GameSir G8 Galileo review

The GameSir G8 Galileo stands as a versatile and ergonomic mobile gaming controller, enhancing the smartphone gaming experience.

GDGTME Team  •  January 29, 2024

Editor's Choice - GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review
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GameSir G8 Galileo

The GameSir G8 Galileo stands as a versatile and ergonomic mobile gaming controller, enhancing the smartphone gaming experience. With pass-through USB-C charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack, it transforms your phone into a gaming station. While it can't replace consoles or high-end PCs, it excels for mobile gaming enthusiasts, providing comfort, wide compatibility, and impressive Hall Effect analog sticks. The controller's sleek design, customizable elements, and practical features make it a top-notch choice for immersive gaming on the go.

THE GOOD
  • Great build quality
  • Gaming modes offer versatile compatibility
  • Great customizability
  • Pass-through USB-C and 3.5mm jacks
  • Hall Effect Analog sticks and triggers in a mobile controller form factor
  • Wide compatibility across iOS and Android devices
  • Good app support on Android
THE BAD
  • The ergonomic design makes it less compact
  • Incompatible with iPhones with Lightning ports
  • Not supported in GameSir iOS app
  • No carrying case included

The GameSir G8 Galileo is a cutting-edge Type-C wired controller that sets new standards for excellence, delivering a seamless gaming experience.

Crafted for compatibility, the GameSir G8 Galileo works effortlessly with controller-supported games on both Android and iPhone 15 series devices. It stands out with top-tier connectivity, customizable software, and a gaming performance that knows no bounds. This controller empowers users, amplifying their gaming prowess and elevating the overall mobile gaming experience.

A highlight of the GameSir G8 Galileo is its Hall Tech, raising the bar for gameplay. Precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers offer unmatched smoothness and responsiveness, providing a competitive edge in every game. Complemented by Hall Effect sensing sticks, this controller ensures 360° seamless pinpoint control, meeting the precision and durability demands of mobile gamers. The result is super-smooth stick control, minimizing grinding and extending usage time.

GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review

Adding to its arsenal of standout features, the GameSir G8 Galileo introduces two back buttons for professional-level mobile gaming. Users can dynamically map in-game actions on the fly, loading up favorite button configurations with or without software mid-game – all programmable and synced in real time.

With pass-through charging, the GameSir G8 Galileo ensures uninterrupted gameplay. Charge the controller while conquering opponents, never missing a moment of the action. Universally compatible, thanks to its extendable bridge and ample rear space, this controller caters to a wide range of phone models.

The GameSir G8 Galileo doesn’t just stop at functionality; it lets users showcase their style. Interchangeable magnetic detachable faceplates, laser-engraved texture grips, and high-saturation fluorescent ink buttons offer a perfect blend of aesthetics and substance. And for added fun, the GameSir App takes customization to the next level. Users can create personalized controller profiles, map buttons, fine-tune the D-pad diagonals, and adjust sticks and trigger zones with ease.

Packaging & Design

The GameSir G8 Galileo comes in a sleek, compact box, showcasing the brand’s signature white, black, and reddish-orange colors.

Inside, accessories are neatly organized, featuring three alternate thumbsticks and a quick start guide. The Hall Effect analog sticks come with extra padding for enhanced protection and durability.

GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review

While the packaging itself serves as the carrying case, the replaceable parts are sizable enough to avoid misplacement:

  • GameSir G8 Galileo Type-C Wired Mobile Gaming Controller
  • Three additional joysticks (magnetically removable and attachable)
  • Manual and quick start guide
  • Sticker

The controller’s instructions guide users to securely connect their phone to the USB-C port, ensuring a snug fit into the controller’s phone pad. Activating the device is simple, with a standby mode after 10 minutes of inactivity, easily reawakened by pressing the A/B/X/Y/home button.

GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review

The controller offers ‘On-the-Fly Mapping,’ allowing users to dynamically map in-game actions without the need for additional software. The companion app further enhances customization options and provides exclusive Android system support.

Connecting to mobile phones via the USB-C connector on the right side, the G8 Galileo accommodates a wide range of Android phones with USB-C ports. However, it excludes Apple phones other than the iPhone 15. The controller’s innovative USB-C connector can move up or down for optimal installation, though it may require some adjustment to prevent the controller’s back panel from snapping back together.

GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review

The G8 Galileo sports a design reminiscent of an Xbox controller with a central slot for your phone. While its ergonomic layout provides a console-like feel, making it comfortable to hold, it may not be ideal for foldable phones due to the placement of the USB-C connector.

GameSir prioritizes function over form in the G8 Galileo’s design, delivering a controller that feels similar to an original Xbox Wireless Controller. The responsive buttons and triggers ensure a premium gaming experience, standing out among controllers with mushy and sticky buttons.

GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review

The G8 Galileo’s USB-C port and pass-through ports offer valuable features, ensuring compatibility with iOS and Android devices. Pass-through charging enables uninterrupted gameplay, and additional ports cater to a comprehensive mobile gaming station experience. The inclusion of extra joysticks in the box, easily replaceable without technical expertise, adds to the controller’s customization options.

One exceptional feature is the modular design, allowing users to interchange magnetic detachable faceplates for personal style. Laser-engraved texture grips and high-saturation fluorescent ink buttons contribute to both aesthetics and functionality. The GameSir App complements the controller, enabling users to create personalized profiles and fine-tune controls.

GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review

While the controller’s thickness may impact portability, its comfortable grip and robust build quality make it a worthwhile tradeoff. The design pays homage to classic console controllers, with a nod to the Super Nintendo’s color scheme.

In terms of build quality, the G8 Galileo strikes a balance between durability and style. It handles occasional bumps and drops well, and its sleek appearance aligns with modern gaming setups.

Performance

The GameSir G8 Galileo distinguishes itself through its standout feature, the Hall effect analogue sticks, ensuring precision and durability without the worry of drifting over time. In Call of Duty Mobile, the sensitivity and accuracy of these sticks enable faster aiming and quicker movement compared to touchscreen controls. The triggers receive the same treatment, providing a responsive and satisfying squeeze akin to quality console control pads.

The button layout is designed for optimal accessibility, preventing hand cramping during extended gameplay. Rear buttons are strategically positioned, and the D-Pad features individual switches for each direction, enhancing its usability for old-school platformers.

GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review

However, the G8 Galileo’s thermal performance may be a consideration for users. Extended gaming sessions led to increased phone temperature and potential thermal throttling, impacting frame rates. Individual experiences will vary based on the phone’s heat management capabilities.

In terms of gaming performance, the G8 Galileo offers a significant advantage over touchscreen controls in various genres. The Hall Effect analog sticks shine in games like Call of Duty: Mobile, providing enhanced precision and responsiveness. The controller’s back triggers offer convenient remapping options, particularly useful in FPS games.

Racing games like Real Racing 3 benefit from the advanced control scheme provided by the G8 Galileo, offering a more immersive gaming experience. The controller’s low latency connectivity, facilitated by the USB-C connector, eliminates potential lag issues associated with wireless controllers.

GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review

Compatibility with a range of gaming modes, including PS mode, Android mode, and G-touch mode, makes the G8 Galileo versatile for different gaming platforms. It complements its performance with ease of use and a well-thought-out design, ensuring a secure fit even with phone cases.

The precision-tuned Hall Effect thumbsticks contribute to a seamless gaming experience, eliminating drifting concerns. Additionally, the controller features mappable L4 and R4 buttons at the back, enhancing customization for games like Dead Cells.

The G8 Galileo supports pass-through charging and includes a 3.5mm audio jack, providing a comprehensive gaming experience. The audio quality is clear and lag-free, adding depth to gaming sessions. The controller’s adaptability to various phone sizes, coupled with its ergonomic design, minimizes hand fatigue during prolonged gaming.

GameSir G8 Galileo review
GameSir G8 Galileo review

Despite its impressive performance, there is room for improvement in the D-Pad’s responsiveness, particularly noticeable in fighting games where precise inputs are crucial. Nevertheless, the overall performance of the GameSir G8 Galileo offers a significant upgrade to the mobile gaming experience, making it a robust tool for serious mobile gamers.

Software

GameSir’s Android app serves as a functional hub for discovering controller-supported mobile games, even though its UI may not be the most visually appealing. Given the prevalence of Android games lacking gamepad support, the app’s recommendations for the best titles to test the G8 Galileo prove valuable.

For dedicated mobile gaming, the GameSir app is essential, providing customization options, firmware updates, key mapping, and game recommendations. The key mapping feature proves particularly useful for adapting controller settings to individual preferences, overcoming compatibility issues in some games.

The on-screen key mapper enables physical buttons to correspond to on-screen actions. This proves particularly beneficial for games originally designed for touch-only interaction, significantly expanding the range of games compatible with the controller and providing a solution for mobile gamers seeking a more diverse gaming experience.

The versatility of the G8 Galileo extends to various gaming platforms Xbox Game Pass, PS Remote Play, Steam Link, and cloud gaming services. With dedicated modes for specific platforms, such as PS Remote Play, the controller seamlessly adapts to different gaming environments, providing a familiar experience for users accustomed to console gaming.

However, the G8 Galileo is not supported by the GameSir app on iOS as of now. We hope a future update can solve this easily.

Verdict

The GameSir G8 Galileo stands as a versatile and ergonomic mobile gaming controller, enhancing the smartphone gaming experience. With pass-through USB-C charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack, it transforms your phone into a gaming station. While it can’t replace consoles or high-end PCs, it excels for mobile gaming enthusiasts, providing comfort, wide compatibility, and impressive Hall Effect analog sticks. The controller’s sleek design, customizable elements, and practical features make it a top-notch choice for immersive gaming on the go.

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