Tim Bueno

The GameSir X2s, recently released, boasts compatibility with iOS devices that support USB-C. Unfortunately, the controller does not expand far enough to accommodate devices larger than a phone.

However, the controller can expand to a larger size. By forcing the controller out of its internal track it can be stretched to fit even the largest 12.9 inch iPad Pro.

I wanted to use the GameSir with my iPad mini. I thought that with a bit of modification, I could greatly improve the clunky out-of-the-box experience. I designed and 3D printed a few parts that hide the exposed springs and lets the iPad fit flush and secure.

The end result looks like this:

Warning

While this mod doesn’t require physical harm to your GameSir X2s, it might end up being semi-permanent. In my case, I had to physically break the prototype 3D print to remove it from my GameSir X2s. The second 3D model, created for this post, should be easier to remove, but it might still require some effort. Keep in mind that after this modification, the controller may no longer work with devices smaller than your Apple iPad mini.

3D Modeling

For the design, I utilized Shapr3D. Although I chose Shapr3D initially for its aesthetics and ease of use, its subscription pricing does not make sense for my use case. Next time, I’ll opt for Autodesk Fusion 360, which offers a free license for personal use, despite being less intuitive than Shapr3D.

Parts List

1x Apple iPad mini (6th Generation)

1x GameSir X2s

1x Custom X2s Frame

1x Custom X2s Backboard

4x M4x10mm Flat Head Screws. I used hex sockets. The maximum length of the screw should be 10mm.

4x M4 Square Nuts. These should be approximately 7mm x 7mm x 3.5mm.

1x 1mm Thick Self Adhesive Felt Sheet. Any color will do!

3D Printing

You can download the required 3D models here.

I have very limited experience with 3D printing, having only printed four items for this project. Therefore, I’m not an authority on the subject. The following is what worked for me.

I used Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with white ABS material and a completely solid infill. You may experiment with different infill densities and materials. Let me know what you like best!

All STL files for this project are in millimeters. You will likely need to specify that with the printer.

I utilized Xometry to print my models. Use my referral link here and we’ll both get a couple bucks off our next print.

Another service for 3D printing is Craftcloud. Depending on your preferences, you may find CraftCloud is a cheaper option.

I think the models turned out pretty great!

Assembly

Using the 3D printed backboard as a template, trace its outline onto the felted sheet. Cut the sheet slightly smaller than the outline and round the corners to match the backboard.

Insert the square nuts, flat side up, into the slots beneath the holes in the 3D printed frame. You may find it helpful to cover the slots with a small piece of scotch tape to aid in this process.

Note: You may find that having two people makes the following easier.

Expand the GameSir X2s controller and gently lift the rear purple casing while pulling to dislodge the two halves from one another.

Slide the frame onto the right half of the controller and insert the “tongue” of the frame into the left half to prevent flexing. Allow the two halves of the controller to come back together with the frame in place.

Align the 3D printed backboard with the holes in the frame, ensuring the nuts are lined up within the holes. Insert and tighten the M4 screws to secure the backboard to the frame. The countersunk holes should ensure the screws fit flush with the backboard.

Peel and stick the felted sheet onto the backboard, ensuring alignment on all sides for a perfect fit.

Using a craft knife, trim away the top and bottom two rubber “fingers” that secure the iPad into the controller. If not trimmed, these fingers may press the power and volume buttons on the iPad.

Insert your iPad mini into the controller. The controller will have to expand slightly in order to fit.

Happy gaming! Feel free to customize the 3D models to your liking. I’m sure the models could be easily modified for other device sizes. I’d love to see what the community comes up with!

Please send me a picture on Mastodon if you end up modifying your GameSir X2s with my models!

Well this blog is starting to rot on the vine isn’t it?

Early this month, I decided to follow along with Reactor Mag’s Science Fiction Film Club. So far I have watched 🍿 Forbidden Planet (1956), 🍿 Solaris (1972), and 🍿 Silent Running (1972). It’s been fun experiencing these Sci-Fi classics and the insightful commentary is something I look forward to each week.

