Last year, I finally purchased a PlayStation Portal for myself when the device went on sale for $175. This was before the device had streaming capabilities, and only functioned as a remote player for the PlayStation 5. At the time, I really loved the device, as it gave me the freedom to play Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII Remake in my bedroom, the kitchen, or even at a friend’s house. However, I recently found a gadget that provides almost the same experience, but uses my iPhone.
I’ve talked before about how GameSir’s mobile controllers are a match made in heaven for PlayStation 5 owners and the controller-maker’s newest offering, the GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C mobile controller hasn’t changed my opinion. This update to the G8 series features a number of new features including a flexible USB-C connection that makes pass-through charging a breeze so you can keep your game (and your phone) going wherever you are. And though this controller is compatible with Android, it is Apple certified, making it a natural choice for iPhone users, who can literally just snap it onto their phones, and play PS5 games (or any mobile game that supports external controllers) immediately.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to buy a PlayStation Portal or a mobile controller, I firmly believe that, if you aren’t a PlayStation Plus Premium subscriber (which adds game streaming capabilities to the Portal), this actually might be the better option. And here’s why:
4.5/5
- Battery
-
N/A
- Connectivity
-
USB-C
- Headset Support
-
3.5MM pass-through headphone jack
- Programmable
-
2 rear programmable buttons
The G8+ MFi Type-C controller is a mobile controller designed to work with iOS and Android devices that offers exceptional comfort and stability as well as pass-through charging.
- Plug-and-play compatibility with iOS devices
- Almost no latency
- Hall effect thumbsticks and buttons are high quality
- Only one color
- Not as widely compatible as previous GameSir products
Price, availability, and specs
Lightweight and easy on your wallet
As mentioned previously, the GameSir is compatible with iOS and Android phones and tablets up to a length of 125-215mm / 4.92-8.46in, making it the perfect companion for everything from an iPhone 17 Pro Max or Google Pixel 10 Pro to an iPad Mini. And thanks to the flexible built-in Type-C connection and removable magnetic bumpers, users don’t have to awkwardly slot in their phone after stretching the controller out, and are instead able to simply plug it in and then move the controller’s left side to fit, all while keeping any cases or accessories in place. The controller also has a removable magnetic back piece that allows space for devices with bigger camera bumps, ensuring that the vast majority of phones or tablets will be able to sit flush with the sides of the controller without any awkward tilting or angles.
The GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C mobile controller, like almost all GameSir controllers, is built with customization in mind. It not only features a removable faceplate and swappable buttons and thumbsticks, but also programmable buttons on the back of the controller as well that can be mapped easily with the touch of the M button on the controller’s left side. And speaking of extra buttons, this controller also features a screen recording button that will allow you to capture your favorite moments (on supported platforms) easily right from your phone or tablet.
The controller is also easy to hold, weighing just 304 g / 0.67 lbs, the perfect size to toss in a bag when you’re taking a trip or heading out for the day. And with laser-engraved grips on each side, this is one controller you won’t mind holding for long gaming sessions.
And speaking of marathon gaming sessions, thanks to the device’s pass through charging port at the bottom of the controller, it is easy to charge your phone while continuing to play, no matter whether you are at home using a wall charger or on the go using a power bank.
The GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C mobile controller is now available on GameSir’s website as well as Amazon for $80.
- Battery
-
N/A
- Connectivity
-
USB-C
- Headset Support
-
3.5MM pass-through headphone jack
- Programmable
-
2 rear programmable buttons
- Extra Buttons
-
One-touch screen recording
- Colors
-
White
What I liked about the GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C mobile controller
Easy to hold, charge, and game
Though I’ve dipped my toe into the world of phone games with iPhone versions of Stardew Valley, Hades, Balatro, and Slay the Spire, I mostly game on my phone using Sony’s PS Remote app, which allows me to play any game on my PlayStation 5 on my phone via the console’s remote play function. And while I have had plenty of success playing games with other GameSir controllers, most of them have been powered by Bluetooth, which does unfortunately have a little bit of latency, which is even more pronounced when the Wi-Fi is less than optimal.
