The best Bluetooth controller for everything?

I’ve used my fair proportion of cell gaming controllers, however telescopic, phone-in-the-middle-style controllers just like the GameSir Galileo sequence are new territory for me. The unique G8 already made waves, garnering reward from customers and reviewers alike, typically outshining large names just like the Spine One and Razer Kishi. So, when the G8 Plus dropped with some good upgrades over the G8, together with Bluetooth, wider machine help, and rumble options, I used to be desperate to see if it lived as much as the hype.

Unboxing the GameSir G8 Plus was a reasonably fulfilling affair. Contained in the well-organized field, I used to be greeted with three particular person spare joysticks (a shorter one with a grippy floor, a taller one for precision in FPS video games, and a small nub-like one), a USB-A to USB-C cable, and a sticker pack.

The included information had me anxious that the setup course of could be tedious as a result of it’s tremendous lengthy and covers the whole lot from altering modes to adjusting button layouts in a number of languages. Fortunately, the controller itself is able to use straight out of the field. As quickly as I stretched the controller to suit my cellphone, it powered on and appeared in my cellphone’s Bluetooth pairing choices. Neat.

It seems to be respectable, however I wouldn’t thoughts seeing a bolder black or white possibility. The controller options magnetic face plates, joystick caps, and ABXY buttons, which might all be hot-swapped if wanted. I hoped to seek out some choices to purchase custom-made plates/buttons for the controller, nevertheless it doesn’t appear like GameSir or any third-party makers have something on supply in the meanwhile.

By way of design, the G8 Plus looks like a widened model of your normal gaming controller. The grips remind me of an Xbox controller, and the again has a pleasant, grippy texture that feels nice in your palms. The button placement is intuitive, mirroring a regular controller structure, and my palms naturally fell into place regardless of this being the primary occasion of me utilizing a telescopic controller. Even the L4/R4 buttons on the again are positioned so completely that my center fingers may press them of their pure resting place.

A minor nitpick is that the G8 Plus doesn’t shrink down or collapse, which is perhaps a downside in the event you carry your controller on the go. Whereas there are cell controllers with collapsible designs, most of them, like GameSir’s personal X4 Aileron ($99 MSRP), typically miss out on the full-size controller grips that the G8 Plus delivers.

Nevertheless, this design additionally covers the whole again of your cellphone, which led to my cellphone feeling a bit hotter than it did with the Razer Kishi Extremely, which I’ve additionally been testing alongside the G8 Plus to check the 2. The Kishi Extremely’s narrower backbone permits for higher warmth dissipation.

Utilizing the G8 Plus looks like utilizing a high-quality console controller. The D-pad is satisfyingly clicky, the hall-effect joysticks are buttery easy and shouldn’t put on out simply, and the buttons and triggers are responsive and tactile. Nevertheless, the rumble motors felt a bit inconsistent. This could possibly be resulting from my selection of video games, however the Razer Kishi Extremely gives a lot better and fine-tuned rumble suggestions. In fact, that controller prices twice as a lot, so it’s not completely truthful to check, nevertheless it’s one thing to bear in mind.

For individuals who’re questioning how the G8 Plus compares to the G8, there are a handful of notable modifications:

• The GameSir G8 Plus is noticeably heavier than the G8 at 314 grams (vs. 250 grams) resulting from its built-in battery and Bluetooth.
• The Plus mannequin provides rumble motors and a 6-axis gyroscope, which the G8 lacks.
• The G8 Plus ditches the USB-C connector and headphone jack discovered on the G8.

The G8 Plus may accommodate units as much as 210mm (8.46 inches) lengthy, a step up from the G8’s most of 185mm (7.28 inches). That’s nonetheless not huge sufficient to squeeze in bigger Android tablets just like the Galaxy Tab sequence or any 11-inch iPad (technically, you possibly can, however solely in portrait orientation), however you possibly can match within the iPad Mini comfortably in panorama mode. It’s price noting that controllers with wired connections will all the time have the next polling fee than Bluetooth controllers by default, however that shouldn’t be an issue for non-competitive avid gamers.

The GameSir G8 Plus connects by way of Bluetooth and powers on robotically as quickly as you stretch it open. It even reconnects to the final machine it was paired with, so each time you suit your cellphone into the controller, it’s able to go.

I examined the G8 Plus with my Galaxy Z Fold 5 and iPhone 12 Mini, and the G8 Plus didn’t have any subject accommodating both of them. Nevertheless, with a hefty cellphone just like the Z Fold 5 and the controller’s personal bulk, my wrists began to really feel the pressure after about half-hour of steady use. The excellent news is, due to Bluetooth, you possibly can all the time set your cellphone on a desk and maintain simply the controller. Certain, it defeats the telescopic controller’s objective a bit, however hey, it’s good to have choices.

I gave it a whirl in wired mode with my Home windows PC, and the G8 Plus labored like a attraction. You’ll be able to even use a USB cable to attach it to your cellphone, although why you’d need to do this, I’m not completely positive.

