FINALLY, a SUPERB Phone Controller (GameSir G8)

[@RetroGameCorps]

Okay I just got it with the whole Galileo + “telescopic” controller thing…I’m an idiot 😂 A couple notes: - Slim phone cases will work with this controller for the most part - It works great with my iPhone 15 Pro, in fact I can use it with their fake leather official case. Many games require you to be in PS Mode to recognize the controller (which has no connection issue on iOS) - If you have a bigger case, you can just remove the rubber padding on the USB-C side and it will likely fit. It removes some protection but hey, you have a case on your phone already :) Here is a demo: www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnAndroid/comments/rsflrc/simple_gamesir_x2_usbc_mod_to_greatly_improve/

[@TierNoneOperator]

Why did you not like the x2 pro?

[@joeh5315]

Odin2 guide still going ahead?

[@margaretcattertv]

Lol I paused not even 30 seconds into the video to come comment this. I'm glad you realized

[@margaretcattertv]

Lol I paused not even 30 seconds into the video to come comment this. I'm glad you realized

[@n_tas]

That's got to be the most tenuous allusion a product has ever made

[@charlesbronson2926]

It's awesome they were seemingly confident you would change your mind after seeing how good it is

[@varunaX]

they gave him a free controller. its the least he could do.

[@suntorytimes1]

@@varunaX It doesn't work that way.

[@subzero-ku2wx]

Not really, the left stick started to feel gritty only after a few hours of use.

[@UnAssimilated1]

@@subzero-ku2wxThere are "rings" you can buy/swap They are dirt cheap. You shouldnt have to, it's brand new product, Im just saying you can if controller gives you problems

[@subzero-ku2wx]

@@UnAssimilated1 Yeah, I was thinking about getting some replacement anti-friction rings but I worry that the problem might be with the stick rather than the rings. Upgrading both would be ideal but I might just go for a kishi ultra so I can get rumble.

[@Kosecant]

The weird sticks you didn’t like (the circular one and the smaller one) are actually game cube sticks interestingly enough. They’d feel right at home in you were playing dolphin!

[@Treyshellz]

I plan on getting this and when I do, I'm using the circular one because I'm huge fan of the GameCube

[@RetroGameCorps]

Whoa I never thought of it this way, great point!

[@VanBurenPhilips]

Riiight, the small one is the C-stick? I'd forgotten about that.

[@GustavoFil350]

@@RetroGameCorps The really small stick is also for people with big thumbs, so you can put it on the right and it does not get in the way of pressing the face buttons (mainly A button)

[@fafski1199]

@@RetroGameCorps It also uses standard analogue rocker sticks. So you could always swap them out for any third-party ones, if you wish.

[@exxmodel]

An underrated aspect of phone controllers is how lightweight the setup is; this helps a ton with ergonomics. I got the deck OLED recently and it feels like gravity is trying to snatch the steam deck from below, I had to get a grip for it. My razer kishi and phone isn't the most ergonomic in the hand, but the fact that it weighs the same as an xbox controller makes it very comfortable to use. This pad looks great.

[@RustySeatbelt]

I was impressed with the lightness of the oled deck, considering the bigger battery inside.

[@godminnette2]

I would think it's called Galileo because he made great improvements to the telescope, and they've made great improvements to the telescopic controller. Are the face buttons easily swappable? When using it in "Nintendo mode," I'd love to be able to swap the physical buttons around to that layout as well.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Great point, unfortunately the face buttons aren't swappable, they are shaped specifically for their location on the controller. So you'd have to wait for GameSir to offer replacements (which I have passed on to them as a suggestion).

[@IceBlueLugia]

Weird that they chose SNES colors when they’re obviously gonna go with the Xbox button layout, since many will use this for Game Pass and Steam Link. I’d have liked to see an Xbox layout version with the red, blue, green, and yellow buttons, and a Nintendo layout version with the SNES or SFC colors

[@rafaelsantosx]

Ironically they put the physical magnetic swappable face buttons in the X2 pro, the Xbox licensed version. Don't know why they didn't kept it in this improved model. Guess we can't have it all in one.

