Verdict
The GameSir G8 Plus brings to high quality gaming controls to a variety of units. It’s not significantly compact, and the app wants work, but it surely’s arguably probably the most superior all-round transportable machine controller obtainable.
Pros
Superb construct high quality and controlsReplaceable Hall Effect analogue sticksWorks with just about all the things
Cons
GameSir app wants workBig and heavyRequires charging
Compatibility with Switch and all telephonesYou can join the GameSir G8 Plus to all Android and iOS units, in addition to the Switch and even PC.
Charging requiredUnlike the GameSir G8 Galileo, charging is required, and there’s a USB-C port for that function.
Custom UIThe GameSir app provides a window onto your entire put in video games and streaming providers.
Introduction
Earlier this yr we reviewed the GameSir G8 Galileo, which just about set a brand new normal for cell phone sport controllers with its Pro-level controls. The GameSir G8 Plus is actually the identical machine, but it surely swaps out USB-C connectivity for Bluetooth.
This implies that it requires energy, in contrast to the GameSir G8 Galileo, and there are one or two different minor drawbacks. Conversely, with wi-fi connectivity in play, the G8 Plus turns into greater than only a cell phone sport controller and turns into a conveyable machine controller.
Besides Android and iOS, it’s designed to work seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch, changing the Joy-Cons with a completely fleshed out set of controls. It can be used as a generic Bluetooth or wired sport controller in your PC or the rest that accepts such issues.
At £64, GameSir has minimize the value while showing to supply an entire lot extra flexibility. Is it actually the transportable gamer’s everything-controller that it seems to be?
Design
Excellent mounting systemBluetooth means it really works with virtually everythingReplaceable Hall Effect analogue sticks and controls
Like the GameSir G8 Galileo earlier than it, the GameSir G8 Plus takes the type of a easy increasing mechanism flanked by two halves of a generic however well-appointed console controller.
With no USB-C plug to centre and pin your machine, the primary concern is over the steadiness of the G8 Plus. There’s actually no want to fret, because the broad bridge, strong rubberised grips, and just-so stress from the increasing part serves to clamp any machine in place.
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
I examined the controller with an iPhone 15 Pro, a Redmagic 9S Pro, and a Nintendo Switch – three units with very totally different styles and sizes – and the G8 Plus remained securely locked on in every event.
You supposedly take away the rubber backing on the bridge part in case your telephone’s digital camera supplies too chunky, however this proved somewhat too fiddly for my liking. It’s a disgrace GameSir didn’t implement some type of magnetised system, just like the one which removes the face plates of the management sections.
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
The latter characteristic has been applied to be able to change out the controls and analogue sticks. GameSir consists of three spare analogue sticks of various shapes, however the concept is you could swap them out as a consequence of put on as a lot as really feel.
With the G8 Plus additionally being Switch-friendly, it additionally means you could swap across the X, Y, A and B buttons, as they default to the traditional Xbox/PC configuration. There’s a remapping choice within the free GameSir app to seal the deal.
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
Just just like the G8 Galileo and really a lot in contrast to the BackBone One, this isn’t the type of controller you throw in your pocket. It’s a chunky hunk of solidly-built plastic that can require a decent-sized again compartment. At 314g, it’s greater than 60g heavier than its USB-C brother, because of the necessity for a 1000mAh battery (made up of two 500mAh cells) and Bluetooth elements.
The ergonomics and management format can be very acquainted to Xbox players, and GameSir has even discovered area for a pair of mappable buttons on the rear of the controller – although the method for doing this can be a little fiddly.
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
With no bodily hyperlink up, you don’t get the pass-through 3.5mm headphone jack of the G8 Galileo, so that you’ll want so as to add one other Bluetooth machine to the equation in order for you correct audio. That’s maybe the most important motive to go together with the G8 Galileo for those who’re a pure cellular gamer, alongside the latter’s plug and play directness.
There is a USB-C port in the identical location, alongside a pairing button, however that’s purely for charging the controller itself. Unlike the G8 Galileo, you may’t cost or energy your telephone while it’s inserted within the clamp, although after all the Switch’s bottom-mounted USB-C port makes such a factor viable. With Bluetooth connectivity, you too can take your machine out of the controller’s clamp and proceed utilizing it.
Performance and Gaming expertise
Outstanding Hall Effect analogue sticksNice clicky D-padBonus controls round again
I stated it within the GameSir G8 Galileo overview, and I’ll repeat it right here: GameSir makes the perfect pure cellular gaming controls in the marketplace. It’s not simply the full-sized nature and dimensions of the management sections, but in addition the sheer high quality.
It’s each inch a match for a top quality console controller. Indeed, within the case of the G8 Plus’s Hall Effect analogue sticks, it’s even higher than the default Xbox and PS5 provisions.
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
To minimize an extended story brief, Hall Effect analogue sticks aren’t inclined to the stick drift issues that every one bundled in controllers finally endure from. Stick drift is that annoying factor that occurs with a well-used controller when an enter is registered even once you’re not touching the controls. It’s not a difficulty right here.
The sticks are effectively calibrated, making first individual video games like Warzone Mobile (on Android) and Void Bastards (on Switch) play superbly, whereas I used to be in a position to information Mario round in Super Mario Galaxy on the Switch with far more deftness than on the Joy-Cons.
