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GameSir G8+ MFi: One-minute evaluate
The GameSir G8+ MFi is the controller that the G8 Galileo in all probability ought to have been from the beginning. It takes the identical full-size grips, Corridor impact thumbsticks and triggers, and programmable again buttons that made the unique among the finest cell grips going, then layers on MFi certification for iPhone and iPad Mini, swappable ABXY button caps, twin vibration motors, and crucially, improved case compatibility.
Better of all? It’s nonetheless the identical $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99 asking value.
Having examined each of those mobile controllers aspect by aspect on the identical telephones and video games, the G8+ MFi addresses nearly each gripe I had with the G8 Galileo. The case compatibility enhancements alone are value shouting about, with magnetically swappable silicone pads and a digital camera bump panel that allow you to modify clearance relying on whether or not your telephone is cased or caseless.
The screenshot button has been nudged farther from the D-pad, and the power to bodily swap button caps to match your structure is a pleasant bonus for anybody who switches between Xbox and Nintendo-style mapping. The core controller really feel, together with the excessive stick sensitivity and set off response, is similar to the G8 Galileo, however the GameSir app now works on each iOS and Android.
There are vibration motors in every grip now, which must be a pleasant add-on, however sadly, they go fully unused by each sport I examined on each Android and iOS. Admittedly, that’s extra the fault of builders than GameSir, nevertheless. With that oversight, there’s in all probability not fairly sufficient right here to justify changing an authentic G8 if you happen to’re an Android person. However for everybody else, that is the model to purchase.
GameSir G8+ MFi: Worth and availability
- Record value: $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99
- Accessible by way of Amazon, GameSir, and main retailers
- Similar value because the G8 Galileo it successfully replaces, however each can be found
GameSir launched the G8+ MFi in late 2025, two years after the G8 it’s constructed on, however regardless of the upgrades, it retains the identical $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99 price ticket. That sees it proceed to undercut rivals just like the Backbone One 2nd Gen ($99.99 / £99.99), although it could possibly now stack up head-to-head with them on compatibility due to the added MFi certification.
GameSir’s naming throughout the G8 vary stays complicated, and a shared value level doesn’t assist issues. The G8+ is available in each Kind-C (wired, that I am reviewing right here) and Bluetooth variants.
There’s additionally the unique G8 Galileo, which is Android-only. Typically it’s referred to as the G8+, generally it’s the G8 Plus. Typically Galileo will get a shoutout in there, generally he doesn’t. In the event you’re buying, double-check you are getting the correct model to your system and never promoting your self quick on characteristic set.
GameSir G8+ MFi: Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
GameSir G8+ MFi |
|
Worth |
$79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99 |
|
Dimensions |
9.02 x 4.20 x 2.13in / 229 x 106.8 x 54.2mm |
|
Weight |
10.72oz / 304g |
|
Connection |
Wired USB-C (pivoting connector) |
|
Compatibility |
iPhone (USB-C), iPad mini 6+, Android 8.0+ |
|
Software program |
GameSir App (iOS and Android) |
GameSir G8+ MFi: Design and options
- Acquainted G8 ergonomics with a wider platform and stretch for iPad mini compatibility
- Swappable ABXY button caps and improved case compatibility
- Works natively with each Android and iOS gadgets
In the event you’ve used the GameSir G8 Galileo, the G8+ MFi will really feel instantly acquainted. In actual fact, if you happen to’ve used an Xbox 360 or Collection controller, the G8+ will really feel acquainted too. The total-size, contoured grips are the identical chunky form as Xbox’s providing, and the identical laser-engraved texturing carries over from the G8.
It’s noticeably snug to carry and appears like a correct system relatively than a homebrew resolution to gaming in your telephone. The identical general construct high quality stays, too: it’s strong, doesn’t flex or creak, and supplies really feel premium.