[@NoxiousNinja]

It's a little weird that they have customizable faceplates and sticks but not buttons - would be nice to be able to swap in Switch or PS-style buttons for a better emulation experience. The faceplates offer some interesting possibilites. It would be cool to have an option with octagonal gates. I would also like to see an option with a built in thermoelectric cooler like the X3. All that said, this looks nice and I'll probably pick one up. Great review!

[@crihsagnlel]

I was expecting buttons that could be swapped too.

[@jackal3770]

Picked one of these up. Thank you for the video. This is a new landscape for me, and you were very helpful.

[@manuelberenguerrojas7271]

My experience so far has been terrible with this device, it continually desyncs within retroarch. I'm having trouble with n64 key mapping, but Retroarch or my Android device could be at fault. I also had a lot of trouble getting out of PS mode. I just can't configure it for n64, mind you I've had no trouble with Retroarch on pc, steamdeck or my main Android phone with a regular Bluetooth controller. SOLVED! I re-calibrated the device using the gamesir app and I'm not getting random disconnects anymore, or weird auto turbo on the triggers. Even my L2 wasn't working, now everything seems perfect. My old LG v40 is getting some use again!

[@TakisEnjoyer]

Had a lot of bad experience with gamesir controllers back in the day, it's nice to see how much they progressed over the years

[@FromUsToAshes]

I've just received mine and the right trigger isn't working. I've mentioned it on Reddit and a half dozen people have responded stating either one, or both of their triggers aren't working either. There's no information online or anything that can help resolve this and I've been troubleshooting for hours now. If you click support on their app, and find this product, it just takes you to a picture of a sad face - it's ridiculous.

[@itchyjhin7349]

True. I had T4 and G4. Initially, the T4 worked wonders. But after a few months, it failed on me. It was disconnecting bluetooth mode, and it constantly resets. However, when I went with G4 pro, it honestly felt better than T4. What I didn t like about it is the chrome plating on the shoulder buttons. It chipped after a month of use

[@PercussionImprovisations]

I haven't seen many talk about the Gamevice Flex, I appreciate that you did, it's an awesome controller that I've enjoyed for over a year now. There is something to be said about being able to keep your case on your phone and then just connecting up the controller and start playing. I find it to be comfortable, hadoken-able, shoryuken-able and it's nice to be able to fold it up and throw it in my backpack (I keep it in a little drawstring bag). You would never see me use my very expensive Galaxy S23 Ultra without a case, and the Gamevice Flex allows me to game at a moments notice! UNFORTUNETLY, at some point they stopped selling it!

[@bigrob029]

this is right on time! i've been holding out for one of these (in the mean time ive been following your guides to turn an old android phone into a retro console emulator) and it looks like this takes all the good of the last few models and is the best iteration of all of them. very well done.

[@MDunne1]

MG-X Pro is a better design, but I like that this is plug n play instead of bluetooth

[@bipbop3121]

​​@@MDunne1 I've seen it used a too big comparison. BT = lag I guess we're entering subjective territory. Reviews contain Some features TBD and quality issues, dead ones, failed buttons, Nacon customer support issues, etc. I don't personally know. I've got a V1 Kishi, which my issues are damaging to USB C port, headphone jack blocked with having one, slow charge only usb c pass through, can't use phone in case, probably more. This game sir seems to address everything (I need to double check that the triggers are analog, this was part of why I got a discount Kishi) but phone in case, better usb c pass thru and being smaller (but it seems good ergo is why it's larger, so less of a complaint).

[@Adam-mo2qw]

They are £67 on amazon at the moment. I got a used one for £53 though. Hopefully it's mint when it arrives.

[@gumbyx84]

The more reviews I see of this controller, the more I want one. I have all models of the X2 and a Kishi v2 Pro so I really don't need it but it looks so good and checks so many boxes

[@billanotown]

I almost bought this yesterday. Thankfully i waited and got the coupon! thanks for the review i value your opinion

[@noot1375]

I always love it when Russ is given the option to enable something, usually emulation, and says: "Yeah, man, I wanna do it."