Here is what else I’ve been up to the past two months:

📺 Slow Horses (Season 3). This is a fantastic show and Season 3 is by far the best story thus far. Gary Oldman as a slovenly and rude spymaster is right up my alley. (👍🏻)

🍿 The Marvels. Not much to say about this one. The MCU is still chugging along. I’ll continue to watch but I’m less interested for sure. There were good moments in this film and it not being three hours is a huge plus.

📺 Invasion (Season 1 and Season 2). I was recommended this by my brother. I devoured this show but a month and a half on I’m having trouble remembering much about it. What does that say?

📖 The Way Of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. I put this book off for way too long. Sanderson is a master and I’m dedicating my year to reading his books. (👍🏻)

📖 City in Ruins by Don Winslow. I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. It can be done! This is supposedly Don Winslows last book. I enjoyed the series overall but it did not hold a candle to The Power of the Dog trilogy.

🍿 Dune. Rewatched this in preparation for the sequel. It holds up. The sound design and visuals are nearly as amazing on my couch as they were in the theater. (👍🏻)

🍿 Dune: Part 2. This movie is a masterpiece. I’m struggling with what to write about it because I enjoyed every element. The sound design, the visuals, the acting, and the sheer commitment to the Dune vibe makes this a new classic in the Sci-Fi movie pantheon. (👍🏻)

🕹️ Persona 3 Reload. After playing Midnight Suns I figured I would try my hand at its inspiration. The Persona series games are very long and I’ve avoided them because of that. No longer. I loved this game and now I’m trying to talk myself off a ledge and diving headfirst into the rest of the franchise. Persona 5 Tactics next?

🍿 Alien and Aliens. Classic science fiction at its best.

🍿 Poor Things. Emma Stone’s transformation from baby to adult in this modern Frankenstein was a sight to behold. (👍🏻)

📖 Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. I’m about 75% into the follow up to The Way Of Kings and it’s everything the first book was and more. (👍🏻)

📺 X-Men ‘97. Love this so far. Can the X-Men reinvigorate the MCU? (👍🏻)

📺 Shogun. I’m only two episodes in so far. Reading subtitles is not my cup of tea but the story is very entertaining that I plan on sticking it out.

🕹️ Inscryption. This game combines roguelike deck-building, escape room puzzles, and a creepy setting and comes up with something unlike anything else I’ve played. Go into this game blind and stick with it. It’s worth it. (👍🏻)

The rest of the things I watched / did but weren’t worth writing about. Sometimes you just want to watch a little garbage: 🍿 Next Goal Wins, 🍿 Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

I have struggled to post anything to the blog this past month. I have been trying to update my app Bound due to new Google Drive API changes and the conversations with Google have been incredibly slow and boring. In the mean time, I have been filling my time by playing a few games and rewatching the Lord of the Rings trilogy with some friends.

Other than that, here is what I did in the past month:

📺 The Crown (Season 6). The final episode of The Crown really nailed the tone. Seeing the queen grapple with her station and humanity against her past selves (and actors) was really well done. I didn’t love every episode this season but the finale made it all worth it. (👍🏻)

🍿 Saltburn. Didn’t expect this to go the way it did. Not sure I liked it but I didn’t not like it either. If you’re curious, give it a go.

📖 The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss. Will the third installment in The Kingkiller Chronicles series ever come out? Not sure. This was a fun quick romp in that world and would be a decent onboarding for anyone who was thinking about diving in.

🍿 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Better and worse than I expected at the same time. Phoebe Waller Bridge was great as usual and so was Ford. The third act was a little over the top for my taste.

📺 What If… (Season 2). Entertaining yet forgettable. That pretty much describes the entire post-Endgame Marvel universe for me. Will the pendulum swing back? Not sure, but I think onboarding the X-men (someday) can do it.

🍿 Killers of the Flower Moon. Such a long movie. It’s good, as most Scorsese movies are but I don’t think I’ll be watching it again anytime soon.

📺 Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Was this show good? I’m not even sure I enjoyed it. I watched the whole thing because I was on a bit of a Godzilla kick after Godzilla: Minus One but I’m not sure I should have stuck with it.

