GameSir G8 Plus MFi review: a premium wired mobile controller that finally feels console-grade
Officially MFi certified, the GameSir G8 Plus MFi ensures seamless compatibility and stable performance across Apple devices. Picture: Noel Campion.
The GameSir G8 Plus MFi is a wired mobile controller designed for people who want console-style controls on their phone or small tablet, without the latency or pairing headaches of Bluetooth. Officially MFi-certified, it plugs straight into iPhone, iPad, or Android devices via USB-C. It delivers the precision, comfort, and reliability of a console-style controller. It feels like turning your phone into something closer to a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.
The G8 Plus MFi feels solid in the hand and is incredibly comfortable to use. The grey-and-white finish is understated and clean, and reminds me of the original PSOne controller's colour. At 304g, it’s lighter than it looks, and the balance is good even with larger phones fitted.
The stretch mechanism supports devices from 125mm to 215mm wide. It comfortably held every phone I tested, with room to spare, and it can even work with an iPad mini, though I did not get to try that. I had hoped it would also support my iPad Air, but it is too large to fit and simply too heavy and bulky for comfortable handheld gaming.
The grips are nicely contoured with laser-engraved texture, which helps with grip during longer sessions. I spent a couple of hours playing without feeling hand fatigue, which isn’t something I can say for many mobile controllers.
The Hall Effect thumbsticks are excellent, offering smooth 360-degree movement and avoiding the drift issues that plague traditional sticks. The analogue triggers use the same technology and feel responsive, with a handy hair trigger mode for shooters and action games.
Being wired, there’s no battery to worry about. The controller draws power from your device and supports pass-through charging, so you can keep playing while topping up your phone. There is also a 3.5 mm headphone jack for anyone who wants a low-latency, analogue headphone option.
The faceplate attaches magnetically and lets you swap ABXY layouts and thumbsticks, while the two rear buttons can be remapped for quicker actions. Through the GameSir app, you can adjust dead zones, vibration strength and update firmware, though most players won’t need to dig too deep. While the app adds extra features and customisation options, the controller works straight out of the box with no software required. This is ideal if you want to let a friend try it without making them install an app.
In practice, the G8 Plus MFi feels excellent. I tested it with Call of Duty Mobile and Grid Legends, and the difference between touchscreen controls and this is night and day. Aiming felt precise, movement was fluid, and the mechanical D-pad made menu navigation and character movement far more reliable.
While I love the convenience of a Bluetooth controller, the G8 Plus MFi offers many advantages as well. There’s no noticeable input lag, and everything just works the moment you plug it in. The vibration feedback is subtle but effective, adding a bit of impact without being distracting.
The main downside is portability. It’s not something you slip into a pocket, and at €90 it’s a considered purchase. But for what it offers, the price feels justified.
The GameSir G8 Plus MFi is one of the best mobile controllers I’ve used. It’s comfortable, precise and refreshingly reliable thanks to its wired design. If you’re serious about mobile gaming on iPhone, iPad or Android, this controller can make gaming on a mobile more enjoyable.
€90 GameSir
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