Gamesir G8 Galileo controller evaluate: Perform and kind

A lot of our favourite Android gaming controllers make ergonomic sacrifices to take up as little house as doable for on-the-go gaming. The Gamesir G8 Galileo is the most important controller we have reviewed but, however all this mass is put to good use. After testing the controller for just a few months, I may also say it could be one of the best snap-on controller I’ve reviewed, if not for one main flaw.

The Gamesir G8 Galileo is not for the budget-minded, however its full-size grips, button mapping, customizable joysticks, and in depth cellphone compatibility imply you are getting good worth for cash. It could be good for you if you happen to’re contemplating choosing up a brand new Android gaming controller that’ll final you years and a number of telephones.

Value, availability, and equipment

This is the place you could find one and what you may anticipate finding within the field

The Gamesir G8 Galileo is out there worldwide by Amazon or the Gamesir on-line retailer for $80.

Contained in the field is the controller and three different joysticks, which could be swapped out simply with the preinstalled joysticks because of the magnetic connection. Observe that solely one in every of every measurement of joystick is included; you may’t have matching joysticks until you stick to the default possibility.

What’s good concerning the Gamesir G8 Galileo?

Consolation grips make all of the distinction

As we talked about firstly of this evaluate, most Android gaming controllers make some concessions in the direction of portability, whether or not including detachable cellphone clips or decreasing the grip measurement. Gamesir hasn’t made any makes an attempt to make a smaller controller with the G8 Galileo, and whereas it is a double-edged sword (extra on this later), I am unable to deny that that is probably the most comfy snap-on controller I’ve reviewed.

I’ve all the time most popular utilizing snap-on controllers for my Android units over full-size controllers with cellphone clips. Nonetheless, snap-on controllers often provide cut-down grips, making them unsuitable for lengthy gaming periods. The G8 Galileo places perform over kind; it feels the identical in my palms as a full-size controller just like the Gamesir T4 Cyclone Professional. If you would like a snap-on controller for lengthy gaming periods, it is the proper possibility.

To accommodate lengthy gaming periods, the G8 Galileo provides pass-through charging by the USB-C port, which sits alongside a 3.5mm audio jack. The controller connects to your cellphone through a USB-C dongle on a hinge so it may possibly accommodate all however the largest of telephones and their circumstances. From my Redmagic 9 Professional to my Pixel 7 Professional, all my telephones match securely within the controller; even vigorous shaking wasn’t sufficient to dislodge them. It is clear that Gamesir put numerous work into making certain you’re as comfy as doable for lengthy gaming periods.

The G8 Galileo packs Corridor impact analog sticks and triggers, which provide the precision wanted for shooters, driving video games, and every thing in between. I performed a number of rounds of Halo Infinite through the GamePass app, and my efficiency did not differ from that of enjoying on my PC with my Xbox Core controller. I additionally examined quite a lot of Android video games, from Lifeless Cells to Rocket League Sideswipe, and was equally glad there. You too can swap the triggers from analog to hair-trigger mode, which is ideal for FPS video games.

Whereas there are numerous nice Android video games on the market that supply controller assist, many do not. Happily, the Gamesir app lets you map the controller’s buttons to digital buttons, letting you play video games like Genshin Affect with a controller. You’ll be able to swap between common and digital inputs by the Mode button within the backside left of the controller.

This customizability extends to the {hardware}. The controller ships with three alternate joysticks, simply put in by popping off the magnetically connected faceplates with a fingernail and swapping out the present joysticks. The benefit of customizing the joysticks is incredible, however I am stunned Gamesir hasn’t capitalized on this function by promoting different faceplates.

What’s unhealthy concerning the Gamesir G8 Galileo?

Portability is sacrificed for consolation

I often play cellular video games after I’m out and about and can’t entry my stationary gaming platforms. Which means portability is a big deal for me when selecting a controller; that is the place the Gamesir G8 Galileo falls brief.

Most snap-on controllers slide comfortably into my coat pocket, however after an intensive pocket take a look at of all my coats and jackets, I concluded that you just want a bag to hold the G8 Galileo round. Whereas I am unable to see how Gamesir might have prevented this concern with out slicing the grips down in measurement, I nonetheless cannot see myself taking the controller out on my frequent practice rides into the town.

I lately reviewed Gamesir’s T4 Cyclone Professional controller, which swiftly grew to become my go-to for gaming on consoles and PCs. This was partly as a result of micro switches on the controller’s face buttons, which resulted in a few of the most responsive inputs I’ve skilled on any controller. The G8 Galileo, then again, makes use of membrane buttons, which is disappointing in a controller that prices $30 extra.

It is value noting that the customization software program is not accessible on iOS units. Whereas the iPhone 15 is appropriate, you will not be capable to set up and use the app to regulate the controller.

The G8 Galileo additionally would not assist Bluetooth. Whereas this is not unusual for snap-on controllers, it may possibly’t double up as a controller on your PC or console.

Lastly, a minor concern I had was the dearth of coloration choices. Gamesir went for a Tremendous Nintendo-inspired theme, and whereas charming in its retro-ness, I do not contemplate grey a very eye-catching coloration. Particularly contemplating the potential offered by the detachable faceplates, I might have cherished to see extra coloration choices.

Do you have to purchase it?

The GameSir G8 Galileo sits in an odd place. Whereas it is probably the most comfy snap-on controller I’ve ever used, I am unsure the place it stands within the lineup of its snap-on friends and full-size controllers.

I reviewed this system at house, and it is undoubtedly one of the best cellular gaming controller for at-home gaming. From pass-through charging to ergonomics that rival any full-size controller, it is good for crashing out on the couch and shedding your self in an prolonged gaming session in your cellphone. However if you happen to journey often, you’ll seemingly be annoyed by its poor portability.

Coupled with this concern is the dearth of assist for PCs or consoles. My favourite factor concerning the T4 Cyclone Professional is its versatility; whether or not I am reviewing a sport on my cellphone, gaming on my PC, or heading to a buddy’s home for sofa video games, it really works with out a hitch. The G8 Galileo would possibly undoubtedly be one of the best controller in its area of interest, however it’s a small area of interest. In case you play solely in your cellphone at house, it is one of the best controller for you. In any other case, there are cheaper or extra versatile choices.