The cyclone 2 d pad is pretty decent. I've played fighting games my whole life across arcade stick, leverless and d pad. It's not the best dpad I've ever used but it's solid enough”

Sees the Cyclone 2 as the best overall for the price: good software, a strong dongle connection, trigger locks and smooth sticks; the D-pad is the weakest part.

“The software for it is quite good. The connection with the dongle is pretty damn good. The dpad is probably the weakest link but I don't mind it at all(I came from a dualshock 4).”

Found the Cyclone 2's gyro mediocre: fine for slow single-player games, terrible for multiplayer shooters.

“I tried their cyclone 2 and it was mediocre at best. Adequate for slow paced singleplayer games but terrible for multiplayer shooters.”

Gets about six hours from the Cyclone 2 with LEDs and gyro off, and the battery has never died on them.

“I have the Cyclone 2 and I never had the battery die on me, but I did turned off the leds and disabled the gyro. I can play for +/- 6h without having to recharge the controller”

Even with features off, finds the Cyclone 2's battery lacklustre compared with their Xbox controllers, especially with headphones plugged in.

“I have also turned it off but the battery is luckluster. I'm coming from using Xbox controllers with eneloops rechargeable and elite 2, so amazing long lasting batteries. cyclone 2 is far from that”

Their Cyclone 2 feels decently built, apart from a broken right trigger on their unit, but less premium than an Xbox Elite.

“I also got a Cyclone 2 and it feels decent build quality (besides my unit's right trigger being broken), but does not feel as premium as the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller”

Owns the Cyclone 2 and Ultimate 2C and finds the Cyclone's buttons, triggers and sticks more premium.

“I have both the Cyclone 2 and Ultimate 2C and the buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks all feel more premium on the Cyclone 2 for me yhan the Ultimate 2C.”

Owns the Cyclone 2 and Vader 4 and finds them very similar with negligible latency difference; the Cyclone is the better value.

“I have both cyclone 2 and vader 4 and IMO the latency difference has been negligible in my testing during gameplay. both feel very similar but the cyclone is the better value because of the price.”

Returned the Cyclone 2 because it was too big for them and they disliked the microswitch buttons.

“I returned the Cyclone because it was too big for me and I didn't really like the microswitch buttons.”

Loves their Cyclone 2, but support is only via Discord, so they have had to swap faulty units through Amazon instead.

“I have a cyclone 2 that I love except they only offer support for it via discord.... Which I refuse to use so I am stuck returning them to Amazon and swapping it for a new one.”

Owns the Cyclone 2 and several 8BitDo controllers; the Cyclone has more features and a better app, but it strained their hands while the others never have.

“Indeed Cyclone 2's got more features, but my favorite is Ultimate 2. I like the small size, never got strain on my shoulders.”

After getting it they stopped using their 8BitDo Ultimate and GameSir Kaleid, and bought a second Cyclone 2.

“Cyclone 2 is a great controller indeed. After i got mine, I dropped my 8BitDo Ultimate and my Kaleid. Not only that, but I got a second one.”

Plays Apex Legends and can feel their Cyclone 2 is faster than their Vader 4, though both are rated 1000 Hz.

“I can feel a difference between my cyclone 2 and Vader 4 even though they are supposed to be 1000hz each the Vader feels noticeably slower”

Prefers the Cyclone 2 to the 8BitDo Ultimate for its software and wider handles; its D-pad doesn't feel great but is accurate.

“I prefer the Cyclone 2 for the software and the wider handles makes it more comfortable to sit my elbows on my chair arm rests.”

Both Cyclone 2 units they received had bad QC, so they refunded and switched to the Ultimate 2, though the Cyclone is more customisable.

The Cyclone 2's smaller grips moved their thumbs from their usual position and quickly gave them painful gamer's thumb.

“Not that exact issue, but the smaller grips on the Cyclone 2 means my thumbs are not in the same place as they are used to on an old xbox one controller (my last controller, too).”

After two weeks of trying controllers, can't stand the Cyclone 2's microswitch feel and loose buttons.

“I just cannot stand how micro switches feel and how loose the buttons are, I would rather use fucking Dualshock 3 for the rest of my life.”

Hated the Cyclone 2's clicky buttons, apart from the hair triggers; short travel and small round buttons give poor feedback.

“I tried the vader 4 and cyclone 2 and hated every single click except the hair triggers. None of the buttons are satisfying to press.”

