The GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Mobile Gaming controller is a versatile grip-style controller for both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. Its Hall Effect analog sticks, haptic motors, and large grips are designed to give you as close to a console gaming experience that you can have on the go. Recently, GameSir has released a pair of Marvel-licensed versions of this controller, adding some style to the G8 Plus’ already respectable functionality. Now coming in Hulk and Thanos stylings, the G8 Plus continues to be a headlining GameSir solution to mobile gaming.
Here, we get our hands on the Hulk version of the GameSir G8 Plus for $99.99. Does this controller SMASH mobile gaming? Let’s dive in and find out.
A purchase of the GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Mobile Gaming controller comes with five analog stick options and a USB-C to USB-A cable. The controller is offered in a Hulk color scheme, Thanos color scheme and its original black version.
Build, Functionality and Comfort
The GameSir G8 Plus comes out of the box with an Xbox button and thumbstick layout. However, while being a clamp style mobile controller, much of the G8 Plus’ design comes with a console controller’s assortment of features. The controller features Hall Effect analog sticks, granting the sticks up to a 5 million rotation life cycle. Due to the contactless nature of Hall Effect sticks, this does well to combat the drift naturally caused by wear and tear. The Hall Effect triggers can be used in either analog mode for racing games or hair trigger mode for shooters.
The handles on the G8 Plus have that console controller feel, being both large and easy to grip thanks to its texturized rear surfaces. Inside those handles are haptic motors, offering you rumbling feedback from your compatible games. The controller also houses a 6-axis gyro sensor for playing games that allow for motion controls. Outside of your standard buttons and triggers, you have a capture button, a mode (M) button, and a GameSir button. On the bottom, you have a USB-C port and a pairing button. Finally, on the rear, you have a pair of remappable buttons that can be customized on the fly.
What makes the GameSir G8 Plus unique amongst mobile controllers is its compatibility and customizability. The G8 Plus offers compatibility with Android, iOS, PC, and the Nintendo Switch. The controller can connect to these platforms either via Bluetooth or wired via its USB-C port. You use the capture button and the XYAB buttons to toggle the controller’s connection mode between the various platforms. When you employ a wired connection via the USB-C port, the controller automatically detects the connected platform and toggles to the compatible controller mode.
Functionality does not stop there. You can remove the G8 Plus’ face plates to gain access to the swappable analog sticks and the XYAB buttons. This is especially handy when swapping the controller between Nintendo Switch and non-Nintendo platform modes. When you toggle the controller to the Nintendo Switch mode, the inputs of the XYAB buttons are swapped to YXBA respectively. Being able to pop out the buttons to match those inputs allows for a seamless transition between playing Nintendo Switch or Xbox controller style games. This feature goes a long way to solidifying the G8 Plus into a truly multi-platform controller.
The controller also allows for on-the-fly mapping of the rear buttons. Using the M button in conjunction with the rear buttons, you are able to remap each button without the involvement of any companion apps. The button also allows you to activate Turbo firing of any of the face buttons, bumpers or triggers. The Turbo function allows for three speed options such as 8Hz, 12Hz, and 20Hz.
The GameSir G8 Plus sports a solid build from out of the box. Despite being a controller designed for mobile play, the size of its controls and grips give it the feel of a full-sized controller. As such, the G8 Plus is both easy and comfortable to handle, whether you have a device in its clutch or not. Buttons, bumpers and triggers feel enjoyable to press and having various analog stick options to choose from is always a welcomed addition. I was able to employ my preferred stick layout, with the left analog being convex and the right being concave.
The G8 Plus’ grip can also hold onto some pretty large or hefty devices. It had no problem clasping onto my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 or the Nintendo Switch with its Joy-Cons removed. This was nice considering that my phones protective case makes my device especially thick, whether it is collapsed or expanded.
An interesting aspect of the G8 Plus is how seamlessly its functionality works across all platforms. Whenever I used the capture button, the screen capture feature worked without a hitch, regardless of the platform the controller was connected to at the time.
In the build department, the GameSir G8 Plus sports a quality console-level build with a good level of compatibility and functionality.
Performance
The GameSir G8 Plus gives you a solid performance and gaming experience regardless of the console or playstyle you use it in. When used via Bluetooth, the responsiveness of the G8 Plus allows for clean and enjoyable gameplay. This is the case even when playing PC games remotely on my phone via Steam Link, where some input delay is to be expected. Here is where the accuracy of the Hall Effect sticks shined as I played first person shooters like Destiny 2 and Cyberpunk 2077. Playing these games off my PC at home while on wifi at a local bar was a satisfying experience.
Remote play felt better still when I booted up King of Fighters XV, as 2D fighters felt a pinch more responsive than shooters in general. Here is where I got a good feel for the G8 Plus’ d-pad, where special move inputs were easy and comfortable to pull off. As I like to play fighting games with a gamepad on a surface, it was as simple as propping up my phone’s stand and playing off of the counter.
I then took the latency from remote play out of the equation, connecting the G8 Plus to my Nintendo Switch. I rearranged the XYAB buttons, set the G8 Plus to Nintendo Switch mode, and booted up the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Here is where I got a true appreciation for the G8 Plus’ responsiveness as well as the effectiveness of its d-pad.
In the end, the G8 Plus presents itself quite well as an input device for 2D fighters.
Continuing to explore the GameSir G8 Plus’ compatibility, I then connected it to a PC via a USB cable and tried it in some ranked Apex Legends matches. The controller automatically set itself to an Xbox-style controller mode and I was off to the races. Playing with a controller with a wide frame like the G8 Plus’ while facing away from it felt odd at first. However, it was fast and easy to get past that thanks to the G8 Plus’ comfortable controls and grips. The Hall Effect analog sticks allowed for accurate movement and aiming, allowing for the level of gameplay I am used to whenever I played Apex Legends.
Regardless of the platform or game genre I used it on, the GameSir G8 Plus performed with flying colors.
Final Thoughts
For $99, the GameSir G8 Plus gives you everything you would want from a multiplatform mobile controller and more. The controllers clamp can hang onto some pretty beefy-sized devices with the controller still being comfortable to handle while doing so. With Hall Effect components, interchangeable parts, and ample-sized grips, you get a controller that you can cater to your play style and preferences. Not to mention, the inclusion of those Hall Effect components means a long drift-free lifespan for your investment. Best of all, the controller is both as responsive and accurate as you would expect from any well-performing controller out now. This is a solid mobile gaming controller that simply gets the job done and then some.
If you are interested in taking a look at the GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Mobile Gaming controller for yourself, you can check them out by clicking on the following links.
GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Mobile Gaming controller – Hulk Version
GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Mobile Gaming controller – Thanos Version
GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Mobile Gaming controller – Black
† We were provided with a GameSir G8 Plus Bluetooth Mobile Gaming controller for review purposes and were not compensated for this review.
