Skip to main content

Xiaomi’s Gamepad 2.0 turns the Black Shark into a mini Switch

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Chinese phone manufacturer Xiaomi released its Black Shark gaming phone earlier this year. Coming in at under $500, the phone offered great Android gaming performance for cheaper than most of its competitors. Now you can basically turn that phone into an Android-based Nintendo Switch thanks to the Gamepad 2.0 (via Android Authority).

Recommended Videos

The first connectable gamepad for the Black Shark simply attached to the left side of the phone and featured a thumbstick and a few buttons. The Gamepad 2.0 is eerily similar to the Switch Joy-Con, both in size and design.

The Gamepad 2.0 has two parts, one that attaches to the left side of the phone and another that attaches to the right. The left-side controller is basically identical to the left Joy-Con. There’s a joystick, four directional buttons below it, two trigger buttons on top, and a button below the directional keys that can take screen captures and footage. Xiaomi calls this the “multifunction gaming button.” This button lets users program control schemes to their liking.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The right controller attachment is a bit different from the right Joy-Con, but not by much. A “precision touchpad” replaces the joystick, but the face buttons below the pad are organized and named exactly like the Joy-Con (A, B, X, Y). The right half of the controller also has two trigger buttons and the multifunction gaming button as well.

The Gamepad 2.0 comes with a protective case for your phone as well, which is recommended when using the new controller setup. Xiaomi says the Gamepad 2.0 is compatible with most Android games. The controls boast more than 40 hours of battery life and connect to the Black Shark via Bluetooth. The Gamepad 2.0 can be purchased for $89 on Xiaomi’s website with free shipping (protective case included).

Though the Gamepad 2.0 is only compatible with the Black Shark, it’s neat to see a phone manufacturer so engaged in making smartphone gaming a destination platform. It’s easy to tell where Xiaomi’s inspiration for the Gamepad 2.0 came from. The Switch’s handheld controls have been largely praised since its launch last year, so it makes sense that other companies would want to try something similar with its handheld configurations.

Steven Petite
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Steven is a writer from Northeast Ohio currently based in Louisiana. He writes about video games and books, and consumes…
Switch 2 vs. Switch: should you make the switch?
Mario kart running on a Switch 2.

In what may go down in gaming history as the worst-kept secret of all time, we finally have concrete information about the Nintendo Switch 2. This is the latest Nintendo console that succeeds the Switch as the premier system. However, not everyone is convinced that this new system is worth the price, somewhat like the PS5 vs. PS5 Pro. Unlike comparing the Switch vs. Switch OLED, the Switch 2 is a full generational leap with better specs, a new design, updated controllers, and, of course, games. Let's compare every aspect of these two systems so you can make a fully informed decision on whether or not the Switch 2 is for you.
Switch 2 vs. Switch Specs

Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch 2

Read more
Nintendo Switch Online adding GameCube games exclusively for Switch 2
Nintendo GameCube controller on red background

The Switch 2 direct wasn't just about all the shiny new games you'll play, there was also a much requested update to Nintendo Switch Online focused on some great old ones too! Yes, GameCube games are finally coming to Nintendo's online games service. The major caveat being that this is exclusive for Nintendo Switch 2.

This update is part of the Nintendo Switch 2 Online + Expansion Pack service, which to date already lets you play games from past consoles from the NES to Nintendo 64. The first game that will be included is The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the classic cartoon looking entry that sees Link setting sail in a world of islands. That itself is pretty exciting, but does mean that the constant rumors of a remake or port of the title are probably dead in the water.

Read more
Many of your favorite Switch games are getting a Switch 2 Edition
A list of Switch 2 edition games.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct gave us a ton of info on the console's hardware and upcoming games like Mario Kart World, but also highlighted several Switch games getting Switch 2 Editions. A few of these titles shown off include Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond which will all be getting upgrades and some new features when the Switch 2 launches on June 5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmDD7JSfhcE

Read more