We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
GameSir's G8+ looks like your typical mobile gaming controller at first glance. But dig just a little deeper, and this is quite possibly the most customizable mainstream mobile controller on the market.
The company makes a variety of high-quality, third-party controllers. The G8+ is a bit of a Swiss army knife for mobile gaming because it can be used with smartphones, small tablets, and Nintendo Switch.
The G8+ elevates the mobile gaming experience, at least on Android!
There are some excellent features that make this device perfect for some gaming scenarios, and others that make it frustratingly difficult, so knowing which device you plan to use this controller with is key.
In this review, we'll dig into the best features of this controller, a few places they've missed the mark (and why that might not even matter, depending on how you use this), and compare it against some similar competitors in this space.
Pros
- Physical and digital customization
- Solid build quality
- Maximum versatility
Cons
- Pricey
- Clunky software
- Experience varies by device
What is the GameSir G8+ For?
As smartphones have gotten better and more powerful, particularly in the last two years or so, gaming on your phone just became a lot more compelling.
We're not talking about Angry Birds and Bejeweled. Console-quality games, like Resident Evil Village and Assassin's Creed Mirage, are just a few of the recent titles that have been optimized for iPhone. Plus, with PlayStation's Remote Play App or streaming titles to play on your phone through Xbox's Game Pass, there's never been a better time for legit gaming on your phone.
The weak spot for mobile gaming is on-screen controls. You NEED physical buttons to have a quality gaming session, which is why you'd want to pick up a quality smartphone gaming controller. We've tested a lot of them for smartphone gaming, and for many reasons, GameSir's G8+ stands out as a premium pick.
Whether you're using an Android or Apple smartphone or small tablet, or you want an even more solid experience gaming on-the-go with Nintendo Switch than you can get with the attached JoyCons, the GameSir G8+ should definitely be on your radar.
GameSir G8+ Key Features
When testing different mobile controllers, there are a few key things we look for. First, your device needs to fit, which seems obvious and simple. But with the variety of different camera modules on the back of phones and tablets, it's actually a bit trickier than you may think.
Also, the controller has to feel SOLID when you're gaming. It shouldn't feel like a sub-par experience compared to gaming on your actual console, both in the physical controls and how secure your device feels once it slides into the controller.
There's also a lot of variety in the quality-of-life features on a good mobile phone controllers. This could be things like haptics (the physical vibrations and feedback from your controller during in-game events). Or customizability (mapping different button profiles for different games). And this includes the software experience as many of these companies make their own software to help you organize your game library and configure your game controller.
With the G8+, pretty much everything you'd be looking for in a mobile gaming controller is here (in varying degrees of quality, but, overall, generally high):
- Wide device compatibility
- Bluetooth & USB connection options
- Swappable (included) thumbsticks
- Trigger calibration
- Haptic feedback
- 6-axis gyroscope (for motion controls)
- Physical button customization
- Digital button remapping
- Physical button for remapping
- Dedicated capture button
- Mode indicator light
- Console-grade quality
That's an impressive feature list, but what does it mean and what actually matters? Let's dive deep!
Can you customize the GameSir G8+ controller?
This controller is customizable through physical changes and digital profiles and mapping.
Having said that, the great thing is you don't actually need to customize this controller. If you were just to take it out of the box and throw your Android tablet or Switch in there, you can be up and running in seconds.
In my experience, setting it up with iPhone was a pain due to poor/incomplete instructions in the manual (we'll get to that shortly). But FYI, if you're struggling to make the G8+ work with your Apple devices, this article will help.
The biggest selling feature about this controller to me is the fact that you can physically swap the button layout (more on this below) and this is something that's unique to GameSir.
Thumbsticks
In the box, you'll see there are three additional thumbsticks of different sizes, heights, and textures. By popping off the magnetic front plate on the controller, you can easily swap out the thumbsticks until they feel just right.
Overall, I feel like this is a bit of a vanity feature (the feel of the joysticks on other brands like the ELO Vagabond, Razer Kishi, or BackBone controllers are all fine), but if you're coming off of a console experience with something like the DualSense Edge, then maybe you'll appreciate the ability to swap in different sticks.
Button Layout
This is absolutely huge! The fact that you can remove the faceplate and physically pop out the buttons to match the layout of a Switch controller vs. an Xbox controller is magnificent! And it's so easy and quick to do that if you're switching between devices (your smartphone for Remote Play and then your Nintendo Switch), it's quick and easy to pop the magnetic buttons in and out, so your physical controller matches on-screen button prompts.
You could, of course, just map the buttons digitally to correspond to whatever device you're using. This is common across basically all of the mobile phone controllers. But there's something truly next-level about being able to physically swap button layouts. I think this is the biggest selling feature of the Game Sir G8+!
