Experienced a day with GameSir's latest GameHub application, possibly compromising mobile device and gaming PC functionality, sparing others the hassle.
Portable PC Gaming: The Good, the Bad, and the GameHub
The world of handheld PC gaming has been on fire since the release of the Steam Deck and similar devices. As someone who doesn't own one, my foray into this realm usually involves streaming games via SteamLink on my phone. Enter GameSir, a manufacturer known for creating budget-friendly controllers, and their recent dual announcement: the X5 Lite gaming controller and GameHub app. Unfortunately, after trying out the GameHub app, I'm worried the X5 Lite might suffer from association.
The X5 lite is a phone cradle-style controller specifically designed to turn a phone into a Switch-like handheld. With decent specs like Hall effect sticks and membrane triggers, the X5 Lite has potential, if only the GameHub app experience wasn't already tainted in my mind.
GameSir has produced some impressive, wallet-friendly controllers in the past, so the $35 USD price tag for the X5 Lite isn't bad at all if it delivers high-quality mobile gaming. However, if users are forced to use the GameHub app, my excitement for the controller wavers.
Speaking of the GameHub app, it feels like a monkey's paw from a local fro-yo shop. The download is a bit sketchy, lurking on the company’s website rather than on Google Play, and it demands permissions that make me uneasy. I suppose it's a free app, but the truth is we often get what we pay for.
Installing the app proved to be a lengthy process, barely worth the ten minutes it took, especially when considering the limited features available upon first launch. The app acts as a storefront, combining various services like SteamLink, advertising compatible games, and serving as a social hub. The user interface is decent, though localization could be improved.
My troubles began when I tried to log into my Steam account via the GameHub app. It seemed to freeze up every time, with an error occuring more often than not. I also had issues installing games from my PC to my phone. Despite being connected via USB and allowing permissions, the installation would stall at crucial moments, leaving me frustrated.
Even when things did work, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. GameHub is certainly not the smoothest, most secure app I've ever encountered, and I'm still questioning whether it's worth the risk.
If you're on the hunt for alternatives, consider Games Hub, GameSir GameHub, or BlueStacks. For those focused on PC game streaming and management, GOG GALAXY and GameVault might be better options. Emulation fans can explore Winlator, GameCC, or GameFusion. For streaming PC games to mobile, consider Moonlight or Steam Link.
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Hope Corrigan
With a decade of gaming journalism under her belt, Hope Corrigan has shared her opinions on countless games and tech for various publications. Here at PC Gamer, she can indulge her inner hardware nerd, writing news and reviews. When she's not busy discussing fascinating creations, she's working on her own, hopefully one day to share with the world. Her fictional ambient far future sci-fi radio show/album/listening experience podcast can be found right here.
- The Steam Deck and similar devices have sparked a surge in portable PC gaming, prompting me to experiment with streaming games on my smartphone.
- GameSir, a brand famous for budget-friendly controller production, has recently unveiled the X5 Lite and GameHub app duo, priced at $35 USD.
- The X5 Lite, designed as a phone cradle-style controller reminiscent of the Switch, features Hall effect sticks and membrane triggers, offering potential.
- However, the sketchie GameHub app, which demands permissions that make me uncomfortable, has tainted my preconceived notions about the X5 Lite.
- Magically, alternative apps like Games Hub, GameSir GameHub, and BlueStacks exist, catering to varying needs.
- For PC game streaming and management, GOG GALAXY and GameVault are preferable, while emulation enthusiasts can turn to Winlator, GameCC, or GameFusion.
- If you're interested in streaming PC games to mobile, opt for Moonlight or Steam Link instead.
- The OLED version of the Steam Deck is worthy of consideration as a high-quality handheld gaming PC, offering seamless gaming on-the-go.