Positioned aspect by aspect with its sibling, the G8+ MFi’s telephone deck is noticeably wider, however in isolation, I am unsure you’d really clock the distinction. It is heavier too, at 304g versus the G8’s 252g, although once more the additional weight did not actually register throughout testing. The sunshine grey-and-white colorway is an enchancment from the G8 Galileo’s uniform, darker gray for my eye. It seems to be a bit extra refined on this brighter pores and skin, however that’s private style, and also you don’t get a alternative anyway.
The MFi certification is the headline improve and a welcome addition for Apple followers. The place the G8 Galileo solely formally supported Android, the G8+ MFi is licensed for iPhones with USB-C and the iPad mini 6 and newer. It auto-detects which platform it is linked to and switches mode accordingly, which labored with out concern throughout each my POCO X5 Professional 5G and iPhone 17 Professional throughout testing. The GameSir app acknowledged the controller on each telephones, too, which wasn’t the case with the G8.
The broader stretch vary, a full 30mm enhance over the unique, means the G8+ MFi can now accommodate an iPad mini, although with out one handy, I’ll need to take GameSir’s phrase for it. What I did respect was the detachable magnetic again panel on the left aspect of the telephone deck. This simply pops off to create extra clearance for telephones with bigger digital camera bumps. It’s a pleasant high quality of life addition that did its job completely with my cased iPhone, although
I’m unsure what GameSir thinks I’m going to do with that simply losable piece. A slot to tuck it into or perhaps a magnetic spot on the again to stow it could have been a lot appreciated. I think about we’ll see a whole lot of G8 Plus’ with a black stripe on the left aspect over time.
Case compatibility is the place the G8+ MFi makes its largest sensible design enchancment over the G8. GameSir now contains magnetic silicone pads of various thicknesses to vary the buffer dimension across the port.
I performed with my iPhone case on, and the controller accommodated it comfortably, which was one thing I could not handle on the G8 Galileo with out worrying in regards to the USB-C connector angle. It is in all probability nonetheless not going to deal with a chunky Otterbox, however normal slim circumstances are now not an issue. For all of the intelligent tweaks and design modifications, the USB-C connector continues to be my favourite alternative GameSir made, and I’m glad it’s unchanged on the G8+. It pivots freely up and down, which makes seating and eradicating your system a doddle.
The magnetic faceplate system on the grips carries over from the G8, too, however the G8+ MFi provides swappable ABXY button caps on prime of the interchangeable thumbstick choices. You’ll be able to bodily rearrange the face button structure to match Xbox or Nintendo mapping, which is a pleasant complement to the software program remapping obtainable within the app. Three alternative thumbstick caps are included (quick, tall, dome), however you continue to solely get considered one of every.
GameSir G8+ MFi: Efficiency
- Corridor impact sticks and triggers, together with hair-trigger mode
- Two customizable M buttons on the again
- Vibration motors in every grip, although they’re not often used
In relation to gaming with the GameSir G8+ MFi, the bits that had been nice earlier than are nonetheless simply as nice right here; en-something-ification clearly isn’t within the GameSir dictionary. The Corridor impact thumbsticks and triggers are, so far as I can inform, similar to these on the GameSir G8 Galileo.
The sticks are easy and exact with a excessive stage of sensitivity. In the event you’re coming from a less expensive controller, chances are you’ll want a while to regulate, however elevated management is definitely definitely worth the effort.
The triggers have full analog journey together with a hair-trigger mode that’s snappy and dependable, good for shooters. In the event you’re upgrading from the G8, there is not any change in enter high quality right here, which isn’t any dangerous factor, however don’t bounce throughout anticipating a fair higher expertise. Deadzone and hair-trigger settings are configurable by way of the GameSir app, and the app now engaged on iOS means iPhone customers get the identical tuning choices Android customers have all the time had.
