Customer Ratings & Reviews

The Gamesir G8 SE is a pretty solid smart phone controller. I immediately threw my iphone 16 plus into this clamp trap controller with ease. The first problem I had was getting it to be read by my phone correctly, easily done by a simple 2 button hold press [view & menu] (switching the green light to red for xbox/ios) onced switched to red light; I was able to log into to my xbox ultimate plan and start playing. From the point of opening the package to playing a game of Forza was about 5 minutes in setup and launch time (probably waited longer for Forza to load then it took to get everything to the point of launching a cloud game). Pros Fits multiple style phones, sizes Includes adapters to fit other devices more snug C port is slightly movable which makes quickly connecting device easier Compatible with Android, iOS & Windows Features Anti Stick-Drift Gamesir Hall Effect Sticks (has rumble [dual motor] type vibration) Remappable back buttons 3.5mm jack Works with Gamepass ultimate cloud play Pass through charging Works with Gamesir app (adjust stick / trigger dead zones, and other settings) Cons Nothing that I could find, honestly, it is a well made xbox clone controller for a phone it does what it needs to do and does it well. Overall, this controller is decent, would be great for road trips and trips in general, paired up with xbox gamepass ultimate a good internet connection and your set to go. Honestly it was a quick setup, I was up and going alot quicker than i had anticipated. No immediate firmware/software updates to deal with out of the box, just plug in and get to it. Would highly recommend!

I grew up in the 80's and 90's when video games and the controllers were simple. Today, I play a lot of these same exact games with the modern conveniences we have, including better hardware, bright and clear screens, and save states. I also enjoy a lot of the modern Indie titles. There are a ton of devices to use for this, but the one device I always have on me is my smartphone, and touchscreen controls just don't cut it. I have amassed quite a collection of controllers, but this is the first high-quality, connect-directly-to-my-cellphone model I've had, so I was excited to try out this GameSir controller that actually works with iPhones (since modern iPhones finally have USB-C ports) PROS - CONTROLLER ITSELF ------------------------------------ Out of the package, the controller feels very high quality. The handles are solid, with no give from a tight squeeze. The back side of the handles is highly textured, so even if your hands get sweaty, it should not slip. The Hall-effect sticks have an excellent range of motion and are decently sized. The d-pad is also nicely sized and it passes the "Contra test" (if you know, you know). The ABXY buttons are in the Xbox style layout, and I will say they are rather "clicky". Definitely not as quiet as some handhelds I have used from Retroid and Anbernic, but I like the travel on them. The triggers are also Hall-effect, but they lack a bit of travel, so if you are coming from an Xbox controller, or some of the modern Android handhelds, this may take a little adjustment. Overall, this controller, as a controller, is very good. CONS - CONTROLLER ITSELF ------------------------------------ However, I ran into a few problems. First, I really like the way the USB-C insert is on a pivot, meaning you can tilt it outward a bit to help you connect it to the phone, and then extend the handles to grip the phone. Unfortunately, like most of these controllers, the USB-C insert is not long enough to make contact inside the phone when I have a case on it (I have an iPhone 17). I tend to drop my phone a lot and not having a case on it is not an option, but I have to remove it to use this controller. Since having a case on a smartphone is so common, I don't understand why the manufacturers of these controllers don't make some accommodation for this. Out of the package, I also had a few other issues. These may be resolved by the time you read this, but it's worth checking first. One issue is that while an instruction manual is included, it's in the tiniest print imaginable, and again, as I played video games in the 80's and 90's, my aging eyes required a magnifying glass to read it. This was necessary because the manual is nowhere to be found online, including GameSir's website. Of course, not being able to find a manual meant that I had to dig out that magnifying glass to figure out how to make it work with iOS. I'll save you the trouble of trying to read it and then figure out which button is which on the device - the two small buttons on the top of the controller are by default Start and Select. Hold both of them down together for a couple of seconds once you attached your iPhone. The GameSir button on the bottom right will go from a green light to a red light. That's what you need to work with iOS. Unfortunately, that setting isn't sticky, so you'll have to do that every time you connect it. CONS - APP FOR CONTROLLER --------------------------------------- The other issue is that this controller is supposed to be compatible with the GameSir app. There is even a page in that teeny tiny instruction manual that states this and provides a QR code to get to it (which is also so tiny that my phone couldn't read it, so I just went to the App Store). This controller is not available as one of the options in the app. There is a G8+, but not a G8 SE. If that is important to you, I would advise downloading the app and checking it before purchasing, as it hopefully will be at a later date. I'm disappointed because it would give me a better idea of what I can do with this controller. OTHER THOUGHTS ------------------------ On the plus side, this device can also be connected via a USB-C cable, so I can connect it to my iPhone, and likewise, my iPad with that cable. That does give it some more use scenarios although defeats the purpose. You can also connect the controller to a Windows PC using this method, per the instruction manual. FOOD FOR THOUGHT --------------------------- If you want to use a controller like this for retro gaming, or even Android gaming, using an old Android phone or even a prepaid device that you purchase for only this purpose is a fantastic way of building a handheld for yourself that is not attached to your actual phone (meaning no notifications, disruptions from phone calls, or draining your phone battery. This is an excellent controller on the hardware side, especially with the Hall-effect sticks and triggers. If the controller does later on end up in the GameSir app, this is a much more affordable way of building your own portable handheld. Even if you do want to use your regular smartphone, it's still an excellent device and I would recommend it.

