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| GameSir and Hyperkin’s X5 Alteron is a modular controller designed to change layouts and fit multiple devices. |
By Jon Scarr
CES week always brings a wave of controller news, and CES 2026 is no different. But this one’s genuinely weird in a good way. GameSir and Hyperkin have teamed up to reveal the X5 Alteron, a fully modular mobile controller that can literally change its shape and layout depending on how you want to play.
The big idea is simple. Instead of carrying different controllers for different games and devices, you build the layout you want and swap modules as needed.
A Modular Controller That Adapts to How You Play
The X5 Alteron is built around a telescopic design that expands and shifts, letting it work across a range of devices while still feeling like a real controller in your hands. Hyperkin leans into its retro hardware roots here too, with modular options that are clearly meant to tap into older controller layouts and muscle memory.
According to the announcement, you’ll be able to swap layouts like:
- symmetrical sticks or top-stick layouts
- asymmetrical stick layouts
- different D-pad styles
- face button layouts (including hot-swappable ABXY)
Compatibility Across Mobile, Nintendo Switches, and PC
GameSir and Hyperkin say the X5 Alteron supports low-latency wireless play across iPad, iPhone, Android devices, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. There’s also Bluetooth 5.2 support aimed at PC play.
If you split your playtime across handheld, TV, and PC, this is clearly trying to be a single controller you can keep reaching for, instead of buying another device-specific option every time you change platforms.
Modules for Retro, Fighting Games, and More
This is where it gets fun. The X5 Alteron is being pitched as a modular platform, with optional add-ons designed around specific play styles. The list includes:
- Fight Pad module for fighting games
- Track Pad module aimed at FPS-style control or mouse-like input
- GameCube-style module for retro fans and emulation setups
- N64-style module for Nintendo Switch Online vibes
It also includes rumble motors and back buttons, plus adjustable stick heights.
Sticks, Triggers, and the Big Claims
The companies are making some bold promises on the hardware side. They say the controller uses capacitive sticks designed to eliminate stick drift, and Hall Effect triggers for quicker, more reliable input. It also supports USB-C charging.
There’s no pricing or release date included in the announcement yet, but it’s already being positioned as a premium “do-everything” controller rather than a basic mobile grip.
A Controller That Tries Something Different
Modular controllers usually sound cool on paper and then fall apart the moment you actually try to use them. If GameSir and Hyperkin can make the swapping feel quick and solid, this could be the rare “one controller” idea that actually holds up, especially if you play across Switch, mobile, and PC. The retro modules are also a smart hook, because they’re selling comfort and familiarity, not just another feature checklist.
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