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GameSir has blown up the gaming controller market and seems unstoppable withtheir reliable gamepadsequipped with cutting-edge Hall effect joysticks and triggers. Their latest mobile controller is the G8 Plus Galileo wireless gamepad, and it promises more of the same from the surprisingly impressive gaming brand.
GameSir has released other mobile controllers, such as the X2s, but the G8 Plus features a very different design and seems to be primed for at-home mobile gaming. Compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch, and both iOS and Android, is the G8 Plus ready to changethe mobile gaming world?
Box Contents
The G8+ comes in standard packaging, but offers extra joysticks that are far from expected.
Design
Although GameSir has previously designed mobile game controllers, the G8 Plus represents a totally new approach to comfortability. Unlike the rectangular handles GameSir is used to shelling out, the G8 Plus comes with broad, contoured handles much more similar to modern game systems than to retro ones. As is typical of GameSir, the controller is built for gamers with larger hands, offering a comfortable grip to these oft-neglected players.
Along with an ergonomic shape, the G8+ comes with noticeable, deeply etched texture that keeps hands cool and contributes to the stable feel and overall comfort. That texture wraps around the backs of each handle, ending just before the two back buttons, making it easy to know when your finger is over the switches. This excellent texture is also found on the triggers and bumpers of the controller, adding a bit of a premium feel to the whole thing.
The expandable controller is ideal for a wide variety of devices, from the Nintendo Switch to the Google Pixel. A thick rubber backing has been added to this model to help protect large cameras, such as those on the iPhone 15 or the Pixel 8, from getting scratched or knocked about. This isn’t exactly necessary or perfect, especially if you like to use a left-sided orientation (volume controls on top) or if you have a case (which naturally creates a protective gap), but plenty of players will find this extra feature to be a seriously nice touch.
With rubber siding and easy sliding, the controller effortlessly clasps around most screen sizes and feels snug and secure the entire time. That being said, it would be nice if the controller fully collapsed, such as theRazer Kishi, and it would work better with the Switch if it physically attached to it, likeHori’s Split Pad Prodoes, but neither of these are ideal for players with large hands. Additionally, the contouring makes the G8 Plus’ design much more ergonomic than the competition.
Customizability
GameSir prides itself on easy customizability, making the transition from Xbox-style to Switch-style buttons absolutely effortless, but the G8 Plus goes even further with its customization. For instance, magnetic faceplates that attach with a satisfying snap have been a staple of GameSir controllers since the beginning, offering players a way to get custom artwork done or simply change the color, but with G8 Plus, these faceplates allow players to physically change their controllers in a new way.
The G8 Plus comes with swappable, magnetic-based ABXY buttons, as well as three alternate joysticks. The ABXY buttons are pretty slick, but once you get a grip on them, they pop out easily and can be replaced just the same, with the magnetic connection ensuring proper placement every time. This is excellent news, as the G8 Plus once again offers GameSir’s wildly convenient interchange key function, which instantly swaps A and B, as well as X and Y, for Switch players who are much more familiar with Xbox-style button layouts.
Exposing the handles also means that GameSir could provide players with full joysticks as alternatives, rather than just giving players new tops. This is important because it affects each joystick’s deadzone. The additional options are pretty unique in their own right, too. Retro gamers will absolutely adore the miniature joystick option, which mirrors the GameCube’s C stick. Similarly, another alternative joystick provided has the iconic spiral texture design found on GameCube controllers. Even though they’re both just black, instead of gray and orange, retro gamers will have a tough time finding a similar offering with such modern specs.
Aside from physical customizations, players are also able to reprogram most of the digital functions. The GameSir app is very helpful for remapping, though with the on-board functions available, only players who want to change every button will go rushing to download the handy app. Most users will be satisfied with the AB/XY swap function and the ability to assign other inputs to the back buttons just by using the controller itself.
That being said, the indicator for remapping buttons on the controller is not very good. It’s tough to know when the back buttons have accepted the new input and when it’s still just flashing, waiting for input. Previous versions of GameSir controllers didn’t use the flashing function for anything other than connecting to a new device or confirming an input, but the G8 Plus flashes all the time, going off for most functions.
Regardless, the physical customizability of the G8 Plus is second to none, and the internal customizations are some of the easiest to deal with among modern mobile controllers.
Performance
Excellent durability and industry-leading Hall effect sensors are a recipe for success in the controller world, but there are still limits to the payoff of premium features. The only light indicator on the controller being the main power button stands as a bit of an annoyance when it comes to connecting to devices. Again, the light almost never stops flashing, even after it’s been connected. Every time you press a button that does not have a function within the game you’re playing, the light flashes. For example, if you’re playingThe Legend of Zelda, forget that you’re not on Xbox, and hit X while using Ultra Hand, the G8 Plus flashes at you.
While it’s a bit funny to get mocked by your controller, it’s less entertaining when you’re trying to connect the controller to your gaming device and have no idea whether it’s struggling to connect, or just flashing because your test button presses aren’t useful on the home screen. This also brings up a major problem with G8 Plus: it’s fairly laggy.
When connecting the controller, there is a significant pause between the controller thinking it is synced and the device realizing that it does, in fact, have a new controller connected to it. While this is a minor annoyance, the lag is most notable when it comes to the back buttons, which aren’t as responsive as they should be and require a lot more pressure to activate than other GameSir controllers. There is some feedback in the form of an audible and tactile click, but there were many occurrences of this feedback being received well before the actuator was truly activated.
Back buttons can be a bit of a novelty, so this isn’t the end of the world for the G8 Plus, particularly for gamers with large hands. However, this connectivity or responsiveness issue seems to affect another function as well: motion controls. When used with the Switch, the G8+’s motion controls didn’t work well, refusing to move more than about 75% of the way across the screen’s right side. However, again, this will likely only affect a very small number of gamers and is far from a death knell for the controller.
The rest of the buttons were very responsive and had few issues. The triggers do have a long pull, but can be changed to hair-trigger for quicker gameplay. At the same time, the battery is more than adequate, outlasting the standard Switch console battery life as well asmost gaming smart phones.
Overall Impression
GameSir’s G8 Plus isn’t the knock out of the park that players have come to expect from the company over the past two years or so, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time. Sure, the controller is a little gimmicky, with its swappable ABXY buttons and rubberized backing, but at the end of the day, these features are very well executed and will be appreciated by players who are actively looking for them.
The slightly annoying connectivity issues and the high latency with the back buttons are significant drawbacks for competitive players and fans of complicated RPGs, but other players likely won’t notice any problems once they’ve connected to their device of choice. In particular, retro gamers and gamers with larger hands will find a lot to love about the G8 Plus that simply isn’t available with other mobile controllers.
GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Controller
The GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Mobile Game Controller is designed for use with the Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Tablets, and PC. The ergonomic design is ideal for gamers with large hands who enjoy playing games across a variety of platforms. Equipped with contoured handles and Hall Effect joystick and trigger sensors, players can enjoy games like Minecraft, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty on their favorite mobile gaming device!
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FAQ
Q: How do you change modes on the GameSir G8 Plus controller?
Depending on which type of device you are connecting to, you’ll need to hold the M button and one of the ABXY buttons to change modes. Check the handbook for your specific controller for more details.