Ive been gaming with the GameSir G8 SE Multi-Platform wireless game controller for a few days now (that name is a tongue twister). Anywho, I'd like to share my thoughts. My first impressions out of the box were that it felt quite premium. Almost like an Xbox Series X controller. If you own an xbox then you know what I mean. The grips are just large enough for my hands, the triggers have a nice tactile feel and response. The a b x y buttons are also nice and responsive. Similar to that console controller. I like it because some third party controllers tend to have squishy buttons, not sure why but the buttons on this controller are great. The D-Pad is nice as well. GameSir has included Hall effect sticks in this controller.. they are supposed to eliminate the potential of them ever getting stick drift. Time will tell, but for now I like these joysticks. They are also very responsive and bounce back nicely when releasing them. The controller has a USB C port on the bottom of the controller for pass through charing, a nice touch. So you can charge your phone or not worry about draining the battery while you play your favorite game. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack on the control for connecting headphones. Very nice as well. This controller does not have a built in battery, so no need to ever charge it. It powers with the USB C port of your phone when connected. Personally I think it is convenient. No need to ever charge this thing. My only complaint about this controller is that it is easy to pinch your finger with the controller when removing the phone from it. So be careful when removing the phone and try to keep the edges of your hand and fingers away from the part that collapses when the controller retracts back to its original position. It has pinched my hand twice already lol. It didn't break skin, but it was a little painful. I could see this potentially hurting a child's hand if not used properly. The pinch point is on the left side of the controller so keep that in mind. My other complaint is that I am low key worried that my usb c port will get damaged with this controller because of the added stress onto the port from the controller clamping down on the phone. The USB C plug does kind of swivel a bit, probably to prevent USB Port damage, but it is still a little worrisome. That being said, overall I really like this controller. It is plug and play and will automatically connect to your phone and play compatible games. It is compatible with both iOS and Android even thought the box only says android on it. BUT your iPhone will have to have a usb C port as this controller is plugged via usb C. The controller also has vibration motors but not too many games support that function. All in All, I really like this controller. I do tend to like playing games on Apple Arcade as many of them support controllers and this is perfect for that. You can also play emulators with it if you are into that. Would I recommend this controller? Sure! Perhaps not for young children though, id be worried about them hurting their small hands by pinching them with this controller.

