GameSir Cyclone 2 Multi-Platform Controller - Shadow Black

Let's talk about something truly impactful in the gaming world: the humble controller. For too long, my PC gaming life has been a saga of compromise. My XSX pad, bless its heart, felt like a budget airline seat – functional, but cheap and loud. Every D-pad press was an auditory assault, a clicky symphony of disappointment. And don't even get me started on the Elite controller; that was less a controller and more a recurring nightmare of unreliability. My PS5 DualSense? A tactile dream, but its PC integration is still stuck in the "it's complicated" phase.

So, the quest began: find a PC controller that felt as good as the DualSense, wouldn'...view more Let's talk about something truly impactful in the gaming world: the humble controller. For too long, my PC gaming life has been a saga of compromise. My XSX pad, bless its heart, felt like a budget airline seat – functional, but cheap and loud. Every D-pad press was an auditory assault, a clicky symphony of disappointment. And don't even get me started on the Elite controller; that was less a controller and more a recurring nightmare of unreliability. My PS5 DualSense? A tactile dream, but its PC integration is still stuck in the "it's complicated" phase.

So, the quest began: find a PC controller that felt as good as the DualSense, wouldn't break the bank (because, let's be honest, these things are wearable parts, and I'm brutal on them), and just worked. Enter the GameSir Cyclone 2.

The Honeymoon Phase: Pure Bliss

From the moment I picked up the Cyclone 2, it was clear: this thing feels incredible. Imagine the DualSense, but with offset sticks – that's the vibe. The buttons are wonderfully tactile, the sticks glide with precision, and there's a satisfying smoothness to every input. It's the kind of controller that makes you genuinely look forward to your next gaming session. It's not just a tool; it's an extension of your intent, a silent, smooth partner in digital adventures.

Technologically, it's a step up from Microsoft's default offering. It feels more precise, more robust, and just… better. Plus, it comes with some neat bells and whistles like customisable lighting (if you're into that sort of thing) and a turbo function that's basically a QTE-bypassing cheat code for the less patient among us. The back buttons are well-placed and feel good, even if I'm not personally using them to redefine my gaming stance.

And for the PC crowd, here's the kicker: plug in the dongle, and Windows sees it as an "Xbox 360 Controller." Translation? Full, glorious, plug-and-play compatibility. No wrestling with drivers, no arcane settings. And latency? What latency? It's as responsive as a thought.

The Dark Night of the Soul: Firmware Follies

Now, for the "nuance." If the first part of this review was a romantic comedy, this next bit is a psychological thriller, with elements of slapstick. You see, the Cyclone 2 doesn't ship with the latest firmware for either the controller or the dongle. "No worries," I thought, "a quick update and we're golden." Oh, how naive I was.

Attempting to update this device was akin to trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while blindfolded and being chased by a particularly enthusiastic flock of seagulls. It turns out the supplied GameSir cable is, apparently, not high enough quality to update their own controller. I had to raid my drawer of forgotten tech, eventually finding a trusty Logitech cable that finally got the job done. And even then, I had to completely bypass their charging dock – a minor detail that led to a partial bricking incident and a desperate hardware reset. My blood pressure soared higher than a dragon in a fantasy epic.

Once that ordeal was over, I just wanted the flashy lights to stop. Getting the lighting exactly how I wanted it (read: off, except for the essential menu and power indicators) was another exercise in patience. It required multiple power cycles, a secret handshake with the universe, and possibly a small offering to the tech gods.

The Reddit Reckoning & The Happy Ending

My suffering, it turns out, was not unique. A quick delve into the digital trenches of Reddit revealed a robust community of fellow Cyclone 2 owners, all scratching their heads, collectively wondering why such a magnificent piece of hardware is paired with a software team that seems to operate on a different plane of existence. It's like buying a supercar with an instruction manual written in ancient Sumerian.

But here's the punchline: it's all set up now. The firmware is updated, the lights are dimmed, and the controller is performing like the dream it was always meant to be. The initial setup was a trial by fire, a true test of character, but I emerged victorious. And now? I'm a happy gamer, finally wielding a controller that feels as premium as my gaming aspirations.

So, would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely. Just make sure you have a spare, high-quality USB-C cable, a strong cup of coffee, and perhaps a therapist on speed dial for the firmware update. Once you're past that, it's pure gaming joy.

By: Parrynoia 26/07/25

Verified Owner

NAH cause explain to me HOW this thing turned me into a literal esports highlight reel. I picked it up and suddenly I’m combo-ing like I trained in a simulation for 10 years. The buttons? snappy. The sticks? liquid smooth. This ain’t even a controller, it’s an extension of my arms.
Booted up Elden Ring and started parrying bosses like I wrote the patch notes. 😤 no delay, no drift, just peak performance every single time. My reflexes feel faster, my aim locked in, even my back pain disappeared a little. idk what kind of tech sorcery they put in this thing but it’s MOVING DIFFERENT.
AND THE VIBRATION?? IT DOESN’T JUST RUMBLE, IT SPEAKS. I get...view more NAH cause explain to me HOW this thing turned me into a literal esports highlight reel. I picked it up and suddenly I’m combo-ing like I trained in a simulation for 10 years. The buttons? snappy. The sticks? liquid smooth. This ain’t even a controller, it’s an extension of my arms.
Booted up Elden Ring and started parrying bosses like I wrote the patch notes. 😤 no delay, no drift, just peak performance every single time. My reflexes feel faster, my aim locked in, even my back pain disappeared a little. idk what kind of tech sorcery they put in this thing but it’s MOVING DIFFERENT.
AND THE VIBRATION?? IT DOESN’T JUST RUMBLE, IT SPEAKS. I get a little buzz and suddenly I’m reading enemy attacks like I'm psychic. This controller gives me KennyS precision.
Gamesir really said: “let’s give the people the power of FAKER for like half the price of a PS5 controller.” AND THEY DID.
I’m not even playing games anymore, I’m living cinematic experiences every time I boot up.
11/10 would let this controller raise my children.