📺 Reacher (Season 2). This show is exactly what you think it is and it’s more fun and well done than you would expect.

📺 The Curse. Very odd show with a finale that shouldn’t be missed. Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Ben Safdie were perfect in their roles. Every scene was uncomfortable. I could only watch one episode at a time because it was too exhausting. (👍🏻)

📺 Delicious in Dungeon. I always keep a charming anime around to fill the random bits of time. Right now it’s Delicious in Dungeon; an anime about eating monsters in a vaguely DnD like world. Every episode there is a new monster to eat. Strange and fun at the same time.

🕹️ Midnight Suns. I received a Backbone One as a gift for Christmas last month. I’ve been playing Midnight Suns via Xbox Remote Play on my iPhone. It’s been a pretty fun experience playing a AAA title on my phone. The game is a mix between Slay the Spire and Fire Emblem: Three Houses and it’s got me hooked. (👍🏻)

This year was the first in nearly 10 years that I could not finish my reading goal. I ended the year with 18 books; just shy of my goal of 20. I am a bit bummed that I couldn’t meet the goal but ultimately I think that the blame for it lies in a lack of reading momentum due to not connecting with many of the books I did read. I’ll get over it. On to next year’s goal…

Here’s what I’ve been up to the past month:

📺 Loki: Season 2. I’m not entirely sure I understood exactly what was going on the entire time, but the stakes were clear enough. Tom Hiddleston is a treasure and I hope we haven’t seen the last of this character.

🕹️ Super Mario Bros. Wonder. I have one more level to go in this game but it’s safe to say that it’s nothing less than a masterpiece. Decades of Mario games has culminated in a game that is approachable by everyone, new in fantastic ways, and comfortingly old in all the ways that matter. (👍🏼)

📺 Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God. What the hell did I just witness? Documentary series are not typically my cup of tea as I think they’re usually overstay their welcome. This was a tight three episodes and the conclusion is too wild for me to spoil. People are crazy and it’s a bit depressing. (👍🏼)

🍿 The Mummy (2017). This movie was mediocre at best but surprising in that the movie studios canned the “Dark Universe” shared universe concept before it even got off the ground. It’s probably for the best that it didn’t happen but it leaves me wondering, what if?

🍿 Godzilla: Minus One. There is a lot of Godzilla content going around right now and I think this new Japanese entry is the best of them all. Bringing the story back to the days following WW2 was a great choice. The effects were nicely done on the small budget it had too. The power behind Godzilla’s laser blast was on another level. Very impactful and (intentionally) reminiscent of a nuclear bomb blast. (👍🏼)

🍿 The Boy and the Heron. It’s everything you want in a Miyazaki movie. Beautiful animation, wild and sometimes grotesque characters, a plot where you don’t know exactly what will come next, and a touching story at the heart of it all.

🍿 Merry Little Batman. This was pretty cute. A Batman story that doesn’t take itself too seriously is always fun. I’m not typically a fan of holiday specials (bah humbug!?) but Merry Little Batman was entertaining.

🕹️ Jusant. Video games with climbing sequences and puzzles are my jam. So when I saw that Jusant was a game about climbing, I was in. This is a beautiful and brief game and i enjoyed every minute of it. (👍🏼)

🍿 Wonka. When the trailer was released my first impression was that this movie was going to be trash. Fortunately, that was not the case! The director previously made the Paddington movies and a lot of the charm from those shine through in this.

🍿 The Creator. The story, settings, and sets felt very grounded in reality. The young girl who played Alphie did a great job and the relationship that develops between the main character and her was very sweet. Unfortunately, I read somewhere that this felt like a poor man’s Christopher Nolan movie and I can’t get that out of my head.

📖 Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher. The 2023 Hugo Award winner for best novel lives up to that reputation. This was the last book I read this year and I couldn’t have asked for a better novel. Nettle & Bone masterfully weaves fresh fantasy concepts nested within old fairy tail tropes. I particularly loved the puppet who controlled the innkeeper. (👍🏼)

📖 Witch King by Martha Wells. The underlying story was novel and the world was richly developed, however, I really struggled getting through this book. I can’t quite put my finger on it but it ultimately just did not grip me in the way that other novels this year did.