Their first Cyclone 2 had left-stick drift and the replacement has a sticking button.

“Don't get the cyclone 2. I got one and the left stick had drift. Got sent another and one of the buttons gets stuck.”

Returned the Cyclone 2 after its B button turned squeaky within four days of light use.

“Face button B, which I was using the most while playing Final Fantasy XV (a game that doesn't really demands too much button presses), started geting squeaky after 4 days of use.”

Chose the Cyclone 2 while waiting for a G7 Pro and it hasn't disappointed: good sticks, good quality and extra PC features.

“So far the cyclone did not disappoint, sticks feels good, general quality too. Extra features for PC with it not having to be Xbox certified as well.”

Finds the Cyclone 2 so unlike an Xbox Series pad that they nearly returned it and still dislike it; GameSir feels cheap to them.

“All I can say is the Cyclone 2 feels completely different to a series x pad to the point I almost returned it and I still don't like it.”

Keeps the Cyclone 2 next to an Xbox controller and finds the shapes almost identical.

“The cyclone 2 is almost identical to the Xbox controller. Mine are next to each other on my desk and outside of the colors etc most people wouldn't know the difference.”

Their Cyclone 2's face buttons were already wobbly and mushy after little use, so they are returning it.

“I currently own the cyclone 2, and I haven't used it much yet but the front buttons are already wobbly and mushy”

Liked the Cyclone 2's features and feel but its mushy face buttons squeaked when pressed off-centre, so they returned it after two days.

“I also bought a Cyclone 2 and had the same problem. I liked the features and the feel of the controller overall but those mushy facebuttons felt pretty bad.”

Their new Cyclone 2 is very impressive, but its outer deadzone hits 100% a few millimetres early, making movement twitchy despite calibration.

“Very impressive, but the outer deadzone is killing me. It's hitting 100% too fast; makes things more spastic overall than they should be.”

Their Cyclone 2's right stick drifts now and then, and they find the Ultimate 2 better built, though the Cyclone's microswitch buttons are easier to press.

“The ultimate 2 definitely has way better build quality. The right stick on my cyclone 2 is also experiencing drifting now and then as well.”

The Cyclone 2's microswitch buttons spoiled them so much that their 8BitDo Ultimate 2C's buttons now feel mushy.

“after trying the Cyclone 2 i got really spoiled by the Micro Switches, with the 2C Ultimate the buttons feel so mushy so i stopped using it”

On day two their Cyclone 2's Y button started double-clicking, and they find the mechanical buttons hard to press; everything else is awesome.

“On day 2 of using the Cyclone 2, the Y button started double clicking. I also don't love the mechamechanical buttons on the Cyclone 2, they are often hard for me to press. Everything else is awesome on it.”

Finds the Cyclone 2's face buttons and D-pad mushy and fake-clicky compared with an Xbox One controller.

“I have the Cyclone 2, but the face buttons and dpad feel really mushy and "fake" clicky; unlike xbox one's controller.”

Uses the Cyclone 2's rear buttons as a shift layer, giving every button a second function such as mouse control, and calls it a game changer.

“Currently I have my controller set to use my right thumbstick for mouse movement/left click and right trigger for right click.”

Owns two Cyclone 2s with stands, loves their quality and recommends them for the price.

“I bought 2 of the cyclone 2. both with stands. I love them, they are really good quality wise. Would recommend them also for the good price”

Prefers the Cyclone 2, with the best sticks and triggers they have used and great software.

“i myself prefer the cyclone 2 its great for games has the best sticks and triggers i have ever used and the software is great.”

A long-time Xbox controller user who adjusted to the Cyclone 2's size but never to its face buttons and D-pad.

“while the slight size difference took a few hours to adjust to, I couldn't get used to the face buttons and even more the d-pad”

After an Xbox controller with poor Bluetooth latency and disconnects, they got used to the Cyclone 2's microswitch buttons and now love it.

“As an alternative Ive got Cyclone 2, it took a while to get used to microswitch face buttons, but I love it now”

Very happy with the Cyclone 2 instead of an Elite: better sticks, clicky buttons and customisation for a third of the price.

“Was gonna get an elite xbox controller and im hella happy i got the cyclone 2 for a 3rd of the price!”

Was a bit disappointed by the Cyclone 2, which feels cheaper than Xbox controllers; the microswitch buttons hurt at first but grew on them.