The GameSir G8 SE is the perfect travel companion. I bring this mobile controller with me when I travel daily. I didn't realize that I would like the controller as much as I do. I thought I would only bring the controller with me on long flights, but I've had with me at work and around the house. I have an XBOX ultimate game pass subscription that allows me to play games in the cloud. I have a fairly large Android phone with a harden case. After swapping out the silicon pads on controller for the slimmer pads, it made all the difference. The USB-C port is adjustable also, which makes things easier when mounting devices. I love the features of having USB-C connectivity versus wireless in this particular model. Since I play mostly cloud based games that introduces minimal latency, the wired connection is the best choice to have while gaming. I downloaded the GameSir app and was able to check out all the features and settings. Pass-through charging is probably one of the best features outside of being about to use the controller with multiple devices. Being able to charge my phone and play games made this controller top tier. My only gripe with the controller is that I would have liked the Pass-through USB-C port to be Display-port capable. This would have allowed me to use my display glasses while charging and playing games. After reviewing the booklet, I noticed that the controller has Windows compatibility. I didn’t think it would be possible since the controller is geared towards the mobile setups. To my surprise, I was able to change the mode and connected the controller to the USB-C port to my gaming pc. All the games I threw at worked well. This controller will serve as a backup in case my primary controllers suddenly start to malfunction. I love the Xbox style design with customizable buttons and triggers. The comfort and feel of the buttons, paired with hall effect sticks make this one of must haves of the year so far. If you are a gamer and want something reliable and lightweight, this controller even has a 3.5mm headphone jack. Something that phones have been without for several years. This controller has been a perfect addition to my tech bag and recommend giving this controller a serious look.

I wanna start off by saying, it's not quite "Plug & Play" as it says. I have a Galaxy S26+ for work and a iPhone 15 Pro for personal use. It works with both of those devices (as well as Windows) but I thought I had a defective unit at first because I didn't realize there's a "Platform Mode Switch" procedure by holding the 'start and select' buttons or Menu and Option buttons. Green is PC, Red is iOS, and then there's light blue and dark blue for Android. I didn't know this at first and was extremely disappointed with the controller. But once I got that figured out, I ended up loving this controller. I play a lot of games on my phone from Google Play Pass, and Apple Arcade, but I also do streaming either from GeForce Now or PS Remote Play. So a controller is needed. I unfortunately can't get it to work with my PS5 through either phone since it's forcing me to use a PS5 controller for that, but for everything else it works great! It's not all sunshine and roses though, it desperately needs a firmware update. First of all, I primarily use my iPhone for gaming as well as my Samsung Tablet for gaming on Android. My work phone is mostly used for work. The problem is this is primarily geared for Android phone users more so than iOS. The main reason I say that is because the light will always turn green on my iPhone rather than staying red. On my work phone, it recognizing it right away and it's pretty much plug and play! I wish it was more Plug and Play for iOS. Another sore spot, but very minor is the A button is a little too close to the right thumbstick. I sometimes accidentally nudge it. Lastly, I love the pass through charging, as well as how every button on my phones are reachable, and how I can use the controller on my Android tablet using just a USB cord which makes it very versatile, it's also how you use it on PC. Overall though, it's a good device. I like it. Ergnomics, and the fact it works with a lot of platforms.

This GameSir G8 SE Multi-Platform controller has proven to be a great addition to my gaming collection. At first I didn’t think I was going to like it too much. I had trouble figuring it all out. It wouldn’t work for me at all. I read a little more and realized that it wasn’t connecting. I had to remove the case from my Samsung Galaxy phone. After I did that, it was a breeze to connect and start gaming with the controller. It’s always something simple that I overlooked because I get anxious and in a hurry to play with my new “tech toy”. Anyway, I have two phones, the Samsung Galaxy and an iPhone 16 Pro. I was able to connect to both of them and play games. I played several games from several places and had no issues at all. The places I played from were the Xbox Play Pass, Google Play Pass, and Apple Arcade. Some games do not use a controller, and I couldn’t get them to work with this one, but for the most part, almost all the games I normally play work with this well. I love the fact that I can charge my phone while playing. There is a charging port on the bottom of the controller that is a pass thru charger. Excellent feature. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack. Neither of my phones have a headphone jack, so I’m also loving this feature too. The quality and feel of this controller is great. It feels solid and not cheaply made. The USB-C connector is flexible, so that helps to not damage your phone. In the box is the controller and a booklet. The booklet is very helpful as it tells you exactly what is what on the controller and how to set it for different modes. Different sizes of phones are okay to use with this controller. I have used two different sizes thus far, and both worked great. Compatible platforms for this GameSir G8 SE game controller are Android, iOS, Windows. I connected to my phones by putting the phone on the controller and using it that way. I also used it with my gaming laptop with Windows, my iPad, and my Samsung Galaxy Tablet by connecting a USB-C cable to the USB-C connector. Summary: This is a very nice and solid game controller that works well. It’s a wired controller and not wireless, but that is okay with me. I love that I can charge my phone using the pass thru charging port on the controller. I recommend this controller to any avid gamer.