I am a huge fan of Jason Kottke and his website, kottke.org. Periodically, Jason posts a summary of what he’s been watching, reading, playing, and doing. I look forward to these posts and thought it would be fun to start doing the same.

I am hoping that writing about the content I consume will allow me to reflect on and remember more of what I enjoy (or don’t enjoy).

So without further ado, here is what I’ve been up to the past month:

🍿 Nosferatu. Somehow I had never seen Nosferatu prior to this. Nitehawk Theater screened a restoration with a live score played by a band on Halloween night. It was the perfect way to see it for the first time. (👍🏼)

📺 Our Flag Means Death. Love this show. Very sweet, very fun. Taika’s comedic timing is unmatched. I’m hoping it gets picked up for a third season but they ended this one in a way that’s fitting even if it does not. (👍🏼)

📺 The Sopranos. I was very late to the game despite loving all things organized crime. What is there to say that hasn’t already been said about Tony Soprano and the rest of the ensemble cast that makes up this show? James Gandolfini embodies Tony Soprano in a way that so many actors wish they could emulate but can never achieve. The show isn’t perfect but it has quickly climbed to one of the top spots in my favorite shows of all time list. (❤️)

📺 Pluto. I have never read or watched any Astro Boy content before this. Pluto was a wonderful take on robots / AI coming to terms with its own humanity. I’d love to watch more content in this vein. Pluto reminded me of a cross between Blade Runner and Neon Genesis Evangelion. (👍🏼)

📖 The War Of The Worlds by H.G. Wells. I try to read a few “classics” every year. I did not realize this was written in 1897. I was wondering why it took so long for the military to show up but it must have taken a while for the news to spread back then. I’m planning on listening to the Orson Welles radio broadcast and maybe rewatching the Spielberg movie sometime soon. (👍🏼)

🕹️ Puzzmo. New game service by Zach Gage and Orta Therox that is trying to compete with the likes of The New York Times' games offering. There is a lot to love here. The new game, Flipart, has become my go to game when I wake up in the morning. Give this a shot if you like newspaper games of all kinds. (❤️)

🕹️ Playdate. I received a Playdate as a 2022 Christmas gift but only just received it. I have been addicted to the thing since I opened the box. The hardware is solid and the crank has a great feel. My favorite type of games are short, twitchy, skill based games that I can beat in a few days and this has those types of games by the bucketload. (❤️)

🍿 Mission Impossible: Dead Reconning Part One. The action sequences in this movie were great fun. I think I have enjoyed the Mission Impossible series more than the James Bond franchise in recent years. This does suffer a bit by being a Part 1 of 2 movie, and I’m not sure this was really necessary for this story line. That said, I will be watching the next one, if only to see Tom Cruise do another one of his insane stunts. (👍🏼)

📖 Starter Villain by John Scalzi. Just the book I needed after reading a few slower books. Scalzi is always a great popcorn-type read and I blasted through this in a few days. Just like every other book of his. I’m hoping he can get back to a series of books again sometime soon. (👍🏼)

📺 Scavengers Reign. Wow. Started this show on a whim after seeing a Threads post about it. I devoured it on a lazy weekend while Emily was doing pottery. Creative sci-fi with life forms reminiscent of Adventure Time mixed with a very adult, somber, but heartfelt storyline. More like this please! (❤️)

🍿 Napoleon. I was really looking forward to this and was a bit let down. Joaquin Phoenix is great in the role but there was something missing. Watch this on Apple Plus instead of the theater. (🫤)

📺 Blue Eye Samurai. This anime was a nice surprise. The animation was incredible and it reminded me Avatar: The Last Airbender grown up (with way more violence and none of the magic qualities). Very much looking forward to Season 2. (❤️)

🍿 Elemental. We’ve been putting this movie off and finally, begrudgingly, fired it up on a lazy Saturday night. Has Pixar ever tackled a love story head on quite like this? The animation was fantastic as usual and I had very few gripes. (👍🏼)

