Home / Technology / GameSir G8+ Bluetooth: Great Elsewhere, Lacking on iOS
GameSir G8+ Bluetooth: Great Elsewhere, Lacking on iOS
26 Jul
Summary
- Controller boasts Hall effect joysticks and programmable back buttons.
- iPhone users lose app support, calibration, and button mapping.
- Works well on Android and PC but has drawbacks for Apple users.
The GameSir G8+ Bluetooth controller, launched in mid-2024 at $79.99, extends the G8 family's reach with wireless versatility across multiple platforms. It retains the comfortable ergonomics, Hall effect joysticks, and programmable back buttons found in its wired counterparts, aiming for compatibility with iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, and macOS. However, this wireless iteration introduces notable drawbacks, particularly for iPhone gamers.
The most significant issue is the lack of GameSir app support on iOS. This means iPhone users cannot access essential features such as stick calibration, deadzone tuning, hair-trigger configuration, and back button mapping. The Bluetooth connection itself is also less stable on iPhone, with small stick movements sometimes lost. These limitations render the controller's advanced customization features unusable on Apple devices.
On Android and PC, the GameSir G8+ Bluetooth performs much better. The app functions correctly, allowing for full configuration of the back buttons and offering haptic feedback, though its mobile support is patchy. Compatibility extends to the Nintendo Switch for the first time with this model. Despite these improvements, if an iPhone is the primary gaming device, the wired GameSir G8+ MFi controller provides a more complete and reliable experience for the same cost.
