Since modern smartphones are capable of running demanding games, playing them with touchscreen controls is not always enjoyable. This is where a mobile game controller comes into play. GameSir contacted me to review its new G8+ mobile gaming controller, and I eagerly seized the opportunity to explore mobile gaming with a controller.
GameSir, a reliable gaming accessories maker, has built a great reputation in recent years with its high-quality, feature-packed game controllers. The latest addition to their lineup, the G8+ mobile game controller, continues this trend. The G8+ succeeds the G8 Galileo, which was launched in November 2023, and comes with several significant upgrades, solidifying its position as GameSir’s top mobile gaming controller.
I have been using the G8+ mobile game controller for the past few weeks, and it has proven to be incredibly addictive. Thanks to the G8+ controller, I find myself gaming on my phone more than ever. Its swappable joystick, detachable magnetic faceplates, Hall effect triggers and joysticks, universal compatibility, and super comfortable design make it the best mobile game controller I have experienced to date. So, is it worth the investment? Let’s find out.
Pros
Incredibly comfortable design
Solid build quality
Hall Effect triggers and joystick
1000mAh long-lasting battery
Universal compatibility (Switch, PC, iOS,and Android)
Durable buttons with up to 5 million times lifespan
GameSir companion app for extra customization
Cons
Phones with sizable camera modules or cases don’t fit properly
Only one color option
Not designed to be portable
Unboxing
Pricing and Availability
GameSir G8+ mobile controller is available for $79.99 and can be purchased through Amazon or GameSir’s official website. It is offered in a sleek Matte Black color option. Despite significant upgrades, it maintains a similar price to its predecessor, which is impressive. With its affordable pricing, the GameSir G8+ is positioned to dominate the market when compared to competitors like the Backbone One and the slightly pricier Razer Kishi V2.
Design and Features
GameSir has opted for a very subtle and minimalist design for the G8+. In contrast, it looks very similar to the original G8 controller, with some minor tweaks, but it still comes in a larger size compared to other gaming controllers. The matte-black finish, along with a nice and soft anti-slip textured surface at the back, feels much better in the hand and provides great comfort during extended gaming sessions.
The layout of the GameSir G8+ gaming controller will be familiar to Xbox gamers, with its triggers, joysticks, buttons, and full-size D-pad mirroring that of the Xbox controller. Despite its large size, making it less portable, the controller offers excellent ergonomics and a near-console-like feel, especially considering its price point.
The new G8+ mobile controller weighs 314 grams, a significant increase from the 215 grams of last year’s model. You’ll notice the heft when mounting the phone on it. The controller features a magnetic faceplate that is easily detachable. GameSir also includes three different sizes of thumbsticks in the box – tall, short, and extra short – allowing you to easily switch these out according to your preferences.
The G8+ boasts a similar layout to the Xbox controller, with a full-size D-Pad, ABXY face buttons, off-set joysticks, triggers, menu, view, screenshot, mode, home, and macros buttons.
Image Credit – Abhinav Fating
On the bottom, you find a Bluetooth pairing button and a USB-C port for charging, as well as wired connections. GameSir has omitted the headphone jack and USB-C connector from the G8+, which is a positive change. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity support, you can effortlessly connect your smartphone to the controller, even if it has a sizable camera module, without any issues.
The mobile game controller features an extensible design that easily supports devices with screen sizes of up to 8 inches without any issues. The slotting design is optimized for smartphones with a small camera module. I tested several devices, including the Infinix GT 10 Pro, Infinix Zero 30, and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, and had no problems slotting them in. However, when I tried to insert the iQOO 12 smartphone, which has a large camera module, I found that the phone did not fit properly. Not only the iQOO 12, but most of the 2024 phones, such as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Vivo X100 Pro, and OnePlus 12, have large camera housings, and as a result, they did not fit properly.
There’s no problem with the case – I used my Infinix Zero 30 5G with it and it fitted comfortably, with no issues whatsoever. However, make sure the case isn’t rugged; otherwise, you’ll need to take it off to use the G8+. Unlike other GameSir controllers, the G8+ doesn’t come with a hard shell carrying case.
Performance
Most mobile controllers usually have smaller triggers and face buttons, which can obviously hinder the overall gaming experience. However, this is not the case with GameSir’s G8+ mobile game controller. The G8+ game controller has a very similar layout to an Xbox controller, providing a comfortable and familiar feel. Despite its large form factor, it fits right in your palms and feels premium.
