My favourite development in cell gaming just lately has been massive controller grips. As telephone screens improve in measurement, it solely is smart to make use of these gadgets to sport. Enter the GameSir G8+ Bluetooth controller, which gives an reasonably priced grip for bigger telephones and tablets. Nonetheless, some firmware points maintain it again from being vital accent.
The GameSir G8+ Bluetooth controller prices $79.99 and helps gadgets as much as 215 mm or simply shy of 8.5 inches, which suggests it’s an ideal match for the iPad Mini even with its case on. It’s a Bluetooth controller, which suggests it will possibly work with varied gadgets, whether or not they have USB-C or Lightning connections. It additionally has a pleasant really feel to it, from the D-pad and analog sticks to the triggers and face buttons. The G8+ received’t change an official PlayStation 5 or Xbox Collection controller, but it surely doesn’t have the plastic-y really feel present in a number of the cheaper grips.
Sadly, throughout my time with the G8+ for evaluation, there was a large number of issues.
GameSir G8+ Bluetooth Evaluate
Just a few firmware tweaks away from being good.
Execs
- Inexpensive Value
- Feels Good in your palms
Cons
- Firmware Points
- Bluetooth Solely
G8 Isn’t G-Reat
My preliminary testing with the G8+ was with Name of Responsibility Cellular. I downloaded the sport onto my iPad Mini and began it up after pairing the controller. The sport acknowledged I used to be utilizing a controller instantly, and as soon as I began a match, I used to be transferring round in-game identical to I’d with every other controller. It was clean for a couple of minutes, however the left analog stick instantly wouldn’t transfer up. The G8+ stick was caught within the down place for some motive, making me moonwalk throughout Memnos Island. Positive, I used to be aiming precisely whereas strolling backward, however that was not a terrific first impression for the evaluation.
I attempted to treatment the issue by unpairing the controller, forgetting it on my iPad Mini, after which re-pairing. This time round, the left analog stick instantly turned caught within the down place with out giving me a minute to make use of the controller like regular.
To make sure this wasn’t a CoD Cellular drawback, I began the Xbox app to see how the controller would deal with taking part in on a console through streaming. There was no distinction, because the controller’s left analog stick was nonetheless within the down place.
GameSir made the G8+ straightforward to swap out parts like buttons and sticks and even included extras within the field. The {hardware}, nonetheless, was simply not the issue.
I downloaded the GameSir app to substantiate the G8+ had the proper firmware since that seems to be the most certainly drawback. The app discovered the controller and confirmed that the newest firmware was put in.
My subsequent sport to check for evaluation was through the PlayStation Distant app to play a sport on my PS5. This time round, the controller gave the impression to be functioning usually. I performed Elden Ring simply positive and will transfer ahead with out points, however one other drawback surfaced. For some unusual motive, the face buttons had been switched. The issue was confirmed when trying on the settings and seeing how the buttons didn’t match up as they had been alleged to. I went again to the GameSir app to see if there was a technique to bind the buttons on the controller, however there wasn’t.

Then, throughout one other testing session on CoD Cellular, it appeared just like the controller was working prefer it was alleged to. Nonetheless, as a result of there’s at all times an issue with this G8+ controller, there was a repeating message on the sport saying how the gamepad was linked. It was supposed to look as soon as and disappear after a couple of seconds, however now this message reveals up consistently. This could possibly be a bizarre Bluetooth connection difficulty, though it’s laborious to say with the G8+.
Let Me Plug-In, GameSir
Most of my issues with the G8+ controller seem like firmware-related, however I’ve a difficulty with the design. As a result of the G8+ makes use of Bluetooth, a tool doesn’t want to attach instantly, however I want it did.

Because the pill is bodily greater than the G8+, the edges stick out when it’s clamped into the grip. Which means that a part of the pill could catch on one thing and tilt up. When this occurred to me, I spotted that having a tool plugged into the precise controller prevents this unintended motion, which made me want for some connector for that one motive.
GameSir G8+ Verdict
The G8+ controller has all the pieces. It must be a simple suggestion for a pill consumer who needs a controller grip for it. Its $79.99 price ticket is reasonably priced, and the controller feels good and has a strong battery life. Nonetheless, the problems I encountered throughout the G8+ evaluation dragged down the expertise. I hope many of those firmware issues shall be addressed after the launch. Till then, you must maintain off on selecting this up.
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