For the price of this phone controller, you really can't beat it. GameSir is a new brand to me but I've tried multiple of their products over the last year and have enjoyed each one and been very surprised by the pricetag. This one is no exception. Setup is mostly easy but it might take some extra steps depending on your phone and setup. My phone is an iPhone 16 Pro Max. With it's case (which is not a bulky case at all), it was barely able to stretch wide enough to fit it. When it did, the USB-C port didn't make an actual connection. Everything worked great when I took my case off, though. Luckily, I found the replacement side bumpers and one of them is very slim and flush for the USB-C side. Using that instead of the pre-installed one gave it enough clearance to still connect with my case on and it didn't feel like as tight of a squeeze. Once you have your phone connected, you then have to pick which controller mode you want which is something I never had to do before with these kinds of things. This GameSir is going for maximum compatibility so some concessions need to be made I guess. Holding Start and Select for 2 seconds switches through the three modes and I guess the iPhone needs to use the "other" mode which is denoted by a red LED. I wish they had a different color for that because it's always red and red usually means bad so I wish it was orange or purple or pretty much anything but red. Android gets a blue LED and PC gets a green LED. Last step was to chance the control style. By default, the "other" controls use Nintendo's scheme which flips the A and B buttons and the X and Y buttons. But there's a quick button combination (hold M + A) and it flips it back to normal. NOW you're ready to rock and roll! The analog sticks felt pretty good. The buttons felt good. The paddles on the back feel good to press but don't get in the way and cause you to press them by accident (which is a problem I have with a lot of back paddles). Everything feels pretty good on the control side. The actual controller grips feel a little weird to me but I can't place my finger on why. I think they're just a tad too bulky looking? I don't know why but it makes it feel a little more plasticy and cheap just based on the look. But the actual comfort while holding the grips is really good so don't judge the book by it's cover. So all in all, everything works pretty well once you have it set up for your phone. The instruction booklet explains all the modes and settings you need to change as well as how to activate turbo mode and other things so take a browse through there. If you're looking for a good phone controller without spending a fortune, this is definitely one to keep and eye on.

I have not used one of these joy con add ones to my phone so this is a first for me. Setup was super simple. Plug and play with a caveat. I had to change the grip on the USB c side so that it can plug in all the way with my slip phone case. ftet I changed the rubber grip it plugged in and allowed me to connect correctly. There is a USB c and a headphone jack to allow for plug in. I downloaded one of the recommended games that allowed integration and I was in playing. Super easy to use and customize. Sensitivity is really good. Also programming of buttons was easy through the gamesir app. Fit in my hand nicely. Similar to typical game controllers on the market. I did not see any lag due to direct USB c connection and not via Bluetooth. NOTE make sure you look into the game that you want to use this with as not all games are compatible. I wanted to use this with a game that I frequently use but it would have violated their 3rd party app usage and it would have booted me off their platform. Other than that. Pretty nice add on to to use my phone to game. I could not take photos of my phone plugged in as it is my main device to do reviews etc. screenshots showed gamesir app use.

The GameSir G8 is a good gaming handset for any smartphone. The box does state it’s for Android but I can confirm it does work with IOS but I had difficulty with it. I’m actually confused with the product as it says multi platform but I feel like it might truly only be for android. Unboxing was straight forward as it just has some packing material, the controller and a manual. I downloaded the Gamesir app but it does not have the G8 SE listed. My iPhone 17 pro max would only fit with my Casetify removed. I can remove the silicon holders but I don’t think I should have too. The usb c male connector does swivel to help with installation and removal of a phone. It just doesn’t extend to help with connection. I did what was suggested and held the sandwich and Picture in Picture (two squares) buttons and the Gamesir button turned red and worked with my iPhone but still couldn’t get it to communicate with the app. Once I was in iOS mode I was able to control some of my phone. I downloaded a game as the Apple Arcade store instantly opens with the controller. Downloaded a game and could not get anything to work….I honestly don’t have patience to jerryrig something in today’s world of iPhones and devices. If it doesn’t work it’s not meant to be. I determined it just must be for android or works best with android. Someone may know how to connect or customize an iPhone with the G8 SE but it’s not clear how to do it. Giving 3 stars as it may honestly work great with android.