🕹️ Bramble: The Mountain King. The story was engaging but the control scheme left something to be desired. Too clunky. I’d still recommend this tho as it was quite short and not that difficult. A fun weekend romp and free on Game Pass. (🫤)

📖 The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. I’ll be honest and say that I started this book purely because it was short and I’m making a last ditch effort to complete my reading goal for the year. Recognizing the fact that it was written in 1915 and translated from German, it was… fine. Though, I did particularly like the resulting metamorphosis of the family after the death of Gregor. (🫤)

🏎️ 2023 F1 Season. Fun season, even if it was predetermined that Max would win. (👍🏼)

🍿 Blue Beetle. I expected this to be generic and I wasn’t wrong. I think they infused it with enough charm that I did enjoy watching enough that I didn’t regret it. (🫤)

🍿 Cobweb. This has been on my horror radar for a while now and I was looking forward to it. It let me down a bit. Malignant did it better. (🫤)

🍿 Shin Godzilla. Bought this on sale a long time ago and finally got around to watching. Evolving Godzilla is a great concept. The initial form is so wacky and off the wall that you’re exited for future evolutions. (👍🏼)

When I started this blog, my intention was to resist the urge to use it as an outlet for complaining. The tech commentator world is full enough of that already and I don’t need another space to vent.

BUT. I’ve got a bone to pick with one specific iOS bug that’s bothered me for years and yet I’ve never seen anyone else mention it:

When Notification Center presents itself, notifications are briefly shown with square corners before re-rendering with rounded corners.

This issue has happened daily for over a year now and through multiple major iOS updates.

Has anyone else experienced this with the same frequency as me? What’s your pet bug that kills you inside?

Someone send help. 😅

Recently, folks have been sharing their default apps in a bunch of different categories. (I’m told the podcast Hemispheric Views started this. I plan on listening soon.)

I’m a sucker for learning about other people’s workflows and seeing how I can make better use of my time, so this was right up my alley.

In recent years I have drastically simplified the amount of third party apps I use. I felt like I was on a hamster wheel of finding and using the latest mail client, RSS reader, to-do list, etc.

I still keep my ear to the ground about the hot new productivity app but I have to be really sure it’s sticking around before I swap away from the default Apple option. Apple’s apps don’t always have the latest flashy features but I generally expect them to be around for the next five years.

Without further adieu, here are my default apps:

📨 Mail Client

• Apple Mail

📮 Mail Server

• GSuite (Is it still called this? I’m considering switching to FastMail but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.)

📝 Notes

• Apple Notes

✅ To-Do

• Apple Reminders

📷 iPhone Photo Shooting

• Apple Camera

🟦 Photo Management

• iCloud Photos / Apple Photos

📆 Calendar

• Fantastical

📁 Cloud File Storage

• iCloud Drive

📖 RSS

• N/A (I used Feedbin after the death of Google Reader but I no longer use RSS much at all anymore.)

🙍🏻‍♂️ Contacts

• Apple Contacts

🌐 Browser

• Safari / Firefox / Chrome in that order.

💬 Chat

• Apple Messages and one Slack

🔖 Bookmarks

• N/A (I usually save links in Apple Reminders or Apple Notes, depending on the context.)

📑 Read It Later

• Ephemera (This one is my app. It’s simple and unique. Check it out!)

📜 Word Processing

• Apple Notes / TextEdit / Pages

📈 Spreadsheets

• Numbers (I would use Excel in a heartbeat if I had any services spreadsheeting to do.)

📊 Presentations

• N/A

🛒 Shopping Lists

• Apple Reminders

🍴 Meal Planning

• Mela

💰 Budgeting and Personal Finance

• Copilot (I’m not convinced this is the app for me. It’s pretty but the Fidelity integration does not work. I’m fielding suggestions. Let me know!)

📰 News

• Apple News

🎵 Music

• Apple Music

🎤 Podcasts

• Overcast

🔐 Password Management

• 1Password (Thinking about switching to the native keychain implementation, but I’ve got my family on the 1Password family plan and it sounds like a pain in the butt for me to switch.)