Our Verdict
The GameSir G8+ Bluetooth controller is a premium peripheral for any gaming setup. Its multitude of connections and customizable button layout make it incredibly versatile, and it’s the perfect size for gaming on the go.
- Multiple connections
- Console-grade controls
- Lightweight and portable
- No PlayStation buttons
If you’re in the market for a new controller for your smartphone or Nintendo Switch, you’ll undoubtedly stumble across GameSir’s products. As the website states, it’s the “global leading game peripheral brand” and that reputation is well deserved.
That’s why I jumped at the chance to test out the new GameSir G8+ Bluetooth controller. I play my Switch all the time but tend to stick to docked mode as I find the Joy-Cons uncomfortable after long periods of time, and I’ve been looking to try one of the best phone controllers that’s compatible with a range of devices, so on paper, the G8+ is the perfect product for me.
The controller features full-size grips on an extendable backplate, providing a console-grade controller feel even when you’re gaming on your phone. The design is sleek and timeless, not relying on RGBs and other elements to appeal to a “gamer” audience. One of the G8+’s key features is its magnetic faceplate and buttons, allowing for easy physical button remapping.
When I first connected the GameSir to my Switch, the buttons were laid out to match an Xbox controller, but all I had to do was remove the faceplate and move the buttons around, and I had my familiar Switch button layout back. The controller also comes with three additional joysticks for different kinds of gameplay, including a miniature precision stick. Plus, you can freely switch between Xbox and Switch button mapping in the GameSir companion app, which I’ll touch on more later.
Although I think the matte black standard design of the controller is great, I love a bit of color in my life, which is why the magnetic faceplate excites me so much. As well as providing easy access to button and joystick configuration, the removable faceplate suggests that GameSir may offer additional colors or patterns in the future, perhaps with licensed characters like its Iron Man-themed G7 HE Xbox controller. Alternatively, those who are into customizing peripherals already could simply skin or spray paint the faceplates without risking damage to the controller or needing to use fiddly tools.
Everything about this controller’s haptics and inputs feels premium. I’ve talked about it before in previous GameSir reviews (like my GameSir T4 Cyclone Switch controller review), but the company’s patented joysticks control wonderfully and feel great, plus thanks to the Hall Effect, you can guarantee that they won’t wear out or drift over time. Nintendo Switch controllers drifting is one of the biggest issues for Switch gamers, so being able to completely forget about it is amazing. I usually turn off controller rumble in most games as I find it off-putting, but the G8+’s rumble is much less jarring than other controllers, and you can adjust it to your liking.
Thanks to the magic of Bluetooth, the GameSir G8+ is compatible with practically every Android or Apple phone or tablet, and your Nintendo Switch. Plus, you can seamlessly switch between your phone and your Switch with the press of a few buttons as the controller remembers its paired devices and stores them under separate Android, iOS, and Switch categories. You can even use it on your PC as a wired controller if you really want to, especially if having a wider controller benefits you.
Before using the controller on your Switch, you have to pair it while the console is docked using the USB-C cable, but this is a one-time hassle and takes only a few minutes. It’s also just the industry standard for Nintendo’s console, as even Joy-Cons pair via physical connection to the Switch.
I had no issue pairing my G8+ with my iPhone SE and my Nintendo Switch, but I did encounter some issues using my Tecno Pova 5 Pro, which is an Android device. The controller connected without issue but wasn’t actually usable in any games or even the GameSir app. We’ve reached out to GameSir for comment on this issue, so take this into consideration if you happen to have a Tecno device.
Another personal gripe is that the G8+ registers on iPhones as a PlayStation Dualshock remote, which means that I have to remember which letter buttons match up with which shapes while playing. I would love an additional set of magnetic buttons so that I can change my controller to a PlayStation layout as well to add to this device’s versatility.
The GameSir companion app is incredibly helpful, letting you test control schemes, manually button-map in games that don’t have controller support, and even find new games to play by browsing the catalog. The controller also features fully remappable back triggers for more complex gameplay.
Overall, everything about the GameSir G8+ feels premium and is a nice upgrade to my existing mobile and Switch gaming set-up. It’s pretty portable too, as it’s shorter than a Switch console with Joy-Cons attached and it’s incredibly lightweight. It charges quickly via USB-C and holds its charge well – I haven’t had to recharge it since receiving it and I’ve played a lot of hours of Hades during that time. Plus, as it’s a Bluetooth controller, you’re able to charge it while playing.
At $79.99/£64.00, if you’re looking for a multi-use portable controller for your gaming set-up, the GameSir G8+ Bluetooth controller is a fantastic choice. You can use it across a huge array of devices with very little effort, it feels fantastic, and it’s easy to take with you on any journey. All I can hope for is a series of pink faceplates…
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