Clamp created Syaoran as the series' second protagonist of Tsubasa who would replace the clone in the second half, while developing unique traits alongside Watanuki.

As most of Clamp's works involve twin characters, for Tsubasa, the team instead decided to create the dynamic of the two Syaorans as doppelgängers in order to set them up apart, despite being identical.

Nevertheless, the characters' continues fights and backstory portrayed in the climax of the manga earned positive response for being well written as he is finally explored.

[1] With the ending of Tsubasa, Clamp wrote the spin-off World Chronicle in order to elaborate on Syaoran's never-ending journey and the people he would encounter.

Fellow voice actress Yui Makino also discussed Irino's role, saying that he was the most difficult character to cast because of the requirement to portray the two Syaorans.

Upon reading the series and the script for the OVAs, Irino found the story of the original Syaoran too sad so he faced difficulties with voicing the two characters.

[4] The constant interactions between Watanuki and Syaoran were made to build up why both of these characters are important in their respective series as well as to explore more the crossover element Tsubasa has with xxxHolic.

[10] Despite being imprisoned and sealed in slumber by Fei-Wang in his first appearances, Syaoran is sometimes able control his clone's body to assist him in his journey.

[23][24] With the clone disappearing, the real Syaoran breaks the curse by forcing himself to travel across different worlds for the rest of his life.

[28] Syaoran's group is also present the anime adaptation of Kobato where they meet the young title girl and help with making meals as an exchange for living together.

[31] Syaoran returns as the protagonist of Tsubasa World Chronicle where he, Kurogane, Fai and Mokona go to the country of Nirai Kanai.

In Utaki, the original Syaoran seeks to fight the clone in order to make him reincarnate alongside the undead from the world.

[38] Manga News refrained from explaining the twists involving the two Syaorans as stating any conflict from his review would generate major spoilers to the readers but felt the relationship would still surprise them.

[42] Chris Zimmerman from Comic Book Bin highlighted that since the original Syaoran's introduction, the narrative takes a darker tone, especially when he starts engaging in gruesome fights with the clone, calling it a "titanic clash".

[43] A similar comment was done by Todd Douglass Jr. from DVD Talk based on how the clash between the two Syaorans, the plot becomes darker in regards to their allies.

[45] Manga News found Syaoran's personality as more as humble and comical in contrast to the angstier Sakura who does not want to see him due to the similarities between him and the clone.

Anime News Network enjoyed the more innocent Syaoran seen in Kingdom of Clow where he fell in love with the original Sakura as children as their interactions were felt to be good written by Clamp.

[52] Manga News found the fate of the character too tragic as he could see through the flashback how Syaoran's happy childhood would become darker when being eventually imprisoned by Fei Wang Reed.

[53] Following the ending of Tsubasa, Manga News enjoyed Syaoran's cameo in the 18th volume of xxxHolic as his personal relationship with Watanuki is explored for the first time.

[55] Sarahi Isuki Castella Olivera from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla said that while the two Syaoran are nearly identical characters, they possess different hearts with the clone losing it in the series' second half as a result of being controlled by Fei Wang Reed.