“Im gonna be honest i was a bit disappointed buying cyclone 2. It didnt not have that premium feeling xbox controllers had and felt cheaper”

Had to RMA their Cyclone 2 and the second unit still has issues, so they can't recommend it.

“The cyclone 2 should be a great controller but I’ve had to RMA it and am still getting issues on the 2nd unit I got so I can’t recommend.”

Calls the Cyclone 2 excellent but its back buttons are weak and its stiff face buttons and D-pad make their thumbs sore, so they went back to an Xbox controller.

“Cyclone 2 is excellent. I've only got two negatives. The back buttons aren't great. The face buttons and dpad have quite a lot of resistance, so my thumbs get a bit sore over time”

Measured their Cyclone 2 with Gamepadla's tool: about 1 ms wired at 1000 Hz and 1.2 ms on the dongle, consistently.

Mainly uses the Cyclone 2 on PC; the Xbox controller has better rumble and more premium plastic, but otherwise the Cyclone is just as good.

Kept the Cyclone 2 and returned a Vader 4 Pro, whose tension rings kept moving; finds the Cyclone more comfortable, with a decent if soft D-pad.

“Yes, still using the Cyclone 2. Been meaning to add an update here. I returned the Vader 4 Pro.”

Loved the Cyclone 2's light weight, sticks, clicky D-pad and buttons, but returned it because the left stick kept stopping and starting their character in Expedition 33.

“Loved everything about the controller (light weight, stick feel, clicky d-pad, tactile buttons). But the left analog stick kept starting and stopping my characters in Expedition 33 (PC, Windows, wireless dongle).”

Returned the Cyclone 2 over its terrible D-pad and clicky face buttons, preferring standard Xbox buttons.

“I had to return the Cyclone 2 because of the terrible dpad and partially because of the clicky abxy because i prefer the basic Xbox controller buttons.”

Returned their Cyclone 2 because of odd connection problems, possibly unit-specific, and is happy with a Vader 4 Pro instead.

“Ordered a Cyclone 2 initially but ended up returning it due to weird connection issues I've had (not sure if it is widespread or just my unit).”

Struggling with tendonitis and RSI after thumb pain on a GameSir Nova, chose the Cyclone 2 for its light face buttons and back buttons; after five hours their feedback is positive.

On Android the Cyclone 2's triggers aren't recognised as analog, though on PC it is their top choice for latency.

“I only tried cyclone 2 and d10 on a android device and cyclone 2's triggers are not recognised as analog triggers in games via xinput mode or normal android connection.”

Finds the Cyclone 2's sticks more accurate and better tensioned than the G7 HE's looser ones, and its shape closer to an Xbox controller.

“The G7 HE. They feel pretty good but a bit too loose feeling in my opinion. The cyclone 2 feels more accurate with better tension on the sticks.”

Comparing the Cyclone 2, Vader 4 and Rainbow SE in CoD, can't tell latency apart wired; the Cyclone may be a tiny bit faster.

“Stick and button latency between them all i cannot tell the difference playing wired on a 120hz LG C2 on COD. Maybe the Cyclone is a tiiiny bit faster?”

Prefers the Cyclone 2 for competitive FPS over the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, which they keep for story games.

“I play FPS games heavily and much prefer the feel of the cyclone 2 over the ultimate 2. But I find myself going back to the ultimate 2 for my story games.”

Has had repeated software problems with the Cyclone 2: the left stick's directions were inverted and it later started drifting.

“Apart from latency, I've mostly gotten software issues left and right. Prime example is the joysticks/thumbsticks.”

Bought both and kept the Ultimate 2 for comfort and quality feel; the Cyclone 2 squeaks a bit under pressure.

“I ended up keeping the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 based mostly on comfort / ergonomics and a better quality feel. Neither flex under pressure visibly, but the GameSir squeaks a bit.”

Finds the Cyclone 2's plastic cheap and hollow and the Ultimate 2 much better; the Cyclone's only advantages are its mechanical buttons and trigger stops.

“it's much better than the Cyclone 2 which I feel has a cheap plastic hollow feel to it.”

Likes the Cyclone 2 and its on-controller remapping but wishes it had two more rear buttons.

“I like my Cyclone 2, but I really wish it had 2 more rear buttons. I do like the fact that you can remap all of the buttons without having to use the app.”

Loves the Cyclone 2 and has no issue with its plastic, but agrees the D-pad is its weak point.