The G8+ MFi’s d-pad has a barely mushy wobble, although a handy guide a rough, clicky really feel while you fireplace it off. Journey distance is brief with a transparent click on for every route, together with diagonally. The screenshot button has been repositioned barely farther from the D-pad down in comparison with the G8, and the advance was each noticeable and really welcome. I did not by accident set off it throughout testing, which was a recurring frustration for me beforehand
Across the again of the G8+ are two programmable buttons, labeled M1 and M2 (in comparison with L4 and R4 on the final mannequin). They’re one thing of a rarity for cell controller grips at this value, with the likes of the Spine One skipping them completely. I discovered them well-sized and positioned nearly completely.
They’re near the place your fingers naturally relaxation with out getting in the best way, taking simply the correct amount of power to keep away from unintentional presses. They ship unbound by default, so you will want the GameSir app to assign features, and you’ll solely mirror present buttons on them, no macros.
The twin uneven vibration motors are the one new characteristic that falls flat. They work high quality within the GameSir app’s check mode, delivering each sturdy and delicate vibrations that really feel completely succesful, if a bit gradual to spin up. The issue is that no sport I examined, on both Android or iOS, really utilized them.
Fortnite, Call of Duty Cellular, Forza Horizon 5, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider by way of Xbox cloud gaming, nothing. I consider that is really a cell gaming ecosystem concern relatively than a GameSir drawback; builders simply aren’t bothering or don’t have the means to speak this info to gadgets. Which will effectively change sooner or later, however proper now, don’t go grabbing the G8+ anticipating haptic suggestions as you’d get on console.
The GameSir G8+ MFi options passthrough USB-C charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which carry over from the G8 Galileo, and each labored with out concern once more all through testing. Passthrough charging reported quick cost speeds on each the POCO X5 Professional and iPhone 17 Pro with no overheating.
The headphone jack stays a welcome inclusion for latency-free wired audio The devoted GameSir button on the controller has inconsistent conduct on Android, generally performing as a house button and sometimes opening the GameSir app as an alternative. On iOS, it appeared to do nothing in any respect, however it can mild up a unique coloration to verify you’re in the correct compatibility mode to your system.
Shoudl you purchase the GameSir G8+ MFi?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally take into account…
Can’t determine if the GameSir G8+ MFi is the one to get? This is the way it compares to different, comparable controller grips.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
GameSir G8+ MFi Galileo MFi |
Razer Kishi Extremely |
Spine One 2nd Gen |
|
Worth |
$79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99 |
$149.99 / £149.99 / AU$269.95 |
$99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.99 |
|
Dimensions |
9.02 x 4.20 x 2.13in / 229 x 106.8 x 54.2mm |
9.64 x 4.36 x 2.53in / 244.8 x 110.8 x 64.3mm |
6.93 x 3.70 x 1.34in / 176 x 93.98 x 34.03mm |
|
Weight |
10.72oz / 304g |
9.38oz / 266g |
4.86oz / 138g |
|
Connection |
Wired (USB-C) |
Wired (USB-C) |
Wired (USB-C / Lightning) |
|
Compatibility |
Android, iOS |
Android, iOS |
Android, iOS |
|
Software program |
GameSir App |
Razer Nexus |
Spine App |
GameSir G8+ MFi: One-minute evaluate
- I spent a couple of days testing on each an iPhone 17 Professional and POCO X5 Professional
- I performed Fortnite, Name of Responsibility Cellular, Want for Velocity No Limits, plus Forza Horizon 5 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider by way of Xbox Cloud Gaming
- I performed with the varied customization choices and tried to get the rumble working, unsuccessfully
I approached testing the GameSir G8+ MFi with the query of not solely the way it fared on the whole, however particularly the way it in comparison with the G8 Galileo upon which it was constructed. I used the identical two telephones and the identical set of video games to place them immediately head-to-head. This allowed me to isolate precisely what’s modified between the 2 controllers and whether or not these modifications are significant in observe.
I examined case compatibility with a slim iPhone case, tried all swappable thumbstick and button cap configurations, checked vibration motor response throughout a number of video games on each platforms, and verified that the GameSir app offered full performance on each iOS and Android. I additionally investigated the GameSir button conduct on each operating systems and examined passthrough charging on each gadgets.
First reviewed April 2026
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