GameSir G8 Plus MFi Review: The Best Controller for iPhone and Android?

GameSir G8 Plus MFi: High Quality for Apple and Android Mobile

It's no secret that gamer habits are constantly changing, and the ability to play anywhere appeals to more and more people. With the growth of cloud gaming and mobile in general, more and more peripherals are aiming to meet the new needs of gamers, which is why, after long and in-depth tests, I want to tell you about the GameSir G8 Plus MFi. This is a "pro" telescopic controller that opens up to 21.5 centimeters to transform your smartphones or small tablets into true portable consoles.

The GameSir G8 Plus MFi, as the MFi acronym suggests, is designed as a certified product to perform best with iPhone and iPad, but it also works perfectly with Android. The connection is via a USB-C plug located on the inner right edge of the controller, which tucks into your device's port. This choice eliminates input lag and allows the controller to function using the smartphone's battery.

Opening the package, which is very well-designed, we find, in addition to the controller, magnetic silicone pads to hold the smartphone in place once connected, and three analog sticks with different grips, allowing you to choose the most suitable for your needs. To change them, simply apply a little pressure to detach the shell, which is also held in place by magnets. I was surprised that the three replacement sticks have three different textures and do not allow both analog sticks on the controller to have the same configuration, unless you use the base ones: including two copies of each type of analog stick would have been a more sensible choice. In any case, the first impression of the GameSir G8 Plus MFi is extremely positive, and as soon as you hold it, you get the feeling of holding a premium product. The shape is comfortable, the plastics are solid, and everything is extremely refined, just as one would expect from a "pro" controller. 

GameSir G8 Plus MFi: The Gaming Feedback

The style and buttons echo Xbox controllers, although there are some differences, starting with two convenient additional buttons on the back of the shell that can be assigned to various functions. Also notable are the "home" button, recognizable by the GameSir logo, and the "M" button, which allows you to manage different configurations and values through combination with other buttons. On the bottom, there's also a 3.5 audio input, should you not want to rely on a Bluetooth connection option, and we can manage its volume using the M button we just mentioned. Also on the bottom, we find a USB-C input to charge the smartphone while playing, but it's obvious that using this option sacrifices the controller's portability. 

GameSir G8 Plus MFi has the great advantage of using hall effect technology for both the analog sticks and the analog triggers. Thanks to its system of magnetic sensors, this technology almost entirely eliminates the annoying problem of drifting: in simple terms, there will be no unwanted movements due to the wear of internal mechanical parts of the controller. There's also a vibration function on both sides of the GameSir G8 Plus MFi, to make us feel more immersed in the game. During my tests, the vibration was almost always precise, ready to return and enhance in-game sensations.

On the other hand, the response of all GameSir G8 Plus MFi commands is practically perfect, both due to the quality of the components and the choice of a physical connection with the smartphone, with the result that the feedback of classic consoles is not missed. Also thanks to the absence of an internal battery, the GameSir G8 Plus MFi weighs 304 grams, and if we combine this with the average weight of a smartphone, which we can consider around 200 grams, we reach about 500 grams, a result slightly less than that of Switch 2 and PlayStation Portal, just to give two concrete references.

GameSir G8 Plus MFi: The Application, Many Pros and Few Cons

The tool for full control over the GameSir G8 Plus MFi is the GameSir application, which allows access to many options. We can test every input of the controller and map the buttons, create configurations suitable for all our needs, and manage the trigger travel and the dead zone of the analog sticks, in order to have a perfect setup for every type of game. I found the application very intuitive and functional, and it proved to be a useful tool to make the gaming experience even better. Also thanks to these customization possibilities, GameSir G8 Plus MFi proves perfect for playing titles stored on my smartphone and equally enjoyable when using cloud gaming services, such as Xbox GamePass and GeForce Now. Moreover, thanks to the GameSir application, you can directly access supported games and services, including Steam Link, through which you can play games on your smartphone that you have launched on your PC.

The gaming experience, in fact, is the core of the GameSir G8 Plus MFi and proved to be of high quality on every occasion I put it to the test. It's clear that if you combine this controller with a subscription like the aforementioned GamePass, you have the opportunity to play a huge catalog of content at its best. From a logistical point of view, it must be considered that smartphones with overly bulky camera modules may have some difficulty fitting into the GameSir G8 Plus MFi's shell, although even in the worst case, it's a matter of having a few millimeters of height difference in positioning, but the presence of magnetic rubber pads still manages to keep the setup firm.  

Ultimately, the GameSir G8 Plus MFi is a mobile controller that delivers on its promise and transforms your smartphone into a portable console. The feedback is that of a high-end controller, and while playing, you have the sensation of holding a premium product. Extensive customization options, hall effect technology, and excellent command response are the elements that make the GameSir G8 Plus MFi a recommended choice for anyone who wants to game on the go. There are a few minor drawbacks, but otherwise, everything runs smoothly and takes smartphone gaming to a new level. The USB-C connection can be a pro or a con depending on your needs, but it doesn't change the fact that the GameSir G8 Plus MFi has many "pros" and very few weaknesses.

VOTO: 9