I have been a fan of GameSir products for some time now, but I am especially enjoying all of these new "backbone" type integrated controllers for cell phones, and smaller tablets. The GameSir G8 SE is an excellent option for anyone looking for real on-the-go gaming. The style of this controller looks great, and the separate pads on the sides to ensure you get a good fit with your phone or tablet. Make this a very sturdy setup, where you are not worried about your device. Falling. The controls themselves are awesome. Buttons feel good, sticks are great. Both sticks are drift proof, which these days basically means future proof. The triggers are great, which is something many of the "backbone" style controllers get wrong. I have several of these type of controllers that I keep in the glove box of each of our cars. Especially with the USB power pass-through, if you end up stuck waiting, it's a great way to pass the time. Especially since now you can play many PC games from services like GOG, as well as streaming from Xbox, PlayStation, GeForce Now, Steam, etc. This makes entertaining yourself simple and quick.

I've only ever used GameSir controllers with my Xbox and have found them to be good value for money. The GameSir G8 SE is the first I have used that connects to your phone. Setup is basically plug and play, as the G8 SE connects directly via USB C. I would recommend you check the manual that's in the box as it ships with different rubber feet including flat grips, which means I was able to use my iPhone 15 Pro Max with the case on (which is a step up from other brands). The GameSir G8 SE also won't detect your phone model by default, so you will need to manually switch to iPhone mode (red ring light around the chicken button, no joke) which is done by holding the top left switch device/top right menu button for a few seconds. It actually shows up as a Zikway Pro controller in my iOS. In my tests on Asphalt 8, the GameSir G8 SE worked great and using the hall effect sticks is 10x easier than using motion or touch screen to drive... so that's great. The downsides of the GameSir is it doesn't remember your device type, I guess because it has no battery, so you will have to manually select your mobile device type if you want it to work properly (again, the manual is your friend). One thing is it doesn't require the GameSir app, despite what the manual suggests. I kind of do wish it worked with the app, that might help it remember my device and would help with games that don't support controllers natively. That all said, if you're into racing games on your iPhone (and I am) the GameSir G8 SE will make a difference despite the (small) setup frustrations. Note: The Best Buy website says this is iOS and Android compatible, it worked well on my Pixel 9 (the little GameSir chicken button lights up) but on my work-supplied iPhone it was not responsive and didn't connect.

I purchased this controlled for my kids to play games on my phone when traveling. This is the first controller like this I have purchased like this for a phone, but I had looked before. The price point on this is competative. I had seen these before on display somewhere and I knew the feel and build on them was adequate. It seems a bit light compared to older ps3 controllers that I used to use (when no phone in it), but the plastic/rubber textures do feel durable. My note 20 ultra fits right into this, good grip. It connected right away and seemed to control the games as it should. The control sticks are responsive, not mushy, the d pad is where I control a lot of things, and it had a good mash. The buttons do feel a bit light on push (not much reistance), but responsive. The ergonomics in my hand are good. I do not feel it is too bulky ot too thin. The phone is secure if I get to moving a bit, I'm not worried of it falling out. This has it's own battery for power you will need to charge, which is usb-c. It's life is good, i can run my phone dead with it and have lots left overm Overall, seems to do what it needs to do. I do reccomend this. I have nothing I'd deduct points for.