There are some upsides and drawbacks to utilizing a telescopic controller with Bluetooth, versus one just like the Razer Kishi Extremely, which connects by way of USB-C. For instance, to plug my cellphone into the Kishi, I needed to take away it from its case, including an pointless step to my gaming setup. Plus, the USB connection locks the cellphone into a hard and fast place, which generally is a bit awkward for foldable telephones (a small area of interest, however nonetheless one thing to consider).

The G8 Plus’ Bluetooth connectivity permits for extra flexibility, letting me hold my cellphone in any place — folded, unfolded, with or with out the case. And for the reason that controller has its personal battery, it gained’t drain your cellphone’s energy.

Maybe extra importantly, the shortage of a port on one aspect of the controller signifies that the GameSir G8 Plus can be suitable with the Nintendo Swap — wedge it in, join, and it’ll play simply high quality.

Nevertheless, USB-connected controllers typically include perks like pass-through charging and a headphone jack for wired earphones, which the G8 Plus doesn’t supply. Plus, the built-in battery additionally signifies that you’ll have to hold the G8 Plus charged individually. The 1,000mAh battery on the G8 Plus was sufficient to final via all of my gaming classes, however I’d have cherished a approach to test the remaining battery proportion. Fortunately, you should use the controller whereas it’s charging, so it’s not an excessive amount of of a trouble.

The GameSir G8 Plus presents versatile performance with 4 distinct modes: Android, Nintendo Swap, DualShock 4 (for iOS customers), and G-touch for digital button mapping. Switching between modes and connecting to new units is fairly simple and felt intuitive after the primary few instances.

I put it via its paces with among the greatest Android video games, like Asphalt Legends, Grid Autosport, and CarX Avenue, which help controllers natively. It even dealt with EA FC24 and WWE 2K24 on my PC like a champ, each wired and wirelessly. Whereas I didn’t get the prospect to check it myself, the G8 Plus can be suitable with PS Distant Play and Xbox Recreation Go, increasing your gaming choices even additional.

One function I actually dug was the flexibility to report customized button mixtures, or macros, on the fly. This could possibly be an actual lifesaver in video games the place timing and combos are the whole lot. I used it for extra trivial issues like triggering complicated purpose celebrations in FIFA, which require too many button presses.

Now, let’s speak concerning the software program expertise, which leaves a bit to be desired. The GameSir app is kind of primary in comparison with the console-like interfaces supplied by Spine and Razer Nexus apps. It lists all of your video games in a single place, however the interface is so boring that you simply’ll in all probability keep away from utilizing it to launch video games.

Nevertheless, you will want to make use of the app for firmware upgrades, adjusting stick and set off lifeless zones, customizing vibration depth, testing buttons, altering button layouts, and different capabilities. You’ll be able to entry a few of these options instantly on the controller utilizing button combos, which is tremendous helpful.

For video games like Name of Responsibility Cell that don’t natively help all controllers, you’ll want to make use of the app’s digital button mapping function. The app tries its greatest to information you thru the method, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a little bit of a ache, requiring you to allow developer choices, wi-fi debugging, and manually pair the controller. When you get it arrange, it really works properly sufficient. Needless to say there’s no display mapping accessible for iOS units.

The G8 Plus isn’t the most cost effective controller to your cell units. Nevertheless, in the event you’re in search of a one-size-fits-all answer that seamlessly transitions between PC, some handheld gaming units, and most smartphones, the G8 Plus presents unparalleled versatility. Aggressive avid gamers have to do not forget that Bluetooth has some inherent latency in comparison with wired connections, however for everybody else who isn’t anxious about these split-second variations, there’s hardly something you’re lacking out on with the G8 Plus.

In actual fact, when you think about its spectacular array of options — snug full-size grips, a collection of button customization choices, interchangeable joysticks, and many others. — it begins to appear like a reasonably whole lot.

Even when in comparison with premium choices just like the Spine One ($99.99 at Amazon) or Razer Kishi Extremely ($149.99 at Amazon) sequence, the one actual compromise you’ll need to stay with is the much less polished software program. In fact, you could possibly additionally go the normal route with a regular Bluetooth controller and a cellphone mount. This setup may cost a little you much less and be simpler to dismount and pack away once you’re on the go, although it gained’t provide the built-in really feel of a telescopic controller just like the G8 Plus.

For those who’re okay with navigating a barely clunky app and aren’t afraid to tinker along with your cellphone’s settings to get the digital mapping proper, the G8 Plus is tough to beat, although take into account that whereas the G8 Plus retails for a similar MSRP worth as the unique GameSir G8 ($79.99 at Amazon), the usual G8 can typically be discovered on sale for as little as $60, making it a tempting different for budget-conscious consumers or avid gamers preferring utilizing wired headphones, which the G8 Plus doesn’t help. Simply bear in mind you’ll miss out on the rumble motors, the pliability of Bluetooth connectivity, and wider machine compatibility.