[@mahendrayulia2704]

Yeah Mam, I wanna do it

[@biggie01taws6]

Been eyeing this one since it was announced and was waiting on a solid review. You, good sir, have just sold me on it lol. I can always count on your reviews...precise, straight forward, and honest!👍

[@gtno22]

Are you still happy with your purchase and does it still work well?

[@biggie01taws6]

@@gtno22 yeah it still works great for me, although I should let you know that I probably don't use it as much as the average person. I just play games more on my PC and PS5 than my phone, so I may not be the best person to ask lol.

[@subzero-ku2wx]

​@@gtno22Don't get it. The left stick started to feel gritty after only a few hours of use.

[@ordinaryalan]

thanks for the video, I'd LOVE for you to cover the microsoft surface duo phone as a clamshell emulator device now that they've gone waayy down in price. Gamsir also has a controller I've seen people use with it that makes it a wonderful 2DS/3DS emulator machine. You rock!

[@kurtgentry6257]

I don't know if you read comments but I'm glad your keeping with video creation on KZbin. I generally enjoy your videos and it's refreshing that you're not trying to sell me something every video. Keep up the good work 👏

[@brownranger1797]

Imagine using it with a foldable phone. The aspect ratio of the screen would really compliment the width!

[@ovrxpsd]

there's another KZbinr (Shane Craig) with a video and the thumbnail shows it with a foldable. haven't watched it yet though

[@Stockarts]

This is what I talk about all this time. With a folding phone you have the perfect aspect ratio when unfolded. Russ should try this out.

[@Brooknium]

Unfortunately it has its USB on the right so the phone would fold down which is less ergonomically desirable. I have an older gamesir with the USB on the left and it is quite a great experience!

[@marknealeigh4975]

Galileo didn't invent the telescope, but he made significant improvements to the use and quality.

[@ItsDempseyTime]

I'm starting to love the "Which Steam Deck skin will Russ have today?" moment in your videos, it's a nice showcase of how customizable the Deck actually is

[@RedNocturne]

I wish they sold a lightning version! Also, you answered your own question about why they named it after an astronomer. It's a TELESCOPING controller... Get it?

[@charlesbronson2926]

With the newest iphone finally being usb c, im sure it just wasnt economical to create 2 versions.

[@nine_moons3073]

​@@charlesbronson2926ikr lightning is almost dead (it will be dead in 4 to 5 years when they wont sell the iphone 14 anymore)

[@alechemy]

Gamesir has made other telescoping controllers before, so by that logic shouldn’t they all be named “Galileo”? :P

[@Boogie_the_cat]

​@@alechemythere exist many other astronomers. How about "Edwin Hubble"? Kids would love that name 😂

[@RedNocturne]

@@alechemy it would be cool if it was a series of models all named after different astronomers!

[@Khanhj]

25:20 PS mode still work with latest firmware, switching to PS mode (white led) the android phone will pop up ask to connect gamesir, just tap cancel to dismiss (instead of tap OK) then it will work fine with PS remote app. I think the reason is tap OK it will force the controller go back to android mode.

[@tangocat73]

Would love to see how it would fit a 7 inch or 8 inch tablet. Let’s homebrew a PS portable!

[@JgHaverty]

For those interested... you can take a razor blade and shave off the right side rubber bumpers to allow you to install your phone with a case into it. I dont actually know why they designed it this way, as shaving the bumpers off does not affect stability in *any* way. You can use surprisingly large cases when you shave the bumpers off, and they come off *incredibly* easily. (just run the blade parallel to the back plate and wiggle it down, they shave off in pleasant strips). Ive had genuinely no issues with stability using it with an samsung note 20 ultra and a LG v60.

[@GarrettTobyC13]

You can also take it apart and remove a couple retention clips that will allow it to telescope to support up to 12 inch tablet!

[@Deadguy2322forreal]

It wouldn't be a Razer product without at least one idiotic design decision, like how none of their PlayStation controllers have the correct stick placement.

[@B-Diddy-6]

Awesome info! Quick question I haven't really seen anyone mention, does this controller have any vibration/haptics at all? I've found that's the only thing keeping from moving away from a clip and an Xbox Series controller.

[@thatdarnskag5043]

My brain legit went “why is this person talking about a gaming laptop on _this_ video?” until I read further on.