Faceplates
You'd think that because you can easily remove the front faceplate you'd have a lot of options to customize this controller for different looks, right? Shockingly, I can't find any options available (through GameSir or third parties) to do this. Which is a shame.
The faceplate on the controller is easy enough to remove (so you can quickly customize the button layout or the controller thumbsticks. It seems like a real missed opportunity to not sell additional faceplate options so you could change the look of the controller from the off-black shade to something with a little more pizzazz.
Assignable buttons
Beyond the standard buttons and triggers you'd expect, the GameSir G8 Plus also has two additional buttons on the underside (L4 and R4).
These underside buttons have no value/aren't assigned to any function when you first use your device. They have to be set-up/configured for a specific function within the GameSir app.
What phones and tablets does the GameSir G8+ work with?
The design of the GameSir G8+ controller maximizes versatility across devices.
There are basically two styles of these mobile controllers, ones with a male USB C plug-in on the side of the controller and ones without. Because the GameSir G8+ is the latter, this means any Bluetooth device (up to 8.64 inches) can slip between the controller grip. The cradle is deep, with a rubberized base and textured bumpers on either end, which makes a variety of devices sit securely in the controller.
This is an excellent design. It allows phones with unusual camera modules (like the OnePlus 13 or Pixel 9) or foldables (whose USB C ports would make screen placement feel awkward when plugged into a controller) feel very ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing while gaming.
Aside from being a great design for smartphone of any size, if you have a foldable, this is almost certainly the best option out there because you can play your games on the outer screen or fold open your device to play on the larger inner screen and the GameSir G8+ accommodates beautifully.
Can you connect the GameSir to multiple devices?
You can use the GameSir G8+ as a wireless controller or wired controller for many devices, including the Nintendo Switch.
By pressing and holding various button combinations, you can connect and switch between multiple devices, the type of device is indicated by the changing colour of the power button on the controller.
It's a little tricky to remember the various pairing options since the button combinations are very similar. And, in the case of my iPhone, even though I followed the instructions on the manual exactly, I was unable to pair the device (the controller didn't show up). After some frustration, I discovered how to actually connect to iPhone (which is improperly explained in the manual).
I had no problems connecting the device to Android phones and tablets. And it took a little effort to get it working with the Switch, but that had more to do with digging into Switch controller menus and settings rather than GameSir.
You can also plug in a cable and use the controller as a wired USB device for gaming on your laptop/PC.
Once initially connected to a device, it's relatively easy to switch between them, it's just a matter of remembering the right button combinations for Switch vs. iPhone vs. Android, if you use this controller with multiple devices. If you're just using it with one device, it will remember your previous connection and automatically connect when you power-on the controller.
GameSir G8 Software: Worst part of the gaming experience
A lot of these mobile phone controllers are basically the same, in terms of design and price. One area they can differentiate is with the software. In my testing, this has been the weakest part of the experience with GameSir.
Before I (gently) rip it apart, I will say, it's entirely possible to use this controller and never have any need to dig into the app at all (particularly if you're using this for the Switch). But if you want the full use of your device, the software is part of that experience, and that experience is the weakest part of using the GameSir G8+.
First, if you're using it with iPhone, you can't access the Game tab, which is where you'll have a selection of playable games from a variety of services, like GeForce Now, Luna, and more. This controller "works" with iPhone, but it's not MFi (Apple's certification system). To get this certification from Apple is time-consuming and expensive, so many accessory workers won't bother (except ELO Gaming did, so GOLD STAR for them), which is maybe why the iPhone experience with GameSir is less good.
If you're using it with an Android device, you can access this tab. Which at first glance seems decent. There are tiles with cover art for a variety of games organized by platform. But on closer inspection, the red flags appear.
For example, a row dedicated to Stadia gaming, which was discontinued in January of 2023 (RIP, it deserved better).
Then, trying to launch games frequently results in the app crashing, to the point where the whole game section is basically unusable. While you can obviously launch games from your home screen, other brands of controllers have a much better software experience to make your phone feel like a dedicated gaming handheld. The Razer Kishi has Nexus software which is EXCELLENT for organizing your game library on Android or Apple devices, and it's free. Backbone has great software for the gaming experience with their controllers, but you have to pay, and for what you get, it's not really worth it.
For button mapping and testing, the app works as you'd expect. For organizing your game library, it's atrocious. It feels like the software was a distant afterthought to the device and hasn't been revisited since launch.
GameSir G8+ Review: The Bottom Line
This is an excellent controller, but recommending it for everyone is tricky since the device you're planning to use it with really dictates whether or not it's worth recommending.
Geeking Out Shop
GameSir G8+
Versatile Mobile Controller
The GameSir G8+ ranges from being a fine to excellent mobile controller, depending on the device you're pairing it with. It is more configurable than your average mobile controller since you can physically swap out components in addition to remapping buttons in the app. The app experience, overall, isn't great, but the hardware is. Depending on the type of device you have, this could be exactly the controller you've been looking for.
