GameSir Announces New G8+ Bluetooth Gaming Controller

GameSir has just launched an upgraded version of its G8 Galileo mobile gaming controller, the G8+, building on one of the most popular mobile gaming controllers of the past year. Unlike the G8 that connects via USB-C, the G8+ is battery powered and connects wirelessly over Bluetooth, making the new controller compatible with a much wider assortment of devices, too.

The G8+ arrives in a sleek black colorway that gives it a more modern feel compared to the retro, Nintendo-inspired greys and purples of the G8. GameSir has brought most of the features found in the G8 to the G8+ – like the responsive Hall Effect joysticks and ergonomics that made the previous model such a joy to use – but added some new ones exclusive to the new controller. Most notably, these include a six-axis gyroscope that makes the G8+ compatible with the Nintendo Switch and other devices that use motion control, as well as new rumble motors (a feature not found in the previous model) for a more immersive experience. Given that the G8+ is Bluetooth – and isn’t powered by its host device via USB-C like the G8 – it features a 500 mAh battery built into either side of the controller for a total battery capacity of 1000 mAh. As expected, the addition of batteries has led to a slight increase in the controller’s weight (0.69 lbs / 313 g compared to 0.55 lbs / 249 g), though the difference is small and shouldn’t be an issue for most users.

The controller features ABXY face buttons that have a five million-click lifespan, according to the brand, as well as analog L and R triggers that are comfortable and highly responsive. There are also two buttons on the back of the G8+ that can be mapped to a user’s liking with the GameSir app. The app also allows users to create custom controller profiles, adjust the sensitivity analog triggers, and change the joysticks’ deadzone.

The new G8+ controller extends wider than the G8 and accommodates devices as wide as 215 mm (compared to the previous model’s 185 mm maximum). This makes it compatible with the Nintendo Switch and smaller tablets, something that wasn’t possible before owing to both the width restriction as well as the built-in USB-C connector that got in the way when trying to mount non-compatible devices

Users can also customize their G8+ as GameSir has made the faceplates on its controller magnetic and swappable. This feature was actually present on the G8, though GameSir hadn’t made faceplates purchasable separately. Given the brand made a point of this feature in its latest press release, you can assume they soon will have options for people to buy – stay tuned and we’ll keep you updated.

The GameSir G8+ is available now via Amazon or the brand’s website priced at $79.99 USD / £79.99 GBP / €89.99 EUR.