[@JgHaverty]

@imthecoolestdudeevar the g8 does not have haptics... but that doesnt matter because your phone does lol. Just enable it on your emulator or game.

[@rsorry]

The USB connector broke for me in just a couple months. I reached out to their support and they told me to buy another one 👎

[@joeykeilholz925]

Welp, good to know...

[@jesusmeraz108]

Super glue it works right after backbone is the same doesn't move should have made it that way

[@PC_TV_73]

For the iPhone the Backbone has been perfect. I have both the black and the white one for PlayStation problem is I don’t like playing mini games on the phone. A few Apple Arcade games like shredders, revenge and house of the dead but I like playing on a dedicated a lot more not worrying about killing the battery or lugging another piece of equipment around for the phone.

[@javierdelgado3915]

I love watching these reviews, i have a bunch of these mobile controllers, i got retroarch and gamestreaming apps all setup 😅and i dont even play anything, like i test stuff out for a few minutes and im like cool, and then dont play

[@KentHambrock]

I have the X2 and I kinda love it, this looks much more comfortable and much nicer. I might pick this up, thanks for the review

[@crashbandicoot5636]

Got a Gamesir T4 Pro last year and it didn't last me 6 months. Really sucks, they rejected my request to get it fixed because I didn't buy it DIRECTLY from their site. Really steering clear from them because of this experience. This year I bought an 8bitdo Ultimate C and it did start to drift a bit due to clicking in on the left stick, but the customer support for 8bitdo was awesome and were willing to get it fixed/replaced despite being from a different seller. Love that type of after sales service, might stick with 8bitdo and first party controllers for now (unless Gamesir fixes their customer support)

[@molybdnum]

Unfortunately there's no phone+controller option from 8BitDo outside of a clip for their bluetooth ones. I'd love to see them get into the niche a little more, but the competition are all a few generations deep in refinements to phone retention and app development.

[@relsre]

@@molybdnum I wouldn't mind that, but at the same time I also don't mind 8BitDo sticking to their strengths, maybe refining their clips a bit more for interoperability with both first party and their own controllers. Maybe I'm biased, but I've always preferred the controller+clip solution for gaming on phones, since you can re-use the same controller for consoles/PC. As strange as it sounds, I would've been more tempted by the Gamesir G8 if it had options (wired or BT) to connect to PCs/consoles!

[@MUCKLEECH]

This is the best telescopic controller so far. As mentioned, the dead zones are out of wack from the factory. I set triggers and analogs to 0-100, and they feel good. Also as mentioned, it will fit with cases if you remove the rubber grips from the port side of the controller. I just used a super sharp carpet cutting blade and it made quick work of it. All in all a great controller

[@TheExtremeElementz]

I am glad I didn’t buy the Backbone recently on Black Friday for $70, because how you describe it is this thing blows it out of the water. 😅 Seriously thank you for making this review, I’m sold!

[@Zanpaa]

I did buy it on BF, used it a little and was disappointed. Now I'm looking at their return policy...

[@ovrxpsd]

​@@Zanpaasame here. i think I might still be within the return policy.

[@MrGonz801]

I literally saw this as i was purchasing my Backbone, but you know what? Most of the retro games i play are fighting games, so being Hadoukenable and Shoryukenable is really important to me amd i havent had any issues with the backbone so far. Also, the gen 2 of the backbone (which is what i bought) lets you keep the case on

[@1InvisionProductions]

I almost never take my phone case off, so if they designed it a little better to fit a phone case that would be appreciated. Also would be cool if it stretched far enough to fit an iPad without having to mod it.

[@timrecords6875]

I am in the same boat, and just struggled to take my phone case off but did it finally! And still think it's a good purchase! My thinking is that during those late night gaming seshes I don't need it to be in a case, and I'm usually not going anywhere where I need to put it back on the case. Although that also means I'm giving myself a limited time to play only in the evenings!

[@jackbauer2698]

Try shanwan q17

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

Take a Stanley knife to the rubber bumper where the USB C is. My S23 Ultra with a case works just fine.

