A Game-Changer in Mobile Gaming
If you haven’t considered mobile gaming as a fun experience, you might not have tried using it with a controller. Once you do, you’ll understand why mobile gaming is growing rapidly. It truly is a game-changer.
There are many mobile controllers on the market, but most are subpar. However, some stand out, and the G8 Plus from GameSir is one of them. This controller works with Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch, offering a great physical experience, though its software leaves much to be desired.
Outstanding Hardware Design
The G8 Plus has a lot to recommend it, starting with its hardware. The feel of a controller is crucial, and the G8 Plus delivers. While it’s not my top choice—currently, I prefer the Razer Kishi Ultra and the Elo Vagabond—it’s still very good.
It’s comfortable to hold for long sessions. It resembles an Xbox controller that’s been stretched to accommodate your phone, which is a positive. The textured grip on the back ensures it won’t slip from your hands, and it’s light enough to avoid feeling heavy after an hour or more of use.
The buttons are responsive and have good travel, while the D-Pad is also well-designed. D-Pads are often overlooked in mobile controllers, but the G8 Plus handles this well. There’s a Home button on the front for launching the GameSir app, a capture button for recording gameplay, and an M button for switching connection modes.
One standout feature is the two programmable back buttons. Unlike the mushy ones on the PowerA Fusion, these sit naturally under your fingers, making them easy to use. These buttons can be hit or miss on other controllers, but here they perform exceptionally well.
The Hall Effect joysticks and triggers are also impressive. Although there’s no physical hair trigger setting, you can adjust the triggers digitally through the app. GameSir offers different joystick tops so you can choose the one that best suits your gameplay style. They aren’t different in height, just shaped differently.
Wide Compatibility and Convenience
The G8 Plus shines in terms of device compatibility. The two halves stretch far enough to fit almost any phone, and it even accommodates small tablets like the iPad Mini or the excellent Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3. Since it uses Bluetooth, there’s no need for USB-C connections. It automatically wakes up and connects to your phone when you pull it apart and sleeps when you remove your phone.
Software Issues That Can Be Frustrating
Despite its strong hardware, the biggest drawback of the G8 Plus is its software. GameSir’s app is basic and lacks functionality, with some annoying bugs that have plagued their products for years.
The user interface is simple and unimpressive, looking as if it was hastily developed just to have an app. The games tab, which should highlight new titles, is filled with outdated entries like Apex Legends: Mobile. Your own games are hidden behind a tab on the Device page.
While the app allows for remapping buttons, customizing joystick and trigger dead zones, and adjusting vibration intensity, it also has issues. For instance, after using the G8 Plus with Call of Duty: Mobile, I switched to the Elo Vagabond only to find it no longer worked. My phone didn’t recognize it at all, and even restarting didn’t help. I had to uninstall and reinstall the app, which meant redownloading large files. This is inconvenient, especially if you use multiple controllers.
A Solid Investment Despite the Drawbacks
If you can overlook the software issues, the G8 Plus is a solid controller. It feels great, responds well, and has decent battery life. However, its price tag of $100 is steep, especially considering the app experience. If GameSir improves its app, the G8 Plus would be easier to recommend. I also wish it came with a case, but there are affordable options available on Amazon.
Overall, the G8 Plus is a great controller, even at $100. Its hardware is impressive, and it offers a reliable experience for mobile gamers who value comfort and performance.