The controller is outstanding among other controllers Ive had. Works well in different games for its price. The controller is outstanding among other controllers Ive had. Works well in different games for its price.

Definitely one of the best controllers for the price, especially when on sale, only thing I dislike is the d-pad as it feels very mushy and less precise compared to the xbox series x controller, causes me to stuff up when calling stratagems on helldivers 2 all the time. Would recommend if d-pad use is not really a big requirement for you. Definitely one of the best controllers for the price, especially when on sale, only thing I dislike is the d-pad as it feels very mushy and less precise compared to the xbox series x controller, causes me to stuff up when calling stratagems on helldivers 2 all the time. Would recommend if d-pad use is not really a big requirement for you.

This controller puts my $400 NZD dualsense edge to shame. I just wish it wasn't an asymmetrical controller layout but it's worth the trade off This controller puts my $400 NZD dualsense edge to shame. I just wish it wasn't an asymmetrical controller layout but it's worth the trade off

Picked this up to replace my aging (and failing) Xbox controller to use on PC. Saw a lot of positive reviews and for the price I thought I'd give it a go. I like everything about it especially the hair triggers, I can't go back to normal triggers now and the sticks are so much more responsive than what I've ever used before. The charging stand is great, never having to worry about running out of battery but I only game for a few hours at a time so I'm not sure how long the battery lasts as I've never run it dead. The Gamesir Connect software is decent with heaps of customization. It is lighter than my Xbox controller which I prefer. I don't...view more Picked this up to replace my aging (and failing) Xbox controller to use on PC. Saw a lot of positive reviews and for the price I thought I'd give it a go. I like everything about it especially the hair triggers, I can't go back to normal triggers now and the sticks are so much more responsive than what I've ever used before. The charging stand is great, never having to worry about running out of battery but I only game for a few hours at a time so I'm not sure how long the battery lasts as I've never run it dead. The Gamesir Connect software is decent with heaps of customization. It is lighter than my Xbox controller which I prefer. I don't own any consoles so can comment on console use. PlayStation Kontrol Freaks fit the sticks well.
Definitely recommend.

This is a great controller, nearly all the same features as the Xbox Elite controller and only like half the price, only one thing wrong and that's it doesn't work with the Xbox but then it would probably cost more, otherwise this controller looks great and feels great stand works well too and if you plug the USB cable into the device you are using then you can have the dongle plugged into the stand and use the stand as charger and dongle making using this controller just a pickup and play. Works on both Windows and Linux without issues. If you do have an issue with Linux, it's something you have done, not the controller itself, as it works...view more This is a great controller, nearly all the same features as the Xbox Elite controller and only like half the price, only one thing wrong and that's it doesn't work with the Xbox but then it would probably cost more, otherwise this controller looks great and feels great stand works well too and if you plug the USB cable into the device you are using then you can have the dongle plugged into the stand and use the stand as charger and dongle making using this controller just a pickup and play. Works on both Windows and Linux without issues. If you do have an issue with Linux, it's something you have done, not the controller itself, as it works out of the box without having to do anything to work with Linux. It's a shame the PC software doesn't have a Linux version, tho. OVERALL, I WILL SAY THIS IS A MUST BUY FOR GAMERS.

Was recommended to me by one of the guys from the Hamilton store over the microsoft controllers for PC only gaming, has everything you need in the box, recharging stand, usb dongle, USB cable. Way better than the logitech F310 I was using and way more comfortable for my big hands. If you want a gamepad controller for straight out PC gaming this is the one to get. Was recommended to me by one of the guys from the Hamilton store over the microsoft controllers for PC only gaming, has everything you need in the box, recharging stand, usb dongle, USB cable. Way better than the logitech F310 I was using and way more comfortable for my big hands. If you want a gamepad controller for straight out PC gaming this is the one to get.

The software from the official manufacture's website makes customising this controller a breeze. Tonnes of customisability. The software from the official manufacture's website makes customising this controller a breeze. Tonnes of customisability.

Honestly I have no faults for this product, great price, good build quality, comfortable, very tactile and satisfying, triggers are amazing and great to have the flexibility of swapping between mouse click and full range of mation, charging stand is very handy. If I had to comment on one problem it would be swapping between the modes can be a bit confusing but other than that, amazing product. Honestly I have no faults for this product, great price, good build quality, comfortable, very tactile and satisfying, triggers are amazing and great to have the flexibility of swapping between mouse click and full range of mation, charging stand is very handy. If I had to comment on one problem it would be swapping between the modes can be a bit confusing but other than that, amazing product.

Love this controller! Precise and accurate input, easy charging and great value. Love this controller! Precise and accurate input, easy charging and great value.

time will tell but so far very happy if it doesn't brake in the next 3 years i will buy again.(my xbox x elite cost more twice as much and the RB button stopped working after a year) time will tell but so far very happy if it doesn't brake in the next 3 years i will buy again.(my xbox x elite cost more twice as much and the RB button stopped working after a year)