“I simply loved this Cyclone 2, it's a great controller, I didn't think the plastic was bad and it didn't leave any marks on my hand”

After two weeks the Cyclone 2 still feels awful to them coming from an Xbox controller; the sticks are accurate but the different tension breaks their muscle memory.

“After two weeks playing with the Cyclone 2, I can affirm that the feeling is awful. I think the sticks are very accurate, but the problem is all the muscle memory I build on the old controller”

Bought the Cyclone 2 for its stick latency but found the gain marginal in play; the Vader 4 Pro is their daily driver.

“i bought the cyclone 2 because of the hype around it having better stick latency and blah blah blah but honestly the latency is very marginal”

Switched to the Cyclone 2 for Rocket League from an Apex 4 and enjoys it; it feels far faster than the Apex 4.

“PS4 still feels like the king but I think it’s mainly due to it being what I used for years, but I’m enjoying the switch to the cyclone. It feels way faster than the Apex 4.”

Since switching from a PS4 controller to the Cyclone 2, they don't enjoy it and their Rocket League performance has dropped.

“I recently switched from the PS4 controller to Gamesir Cyclone 2 and I don't enjoy it and find it, I found my performance has gone down in Rocket League [main controller game].”

Outside games with haptics, prefers the Cyclone 2 to the rest of their collection; it is amazing but has fewer features than some.

“The best overall is the Dualsense Edge, but when the game don't have haptics i prefer the cyclone 2 and gulikit kk3 pro.”

Finds the Cyclone 2's sticks very good, performing just like their other TMR controllers.

“The sticks feel and perform in games exactly the same as my Tarantula Pro and PB Tails Defender - Very very good and can't notice any difference between all 3 really.”

Recently moved from a Direwolf 4 to the Cyclone 2 and finds its sticks and face buttons too stiff, tiring their hands, and its software won't map macros to regular buttons.

In Remnant 2 their Cyclone 2's stick click doesn't reliably trigger sprint, unlike their 8BitDo 2C or DualSense.

“If anything, I'm really annoyed with the Cyclone 2's analog stick button that isn't reliably trigger sprinting in the game.”

Finds everything great on the Cyclone 2 except that they miss the PlayStation stick and D-pad layout for claw play in Monster Hunter.

“I bought the cyclone 2. Everything is great except for one thing, I liked the PlayStation Left analog and D-pad orientation more.”

First hours with the Cyclone 2 are positive: nice design, and the TMR sticks, triggers, mechanical buttons and D-pad all work well; it may top their G7 SE.

“I just got it, so haven't used it for more than a couple of hours, but it feels good. Very nice design, it even glows, lol. But TMR sticks, analog triggers and mechanical buttons and Dpad work really well.”

Calls the Cyclone 2 the best controller they have bought, ahead of their Vader 4 Pro, T4 Kaleid and 8BitDo Ultimate.

“I got the Cyclone 2. It's amazing. It's the best controller that I bought to this day (I have Vader 4 Pro, X15, T4 Kaleid and 8bitdo Ultimate).”

Rates the Cyclone 2 good but below the Ultimate 2C, especially for its D-pad.

“I have the ultimate 2c and it’s a great controller. Cyclone 2 is also good but not as good as the ultimate 2c and the d-pad isn’t even close.”

Chose the Cyclone 2: the D-pad is somewhat sticky but not as bad as claimed, the sticks are extremely responsive and it is comfortable.

“D-pad buttons are somewhat... sticky rather than clicky, but nowhere near as bad as some people claimed. Analog sticks are extremely responsive; and the controller feels comfortable in my hands.”

Returned the Cyclone 2 mainly because they hated its face buttons and D-pad, though they liked its bumpers, triggers, sticks and shape.

“i bought a cyclone 2 because the amount of good reviews was overwhelming, but i needed to return and the main reason was the face buttons, i hated it.”

Finds the Cyclone 2's stick tuning off, even after trying every curve and mode and getting a replacement.

Finds the Cyclone 2's microswitch buttons cheaply implemented: wobbly, with some pre- and post-travel.

“Cyclone 2 has cheap implementation of microswitch buttons. They are wobbly and have subtle pre and post travel.”

Loves the Cyclone 2, their favourite over an Xbox Core, Elite 2, Vader 3 Pro and G7 SE, with great PC software.

“But seriously, it's my favorite so far out of the Xbox core, Xbox Elite 2, Vader 3 Pro, and Gamesir G7 SE. The customizing software on PC is great too.”

