This might just be the only bluetooth controller you’ll ever need. Yes, that’s hyperbole. But the GameSir G8 Plus’ versatility makes it a truly compelling option. 

Let’s get the basics out of the way. What makes this a “Plus?” How is it different from the G8 Galileo? Here’s a quick table comparing the two. 

The rest of the excellent stuff found in the G8 Galileo are also in the G8 Plus. Those are Hall Effect sticks and triggers, tactile switches, and overall full-controller grip. It’s ergonomically sound and makes for a really good gaming experience. 

Now that that’s out of the way, what’s it actually like to play on them? 

With foldables

When it comes to mobile gaming, my devices of choice are foldables. During my testing period, I used the GameSir G8 Plus with the OPPO Find N3, HONOR Magic V2, and even the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6. 

I almost exclusively played HoYoverse’s latest, Zenless Zone Zero or ZZZ. It’s a game who’s mobile version is controller compatible when played on Android. It’s come to a point that I can’t play the game anymore without a controller.

 

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Navigation and, most importantly, combat, just feels extremely good with a controller. Dealing a barrage of normal attacks and capping it off with a special attack while mixing with dodging using the face buttons feel intuitive. 

Zenless Zone Zero

Things elevate further when you counter certain attacks from enemies with a character switch using the Triggers. As someone who primarily plays on consoles and with gamepad controllers, the whole experience felt mostly seamless. 

I say mostly because the connection between the controller and the device had some hiccups during the first few times I connected them to the foldables. This didn’t persist and was more seamless when I settled with playing on the Galaxy Z Fold6. 

Connecting to different devices

This is the Pairing button

I didn’t have as much of a problem when I connected it to a 12.4-inch tablet. The experience here felt a little different. Instead of having the screen sandwiched between the controller, I was playing similar to how I would on consoles – with the controller in hand and the tablet safely situated on a flat surface. 

With the gap in the middle of the GameSir G8 Plus, I admit this was a little funky to look at. But thanks to the way the grips of the controller are designed, it almost felt like using a regular controller after a while. It’s just a larger gap, which I sometimes missed when I went back to using a DualSense controller. 

As detailed in the table, at the top of the article, the G8 Plus is compatible with iOS, Android, Tablet, Switch, and PC. You can select four modes when pairing. By default, mine was mostly in DS4 mode which is achieved by pressing and holding the button next to the screenshot button and the Y face button. When doing this, the GameSir Logo on the lower right part of the controller turns to blue.

Here’s a complete list of the different connection modes with their color indicators on the Home/Power button (the one with the GameSir Logo). 

Connection woes

I found that pairing with different devices is relatively easy. However, some games don’t always recognize right away that a controller has been paired. For this instance, I suggest just restarting the game/app until it recognizes the controller. 

Connecting with a PC or laptop is a little trickier. Earlier in my testing phase, it didn’t work at all so I had to ask GameSir if it’s really supposed to work with PC. I’m not entirely sure what happened, but after they answered my query, the controller started working, albeit sparingly. 

They suggested pairing with a PC using either the Switch or DS4 modes. When in Switch mode, it shows up as “Pro Controller.” But in DS4 mode, it shows up as “Wireless Controller.” I found that the DS4 mode worked best for me but only when using Steam.

When I tried to use the Xbox App, neither connection mode worked seamlessly. For best results, just use a cable. When using a cable, the PC recognizes it as an Xbox Gamepad and works like a dream. 

I personally don’t own a Switch so that’s something I was able to test. But I did see a handful of clips on the interwebs showcasing this and it looked pretty rad. 

PS Remote Play

PS Remote Play

Another usage I got the most of with the GameSir G8 Plus is as my primary PS Remote Play controller. It has effectively usurped my GameSir G8 Galileo because with it, I can use Remote Play on any of my smartphones or my 12.4-inch Xiaomi Pad Pro 6S. 

With this setup, I was able to scratch my NBA 2K itch even when I was in Paris, France for a work trip. If you already own a tablet that can run the Remote Play app, grabbing the GameSir G8 Plus might be a more palatable option than having to get the PlayStation Portal. 

Is the GameSir G8 Plus your GadgetMatch? 

This is one of my easiest recommendations ever. If you play on multiple platforms, it’s very handy to have the GameSir G8 Plus. It’s priced almost just as much as other regular bluetooth controllers. But this one comes in a form factor that works well with smartphones of all shapes and sizes, tablets, the Switch, and even laptops/PC. Versatility is its greatest attribute. 

On top of its multiple connection possibilities, it’s just a really well-built controller that feels good on the hand. The hall-effect sticks and triggers ensure no drift and longer-lasting use. Oh and I didn’t even mention the rumble earlier. It feels great. 

For tinkerers, you can make the GameSir G8 Plus your own even more thanks to its replaceable faceplate, stick caps, and face buttons. Personally, I’m hoping to find face buttons that can shift from Xbox, to Switch, to PlayStation orientations. If that’s something you customize, hit me up. 

The GameSir G8 Plus retails for: 

 If you’re location isn’t listed, just use this code at checkout to get 10% off (vaild until November 30): GSG8PLUSOFF

BUY HERE.