GameSir T4 Mini Controller review: Perfect compact accessory for Switch and mobile gaming

There are plenty of options to choose from when looking for the best iPhone game controllers, computer controllers, and best Nintendo Switch controllers. But if you like to play games on all of these, and like to take games with you on the go with your iPhone or Switch, it's a good idea to have a controller that's just as easy to take on the go as your device is.

That's where the GameSir T4 Mini comes in. This compact gamepad easily pairs with just about any gaming device including phones, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Its small size makes it easy to travel with and yet it still manages to offer great ergonomic grip and satisfying controls. It's the perfect controller for the multiplatform gamer.

GameSir T4 Mini Gaming Controller: Price and availability

The GameSir T4 Mini Gaming Controller sells for $36 and can be purchased on Amazon or GameSir's website. It's a compact controller that works with phones, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It's very well-priced considering that it also has rumble and motion control capabilities for Nintendo Switch use.

GameSir T4 Mini Gaming Controller: What's good

This controller manages to come in a convenient, on-the-go size while still being a comfortable fit for adult hands. The grips aren't as long as you'd find on a standard controller, but the buttons and joystick placement feel about the same. To test it, I used the T4 Mini on my Nintendo Switch, iPhone SE, and PC, and found that pairing was super simple in all instances. The buttons also press in nicely, though not as firmly as some other controllers out there. But all together, I was able to play compatible Apple Arcade games and my best Nintendo Switch games without any lag or other issues. You probably could also get it to work with Xbox and PlayStation consoles, but you'd need to purchase a dongle for that.

What's more, this controller includes rumble and motion controls for playing on Switch, so you don't have to miss out on those experiences. If I'm playing my Switch in TV mode, I can use it to wake up my Switch with the touch of a button so I don't have to get up off my couch. The controller automatically goes to sleep if it doesn't sense any input after 15 minutes. That's pretty fast compared to many other controllers out there and might be a little frustrating if you just stepped away real quick for a snack, but it helps save the battery.

Speaking of, this has a rechargeable lithium battery that can last up to about 10 hours on one charge. While that's not nearly as much time as some other options out there, it's still plenty long enough for the average gaming session. As long as it gets charged up between uses it will always have plenty of juice.

Another cool feature: by pressing in the left joystick and turbo button you can choose one of nine different color options to show up around the joysticks. These include blue, red, green, yellow, cyan, orange, pink, and rainbow. If you like all these options, you can also make it cycle through all of the colors via a fade.

GameSir T4 Mini Gaming Controller: What's not good

The GameSir T4 Mini is about the same length and width as my iPhone SE, so it's really easy to toss it into a bag or purse when you're leaving your house. I personally found that the compact size of the controller worked really well for me. It manages to have ergonomic grips that are comfortable to hold for long stretches, but my pinky fingers just barely gain any purchase on the grip. As such, it's a great option for kids and people with medium or small hands.

However, players with large hands might find it a little too small for their needs and not as comfortable to hold. Still, this on-the-go size makes it the perfect travel companion to go along with your Nintendo Switch or phone.

GameSir T4 Mini Gaming Controller: Competition

If you're looking for a dedicated iPhone game controller, then I highly recommend the Backbone One. It was specifically designed with iPhones in mind. In fact, there currently isn't a version for Android phones. Just slip your iPhone between the controllers and it resembles a Nintendo Switch. It also comes with a handy app to help you interact with other players and find games easier.

More of a Nintendo Switch gamer? The Switch gamepad of choice is definitely the Pro Controller. It has a traditional design and features rumble, motion controls, and amiibo scanning abilities.

GameSir T4 Mini Gaming Controller: Should you buy it?

• You want something compact
• You want a wireless controller
• You like the RGB lighting

• You want something with longer battery life
• You're looking for the cheapest option
• You have big hands

If you're specifically looking for a controller that travels well and works with phone, Nintendo Switch, and PC games then this is a perfect choice. The motion controls, rumble, and buttons all work really well with compatible games. The RGB lighting is also fun and since you can customize the colors you can make it look the way you want.

I just warn anyone with larger hands to stay away as this will leave your pinkies floating without any support and won't feel that great for long stretches. But it's perfect for small to medium adult and child hands. Additionally, the battery life isn't the best, but that's typical for any RGB device. Still, if you charge it up between each use it will always last you through your gaming sessions.