The Cyclone 2 works on macOS, unlike the Ultimate 2, but shows up as a DS4, so games display PlayStation glyphs.

“now have the Cyclone 2, which does work with MacOS but is recognized as a DS4, which has the unfortunate side effect of displaying PlayStation button glyphs”

Bought the Cyclone 2, a Vader and an 8BitDo and kept only the Cyclone, which is almost perfect and fits their hands best.

“Funny I just bought all 3 of these. Only kept the cyclone 2. Is almost perfect. Had small issues with other 2. Vader is awesome but cyclone fits my hands better.”

Their new Cyclone 2 works well except for RGB lighting that flickers randomly on PC and Android.

“Everything seems to work well except for the rgb. It's having a seizure from time to time randomly on It's own.”

Had no issues with setup or connectivity, and the Cyclone 2 is a big step up from first-party Nintendo controllers.

“I'm not knowledge enough to know what bad face buttons are, as my only point of reference are first party Nintendo controllers and compared to those the cyclone 2 is a big step up.”

Bought both the Cyclone 2 and Vader 4 and ended up using the Vader for nearly all their gaming.

“I bought both the Vader 4 and cyclone 2 a while back (couldn’t decide) and the Vader 4 is clocking all the gaming hours”

Finds the Cyclone 2 almost perfect apart from its D-pad.

“Cyclone 2 is almost perfect, only dpad is not of the highest caliber but the rest of it is great.”

After 15 years of Xbox pads and a new one that drifted in four months, the Cyclone 2 feels the same in hand with far better buttons and sticks, plus hair triggers, back buttons, a dock and raise-to-wake.

“So I bought a Gamesir Cyclone 2. And i have to say, never going back to Xbox gamepads. Feels in hand the same, but the buttons and sticks are far better.”

Owns the Cyclone 2 and Vader 4 and finds the Cyclone less comfortable with weaker gyro support.

Owns a Cyclone 2 and a Vader 4 Pro, and finds the Cyclone 2's TMR sticks painfully sluggish by comparison, blaming the forced 12-bit resolution and the stiff stock 60 gF tension.

“I own a TMR Cyclone 2 and its sticks feels painfully sluggish with the forced 12 bit resolution and stock 60gF tension against my V4P with near-perfect linearity, 9 bit resolution and 40gF adjusted tension.”

After months alongside a Blitz 2 and a Vader 4 Pro, the Cyclone 2 became their favourite: the TMR sticks are the most accurate they have used, the trigger stops and latency are great, and the D-pad is improved though not great. Calls it the most recommendable PC/Switch controller.

“After a few months of testing with both (and others). The TMR sticks on the cyclone are perfect in my opinion as far as tension goes, and are the most accurate I've used.”

Owns the Cyclone 2 and the Vader 4 among many controllers. Prefers the Vader's feel and build, but plays competitively and the Cyclone 2 simply feels faster in game.

“As much as I love the feel and build of the Vader it all comes down to latency and in game performance to me. The cyclone just feels faster.”

Plays Gears 5 on PC with the Cyclone 2, Vader 4 Pro and Blitz 2. The Cyclone 2 is their favourite for its faster response and comfort; the Vader is a bit uncomfortable and the Blitz felt slow.

“Out of the 3 the Cyclone 2 is my favorite due to its faster response time and comfort. The Vader is great, but a bit uncomfortable, and the Blitz was simply too slow to respond.”

Owns the Cyclone 2 and the Vader 4 Pro, and finds the Cyclone 2's D-pad awful next to the Vader's, rating them roughly 1.5 versus 4.5 out of 5.

“I have both and IMO the Vader 4 pro has one of the best D-pads I've ever used and the. Cyclone 2 has an awful D-pad.”

The Cyclone 2's aggressive grip profile hurt their hand within an hour, compared with the rounder Xbox One shape, and they disliked its angles. Still sees it as a good cheap controller for casual sessions or a second player.

“cyclone 2 hurt my hand after just an hour of game play due to the unnecessarily aggressive grip profile vs the rounded xbone, forcing your hands to further tighten and become uncomfortable”

Has used the Cyclone 2 for over eight months, mostly for single-player PC games and some Rocket League, and loves it. Only wishes the battery lasted longer.

“Own a gamesir cyclone 2, mainly play single player games with it on my pc or sometimes rocket league. Have had it for 8 months or more now and absolutely love the thing.”

Their 8BitDo Ultimate cramped their hands, so they switched to the Cyclone 2 for PC: cheaper than an Xbox controller, a better size for their hands, and with TMR sticks as a bonus.

