When I reviewed the G8 Galileo gaming controller earlier within the 12 months, it was evident that GameSir was onto one thing particular. The full-size controller simply feels higher to carry and use, and the corridor impact thumbsticks and triggers are higher than what’s on console-grade controllers.
With the G8 Plus, GameSir is reusing the identical design, however eschewing USB-C connectivity in favor of Bluetooth. In doing so, it’s making the G8 Plus suitable with a considerably wider vary of units, together with Android telephones and tablets, iPhones, iPads, the Nintendo Switch, Windows, and absolutely anything that takes a Bluetooth controller.
That means you get the identical nice options because the G8 Galileo, however with the added comfort of Bluetooth. In quick, if you happen to’re in want of a brand new cell gaming controller, there actually is not something higher proper now.
GameSir G8 Plus: Pricing and availability
GameSir unveiled the G8 Plus cell gaming controller on July 29, and it’s now on sale globally. The G8 Plus is accessible for simply $79 on Amazon, and that is a discount contemplating what you truly get. The common G8 with USB-C connectivity additionally prices the identical, and I’d argue that the Bluetooth mannequin is rather more versatile.
You may choose up the controller from the model’s personal web site. Just like the usual version, there is not a carrying case bundled with the package deal — that is a further $15 if you happen to’re shopping for the controller on Amazon.
GameSir G8 Plus: What I like
GameSir nailed the design of the G8 Galileo, and it is not altering something with the G8 Plus. The controller has a full-size design, and there is a textured end on the again that makes it straightforward to carry and use. The dimension is definitely probably the greatest issues in regards to the G8 Plus; having full-size triggers, motion buttons, and thumbsticks is simply rather more handy, and the contoured design is comfy.
Another plus level is the customizability; the faceplates detach simply, and you’ll swap out the thumbsticks — two further sizes are bundled within the package deal — and even the configuration of the X, Y, A, and B motion buttons, splendid if you happen to’re pairing it with the Switch.
The motion buttons and D-Pad have good tactility, but it surely’s the triggers and thumbsticks that differentiate the G8 Plus. GameSir makes use of corridor impact magnetic sensors, and meaning you will by no means see any stick drift; whereas I’ve solely had the G8 Plus for a month, I used the G8 Galileo for the higher a part of a 12 months now, and even after lots of of hours of use, it has the identical nice suggestions as day one.
The triggers have an amazing vary of movement and glorious suggestions, and the truth that you’ll be able to change the dimensions of the thumbsticks is an added bonus. There are two paddles on the again, and setting these up with in-game actions is comparatively straightforward.
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Coming in at 314g, the G8 Plus is 60g heavier than the G8 Galileo. The added weight is as a result of 1000mAh inner battery, and fortunately, the heft is balanced on either side (there is a 500mAh battery beneath every part). The added weight is noticeable, but it surely does not trigger any fatigue even after prolonged gaming classes.
While the G8 is accessible in a gray colour scheme, the G8 Plus switches to a darker gray that appears slightly higher. You nonetheless get the identical rubber bridge that ensures the controller does not injury your cellphone, and the left aspect has adequate extension which you could slot in tablets with out a whole lot of trouble.
Cases aren’t a problem both, and I used to be in a position to make use of my Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with reasonably cumbersome circumstances connected. There’s sufficient clearance out there, and the cellphone is held snugly between the 2 halves. The matte texture of the G8 Plus does not entice smudges, and total, there is not something to fault on the design aspect of issues.
Getting began with the G8 Plus is about as easy because it will get; pairing over Bluetooth is seamless, and it maintained a rock-solid connection. The GameSir brand has an LED ring that adjustments colour based mostly on what machine is linked to it; Android is yellow, iOS is blue, Switch is crimson, and so forth. You can change modes by deciding on the document button and one of many motion buttons, and you’ll simply swap between units.
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In phrases of day-to-day efficiency, there is not a cell gaming controller that’s pretty much as good because the G8 Plus. The triggers and buttons have incredible suggestions, and I do know I’ve mentioned this just a few instances by now, however the truth that you get full-size buttons makes all of the distinction. I used cell controllers which can be geared toward portability, they usually’re not as a lot enjoyable to make use of — significantly throughout marathon gaming classes. That is not an issue with the G8 Plus.
GameSir G8 Plus: What I do not like
As the G8 Plus retains the identical design because the G8 Galileo, it shares the identical drawbacks. If you may have a cellphone with a big digital camera island, you’ll be able to’t slot it into the controller. I had points with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Vivo X100 Ultra, Find X7 Ultra, and even the Magic 6 Pro. The solely telephones that did not have clearance points have been the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro, so I ended up utilizing the G8 Plus with these units more often than not.
However, there’s a workaround; as there is no want to attach over USB-C, I used to be capable of slot within the X100 Ultra in a method that the digital camera island sits flush with the rubber again of the controller (as an alternative of slotting into the prolonged part), and whereas it is not as safe a match, it’s usable.
Because the G8 Plus connects over Bluetooth, it misses out on two extras that I used extensively on the G8 Galileo: 3.5mm jack and passthrough charging. There is a USB-C port on the aspect of the controller, however that is to cost its inner battery.
GameSir G8 Plus: The competitors
There’s no scarcity of cell controllers, and the Backbone One continues to guide the pack. That mentioned, if you would like a controller with full-size buttons, I’d advocate the G8 Galileo; it eschews Bluetooth in favor of USB-C, however you get passthrough charging and the comfort of a 3.5mm jack. At $79, it prices the identical because the G8 Plus.
Scuf’s Nomad is an effective alternative if you would like a smaller controller that has high-quality triggers and buttons. It is not as comfy to carry and use because the G8 Plus, but it surely’s simpler to hold on the street, and it has Bluetooth connectivity.
GameSir G8 Plus: Should you purchase it?
You can buy this if:
- You desire a cell controller with Bluetooth
- You want full-size triggers and buttons
- You need glorious battery life
- You want corridor impact thumbsticks
You should not purchase this if:
- You have a cellphone with sizeable cameras
- You want a controller with a 3.5mm jack and passthrough charging
GameSir did not make any design modifications to the G8 Plus, and that is a very good factor. The G8 Galileo is arguably the most effective Android recreation controller round, and a giant a part of its attract is the dimensions; the power to make use of full-size triggers, thumbsticks, motion buttons, and D-Pad on a cell gaming controller is great, and it’s the foremost motive why I just like the G8 a lot.
The G8 Plus follows in the identical vein, and Bluetooth integration makes it simpler to make use of. There’s completely no lag or delay when utilizing the controller, and the triggers are among the many greatest you will discover on this section. It is heavier than the usual G8, however the added heft is not too noticeable, and battery life has been terrific.
To sum up, there is not a lot to fault with the G8 Plus, and if you happen to want a cell gaming controller that connects over Bluetooth, it is my go-to suggestion.
With corridor impact thumbsticks and full-size buttons, the G8 Plus provides you the most effective options of a conventional console controller — and you’ll take it wherever.