This controller is really nice! The price point is compelling and the feel/functionality are amazing. While the box does say for Android, it paired perfectly with my iPhone 17 Pro Max. That said, I did have to remove my case for it to fully seat; if you keep a bulky case on a large phone (similar size to the 17 Pro Max), just know you'll need to take it off first. Beyond that, the buttons, joysticks, triggers, and bumpers all feel great to use. They're responsive and bounce back with no issues. The vibrations are satisfying as well. I also appreciate that you can use the dedicated audio input for headphones and the dedicated USB-C port to charge your phone simultaneously. The spring that holds it closed is pretty strong too; it's not choppy or weak, so it opens smoothly. It also has bumpers where you place your phone, so you don't have to worry about scratches or dings from normal use. They even included spare ones in the box, which was a lovely surprise. Overall, a great controller! Sleek, easy to carry, and works with both Android and iPhone; checks every box for me!

I got an itch to play some old Gamecube games, but I wanted a handheld form factor. There are portable game emulators that can do this, but they require buying all new hardware, and the ones that can handle GameCube can be expensive. What if I already had a device with a fast processor and a great display? Well, I have a flagship Samsung S25 Ultra, and it was only missing the controls. That is where this fine controller comes into the story. It clams around the phone, and provides the controls needed for gaming on a phone. My phone, being a flagship, is on the larger side, and I keep it in a nice bumper case. At first it wouldn’t connect because the USB plug wasn’t reaching in enough, but in the box was a replacement set of rubber grips that are slimmer than the ones installed. I swapped them out, and it started working perfectly! I had to configure the emulator to work with the controller, but after a few minutes I was reliving fond memories. No need to install any drivers or special apps (GameSir offers an app for this, but it is optional). It is solidly constructed, and the plastic feels premium. It telescopes out to fit a variety of sizes of phones, and even comes with replaceable bumpers on the inside allowing you to customize the fit for your phone. But note that my phone with its case was at the upper limit of what could fit. The USB-C plug is on the right, has some wiggle to it, and should be able to adapt to nearly any phone, as long as the jack is in the center of your phone. It provides the usual assortment of buttons that are expected in modern controls, and even a couple of back “paddle” buttons. The sticks are claimed to be hall-effect, which means that they work well and shouldn’t suffer from drift as the unit ages (ask 1st generation Nintendo Switch owners how much fun this problem is). My only real complaint is that, as of the time of this writing, the manual isn’t available online, and the paper manual uses the smallest print imaginable, making it hard for my aging eyes to make out. There are special non-obvious button combos that allow you to change emulation mode and a couple of other options. So, overall, putting a controller on your phone is a bit clunkier than just buying a dedicated retro emulation handheld, but a LOT cheaper, and this controller is everything that I was hoping, with a premium feel and it feels like it will last a long time.

Disclaimer - I don't game on iOS, so I haven't tested this controller on that platform. I've tried a few mobile controllers over the years, but I honestly think this one is my favorite so far. It has a really good balance between being small and portable while still being large and ergonomic enough to not make my hands cramp from trying to hold it. It's also the first phone-clamp controller I've seen where the USB connector is flexible - this is super nice because it makes it so much easier to connect or disconnect the phone when you're not having to fight the tension to do so. It's also super neat that it has an AUX port - if you have a wired headset, you can use that while gaming. One thing that I found really cool was that if you don't insert a phone and instead connect a USB-C cable between your computer and the passthrough charging port on the controller, it shows up to your computer as an Xbox controller. I don't think I've ever seen this before. This immediately makes it even more useful, since if I'm traveling I only need to pack this. I can game on my phone during a flight or train ride, and can hook it up to my laptop in a hotel room or whatever. No need to pack a second controller. The controller works pretty well with games with on both Android phones and PC. Minecraft and Genshin Impact both worked great out of the box on my phone, and since it just shows up as an Xbox controller on PC the support there is perfect. If you encounter a mobile game that doesn't support controller inputs, you can use the Gamesir app to configure touch translation (though, none of the games I played ended up with me having to do that). You can also use the app to configure the buttons on bottom. The controller feels nice to hold. It's smooth on top and has a textured grip on the bottom. The plastic is light but feels sturdy, the joysticks are smooth to move and responsive in-game, and the buttons feel good to press. Honestly, the whole thing feels almost like a normal Xbox controller if it were a bit more compact. I haven't had any issues with the buttons missing clicks or feeling unresponsive, and it handles just like I'd expect from a normal game controller. Overall, I'm really pleased with this controller. It's just good all around for its intended purpose, and the fact it works on PC was also a really nice surprise. If you're looking for a controller for your phone and you also do PC gaming on the go, I think this controller would be an excellent purchase.