“so I ended up going with the Cyclone 2 for my PC. Cheaper than an Xbox controller, better sized to my hands, and it has TMR sticks as a bonus.”

Uses the Cyclone 2 as their daily driver; it handles Elden Ring fine. Its D-pad is alright, not great but not terrible, though they haven't tried it for fighting games.

“I've been using the Cyclone 2 as my daily driver. Been playing a lot of Elden Ring lately and it's doing the job just fine in that role, but I haven't used it for fighting games.”

Four months in, very happy with the Cyclone 2: the back buttons turned out to be useful and the software is fantastic. Finds it better in every way than the Xbox Elite Series 2 they had, at a fraction of the price.

“I'm really happy with my gamesir cyclone 2 I bought 4 months ago. I didn't even know I needed back buttons but they've already helped me a lot in some games”

After eight months as their main controller, this user finds the GameSir Cyclone 2's TMR sticks still precise and linear with no drift, a great d-pad and crisp face buttons, with minor faceplate rubbing.

“after around eight months of using the GameSir Cyclone 2 as my main controller”

This collector owns a GameSir Cyclone 2 but still prefers the Vader 5 Pro or 4 Pro.

“In my controller collection I have a Cyclone 2 and I still prefer the Vader 5 Pro or the Vader 4 Pro”

A Cyclone 2 owner calls it the best controller they've used, though slightly smaller than an Xbox controller.

“I have a Gamesir Cyclone 2 and while it's the best controller I've ever used in my life... It's just a bit small for my taste.”

A collector prefers the cheap Cyclone 2 for long sessions over the Vader 4 Pro, Apex 4, Elite 2 and DualSense Edge.

“cyclone 2, is one of the cheapest i have and its still my goto for long sessions.”

A Cyclone 2 owner's controller started randomly disconnecting and failing to charge on its dock after a couple of months.

“After a couple months, it just started randomly disconnecting”

Having owned multiple Sony and Xbox controllers, a gamer calls the Cyclone 2 the best they've had.

“Big fan of the Cyclone 2. The best controller I've ever had”

An owner of the Tarantula Pro and Cyclone 2 calls both amazing.

“I've had the Gamesir Tarantula Pro and the Cyclone 2. Both are amazing controllers.”

Owning both, a gamer is keeping the Cyclone 2 over an 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for its smoother sticks and nicer buttons.

“Both are TMR but sticks on the Cylone 2 is a lot smoother. Buttons feel nicer on the Cyclone 2 as well.”

After over a year of aggressive use including 200 hours of Hades 2, a gamer's Cyclone 2 back buttons are as good as new.

“I've been using mine pretty aggressively for over a year now (lots of spam in 200h of Hades 2 for example) and they're as good as new.”

After two years of heavy back-button use, a gamer's Cyclone 2 is still solid with zero problems.

“Been aggressively using back buttons for 2yrs on my cyclone 2. Still pretty solid and have zero problems”

A collector who mains the Cyclone 2 tried a Rainbow 3 for a week but went back to the Cyclone.

“I've been maining the Cyclone 2 since it released.”

A Cyclone 2 owner is very happy, calling it crazy good for the price.

“I have a cyclone 2. Very happy with it. Especially for that price, its crazy good.”

A gamer with large hands found the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 too small, but the Cyclone 2 the perfect size.

“Cyclone 2 ended up being just what I needed for my ape hands lol, perfect size”

A first-time controller buyer loves the Cyclone 2 and its full button mapping, macros and profiles.

“I bought the Cyclone 2 recently as my first controller and I'm loving it so far!”

An owner finds the Cyclone 2 pretty great, though the dotted grip texture took getting used to.

“I've got the Cyclone 2. I think its pretty great, my only issue is the feel/texture.”

An FC26 player's Cyclone 2 joystick broke after about eight months.

“I own a cyclone 2 to play FC26. The joystick broke after around 8 months.”

A gamer found the Cyclone 2 clicked with their hands where the 8BitDo Ultimate felt weird.

“Cyclone 2 just clicked with my hands. Ultimate just didn't go well with me.”

A long-time Cyclone 2 owner has never considered upgrading.

“I have a cyclone 2 for a while now and I have never once considered upgrading”

After 5-6 weeks, a gamer finds the Cyclone 2 great, except the trigger-stop switch presses against their fingers.

