Experience a day with GameSir's novel GameHub app, exploring possible risks to your smartphone and gaming PC, to save users from the hassle.

Experience a day with GameSir's novel GameHub app, exploring possible risks to your smartphone and gaming PC, to save users from the hassle.

Portable PC Gaming has truly flourished since the unveiling of the Steam Deck and similar devices. As someone who doesn't own such a gadget, my encounters with this style of gaming are usually limited to streaming games on my phone via Steamlink. Thus, GameSir's joint announcement of their X5 Lite gaming controller and GameHub app caught my eye this morning. Having spent some time with the GameHub app, I can only say I'm hoping the new GameSir controller performs significantly better than the GameHub app.

The dual launch makes perfect sense because the X5 lite is fashioned as a phone cradle-style controller, designed to transform a phone into a Switch-like handheld. The controller boasts respectable specs, such as Hall effect sticks and membrane triggers. However, the poor performance of the GameHub app has already created a negative impression, tainting my expectations of this controller by association. The controller must be exceptional to compensate for the low installs of the app.

That being said, GameSir has produced some impressive controllers over the years, particularly for budget-conscious gamers. Priced at $35 USD, it's not an exorbitant price tag for a quality mobile cradle. However, the X5 Lite's functionality doesn't have to be limited to GameHub, so it may still shine for some users.

On the contrary, GameHub is not the charming companion I anticipated. And my trying day can attest to this.

The app exists as a free Android app, ironically only in the same vein that a monkey's paw from a local fast-food joint is "free." The only way to retrieve the installation is from the website instead of the Google Play Store, a red flag, especially when combined with the numerous permissions it demands. Additionally, it insists on a login to use the app, and will then request login credentials from other services it connects to, such as Steam.

The installation process proved to be a lengthy ordeal, taking approximately ten minutes, a delay that seems excessive for a basic installation. This could be due to a poorly constructed app or potentially covert activities taking place behind the scenes.

Upon installing the app on my, presumably now corrupted device, I took a closer look at what it had to offer. In essence, it serves as a launcher for various services like SteamLink, consolidating them within a single platform, and advertising compatible games. Before adding any games to your library, it presents itself as more of a storefront with a sleek user interface. The localization, however, could use some polishing, as most items appear in Chinese or are poorly translated.

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GameHub also serves as a social hub, although I declined to bother others with the installation process.

I attempted to use the SteamLink feature first, but every time I attempted to log in via the GameHub app, it would freeze and display an error message. My perseverance lasted a few more attempts before I reluctantly surrendered.

One of the unique features touted by GameHub is the ability to transfer your Windows games to your Android device using the GameHub manager tool on your computer. My concern? My computer is likely compromised now. The app scans your system for compatible games, lists them in random order, and allows you to download them to your phone for play. Phones are powerful, and emulators have come a long way, but I doubt they can achieve the same performance as Windows for games like Doom Eternal.

Due to time constraints and storage limitations, I elected to try Deep Rock Galactic first, thinking my phone might manage to run it without leading to an easy test. The installation process stalled midway, and despite several attempts, it froze during the Unreal 4 package installation.

Disheartened, I opted for an easier challenge with Trombone Champ. I experienced better success with this game; it installed and launched without any issues, though the screen remained black for a few attempts. Just when I was ready to throw in the towel, it sprang to life. However, the effort required and the security concerns I have make the experience less than satisfying. According to Trombone Champ itself, the app is repugnant.

Though I've eliminated the app from my roster, I find myself lamenting its demise. The app appeared and felt nice, but it lacked anything new or, for lack of a better term, worthwhile. And that's when it functions properly. Individual apps, such as SteamLink alone, offer better performance, and they all feel safer than this one.

When seeking alternatives to the GameHub app for mobile gaming with controller support, try:

Options for Mobile Gaming with Controller Support

1. Games Hub

• Features: A collection of over 500 free games across genres such as arcade, strategy, action, and adventure.
• Controller Support: Although it doesn't explicitly mention controller support, some games may be compatible with controllers.
• Platform: Android

2. BlueStacks (Emulator)

• Features: An emulator designed for running Android games on PC or Mac, offering keyboard, mouse, or external controller support.
• Controller Support: Enables playing games with external controllers through key mapping.
• Platform: Windows, Mac

3. Game Launcher: Gaming Hub App

• Features: Simplifies game and app management, identifies popular games, and allows manual app addition.
• Controller Support: No official controller support, but can help manage games that are compatible with controllers.
• Platform: Android

For a more robust gaming experience on mobile devices, consider cloud gaming services like Google Stadia or Microsoft xCloud. Both supports controller inputs and offer a more expansive library of games.

Pro Tip: Prioritize controller compatibility, analyze recent user reviews, and inspect the variety and quality of games offered before selecting an app to enhance your mobile gaming experience.

1. The X5 lite controller, with its phone cradle design, aims to transform a smartphone into a handheld device, similar to the Switch.
2. Although the GameHub app is designed to consolidate gaming services within a single platform, its poor performance and high demands for permissions have created a negative impression.
3. While the GameHub app serves as a social hub for gamers, the installation process is lengthy and its localization could use improvements.
4. Despite the free Android app's ironic similarity to a "free" monkey's paw, the installation process requires downloading it from the developer's website, rather than the Google Play Store.
5. GameHub acts as a storefront, promoting various compatible games for download, but them being listed in random order and not providing optimal performance could be concerning for gamers.
6. The GameHub app's ability to transfer Windows games to Android devices is questionable, given the potential limitations of smartphones compared to PCs, such as Doom Eternal.
7. Trombone Champ was the easier challenge tried on the GameHub app; it installed and launched successfully, though the screen stayed black during initial attempts.
8. The GameHub app, despite its magically appearing and feeling nice, lacked anything new or worthwhile, and individual apps like SteamLink offer better performance.
9. Alternatives to the GameHub app for mobile gaming with controller support include apps like Games Hub and BlueStacks, or cloud gaming services like Google Stadia and Microsoft xCloud.

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