Fortunately, this controller uses the Type-C connection to virtually eliminate latency, which was a big deal when I was testing out the controller on Devolver Digital’s newest release, Ball x Pit, which demands precision controls thanks to its fast-paced physics-based gameplay. Fortunately the GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C mobile controller easily kept up with the hyper-quick ball flying action on screen, and I never felt like I needed to switch to my console for any particularly challenging runs.
And speaking of long-running game sessions, the GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C mobile controller, in addition to being very lightweight, has excellent ergonomics, making it easy to indulge in long play sessions, no matter whether you’re on the bus, killing time at work, or just getting in one more run before bed. I never felt like the controller was too heavy or awkward in my hands, and the grips helped me keep a handle on the controller, even when my housecats decided to jump into my lap mid-session.
As for the controller itself, it features swappable Hall-effect thumbsticks right out of the box that are smooth and buttery. My favorite are the standard, textured sticks, which provide a satisfying, tactile feel during the slightest movements, but if you prefer a smoother or smaller stick, you’ve got options in the box. The membrane ABXY buttons had a very sturdy click that will keep you gaming for 2 million button presses, according to GameSir. The controller also features Hall Effect analog triggers with a medium pull depth, that can be easily customized to your preferred level of responsiveness via the GameSir app.
Though there is a lot to love about the controller physically, at the end of the day my favorite thing about it is that it just works with my iPhone. I don’t have to pair it or sync it, I just snap the phone into the controller and I’m ready to play immediately. When you’re gaming on the go, that type of immediate availability, at least for me, makes the difference between getting a few runs in on Hades or deciding you’re too lazy to set up your controller again and just scrolling mindlessly on TikTok.
What I didn’t like about the GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C mobile controller
No color options
I really loved using the GameSir G8 MFi Type-C mobile controller to play PS5 games, but if I have one small complaint it is that for a controller that has so many customization options, it is a little disheartening that it only comes in a single color: white. I understand that perhaps this is a niche product and maybe GameSir didn’t want to invest in creating alternate colorways for the device, but I would have at least liked to have seen a basic black offered in addition to the stark white. I truly hope more colors (or at least swappable faceplate options) will be added in the future.
Another small nitpick I have is the lack of trigger stops to lower the pull depth. Though I didn’t really need a hair trigger switch when playing Astro Bot or Ball x Pit, if you’re playing something like Battlefield 6 on the go, you might miss this feature.
One area where I wasn’t specifically disappointed, but others may be, is with device compatibility. Those who are familiar with GameSir’s other mobile controllers (namely the Bluetooth-powered G8 Plus) may lament that this controller is compatible with fewer devices, as you won’t be able to use it with a Switch or a larger tablet. However, I don’t actually mind that this is a mobile gaming-focused product. Though I still use my G8 Plus with my OG Switch, I never really used it much for mobile gaming, and I think if you’re going to be spending a decent amount of time mobile gaming, then it makes sense to have a device that is devoted to just that singlular use case.
Should you buy the GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C mobile controller?
If you’re looking to play on the go, it’s an easy yes
No matter whether you’re a seasoned mobile gamer or just dipping your toe into the world of on-the-go gaming, the GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C mobile controller is an easy recommendation, especially if you’re an iPhone user. The controller is lightweight, responsive, and is perfect for marathon gaming sessions thanks to its pass-through charging feature. And at only $80, it is a lot cheaper than comparable controllers from manufacturers like Backbone, while delivering the same level of quality. This controller is about as perfect a mobile controller as exists currently, and I know I’ll be settling in for many more marathon sessions with Astro Bot (and at least 20 more runs of my new obsession, Ball x Pit) just as soon as I finish writing this review.
4.5/5
- Battery
-
N/A
- Connectivity
-
USB-C
- Headset Support
-
3.5MM pass-through headphone jack
- Programmable
-
2 rear programmable buttons
The G8+ MFi Type-C controller is a mobile controller designed to work with iOS and Android devices that offers exceptional comfort and stability as well as pass-through charging.
