Back in January of this year, I took a look at the GameSir G8 Galileo, a controller I ultimately praised for its console-like look and feel. Flash forward to the present, and GameSir is back at it with their G8+ Galileo Wireless Controller. This latest iteration immediately drew my interest as I was a big fan of the original G8 controller.
At first glance, the GameSir G8+ Galileo Wireless looks almost identical to its older brother, down to featuring the same magnetized front plates and removable sticks to the textured grip on the back of the device. Outside of the black matte finish that replaces the Super Nintendo-inspired schema, the only notable difference on the GameSir G8 Galileo Wireless Controller is its lack of a USB-C output lead and headphone jack.
The GameSir G8+ Galileo Wireless, as the name suggests, is a wireless controller that connects over Bluetooth, so the lack of USB-C makes sense. The only real tradeoff is not being able to charge your phone or tablet via passthrough and of course, no built-in DAC for plugging in wired headphones.
With Bluetooth, however, comes a snappier connection, free of the hassle of having to squeeze your phone into the tight grip or worrying about fiddling about in the Gameir app. Instead, simply pair the phone to the G8+ in accordance with the mode you want to use, which includes modes for native Android, PlayStation, Switch and a GameSir mode.
Pairing the GameSir G8+ Galileo Wireless requires holding the capture button along with one of the face buttons for several seconds. Once paired, simply holding the same button combination again will switch the G8+ to your desired mode of operation.
Interestingly enough, due to its reliance on a Bluetooth connection, the GameSir G8+ Galileo Wireless also works on devices outside of the realm of smartphones, tablets and computers, with support also allowing users to pair the controller with both PS4 and PS5 systems and even the Nintendo Switch.
Native PlayStation 5 support is limited to PlayStation 4 titles. PS5 games, instead, can only be played using the GameSir G8+ Galileo via Remote Play due to Sony’s strict requirement of a DualSense controller for native PS5 games (outside of a small selection of PlayStation-certified third-party offerings).
“…the GameSir G8+ Galileo Wireless Controller shines the brightest when paired with a phone.”
On the topic of PlayStation, using the controller for PS5 titles, even via remote play, can be somewhat of a hassle, requiring multiple permissions on top of having to enable developer mode (on Android). This ultimate makes it easier to use third-party PlayStation remote play apps, such as PSPlay, the faster choice over Sony’s official app, as it can use any standard Bluetooth controller when playing PS5 titles. The support outside of phone and tablet use is a nice bonus, but without a doubt, the GameSir G8+ Galileo Wireless Controller shines the brightest when paired with a phone.
New features in the G8+ model include force feedback through the inclusion of dual motors, Gyro-aiming (particularly useful for Switch players) and my favourite addition, the option to swap the orientation of the face buttons, something that GameSir included in some of their previous offerings, but not on the original GameSir G8 Galileo controller.
Like the previous model, the GameSir G8+ Galileo Wireless includes three additional stick styles that can be swapped out over the stock Xbox-style thumbstick that ships with the controller. The three additional sticks include a Nintendo GameCube-style convex dome, a smaller Joy-con style nub and another spare, Xbox-style textured stick.
Outside of the typical assortment of four face buttons, triggers and bumpers, the GameSir G8+ Galileo Wireless Controller includes a new pairing button for Bluetooth located on the bottom of the device, next to the USB-C charging port and L4 and R4 bumpers that are recessed on the back of the device, allowing for some extra button-mapping action for those who require it.
Despite the GameSir G8+ Galileo Wireless essentially being a wireless variant of its older sibling, thanks to a more mature GameSir app, an easier and robust connection over Bluetooth, the inclusion of gyro and rumble, the GameSir G8+ Wireless Controller is easily one of the best mobile game controllers you can buy on the market.
- 🎮 Precision and Durability: Hall Effect sensing sticks and triggers offer precise, smooth, and durable control for competitive gaming.
- 🎮 Universal Compatibility: Fits a wide range of devices, including phones, Switch, and tablets, thanks to its extendable design.
