I'm an avid gamer. I often get lost in fictional worlds that help me disassociate from reality — whether that's sinking hours into RPGs on my PS5 Slim or playing a few rounds of Mario Kart World on my Nintendo Switch 2 before bed. I love the Switch 2 but the PS5 Slim is still my favorite console, so I find myself missing it when I leave the house.
There is a simple solution to playing PlayStation games on the go, though, and the answer lies in using the PS Remote Play app on my Google Pixel 7 Pro. Setting up is easy but to actually play games, I also need one of the best phone controllers, and there is a plethora to choose from. That's where the GameSir G8 Plus comes in.
I spent a weekend using the Thanos-themed G8 Plus to play games from the comfort of my bed and its performance thoroughly impressed me. This is a formidable controller that enabled me to take my remote setup to the next level. If you've been on the hunt for a capable, premium phone controller, your search stops here.
As Thanos said, "You couldn't live without a controller, and where did that bring you? Back to me." Or something along those lines. Here are all the reasons you need the G8 Plus in your life.
Perfectly balanced, as all things should be
One of the biggest selling points of the GameSir G8 Plus is its versatility. It uses Bluetooth LE to connect wirelessly to your Android or iOS smartphone, tablet, PC or Nintendo Switch. The mount stretches out quite a bit too as the controller measures 9.06 x 4.21 x 2.17 inches when outstretched, so it can fit a range of devices.
There's no USB-C port on the phone mount itself which is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you can't charge your device while using the controller (no passthrough) but on the other hand, you can mount your Switch. It's a bit of a Catch 22 situation but if your aren't a fan of Joy-Cons and prefer having a mobile controller for your Switch or Switch 2, then by all means get the G8 Plus.
In a roundabout way, it's perfectly balanced (Thanos would have loved this controller). Speaking of balance, there is a 500mAh battery in each grip, so the controller utilizes a total of 1000mAh to deliver eight hours of playtime between charges. Now, this isn't the best and something I pointed out in the full review. But realistically speaking, I rarely play games for longer than that at a stretch so this isn't a massive problem for me — but still something worth noting before you drop your hard earned cash on it.
The final Infinity Stone
You know that scene in The Avengers: Infinity War when Thanos pries the Mind Stone out of Vision's forehead and you can tell he has become ultra-powerful? That's what it feels like to hold the GameSir G8 Plus for the first time. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration but it does feel very good.
The G8 Plus is ergonomically designed with an asymmetrical ABXY layout and offset thumbsticks that make it feel natural to hold. My medium-sized hands wrap comfortably around the chunky grips and the matte finishing and textured back provide a sturdy grip.
But of course, what good is a controller if it doesn't have the gaming performance to back it up? The G8 Plus is a fantastic gamepad, offering 10/10 performance across the board with its responsive Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers as well as two customizable back buttons. Combined, they provide precise control and enable you to fine-tune your movements in RPGs, racing titles, FPS and other games.
It's a great controller not just for remote play and mobile games, but also for the Switch 2 — especially if you aren't a fan of Joy-Cons (and I wouldn't blame you). It basically turns your Switch 2 into a PlayStation Portal. You can, of course, read all about the G8 Plus' gaming performance in my in-depth GameSir G8 Plus review.
What did it cost? Not much, actually
The GameSir G8 Plus is a premium controller that doesn't cost a premium. Sure, it isn't the cheapest out there but for the gaming prowess and features it boasts, it's well-worth the spend. It's reasonably and competitively priced at $99 / £79.
Whether you're looking for a foldable-friendly gamepad or the most portable controller, we've ranked the best phone controllers you can buy today.
This puts it in the same price bracket as the SteelSeries Nimbus+ / Stratus+ ($69), the PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus ($99), and the Scuf Nomad ($99). While a little pricier than the SteelSeries Stratus Duo ($59), it's far better than SteelSeries' offering, thanks to better build quality and the presence of Hall Effect thumbsticks.
You're getting a controller whose Hall Effect triggers and sticks are highly responsive, face buttons are easily interchangeable, and a gamepad that's designed ergonomically. The G8 Plus, then, sounds like the perfect controller, doesn't it? I can't imagine not having this as a part of my remote gaming setup now.
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More from Tom's Guide
- I spent the weekend playing PS5 and Switch games using the GameSir G8 Plus — and its performance and versatility blew me away
- I already spend way too much time playing my PS5 — and this mobile controller just made things a whole lot worse
- Best phone controllers 2025: take your mobile gaming to the next level
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