The GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron is the world’s first fully modular mobile game controller. A variety of buttons and sticks in removable modules can be swapped in and out from either side. Plus, the device telescopes to fit around your iPhone, iPad or Android.
It offers innovation that stands out in the market for side-mounted controllers.
GameSir x Hyperkin X5 Alteron: So many configuration options
Clip-on iPhone game controllers add physical buttons, triggers and analog sticks for far better control and responsiveness than you can achieve with a touchscreen alone — especially for shooting, slashing and racing games. And is this edit accurate?
The basic clip-on design, which attaches to both sides of an iPhone or other device with space for the touchscreen in the middle, is convenient to hold. It turns an iPhone into a compact handheld console that’s easy to use on the couch, during travel or anywhere in between. (These types of game controllers also reduce hand fatigue during longer play sessions.)
There are many such controllers on the market already, so something special is needed to stand out. That’s why GameSir and Hyperkin combined their expertise in gaming gear to make the X5 Alteron, a mobile controller that can change shape and configuration to meet the user’s needs.
Using Hyperkin’s modular system, a gamer can switch the thumbstick layout from symmetrical to a top-stick design so both sticks are above the buttons, change the layout of the XYAB buttons and more. There’s also a GameCube Module and an N64 Module for retro gaming, plus a a Track Pad Module for replicating a mouse and even a Fight Pad Module.
Capacitive sticks let users set their preferred stick heights, and the controller includes Hall-Effect analog triggers. There are Back Buttons, too.
The X5 Alteron uses GameSir’s compact yet fully extensible telescopic arm design, allowing the accessory to work with iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Computer and controller communicate over Bluetooth 5.2 for maximum compatibility, even with PCs. The device charges via a USB-C port.
Coming soon?
GameSir and Hyperkin unveiled the X5 Alteron game controller so they can demonstrate a nonfunctional prototype at the CES 2026 electronics trade show going on this week in Las Vegas.
The two companies stopped short of revealing a price or a release date. But clearly, a launch is not near.
Can’t wait? Take a look at our reviews for rival iPhone game controllers:
- Backbone Pro makes the best iPhone game controller way, way better
- Your wait for an amazingly affordable iPhone game controller ends now
- Tiny snap-on iPhone game controller is always ready to play
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