[@Fleur_de_lis2k]

I just received mine and feels very similar to a good old xbox360 controller. I'm an adult male with maybe a tad smaller hand size, I have no issues with the d-pad placement but it isn't exactly the same as xbox360. Overall a very high quality product, I haven't hooked it yet to my phone. I felt that with these products ergonomics is very important, looking at videos people fiddling with their Backbone Ones with a awkward gripping techniques, the GameSir G8 Galileo is highly recommendable in this regard. Have a nice weekend!

[@KrazyShark]

Wow that is a huge step up from Gamesir. They've been doing amazing products lately it's great to see. The 8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth controller is out as well, might go for that one for my Galaxy Tab S9+ since these telescopic controllers don't go big enough for tablets I guess :

[@InnerFire6213]

i use my ipad mini for remote play so yeah same problem. i have a gamesir t4 pro and i don't really like it much compared to my 8bitdo. i don't know if i wanna get the g8 for my phone as the t4 pro ruined their brand for me

[@dzulhasnikhomaini6148]

Look out for BSP D8. Telescoping, hall trigger, hall analog. It fits phone and tablets!

[@tuskybarn]

Love how comprehensive your reviews are, great stuff! Looks like I'll be keeping an eye on this going on sale.

[@stfc4619]

It is incredible... So much better than my x2 pro and SOOO much better than que Backbone. Changing Xbox layout to Nintendo with a shortcut is amazing and I got my Odin 2 pro today (But my case wasn't with!?) Life is amazing sometimes ;-)

[@SSID94]

Thinking of upgrading from my X2 pro ... Few questions if you don't mind: the X2 pro has clicky back buttons, from what I saw in reviews the back buttons on this are not clicky - can you confirm ? Also the D Pad and LB/RB on X2 Pro are clicky , is it the same feel on this?

[@SSID94]

One last thing can you comfortably place your ring and pinky fingers around the grip handles?

[@CJMZ31]

I know Im too late here, but I'll just say that you're life is actually great for having all those things,if I get one of those controller's I would probably be screaming all day and night of happiness when I had one of those 😢. You should be thankful sometimes! 🙏

[@boom5732]

​@@CJMZ31well when you work, you can buy things like this sometimes

[@DavidAddis]

I wish the usb-c port was on the left. For the Galaxy Fold, it's a necessity to make the screen stick out of the top rather than the bottom.

[@sambird7]

8Bitdo really needs to make one of these. They would be able to do it better and probably cheaper.

[@Paulypies]

Just got mine after watching this. Thanks for the discount code btw. I’m using an iPhone 15 Pro Max and it works like a dream. Just make sure you press the Start/Menu + Select/View buttons together to switch modes to the “white” PS mode for it to work. Even better news is that it works with my case, with a slight modification. My case is the leather Mujjo brand case. Basically similar to what would have been the Apple Leather case, if they hadn’t stopped making them. With the case on the phone, the controller lines up with the USB-C port perfectly, but they don’t connect deep enough to connect when the case is on. You’ll see in the video that there are little rubber gripping teeth where the controller clamps your phone. I simply used a Stanley/craft knife to shave about half a mm or so off the teeth and voila! I can use the G8 controller with or without my case on. Couldn’t be happier with it. The controller seems very good so far.

[@elliotclarke5685]

The Gamesir X2 Pro had one major improvement over the X2, which was analogue stick precision. You can see a visualisation of this improvement shown in a video from VK's Channel entitled "from trash to treasure! / the Gamesir X2 Pro is amazing!" at 4:52. I would be interested in seeing a similar visualisation of the analogue stick precision for this Gamesir G8 controller.

[@JgHaverty]

Being hall effect, it should be superior and more tuneable to deadzones you specify. Just nature of the controls.

[@elliotclarke5685]

@@JgHaverty hopefully that's the case, as the controller looks great and I've been looking for one to use with my s23 ultra.

[@JgHaverty]

@elliotclarke5685 if you dont the goofy aesthetics of this one, its gonna be the best you can get. The only other ones that are even worth entertaining are the x2 pro and the turtle beach bluetooth one [its just super portable and compatible, its not a great controller in a vacuum].

