It was less than 24 hours ago that I wrote an article saying that 'there were so many mobile controllers releasing in the world that it was hard for people to choose which one was best'. Well, I've got some good news on that front, because now that Hyperkin and GameSir have announced their collaboration on the X5 Alteron at CES 2026, they've made the whole decision process incredibly easy.
The X5 Alteron is the one mobile controller to rule them all, the world's first modular mobile gaming controller that you can adapt to your specific needs. Want to use it on an iPad? No problem. How about using it on a Switch 2 or your Android phone? Easy. Want to use actual N64 controls for emulating N64 games on the go, and then swap to Xbox or fightpad layouts? The X5 Alteron has you covered, and it's making me feel like a kid in a toy store all over again!
When we spoke to Hyperkin on the Retro Dodo Podcast and sat down with Senior Product Designer Slade Dude Suzuki (the coolest name of all time), he told us that Hyperkin were looking to fuse modern and retro in their new business approach. He said that retro would awlays be a key focus, but they wanted to innovate and create new and exciting ideas too. They've certainly done that with the X5 Alteron, teaming up with GameSir to create a beautifully crafted controller that adapts to your every whim.
I love the fact that you can customise this controller fully for any style of play. Switch between asymmetrical and symmetrical stick designs, play GameCube games on Switch 2 using actual GameCube buttons, all with Capacitive sticks for incredible precision while playing your favourite games. Plus, you can hook it up to your PC via Bluetooth too and make use of the different button layouts while kicking back in your gaming chair!
Let's look at some other exciting features. The X5 Alteron has Mouse Click to Hall-effect triggers for ultra precise gaming, powerful rumble motors, and back buttons so you can get technical with your gameplay. You can swap the action buttons to your preference and transform the D-Pad just the way you like it, as well as swapping out thumbsticks to find the perfect comfortable height.
Whether you're an X input gamer, a Switch aficionado, an N64 nerd, a GameCube geek, or are looking for some slick fightpad or track pad action, the X5 has it all and more, adapting to any size device. If you're currently at CES 2026, then you can head down to the Hyperkin Suite to check it out in the flesh. Make sure to keep checking out the Hyperkin Website for more information and to keep up to date with their socials!
And while you're here, don't forget to check out the recently announced GameSir Pocket Taco mobile controller for those who prefer a smaller, pocketable solution for gaming on the go!
Credit: Hyperkin/GameSir
Credit: Hyperkin/GameSir
Credit: Hyperkin/GameSir
