GameSir G8+ MFi review: it’s the G8 Galileo, but better in every way

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 best cellular 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 cellular controllers facet by facet 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 digicam bump panel that allow you to regulate clearance relying on whether or not your cellphone is cased or caseless.

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The screenshot button has been nudged farther from the D-pad, and the flexibility to bodily swap button caps to match your format 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 ought to be a pleasant add-on, however sadly, they go utterly unused by each recreation 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 when you’re an Android person. However for everybody else, that is the model to purchase.

GameSir G8+ MFi: Value and availability

• Record value: $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99
• Out there by way of Amazon, GameSir, and main retailers
• Identical 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 Spine One 2nd Gen ($99.99 / £99.99), although it might probably 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 Sort-C (wired, that I am reviewing right here) and Bluetooth variants.

There’s additionally the unique G8 Galileo, which is Android-only. Generally it’s referred to as the G8+, typically it’s the G8 Plus. Generally Galileo will get a shoutout in there, typically he doesn’t. If you happen to’re procuring, double-check you are getting the best model on your machine and never promoting your self quick on function set.

GameSir G8+ MFi: Specs

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

If you happen to’ve used the GameSir G8 Galileo, the G8+ MFi will really feel instantly acquainted. The truth is, when you’ve used an Xbox 360 or Sequence 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 seems like a correct machine moderately than a homebrew resolution to gaming in your cellphone. The identical total construct high quality stays, too: it’s strong, doesn’t flex or creak, and supplies really feel premium.

Positioned facet by facet with its sibling, the G8+ MFi’s cellphone deck is noticeably wider, however in isolation, I am unsure you’d truly 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 appears a bit of 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 related to and switches mode accordingly, which labored with out situation 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 improve over the unique, means the G8+ MFi can now accommodate an iPad mini, although with out one handy, I’ll must take GameSir’s phrase for it. What I did recognize was the detachable magnetic again panel on the left facet of the cellphone deck. This simply pops off to create extra clearance for telephones with bigger digicam 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 lots of G8 Plus’ with a black stripe on the left facet over time.

Case compatibility is the place the G8+ MFi makes its largest sensible design enchancment over the G8. GameSir now consists of magnetic silicone pads of various thicknesses to alter 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 concerning the USB-C connector angle. It is in all probability nonetheless not going to deal with a chunky Otterbox, however customary slim instances are now not an issue. For all of the intelligent tweaks and design modifications, the USB-C connector remains 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 machine 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 possibly can bodily rearrange the face button format to match Xbox or Nintendo mapping, which is a pleasant complement to the software program remapping obtainable within the app. Three substitute thumbstick caps are included (quick, tall, dome), however you continue to solely get one in every 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 hardly ever used

In relation to gaming with the GameSir G8+ MFi, the bits that have 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. If you happen to’re coming from a less expensive controller, you might 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. If you happen to’re upgrading from the G8, there isn’t any change in enter high quality right here, which isn’t any dangerous factor, however don’t soar throughout anticipating an excellent higher expertise. Deadzone and hair-trigger settings are configurable by means 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 once you hearth it off. Journey distance is brief with a transparent click on for every path, together with diagonally. The screenshot button has been repositioned barely farther from the D-pad down in comparison with the G8, and the development was each noticeable and really welcome. I did not by chance 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 cellular 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 quantity of drive to keep away from unintended presses. They ship unbound by default, so you will want the GameSir app to assign capabilities, and you’ll solely mirror present buttons on them, no macros.

The twin uneven vibration motors are the one new function that falls flat. They work effective within the GameSir app’s check mode, delivering each robust and refined vibrations that really feel completely succesful, if a bit of gradual to spin up. The issue is that no recreation I examined, on both Android or iOS, truly utilized them.

Fortnite, Name of Responsibility Cell, Forza Horizon 5, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider by way of Xbox cloud gaming, nothing. I imagine that is truly a cellular gaming ecosystem situation moderately than a GameSir drawback; builders simply aren’t bothering or don’t have the means to speak this data to gadgets. That will properly 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 situation once more all through testing. Passthrough charging reported quick cost speeds on each the POCO X5 Professional and iPhone 17 Professional 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, typically performing as a house button and infrequently opening the GameSir app as a substitute. On iOS, it appeared to do nothing in any respect, however it’ll gentle up a distinct shade to verify you’re in the best compatibility mode on your machine.

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.

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 Cell, Want for Pace 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 straight 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 working programs and examined passthrough charging on each gadgets.

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First reviewed April 2026