“I've had the Cyclone 2 for roughly 5-6 weeks. It's been great. My only complaint is the switch for the triggers is in a terrible spot.”

After seven months, a gamer calls the Cyclone 2 the best controller they've used with superb customization, though it drains battery when idle.

“I've had the Cyclone 2 for 7 months roughly now. Best controller I've ever used. The customization is ridiculously good.”

A gamer rates the Cyclone 2 above their DualSenses, Pro controllers and Xbox controllers.

“Cyclone 2 clears my dualsenses, pro controllers and xbox controllers...”

A retro gamer finds the Cyclone 2's D-pad far more precise than their Xbox One controller's for Contra.

“Cyclone2's D-pad is far more precise.”

Owning several GameSir controllers and two DualSense Edges, a gamer says the Cyclone 2 is their favorite by far.

“The Cyclone 2 is my go-to and favorite by far.”

A gamer chose the Cyclone 2 for its features and price and finds driving in Halo 3 sublime with it.

“Driving a Warthog on the Halo 3 campaign feels sublime with that controller, a literal blast from the past.”

Comparing it with old console controllers and the Xbox One pad, a gamer calls the Cyclone 2 their favorite, wishing it were slightly bigger.

“Cyclone 2 has been my favorite controller overall.”

A gamer had many issues with the Cyclone 2, including failing to connect wirelessly and one stick with more input delay.

“Personally, I had a lot of issues with the Cyclone 2, including it not being able to wirelessly connect to my pc”

A Cyclone 2 owner loves it very much.

“I've got Cyclone 2 (with dock station) and love it very much.”

Comparing the two, a gamer prefers the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and found the Cyclone 2's face buttons squeaky.

“The face buttons on the Cyclone 2 sound squeaky.”

A gamer's least favorite controller is the Cyclone 2: cheap-feeling plastic and uneven stick tension.

“Out of all the controllers I’ve had cyclone 2 was by far my least favorite controller, the plastic felt really cheap”

A PC and Steam Deck gamer calls the Cyclone 2 the best, with very low input lag and superb buttons.

“I have the Cyclone 2 since a few months. It's the best.”

An owner finds the Cyclone 2 perfect apart from crude-feeling vibration.

“I have a GameSir Cyclone 2 and it’s perfect, but the vibration feels crude.”

After 8BitDo, Xbox, DualShock and Switch Pro controllers, a gamer's daily is the Cyclone 2 and they love it.

“But cyclone 2, is my current daily and I love it.”

A new Cyclone 2 owner finds it better than controllers costing 2-3 times as much.

“I just bought it and it's been better than controllers I've had for 2-3 times the price.”

After seven months the Cyclone 2 works perfectly and is the best in its budget, though the D-pad is hard to use.

“I have had it for about 7 months and it works perfectly. The only gripe that I have with it is the dpad is just not good for me.”

Two years with no issues: a really solid controller for the price with good button remapping, though it doesn't connect to consoles.

“have had my cyclone 2 for 2 years so far no issues it is a really solid controller for the price”

Having used the DualSense, Super Nova, Xbox controller and G7 SE, a player liked the Cyclone 2 best for its comfortable Xbox shape and extra features.

“I liked Cyclone 2 because it is xbox shaped (but with more features than a regular xbox xs) and it feel comfortable.”

An owner of two Cyclone 2s recommends it, citing its instant trigger toggles.

“Get the Cyclone 2 it has instant trigger toggles, I've had two and they are good.”

Owning the Cyclone 2, EasySMX D10 and DualSense, a player rates the Cyclone 2 their favorite.

“I have the gamesir cyclone 2, easy smx d10, and the dual sense. Cyclone 2 is my favorite among them.”

An owner finds the Cyclone 2's bumpers awful in bumper-heavy games, but loves GameSir's endless button customization.

“Worst thing about the cyclone 2 is the RB and LB buttons that are awful in single player adventure games that use them heavily”

The Cyclone 2 replaced a player's Switch Pro Controller as their go-to for PC and Switch, a great controller for the price.

“I bought a cyclone 2 and it replaced my switch pro controller (first version) as my go to controller for pc/switch. Great controller for a great price!”

A user has had zero issues in two months with the plug-and-play GameSir Cyclone 2.

“I use Cyclone 2 and have 0 issues for 2 months since I bought it.”

A user still uses the GameSir Cyclone 2 because its longer handles are easier for their hands to hold.