Is the GameSir G8+ good for iPhone?
While it does work with iPhone, compared to other similar controllers, I wouldn't recommend buying the GameSir G8+ if the main device you're using it for is iPhone or iPad.
Once you get over the initial setup hiccups, the GameSir software experience isn't very good on iOS/iPadOS.
If you don't intend to use the in-app software at all and plan to launch all of your games from your homescreen, it's a fine choice. But, overall, I'd recommend one of the options in this article, like the Razer Kishi Ultra for iPad or the Backbone One for iPhone.
Is the GameSir G8+ good for Android phones and tablets?
The GameSir G8 is a good choice for Android phones. Since there are so many different types of Android devices, and while we joke they all look the same, the truth is design differences can make it hard to use accessories across different brands.
The GameSir G8+ is a very forgiving controller, in terms of fitting a variety of shapes and sizes of Android phones. I've tested it personally with many (Pixel 6-9, OnePlus 12, 13, and 13R, S24/Ultra) and have been very pleased with how solid it feels as a gaming device.
The software experience with the GameSir app is still problematic, but you can get by without actually using the software.
Is the GameSir G8+ good for foldables?
The GameSir G8+ is an EXCELLENT choice for foldables. Whether you're playing on the front screen or opening up your foldable to play on the larger inner screen, you'll benefit from the GameSir's ability to accommodate a variety of form factors.
I love the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It works with some mobile controllers if you're only using the front screen. If you open it up to use the inner screen, because of the USB C port placement on the phone vs. the placement of the USB input on many mobile controllers, the gaming experience isn't very good with the 9 Pro Fold because the screen sits awkwardly low in the controller.
But in the case of the GameSir G8+, you can slide your foldable to whatever position feels right. It securely sits between the controller handles and is, hands-down, the best controller for foldables in my (well-tested) opinion.
Is the GameSir G8+ good for Nintendo Switch?
I love Nintendo and am admittedly snobbish when it comes to third-party accessories for Nintendo consoles. So, I was highly skeptical when a friend was hyping up how good the GameSir G8+ is for Nintendo Switch.
The very first time I used this controller with my NIntendo Switch, I was instantly converted, to the point where I no longer like using Joy-Cons in handheld mode on the console.
The Switch just feels so much more solid in this controller. If you're in an intense gaming session (and hey, the Donkey Kong games on Switch get pretty intense), I truly feel like I play better by having that bit of extra grip that comes from this controller.
Plus, it's the perfect size for the Switch. And because you're using this with the Switch, my main complaint with mobile and the app not being very good are irrelevant for the Switch gaming experience.
I whole-heartedly recommend this controller as a great option for Switch fans!
Final thoughts
There's so much choice in the world of mobile controllers. And as phones have gotten more capable in recent generations (and will continue to do so), I think the interest in a quality mobile controller will only continue to grow.
GameSir G8+
This review took a long time to write and research. If you found it helpful, you would be supporting this website by clicking the Amazon link in this article to purchase the controller. Our website would recieve a small amount of commission (at no additional cost to you), which allows us to dedicate time to have real people testing products and sharing their honest opinions on this website. Thank you!
The GameSir G8+ lacks a few features that other brands offer in their mobile controllers like a headphone jack and a good software experience. But, it's possible the device's versatile design for accommodating a variety of systems will outweigh that.
If after reading this whole article you've decided you want an alternative controller that works well with tablets, iPhone, or Android phones, then my suggestion would be to try out the Razer Kishi Ultra (read the full review here). The hardware is great. The software is top-notch. The main difference is, the Kishi Ultra has a male USB input on the side of one handle, making it a little less forgiving than the G8+ when using it with a foldable.
If you end up going with the GameSir G8+, particularly if you switch between a phone, tablet, or Nintendo Switch often, it's a solid pick for a mobile controller for many reasons.
Read more
GameSir G8+ iPhone Connection Issue Solved!
The GameSir G8+ is an excellent mobile phone controller, but the iPhone experience can be a little buggy. One of the main issues, has to do with initial setup and connection. This article can help troubleshoot a weak point.
Best accessories for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a premium and purposeful phone to enhance productivity and show the latest and greatest in smartphone technology. To tap into everything this device is capable of, you may need to add a few accessories, and these are the very best available!
For the best gaming experience, slide your iPhone into a controller!
iPhone 15 Pro and Max open up new gaming possibilities on iPhone. But proper gaming needs buttons, and joy sticks and D-Pads! Fortunately, there are some great options to slide your iPhone into a controller grip for a proper gaming session.
Revisit Death Stranding on your Apple devices
Death Stranding Director's Cut expands the story of the original adding new items and areas to explore. This title is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.