Accessories

GameSir G8 Plus review: All-rounder mobile bluetooth controller

Incredibly versatile

Published

July 30, 2024

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.

	G8 Plus	G8 Galileo
Connection	Bluetooth (Mobile Devices) Wired or Wireless dongle (PC)	Type-C
Compatible Platforms	Switch/Android/iOS/Tablet/PC	Android/iPhone 15 Series
6-axis gyroscope	Yes	No
Battery	1000mAh	No
Rumble Motor	Yes	No
Detachable Component	Faceplate/Stick Cap/ Face Button	Faceplate/Stick Cap
Headphone Jack	No	Yes
Compatible Device Length	120-215mm/4.72-8.46in	110-185mm/4.33-7.28in
Weight	313.5g	242.9g

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

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:

	Price	Buy Links
US	US$ 79.99	https://amzn.to/4cXLMcs
CA	$ 99.99	https://amzn.to/4cRzWAj
JP	11182	https://amzn.to/3YagPNu
AU	$ 159.00	N/A
BR	R$ 499.00	N/A
UK	£ 79.99	https://amzn.to/3WilTN1
IT/ES/FR/DE	€ 79.99	IT – https://amzn.to/3LC6imK \| FR – https://amzn.to/3SnTQe3

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

BUY HERE.

Related Topics:G8 Plus G8+GameSir GameSir G8 GameSir G8 Plus Mobile Bluetooth Controller

Accessories

Jackery expands Explorer Series portable power stations

For life uninterrupted

Published

August 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

Jackery has expanded its Explorer Series, introducing three new models: the Explorer 300D, Explorer 500 V2, and Explorer 2000 V2.

These new portable power station models join the earlier Explorer 100 Plus, 300 Plus, and 1000 V2 releases earlier in the year.

Each is built for different needs, from brief power interruptions to outdoor adventures and prolonged outages.

The Jackery Explorer 300D is a grab-and-go variant for unexpected power cuts. It is a compact power station weighing just about 2.5 kilograms and is 64% smaller than standard 300Wh units.

With a speaker-like form factor, 288Wh capacity, and 300W total DC output, it is the ideal power station for content creators, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts who live life on the move.

It can juice up a fast-charging Type-C laptop three to four times, smartphones up to 22 times, and drone batteries four to five times.

The Explorer 300D comes with unique DC-only design to eliminate idle power loss. It also has a 2-in-1 shoulder strap that unclips to double as a heavy-duty 140W USB-C charging cable.

Meanwhile, the Jackery Explorer 500 V2 packs a 512Wh capacity and 500W max output into a sleek frame.

It has an Uninterruptible Power Supply switchover time of under 10 milliseconds, ensuring devices such as Wi-Fi routers or laptops will not drop connection. It can also power up a desk fan for about 8.5 hours.

For easy storage, it has a fold-down handle. This makes the power station also portable to carry with you wherever you need it.

Lastly, the heavy-duty Jackery Explorer 2000 V2 features a massive 2,042Wh capacity and 2,200W inverter.

Weighing just 17.9 kilograms, it is about 41% lighter and 34% smaller than standard generators in the 2kWh category.

It can power a standard inverter refrigerator for up to 14 hours, run a 1.0 HP air conditioner for up to 3.5 hours, or power multiple electric fans for up to 28 hours.

It can also power kitchen essentials like rice cookers, small water heaters or coffee makers, and microwaves, in case hunger strikes amidst a power interruption.

The Explorer 2000 V2 also features an EV-grade LiFePO4 battery engineered for over 10 years of daily use.

The entire Jackery lineup is available on Lazada, Shopee, the Jackery kiosk at SM Fairview, and other partner stores.

Accessories

Pulse Elevate wireless speakers come to Southeast Asia this November

Pre-orders open September 2

Published

August 19, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

PlayStation is expanding its audio lineup with the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, its first wireless speakers developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The speakers will launch in Southeast Asia starting November 12, 2026, with pre-orders opening September 2.

The Pulse Elevate speakers are designed for desktop gaming on PS5, PC, and Mac, while also supporting portable use with the PlayStation Portal remote player and smartphones. They combine planar magnetic drivers, built-in woofers, and PlayStation Link wireless connectivity for low-latency, lossless audio.

Each speaker uses a studio-inspired planar magnetic driver to deliver sound across the audible spectrum. Built-in woofers add richer bass, while the speakers can enhance positional audio in PS5 games that support Tempest 3D AudioTech.

The right speaker also has a built-in microphone with AI-enhanced noise rejection. This allows users to handle voice chat without wearing a headset while helping filter out unwanted background noise.

Designed for gaming and beyond

Pulse Elevate uses PlayStation Link for ultra-low-latency wireless audio with compatible devices, including the PS5, PC, Mac, and PlayStation Portal. The speakers also support Bluetooth, allowing users to listen to audio from a Bluetooth device while using PlayStation Link for another connected device.

A PlayStation Link USB adapter is included and works with USB-C ports. The speakers also feature built-in rechargeable batteries, letting users take them on the go. Charging docks are included for returning to a desktop setup.

Users can adjust the speakers’ volume directly and position them horizontally or vertically. PS5 and PC users can also customize EQ, sidetone, volume, and microphone mute settings through system menus.

Pulse Elevate will be available in Midnight Black and White.

Price and availability

Pulse Elevate wireless speakers will launch starting November 12, 2026. Pre-orders begin September 2 at local retailers. Availability may vary by market and retailer.

The recommended retail prices are:

Singapore: SGD 319
Malaysia: MYR 1,099
Thailand: THB 8,499
Philippines: PHP 14,709
Vietnam: VND 6,999,000

The Pulse Elevate marks Sony Interactive Entertainment’s first entry into wireless speakers, extending the PlayStation audio ecosystem beyond the Pulse Elite headset and Pulse Explore earbuds.

Accessories

Apple is working on AirPods with built-in cameras

References to the wearable were spotted inside a new macOS beta.

Published

August 18, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The launch of operating system betas is a cause of celebration for those digging into what’s next for a brand. No other company does that better than Apple. Today, Apple released a new release candidate for macOS Tahoe 26.7. As expected, the release has a treasure trove of references to unreleased devices, including a new type of AirPods with built-in cameras.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. The references include a slew of unreleased iPads, Macs, and HomePods. Since these devices are already expected to come out, they’re hardly worth nothing. This includes the iPhone 18 series. If anything, the references confirm the iPhone Ultra, the rumored entry into the foldable market, but that’s it.

Now, the more interesting inclusion is a pair of AirPods with cameras. Despite the controversies surrounding cameras on smart glasses, Apple is reportedly building audio-based wearables with cameras themselves.

In a short demo video (also obtained from the macOS beta via MacRumors), the AirPods can apparently “save” things that it sees, including a book you might want to search for later. In that way, the built-in camera acts more like a voice assistant, rather than a recording device.

Though the references don’t confirm a launch date, it’s likely that the camera-based AirPods will come out sometime soon. After all, why would a blatant reference be inside a publicly available beta?