This review is on a GameSir - G8 SE Multi-Platform Wired Game Controller for Smartphones. This is my first mobile controller and I had something different in mind. I thought that all I had to do is plug my phone in and start playing. It depends on the game. I wanted to be able to play Call of Duty Mobile so that is where I started. The swivel design for the USB-C is awesome. The first time I plugged it in nothing happened. I installed the Gamesir app and it showed that the controller wasn't connected. I tried to add a controller from the list that it gave me but it didn't include the G8SE. I have a case on my phone and it looked as if it was connected. The controller comes with some extra pads and it comes with the thicker ones installed. Turns out it was too thick with my phone case so I swapped to the thinner pads and it connected. Then in the Gamesir app, it showed the right device was connected. Setting this device up was tricky. In the app it gives you instructions on how to make the device work such as enabling developer, debugging and wireless debugging mode. There are other things that have to be enabled and it took me a while to get it setup but I got it done. It has three modes. One of the modes are for games that are designed to work with these controllers. Xbox cloud gaming works well in this mode. No special programming. The 2nd mode is for games that are designed for touch screen. The app has an on-screen overlay to match the areas that you would touch the screen. You can program a button such as RT to touch the area on the screen that would cause you to shoot. So on the screen where that touch point would be, you would place a pinpoint and it will give you some options for what you can do with that button. Things like joystick mode, sliding mode, click mode, turbo mode, skill wheel mode, cast cancel mode, one button macro, gesture mode, cloned, click range mode, and sliding mode with options under all of the modes. None of this is in the manual and I had to go to Youtube to figure it out. The biggest thing that kept me from figuring it out is a red logo that floats half outside of the screen that you have to touch to bring up the setup menu. This logo will snap half outside if you try to drag it around. When you save your configuration it will float for a bit and you can't do anything in game until it snaps half outside. There are files that are shared by other people that are already configured and you can download them. When you download them make sure to select use or nothing will happen. Once you get it setup right you will dominate other players that are trying to use touch screen so I have enjoyed playing COD Mobile. This is a huge advantage for games like this so I would recommend buying this controller.

The GameSir G8 SE has completely transformed mobile gaming for me. I've tried several mobile controllers over the years, and this is easily one of the closest experiences to using a full-size console controller. From the moment I attached my phone and started playing, everything felt comfortable, responsive, and surprisingly premium. For anyone who takes mobile gaming, cloud gaming, or remote play seriously, this controller is an easy recommendation. One of the biggest highlights is the excellent ergonomics. Unlike many compact mobile controllers that can feel cramped during longer sessions, the G8 SE feels like holding a proper console controller. The grips are comfortable, the button placement is intuitive, and even after extended gaming sessions I never felt hand fatigue. The Hall Effect thumbsticks are another standout feature. Stick drift has been one of my biggest frustrations with gaming controllers, so having Hall Effect sticks provides peace of mind. The sticks feel smooth, precise, and accurate whether I'm playing shooters, racing games, or action titles. The Hall Effect triggers are equally impressive, offering excellent control and responsiveness. Compatibility has been excellent as well. The controller works with iOS, Android, and PC, making it incredibly versatile. Setup was simple and straightforward, and I was gaming within minutes. Whether I'm using cloud gaming services, remote play, or native mobile games, the controller consistently delivers low-latency performance and reliable connectivity. I also appreciate the extra features that GameSir included. The remappable back buttons are genuinely useful and add flexibility for competitive games. The vibration motors provide immersive feedback, making racing games, shooters, and action games feel much more engaging. Small touches like these help the controller feel far more expensive than it actually is. The GameSir G8 SE delivers everything I want in a mobile gaming controller: comfort, precision, durability, and broad compatibility. The Hall Effect sticks and triggers alone make it stand out from many competitors, while the console-quality ergonomics make long gaming sessions enjoyable. Whether you're using Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam Link, PlayStation Remote Play, or traditional mobile games, this controller elevates the experience significantly. For the price, it's an outstanding value and one of the best gaming accessories I've purchased.

