GameSir G8 Galileo Mobile Gaming Controller review – Portable Pal

GameSir G8 Galileo stakes its claim in a saturated market for third-party game controllers for Android and Apple devices with a USB socket. With a focus on enhancing smartphone gaming, the G8 Galileo sports high-quality and responsive controls without being tethered to a traditional gaming setup. Tailored for mobile gamers seeking a robust, console-like controller experience on paper, what’s so different about GameSir G8 Galileo?

New Take On Mobile Controllers – GameSir G8 Galileo 

GameSir G8 Galileo is a chunky boy built with ergonomics in mind. Far from being a drawback, it enhances the grip and overall handling and is less like a third-party Joycon. The overall design, clicky face buttons, and solid triggers make GameSir G8 Galileo ready for a more in-depth mobile gaming experience.

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Users don’t expect magnetic faceplates and replaceable thumb sticks from a third-party mobile controller, but here they are, and the gimmick pays off. Adjusting these components is straightforward enough; it’s pretty much a click-and-play experience. The USB-C male connector inside the vice design of the device is hinged, making sure it’s compatible with various handsets, although it’s a little fiddly. Having a button to have the USB-C stick out and then fall back down would have made life easier, but it’s a minor gripe. 

Build quality is also solid; again, it is not common in third-party controllers for any system. The programmable back buttons fit well with a handle concave but can sometimes feel like they’re in the way. Whilst this is a concern with multiple back paddle and button setups, offsetting them slightly would have been a significant improvement. Stick drift is a thing of the past with GameSir G8 Galileo. Also, thanks to its Hall Effect sensors, take that, Nintendo!

Controlling The Cloud And Apps

GameSir G8 Galileo’s USB-C connection features no input lag and a solid gameplay experience supporting pass-through charging. Unfortunately, playing any demanding game will strain the battery life of most handsets, so being able to charge whilst using GameSir G8 Galileo is a massive bonus.

The controller’s built-in battery promises up to 10 hours of continuous gaming, which should outlast most modern handsets. The app is a genuine addition to the G8 offering, providing firmware updates, custom settings and general options to tweak its functionality. A cool feature is game overlays that allow players to switch their control schemes around on the fly. This is handy for apps that don’t natively support controllers, providing a workaround.

Naturally, GameSir G8 Galileo provides full support for cloud streaming services. Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now and other services will work perfectly with this controller. Any controller that works with an Android or Apple handset will work on cloud services, but having one that clamps to a player’s handset feels better.

Specification

The Bottom Line

GameSir G8 Galileo is a formidable option in the mobile gaming controller market. Its ergonomic design, customizable features, and responsive performance make it a worthy investment for serious mobile gamers. It requires some initial setup for optimal button configuration, especially for games without native controller support, but its pros outweigh its cons. The G8 Galileo effectively bridges the gap between mobile gaming and a console-like experience, blurring the lines between cloud and mobile gaming.

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