[@matts1978]

The x2 pro is a good controller. I also LOVE the way it looks with my phone in it. However, this one is so much more comfortable for longer gaming sessions. You can not beat the joysticks. They both easily crush the backbone. I didn't like the backbone from day one. The backbone is flimsy and the buttons you would normally use for start and select are not in the correct position. GAMESIR FOR THE WIN! Could you imagin with 8bitdo could do if they made a controller like this??????

[@mattdavis9601]

I have an X2 Pro. It's been my main controller for a year now. One other huge upgrade over the normal X2 is Hall Effect analog triggers. The normal X2 and X3 just have buttons.

[@varunaX]

thanks for testing the ps remote play. not a single other review i watched did so

[@JoBroNoHole]

Me who uses an android phone, Gamesir G7 Xbox controller, and has massive hands: "THIS IS A MOMENT IN HISTORY!"

[@nonyabusiness-f9e]

i wanted to get this but it wasn't on amazon (like literally last week, now it is...) so i went with the backbone. kind of wish i waited but im happy with the backbone.

[@TierNoneOperator]

I have a miyoo mini plus, and several modded ds lites. I've been wanting to get something like a 405v or similar to play higher end systems. Honestly, I'm leaning towards a game controller for my phone. It would he able to play every game I want, including ds (my phone screen spit in two is still larger than the original dsl screens 😂) and could do game streaming.

[@Roxaschan]

The GameSir X2 is still the only one that really "works" for foldable phones. By necessity of design, putting it in with the USB-C on the right side leaves the opened part pointing down toward your stomach. The USB-C on the left side means it can fold open upright, like a DS instead, and makes it much more natural to hold. I do wish they made it an option for their newer controllers, too, given the increasing popularity and power of foldables nowadays.

[@itsahill89]

Random-ish question! Does the G8 also let you use it as a controller on a computer? The backbone lets you use a wire to connect to a computer and use it as a controller on a computer which helps save a little space when traveling.

[@illuminati229]

I want to know this answer too! But I ordered one anyone, so I'll be able to tell you on Monday!

[@ollyma5907]

Yes, seems like all you need is a type-c female to usb-a male cable.😆😆

[@badassgenevideos]

Been using this for months now with lenovo y700 8inch tablet. The ergonomics of this controller and the screen of y700 is perfect for retro emulation.

[@burger-enjoyer]

Would be interesting to see this controller with Galaxy Fold. These have nice, more square displays.

[@volcalstone]

yeah but the only problem is that the plug is on the right side instead of the left which is more foldable friendly. It seems like the only controller that is out there right now with a left sided USB-C plug is the GameSir X2 as shown in this video. I just ordered that one for my Pixel Fold and I believe it will be a perfect fit. I also ended up getting this G8 as well for all my other devices.

[@J.Wick.]

I've been very happy with my NACON MGX and MGX Pro. They work great for a Galaxy Fold device. I cant notice any input lag. But I couldn't care less about fighting games. With the Fold, its very important where the USB plug is on these things. It limits the choices a bit. The Nacons not having that issue helped. That Gamesir looks nice. I'd probably buy it if I hadn't already bought the Nacons 2 or so yrs ago

[@PC_TV_73]

I’ve been using the Backbone since it came out, and I never once felt like the phone was gonna break while I was plugging it in. And I always have the biggest iPhone right now the 15 promax. Definitely would have to be ultra clumsy to get it to break trying to do that.

[@cincyfan987]

I have the gamevice flex. Very overlooked controller and best part is it fits all phone cases.

[@thomas.deliot]

The one thing kinda missing here is the ability to put your phone inside it in portrait mode. I had a cheap telescopic controller (Saitake 7007f) that could do that with my phone... And it's the basolute perfect way to emulate NDS games, like there's nothing better out there for it. Problem is, can't do that with a "wired" controller or they'd require removable usb-c plugs both on the sides and the bottom somehow... Or maybe just a small wire ? Anyway, it's a bummer that this can't do that. If it did I would've purchased in a heart beat It's also the perfect solution the the "too wide" problem for playing games in 4:3 ! You get a setup that's only half as wide and still as comfortable

[@rail7646]

holy crap this review actually covers the whole world of smartphone controllers I have never seen before, pretty great crash course into this world lol

[@Topgunnder]

The markets needs to make a phone that is 16/9 and not ultra slim - as long as it has a good chip i would buy it in a heartbeat

[@nameresu]

Find used Huawei Mate 9, 16:9, almost 6 inches, type-c, it has powerful enough CPU for GC or PS2, light years faster than unisoc Tiger T618. And good screen to body ratio.