I actually like gaming on my phone now! I've never been a "casual" gamer with my phone, simply because I can't stand touch controls. I've tried and tried over the years but always abandon any game I purchase for my phone after less than an hour because it's just so tiresome. Since picking up this controller, my abandoned game library has sprung back to life. I am currently using an iPhone Air, which is quite tall and skinny for a phone, and it fits the controller just fine. There's even more space than I'm using, so I'm certain this would fit just about any phone in the market right now (besides maybe those giant foldable monstrosities). Speaking of an iPhone, I did have to switch modes on the controller to get it to work. The instruction manual isn't very clear, but there is an "Android" mode, a "PC" mode, and an "Other" mode - if you are also an iPhone user, you'll need to put it in "Other". Outside of that one setting change, it's been plug and play. The controller is powered by your phone itself, so there's no need to remember to charge it up. Every game I tried recognized the controller right away and I didn't need to set anything up. The controls themselves are comfortable and responsive, and if you've ever played on a Nintendo Switch OLED, the controller is about as wide as that (and way more comfortable to use). My abandoned game library thanks me for picking up this controller, and it's been a fun couch companion for me.

GameSir Makes a dizzying array of controllers, each intended for a certain niche. This unit is wired (USB-C only) and does not include Bluetooth. It also has no battery with automatic turn on when plugged into the pass-through charging port or the cradle USB-C port. The Bill qualities is excellent and they Hall effect sticks and analog triggers work perfectly. The feel on the buttons and D pad are excellent. The unit comes with a manual containing very little information, several silicone pads to allow many phones as large as a more than 6 1/2 inch Tall Moto play to fit. The cradle, USB-C angles to ease placement of the phone and the silicone pads, which are attached as well as the optional silicon pads, allow for positioning and Stability. The unit draws approximately 1 W so should not drain your battery quickly. There is however, a pass-through charger which also functions as a method to attached to a Windows computer. I was able to test with android, iOS, and Windows. The most annoying thing about working with this unit is the poor documentation regarding the modes available, including those that work best for android, Windows and iOS. The modes are switched by holding two keys for two seconds and there is a color change in the lighted lower button from blue to green to red. These modes enable switch mode, android mode and X input mode. The X input mode works with Windows as Batocera Linux. Note that the GameSir android app interfaces with this specific model, but the iOS app does not. For most, it should not be necessary to do any configuring or updating in the app and was not required for any of the multi platform games. I tried. The model link for tutorials does not lead to a description of this specific model, which is quite frustrating to a user looking for information. I have faced similar frustrations from other multi platform, third-party controllers. An additional comment is the fact that this is lightweight and would be easy to transport as you would almost certainly always have a charger which could be used in the pass-through. These controllers are not something you typically leave on unless you’re actually using them. The absence of a battery is not a significant drawback.

I decided to get this controller as I wanted to see how far controllers for mobile have come and this one definitely doesn't disappoint. I have an S26 Ultra and it fits/works great and has enabled me to play Diablo Immortal, Minecraft and Grid Autosport. First, I'd say that the overall fit and feel is similar to that of an Xbox controller so to me felt very familiar and it performs quite well. Because it connects with a USB-C plug to your phone, there's no need to worry about cords or pairing to Bluetooth. It is also universal to devices it seems and worked on my brothers iPhone (now he's going to get one) and it even worked when plugged in to my desktop PC. The feature I think that I like most is that the controller has a Passthru mode for power so that you can keep power going to your phone during game play so you don't have to worry about draining your battery completely for longer gaming sessions. Because it's not wireless the connection is solid and there's no lag or delay on key/button presses. Vibration works but is very dependent upon title and platform so it's hit and miss as to whether that works or not though it's not a hardware issue. If you haven't tried one of these or you're looking for a gift for someone that plays games on their phone, try one of these out. I kind of wish I had known it worked with games like Diablo and Minecraft.. it makes the whole experience of playing a mobile game completely different and this controller so far has been good and one I'd recommend trying out!