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
On high of the controller there are well-sprung and super-grippy analogue set off buttons (additionally Hall Effect), that are nice with racing video games and shooters.
The D-pad, in the meantime, is a brilliantly clicky and solidly planted instance with a pleasant degree of journey, making it nice for fast-paced 2D fare like Dead Cells (choose your platform).
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
Talking of which, the method of switching between platforms isn’t as intuitive because it could possibly be. You’ll want to carry the little circle button beneath the D-pad along with one of many buttons for every, however I used to be always having to examine again within the annoying fold-out handbook (although you too can discover it on-line) to see which was which. Couldn’t you may have given us a easy bodily change, GameSir?
Once you do join, switching between a number of platforms works effectively, and it’ll even wake your Switch when within the acceptable mode.
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
In addition to generic Bluetooth for iOS, Android and PC (signified by a blue mild); Android-specific for interoperation with the GameSir app (yellow mild); and Nintendo Switch (crimson mild); there’s a fourth mode for these cellular video games that don’t technically assist controllers. This one enables you to map the contact inputs to controls, although you’ll must navigate GameSir’s sub-optimal software program to take action.
GameSir has additionally included its personal haptic motors, so that you gained’t need to miss out on that immersive issue. It can’t hope to match the nuanced marvel of the PS5’s DualSense controller, but it surely supplies good strong vibrations nonetheless.
Software
GameSir app supplies entry to all of your video gamesTouchSync helps video games with no controller supportStreaming service assist
The GameSir G8 Plus is much less reliant on the free GameSir app than the Galileo. Indeed, for those who’re predominantly shopping for it as a Switch controller, you gained’t want it in any respect.
With that stated, it’s on cellular platforms the place you may entry a lot of the controller’s options, and meaning tackling that GameSir app.
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
Thankfully, it’s an enchancment on my expertise with the G8 Galileo. I managed to get the iOS app recognising it this time, a minimum of, although that is nonetheless an Android-first machine. Features like cloud backup configuration gained’t work on trendy builds of iOS, for instance.
Even again on Android, although, this isn’t the tightest UI round. It lacks the fashion and intuitiveness of BackBone’s console-aping UI, with jumble of symbols which can be nonetheless not completely configured for navigation with the controller itself.
As earlier than, there’s a Discover web page that serves as a reasonably ugly storefront for really useful video games, guiding you thru an unpleasant particular person sport itemizing earlier than sending you again to the Google Play retailer to obtain them. Or, within the case of Fortnite, sending you to a non-existent Google Play Store itemizing the place you may’t obtain it.
Image Credit (TechSwitch)
There have been no situations of random Mandarin textual content this time, which is progress, however I did expertise a constant glitch wherein a a “Failed to Get Configuration” message appeared each time I entered the Trigger Settings part, and an incapacity to hit the Quick Trigger Switch toggles that may flip these analogue controls into digital ones.
All in all, there’s nonetheless plenty of work that must be carried out to make a UI that’s worthy of GameSir’s impeccable {hardware}.
Latest offers
Should you purchase it?
You need and improve in your Switch and cellular gaming
The G8 Plus provides high-quality controls in your Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS units.
Portability is a precedence
If staying compact is necessary, stick along with your Switch Joy-Cons and purchase a BackBone One in your telephone. The G8 Plus is BIG.
Final Thoughts
The GameSir G8 Plus provides a lot the identical expertise because the G8 Galileo, with excellent console-quality (and above) controls and replaceable Hall Effect analogue sticks.
It broadens out the scope of that bundle because of Bluetooth connectivity, which expands this excellent cellular gaming controller into an impressive Nintendo Switch controller too.
You’ll pay for this added performance in a few small however doubtlessly significant methods. It’s even bulkier than the G8 Galileo, whereas the 3.5mm headphone jack and direct telephone charging is out. GameSir’s software program, in the meantime, nonetheless wants an entire revamp if it’s to match the BackBone One’s frictionless attraction.
It’s one other specialist accent, and anybody in search of the easiest set of controls potential for his or her transportable machine want look no additional.
How we check
We check all our units totally over an prolonged time period. We use industry-standard checks to check options correctly. We’ll at all times let you know what we discover. We by no means, ever, settle for cash to overview a product.
Find out extra about how we check in our ethics coverage.
Was examined for a minimum of two weeks earlier than the overview.
Played and streamed a number of video games with the controller.
Used with an iPhone 15 Pro, a Redmagic 9S Pro, and a Nintendo Switch OLED
FAQs
Does the GameSir G8 Plus work with instances? Yes, the open clamping system and versatile USB-C connector ought to guarantee compatibility with all however the chunkiest of telephone instances. Which units does the GameSir G8 Plus work with? All Android and iOS telephones, in addition to the the Nintendo Switch and even PC. Can I cost whereas I play? There’s a USB-C port on the underside of the controller, but it surely gained’t cost your telephone or Switch.
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UK RRP
USA RRP
Size (Dimensions)
Weight
Release Date
First Reviewed Date
Ports
Connectivity
GameSir G8 Plus
£64
$79.99
230 x 55 x 107 MM
314 G
2024
26/07/2024
USB-C
Bluetooth
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