Gamesir G8+ Wireless controller tested: is it better than Galileo G8 for gaming?
Transform your smartphone into a handheld gaming device with Bluetooth connectivity and outstanding hall-effect technology
by Mark Kavanagh · Irish MirrorGameSir peripherals are among the best third party controllers you can buy and earlier this year I rated the firm’s G8 Galileo as its most complete controller yet for enhancing your mobile gaming whether you are using it with an iPhone 15 or any Android phone.
These controllers offer a much more compelling mobile gaming experience than just using the touchscreen on your phone. The experience is more like playing on a handheld console such as Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.
The GameSir snap-on controllers offer plug-and-play compatibility with all the major game streaming platforms and an array of native mobile titles.
You get tactile responses to know you've pressed a button and the precision in the sticks gives you precise control over small movements, which is hugely beneficial in driving games.
And you get the classic first-person setup of a stick for looking, a stick for moving and triggers and shoulder buttons for actions, combat and inventory control.
Now GameSir has launched G8+ Wireless, replacing the USB-C wired connectivity with a low latency Bluetooth 5.3 connection.
It is compatible with Android phones, tablets, iPhones, iPads, Windows computers and handheld gaming devices such as Nintendo Switch.
Gamesir G8+ Wireless key features
Gamesir G8+ Wireless is matte black in colour with a textured finish at the back and ergonomics that mean it is easy to hold and use. It’s got full-size triggers, action buttons and thumbsticks so it’s a joy to use. The size is a little smaller than my Asus ROG Ally handheld gaming device, with quick and easy access to all the buttons and controls. It looks and feels premium.
The 314g weight unit uses an extendable mechanism that can be adjusted from 110mm to 215mm in length to accommodate a multitude of phone sizes – even the super large ROG Phone 7 Ultimate and folder phones such as Honor Magic V3. I suspect it would also cater for an iPad Mini. But be careful with handsets that have large protruding camera modules such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Magic 6 Pro.
You get an Xbox style layout of hall effect joysticks, hall effect analog triggers, ABXY and back buttons. And you get two mappable buttons on the rear, top triggers and top buttons. The rear buttons can be programmed on the fly without the companion GameSir app.
The low latency Bluetooth connectivity is excellent. G8+ automatically begins to search for a Bluetooth connection as soon as you extend the bridge. This means that after you pair your device for the first time, it will automatically connect when you open the controller and by the time your phone or tablet is inserted, it will be paired and ready for action.
All the buttons and triggers are firm and responsive, especially the super smooth and ultra-precise Hall Effect analogue triggers. You can quickly switch to Hair Trigger Mode in FPS games too.
Hall Effect tech in controllers, is still relatively new but gives some decent benefits in terms of the lifespan of the controller. While traditional controllers rely on mechanical contacts for input, the Hall Effect leverages the power of magnetic contacts. This is why you get no drifting in the sticks over time as there is no mechanical switch to wear down with repeated use.
Another delight to use are the joysticks, especially for racing games such as Asphalt 9 or Real Racing 3.
The mappable buttons are particularly helpful if you want to play a game which may not be compatible with controllers. You just launch the game using the GameSir app, make your customisations to suit your preferences and you’re good to go.
The GameSir logo on the front has an LED ring that changes colour to indicate which controller mode you’re in. You can juggle modes by selecting the record button and one of the action buttons to easily switch between devices.
Other Gamesir G8+ Wireless features
You can customise the G8+ Wireless easily. The faceplates detach, and the thumbsticks can be swapped out with either of the two additional sizes bundled in the box. You can also swap the ABXY buttons around in any order, which is useful if you are using it with a Nintendo Switch.
Android gamers can create personalised controller profiles by mapping buttons, fine-tuning the D-pad diagonals, and adjusting sticks and trigger zones. Some features are not available on iPhone, unfortunately.
There is no 3.5mm headphone port that you do get on the wired G8, but there is a six-axis gyroscope which you don’t get on G8.
Gamesir G8+ Wireless battery life
There’s a 1000mAh power pack split in two (500mAh on each side). Battery life during testing was eight hours. You can charge the controller while you are gaming as there’s a USB-C port on the side. But there’s no pass-through charging which you do get on the wired G8. When you close G8+, it shuts down immediately so there is no unnecessary drain of your battery.
Gamesir G8+ Wireless verdict
GameSir G8+ Wireless enhances your mobile gaming experience by giving you the high performance capabilities of a console-like controller with low latency Bluetooth connectivity. There is no lag or delay when gaming with G8+. Bear in mind the Plus in its moniker does not mean it’s better than the wired Galileo G8. It’s as high in quality, definitely, but it’s a different option rather than the better option.
Gamesir G8+ Wireless pricing and availability
Gamesir G8+ Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Controller costs €89.99 at gamesir.hk or €95.87 at Amazon
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