The GameSir G8+ comes with Hall Effect joysticks, which prevent any drift issues even with extended use. The domed-shaped joysticks with small circular ribs offer a solid grip, and the box also includes three additional different-sized joysticks which can be easily switched out as needed. The buttons feel excellent to use, offering great tactility and feedback. The punchy and clicky buttons are quite durable, and GameSir mentions that the buttons can withstand 5 million clicks. The triggers with the Hall Effect have a good range of motion and also feature small ribs for extra grip.
Image Credit – Abhinav Fating
I tried several Android games, including COD: Warzone, Shadow Fight 4 Arena, Stumble Guys, and Horizon Chase, with a G8+ mobile controller, and it worked flawlessly. Thanks to the Bluetooth support, I can also connect the G8+ to my PC and use it as a standalone wireless controller without a mobile device attached. I also played some games on my Windows rig, such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and NFS Payback, and I didn’t encounter any compatibility or latency issues whatsoever. Additionally, I tested the controller with Steam Link and didn’t notice any issues.
The G8+ controller’s asymmetric rumble motors impressed me a lot with their realistic and immersive haptic feedback, which I mostly noticed in the fighting scenes. Furthermore, it offers a built-in 6-axis gyroscope for better motion control, which is very helpful when playing fps games.
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You can connect the controller to the smartphone, PC, iOS, and Switch using Bluetooth, wired, or a wireless dongle. I opted for a Bluetooth connection, which is fast, reliable, and seamlessly connects with my devices. Alternatively, you can use the wired option, which operates on a simple plug-and-play mechanism.
The G8+ mobile controller comes with a 1,000mAh battery (500mAh on each side) that can last a week without any issues. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the battery life depends entirely on your gaming sessions. In my experience, I typically played games for about half an hour each day. Therefore, it’s clear that playing for more than an hour will surely affect these numbers.
Software
What I also like is that the G8+ controller has physical as well as software customization options. Yes, you heard right, you can customize the controller physically by switching buttons and sticks.
Aside from physical customization, the G8+ game controller comes with dedicated companion app support called GameSir. With this app, available for both iOS and Android devices, you can configure the controller and check the battery status.
After downloading the app, you can pair the G8+ controller with it, and you’ll have plenty of customization options to tweak the controller to your liking. The “Button Settings” tab allows you to switch between the standard face button layout and the Xbox layout. Additionally, the key mapping tab enables you to map back buttons as needed.
You also have a “Gamepad Test” tab, where you can check all the buttons, triggers, and joysticks on the controller to ensure they are working properly. In the “Trigger Settings” tab, you can adjust the trigger’s dead zone, with a range from 0 to 100. Additionally, you can switch the triggers to “Hair Trigger Mode” using the Quick Trigger switch, which enhances their responsiveness for shooting and action games.
Lastly, there is a ‘Vibration Intensity’ tab that allows you to adjust vibration strength and grip strength and has a range from 0 to 4 which you can set up as per your preference.
The only quibble is that while configuring the controller, the app crashes almost so often and sometimes it even fails to detect the controller, requiring a reconnection, which is very annoying. GameSir really needs to do better here.
Earned for achieving an overage average star rating of at least 3.75 stars, this product is an AndroidGuys Smart Pick, signifying a perfect blend of quality, performance, and value. It excels in key areas like design, innovation, and user experience, offering top-notch functionality at a great price.
Should you buy the GameSir G8+ Mobile Bluetooth Controller?
You should buy this if..
You want a mobile Bluetooth controller with sturdy build quality
You need a controller with hall effect triggers and joysticks
You need a controller with excellent battery life
You need an affordable mobile Bluetooth controller
You shouldn’t buy this if..
You have a phone with a large camera module
You are looking for more portable option
Final Thoughts
Image Credit – Abhinav Fating
Overall, the GameSir did a fantastic job with its latest G8+ Mobile Bluetooth controller. I would say the controller is way ahead of the competition thanks to its sturdy console-grade controller build with anti-slip textured grip, easy-to-use layout, terrific hall-effect sticks and triggers, punchy and durable buttons, impressive battery life, seamless connectivity, great haptic feedback, and an affordable price point.
The only quibble is that the controller doesn’t fit properly with phones that have a sizable camera module, and its software needs a bit of improvement.
These aside, the GameSir G8+ mobile gaming controller is one of the most fantastic controllers around and a great solution for those who want a more immersive and console-like gaming experience on their smartphones without breaking the bank.
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