Most of my gaming is completed on my Windows rig or the PlayStation 5, and whereas I are likely to play a number of informal titles on my cellphone, they do not want a controller. I did not trouble with cellular controllers up thus far, however utilizing the Steam Deck reinvigorated my curiosity in handhelds (I’m obsessive about Balatro), and I needed to see what Android has to supply.It did not take lengthy to appreciate that Android has plenty of wonderful video games, so I wanted to get my palms on a cellular controller. I’ve a dozen PS5 and Xbox controllers, however I needed one thing designed for use with a cellphone, and my search led to GameSir, particularly the G8 Galileo.The G8 Galileo is GameSir’s newest cellular controller, and it has plenty of distinctive options. It has full-size triggers and buttons, and it’s simply as comfy to make use of because the Scuf Reflex Pro, my most popular PS5 controller. It has an extensible design that may simply slot in quite a lot of telephones, and the USB-C port pivots, making it extremely handy to connect a cellphone to the controller.If you’ve got tried out a cellular controller however weren’t happy with the sizing or construct high quality, you must check out the G8 Galileo.GameSir G8 Galileo: Pricing and availability(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)GameSir unveiled the G8 Galileo in November 2023, and the cellular controller prices simply $79 on Amazon. You may purchase it for a similar $79 retail worth by way of GameSir’s web site, and whereas you aren’t getting a carrying case with the bundle — in contrast to different GameSir merchandise — you should buy a bundle by shelling out a further $10.GameSir G8 Galileo: Design and options(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The G8 Galileo is bigger than different cellular controllers, and this can be a good factor. Using it in opposition to GameSir’s X3 controller, the distinction is instantly noticeable — the full-size D-pad, triggers, and buttons make it really feel nearer to utilizing an Xbox controller, and that goes a good distance whereas gaming.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The match and end is excellent; the G8 Galileo feels significantly better in-hand than the X3, and the contoured design on the again with the textured end makes it extremely comfy to carry and use. That stated, it’s on the heavier facet at 251g, and while you add the load of a cellphone, you are going to discover the heft, significantly throughout marathon gaming classes.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The G8 Galileo is offered in a gray colour scheme, and it appears to be like respectable sufficient in its personal proper. The faceplate is hooked up magnetically to the controller, and is well removable. But seeing as how the model does not promote faceplate designs (but), you aren’t getting a lot in the best way of customization. What you do get is a selection of three thumbsticks — quick, tall, and dome — and you may simply swap these out as wanted.Image 1 of 3(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Slotting in a cellphone is fairly easy; the G8 Galileo has an extensible design with the left facet stretching outward, and whereas GameSir says the controller can accommodate telephones with massive digicam modules, that is not the case. Most 2024 telephones had a difficulty with the match; the Find X7 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Magic 6 Pro, Vivo X100 Pro, and even the OnePlus 12 jutted out as there simply wasn’t sufficient clearance for his or her digicam housings.Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Thankfully, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Pixel 8 Pro, and the common Xiaomi 14 slotted into the G8 Galileo with none points, so I used the controller with these telephones. The Zenfone 11 Ultra would have been a really perfect selection, however as its USB-C port is not centered, it simply appeared awkward when hooked up to the controller.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Cases aren’t an issue, so long as they don’t seem to be rugged; I exploit a case with my Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and there was sufficient clearance to suit each telephones comfortably. My favourite function is the pivoting USB-C port; it simply lets you slot in a cellphone with a minimal of problem, and there is no fear of the port snagging on a cellphone while you take it out.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)While there’s clearly loads to love on the design facet of issues, the G8 Galileo is not geared for portability. The cellular controller is simply too massive, and in contrast to different GameSir controllers, you aren’t getting a tough shell carrying case — that clearly hinders its usability outdoors the home.GameSir G8 Galileo: Performance(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The smartest thing concerning the G8 Galileo is that it is rather like an Xbox controller in day by day use, and that offers it a definite edge. Most cellular controllers I used thus far had smaller buttons and triggers, and that will get annoying actually quick. Thankfully, that simply is not a difficulty with the G8 Galileo, and it’s simply as comfy as a daily controller.Image 1 of 4(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The buttons have nice tactility and suggestions, and the triggers have vary of movement. The textured again design makes holding and utilizing the controller simpler, and regardless that it will get heavy when you add a cellphone, it is not too uncomfortable even with prolonged gaming classes.Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)What I additionally like is that it has paddles on the again, and so they’re simply configurable; you need not do fiddle with the software program. There’s no drift points with the corridor impact thumbsticks, and even with prolonged use, they held up simply nice — there are not any issues on this space. If the bundled thumbsticks aren’t to your liking, you get different-sized choices within the bundle, and it is simple to modify them out.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)There’s a 3.5mm jack on the controller as effectively, and it lets you simply plug in IEMs. Another helpful addition is pass-through charging; you may cost your cellphone by plugging within the charger to the USB-C port situated on the facet of the G8 Galileo.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The G8 Galileo is terrific in day by day use; it robotically works in titles that may be performed with a controller, and there is no latency in anyway — as you’d think about. The largest differentiator is the bigger dimension, and it permits the controller to be comfy even after prolonged gaming classes. In reality, it is because of this that I ended up taking part in much more than I believed I’d by way of my cellphone.If you like cloud gaming, the G8 Galileo integrates with GeForce Now and Amazon Luna. I examined it with Steam Link, and there have been no issues.GameSir G8 Galileo: The competitors(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The Backbone One remains to be the most effective cellular controllers round. It is on the smaller facet and is less complicated to tackle the highway, however you miss out on full-size buttons, and there are not any paddles on the again. And at $99, it is not as reasonably priced because the G8 Galileo.I exploit Scuf’s controllers extensively, and the model simply rolled out its first cellular controller, dubbed Nomad. It connects over Bluetooth 5.0 and is designed for use with iPhones, and just like the G8 Galileo, it has full-size triggers and thumbsticks. Coming in at $99, it’s costlier, but when it is something just like the Reflex or Instinct controllers, it ought to be fabulous.GameSir G8 Galileo: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You should purchase this if:You desire a cellular controller with nice construct high qualityYou want a controller that is extraordinarily comfyYou want a plug-and-play system that does not want any tinkeringYou want corridor impact thumbsticksYou should not purchase this if:You want a conveyable cellular controllerYou have a cellphone with an outsized digicam islandAs I stated firstly, I have never paid a lot consideration to this class previously, however GameSir’s G8 Galileo delivers every thing I want in a cellular controller. The dimension is excellent; it’s massive sufficient to get a cushty grip, and the buttons and thumbsticks are terrific.Passthrough charging and the addition of a 3.5mm port make it simply that little extra versatile, and I just like the pivoting USB-C connector — I paired the controller with plenty of telephones, and I wasn’t frightened concerning the port damaging any system. The solely quibble is that it does not work with telephones which have sizeable cameras, and that is most high-end telephones lately. That stated, it wasn’t a difficulty with the Pixel 8 Pro or the iPhone 15 Pro Max.I did not see any points with the construct high quality both within the six months I used the G8 Galileo, and whereas it is not as simply transportable as GameSir’s different merchandise, it is among the greatest cellular controllers round.
With a cushty design and high-quality buttons and triggers, the G8 Galileo is an impressive cellular gaming controller.