GameSir G8+ Controller Review

Let’s get one thing straight. If you purchased GameSir’s rather great G8 Galileo Type-C Controller that released back in 2023, then ‘upgrading’ to the new GameSir G8+ is going to be a hard recommend. 

But if you haven’t previously been hands on with that G8, or you prefer a Bluetooth set-up to that of USB-C connection (does anyone really prefer that?!?), then by all means, crack on. Yep, the GameSir G8+ Controller is a really exciting piece of kit. It’s just it is far from game-changing. Blame GameSir themselves for that. 

The GameSir G8+ is, as the name suggests, a bit of an iteration on the previous GameSir G8 Galileo. In fact, there’s very little to distinguish this one as a new controller, aside from some finer details and a new black skin. Taking that latter visual cue to start with, and personally we prefer the older light grey version. Each to their own though eh?

If you’re unaware of what the G8 range offers, then let us run you through a few things. This is a pull-to-grip mobile controller that is a near perfect accompaniment to mobile gaming, especially if you’re playing through Game Pass and the power of the Cloud. It does that by putting your mobile front and centre, right in the middle of two Xbox-styled arms, complete with all the buttons, triggers and thumbsticks you would associate with modern gaming. And whilst there’s no ‘official licensing for Xbox’ thrown in here, if you’ve ever put your hands on an Xbox controller, this will feel similar. 

A thumbstick (left and right) adorn either side of the GameSir G8+, whilst the slightly concaved D-Pad sits below the one on the left arm. Face buttons kick around on the opposite side, whilst the usual bumpers and triggers are ready to be pulled at a moments notice, the latter extremely well textured, feeling great on finger. 

That front face of the G8+ is then filled out with multiple other buttons – a GameSir Home button, Menu, View, Screenshot and the like. There’s also the M Button, which allows full customisation and mapping of multiple buttons to ensure the G8+ is set up to your own liking. Around the back? Well, a couple of additional programmable buttons sit right where your middle finger will sit as you grip the G8+. If you need the use of those, they feel brilliant in use. 

So far, so G8 Galileo Type-C. But it’s about now that the G8 steps things up a bit. At least, if you think the removal of a USB-C port for direct phone connection, and addition of Bluetooth power (and potential lag) is ‘stepping up’. For us, whilst we’ve not had a single issue using the G8+ through Bluetooth, impressed with the consistency and non-lag, we much prefer the certainty and immediacy of that USB-C tie-in. 

With Bluetooth on tap, the G8+ allows for an easier connection. We remember having slight issues with the G8 Galileo providing connection whenever we tried to play with a case on our phones, but there are none of those worries here. Instead, a slide apart of the two sides of G8+ opens the controller up to play host to all range of phone sizes. We’ve mostly had our Google Pixel 7 Pro in place, but GameSir are happy to state that this one caters for anything up to 110-215mm in length. We’d have zero issues sticking a foldable device in here either. A flip? That’s much more tricky. 

Whatever phone you use, it’ll be safely stashed in the arms of G8+ too. There are rubber grips either side to protect any device, whilst the backing that the phone will sit on is equally padded. In fact, we think that the padding on this one is slightly deeper than on previous devices; just don’t quote us on that. 

Connection via Bluetooth, once actioned once, is good, but we did find the initial set-up to be a little fiddly. There are so many options included on G8+ (Android, iOS, G-Touch Mode (zero interest to us!) and wired to the likes of Nintendo Switch) that working through that set up can be confusing, but once you’re in, all is good with the world. With that Bluetooth connection staying solid, we’ve found ourselves able to play multiple Xbox Game Pass games on GameSir’s G8+ – Flock being an utter fav. And for the most part, it’s been a great experience too, complemented and aided by some seriously nice thumbsticks with plenty of texturing. Perhaps the face buttons are a little too small for long-term use, but aside from that, everything you could want is in place here, working well. 

The G8+ itself does need power though. Thankfully a bottom-placed USB-C port allows for that, and if you’re anything like us you’ll probably have USB-C cables hanging about the place. A quick plug of that starts dropping juice into the in-built 1000mAh and from there, you’re good to go, gaming on mobile into the wee hours. We haven’t even missed the removal of a 3.5mm audio port on the G8+ either, mostly as wired headphones should be left in the past. 

If you don’t have a USB-C cable, GameSir have kindly included a USB-A to USB-C in the box, alongside three further thumbstick types. Yep, this is a slightly moddable controller and pulling the face plates off from its magnetic housing means you can easily switch in or out new thumbsticks. We love the slight hybrid nature of the default set, but there’s a convexed one also included, alongside a smaller head and a taller stem. It seems various bases have been covered by GameSir, particularly when you include the power of their App too and that ‘Plus’ moniker, giving users the opportunity to utilise one controller across a variety of devices. 

It all means that once again GameSir have done the business with the G8+ Controller. We’re not sure it’s preferable to the standard, already-brilliant G8 Galileo, if only as we’re bigger fans of USB-C connectivity, but if you’re wanting a Bluetooth connection to power your Game Pass Cloud gaming, need some rumble motors, a slightly wider phone grip, multi-format use or just prefer the black colourway then crack on with the G8+. This is another lovely addition to GameSir’s mobile controller range. 

Huge thanks go out to GameSir for providing us with their G8+ Controller for review. Hit up GameSir direct to purchase one for yourself. Expect to pay around £79.99.