“Why I still use the Cyclone 2. Handles are much longer which in turn makes the controller easier to hold for me.”

A GameSir Cyclone 2 owner prefers another controller, noting the Cyclone 2's dock is fickle and tends to break.

“I have a Cyclone 2 and the black Easysmx D10 which i'm mostly using atm and i prefer the D10 by a lot personally”

A user's GameSir Cyclone 2 has worked flawlessly since release, with great sticks and triggers.

“I have the cyclone 2. Had it since it released and it worked flawlessly since.”

A former Xbox One pad user finds the GameSir Cyclone 2 perfect: great TMR sticks with no drift, clicky buttons and adaptive triggers.

“I have the gamesir cyclone 2 and honestly it is just perfect for me”

After about a year, a user loves the GameSir Cyclone 2 and finds every button has a mouse-click feel.

“I love the Cyclone 2. Been using it like a year and it's been great. The D pad is definitely not mushy.”

An owner of several pads finds the GameSir Cyclone 2 the best all-rounder, apart from weak gyro support.

“As long as you don't mind having less than average gyro support, then the GameSir Cyclone 2 is probably the best all rounder.”

After a few months, a user finds the GameSir Cyclone 2 super comfortable with intuitive software; the d-pad could be clickier.

“I've been using Cyclone 2 as my main PC controller for a few months now and I've had practically no issues so far.”

A user finds the GameSir Cyclone 2 has the best build quality in their experience.

“I would recommend the GameSir Cyclone 2, as not only it's the best build quality as for my own experience”

A 25-year gamer calls the GameSir Cyclone 2 the best controller they've owned, with sticks still 100% accurate.

“The cyclone 2 is the best controller ive owned in 25 years of gaming.”

A player loves the GameSir Cyclone 2 except for its d-pad, and bought a different controller for d-pad games.

“I love my GameSir Cyclone 2, except for the D-pad. My solution was to buy a different controller for D-pad games.”

Owns two Cyclone 2s, which look, feel and work great.

“I have two cyclone 2s and two G7 Pros from them and they all look, feel and work great.”

Swapped to the Cyclone 2: a great controller with amazing trigger stops, just a bit heavy.

“I just swapped my X20 for a cyclone 2, overall great controller, just on the heavier side. Amazing triggers stops”

Used the GameSir Cyclone 2 wired exclusively and found it works great; a steal at $35 with two back paddles.

“Amazon currently has the Gamesir Cyclone 2 for $35 in the US. That is a steal. It has wireless capability, but works great wired. I used mine wired exclusively.”

After using the GameSir Cyclone 2 they'll never go back to first-party controllers; you get a lot for the price.

“I've been using the GameSir Cyclone 2 and I will never go back to a 1st party controller again, probably not the best but you get so much for the price”

Loves the Cyclone 2 for its TMR sticks, dual-mode triggers and mechanical buttons; it replaced their 8BitDo Ultimate 2C.

“GameSir Cyclone 2 TMR analogs, dual-type triggers (longer, linear, with Hall effect, and shorter microswitch), mechanical buttons, RGB lights. I love mine.”

Calls the Cyclone 2 easily their favourite, over a Super Nova, 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth and first-party PS5 and Xbox pads.

“Gamesir Cyclone 2 with charging dock would fit your requirements. It's easily my favorite controller that I have.”

Loves their Cyclone 2 and finds its angled grips more comfortable than 8BitDo's parallel ones.

“It have the Cyclone 2 and love it.”

A Rocket League player rates their GameSir Cyclone 2 as amazing, after an 8BitDo Pro 2 that didn't last.

“cyclone 2 is amazing”

Kept it over the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for casual PC and iPhone gaming: reliable connection, and the clicky mechanical buttons grew on them.

“This is my honest, non-technical, non-AI-slop review, and why I decided to keep the GameSir Cylcone 2.”

Really likes it and isn't bothered by the D-pad complaints.

“I really like the cyclone 2.”

Great for big hands but held back by its buttons and D-pad.

“If the cyclone 2 had better buttons and dpad it would be the goat for big hand boys easily.”

Works fine, but USB charging stopped working after a year; still charges on the dock.

“I have a cyclone 2, everything works fine, but the USB charging stop working after one year.”

The battery swelled within a year.

“I have a cyclone 2 and the battery puffs up within a year.”

Owned it and the Direwolf 4: better stick centering for no-deadzone FPS play.

“cyclone 2 has better stick centering if you like no deadzone mode.”