[@thraxberserker9960]

There are countless phones like that

[@nameresu]

@@thraxberserker9960 no. 10 phones. Or less. 16:9, top CPU to that time, type-c.

[@nobody_vi3312]

This is a great controller! I have had mine for 2 weeks now it's a bit bulky, but the ergonomics are leagues ahead of the backbone, which caused my hands to cramp after 30 minutes, the texture on the grips is great and it actually is case compatible thanks to the spring on the usb c connector. I am finally using my phone as my emulation device thanks to this.

[@cali9004]

Re case compatibility which phone are you using it with?

[@nobody_vi3312]

​@@cali9004 a samsung s22 plus with a standard plastic case. Kevin Kenson highlights this on his review and some other small things Russ missed.

[@cali9004]

@@nobody_vi3312 awesome! Just checked it out seems like case support might be a non issue after all. Also I noticed there is a fix for the PS remote play, ps remote app needs to be started without the controller plugged in, then ps mode needs to be cycled by pressing the share and options button. Just ordered!

[@FromUsToAshes]

Have you had issues with any of the L2/R2 triggers not working?

[@rin_blank5830]

Does this work on a pixel 7 pro phone? And third party games like apk mod games downloaded from google chrome?

[@reeddacted]

I imagine this controller with an ipad mini or a foldable would feel pretty damn good

[@Jvstnick]

I can confirm the Backbone controller on my OnePlus open. Folding phone is incredible.

[@volcalstone]

​@@JvstnickIsn't the screen more on the bottom side since the USB-C plug is on the right? This is not ideal and that's why I just ordered the GameSir X2 with the D-paid instead as it's the only one out there with the plug on the left side instead. I will be using it on my Pixel Fold and I believe this will be perfect when it comes in a couple of days. The price on it was pretty good as well even tho I know it's an older controller but to me as long as it's comfortable that's all that matters.

[@Stockarts]

I have the galaxy fold 3 and yes the x2 works good with it. But I don't like the sticks and buttons of the x2 they feel cheap and clicky.

[@volcalstone]

@@Stockarts I'm going to try it out and see how it goes. Kinda sucks that it doesn't have analog triggers tho. I'm not a fan of small thumbsticks as well.

[@warlordwest7673]

Wife bought me one for our 15th anniversary..be here in 2 days!!!

[@user_friendly86]

uhhh...telescopic controller...Galileo...it's right in the name

[@gilallday1]

Lmao right

[@blackhawkthepirate]

The Fixture M1 looks great if you don’t mind the phone-mounted-to-controller form factor. It uses Apple’s MagSafe, but you can get magnetic rings or cases for whatever phone you have, and MagSafe works with so many other accessories, so why not? I’d love to see some Android phones start to add MagSafe magnets to really bring that convenience to everyone!

[@JeffBreyer]

I'm glad to see a good option here. I've just never wanted to game with my phone. Mine gets used enough as it is I'd be charging it three times a day if i gamed on it as well. Dragging around an extra battery is not an option for me. Glad that others have an option though.

[@bipbop3121]

I want to, but yes, battery life is a killer. Even when I upgrade, thanks to battery degradation, it'll still be an issue. I bought a Razer Kishi v1 & really I need to sell it, because the whole remove case and damage my USB C port, just isn't it for me. Even though I want the SD 888 emulation possibilities of my phone, an $20 - $80 handheld is still likely better, about that battery life.

[@fullmetalalgebriste2873]

The advantage of the gamesir X2 with the USB c on the left side make it perfect for foldable phone

[@TheBlueDsc]

I tried out one of their other controllers a while back but unfortunately had to return it. I prefer the bulkier cases on my phones and unfortunately controllers like these just aren't designed with that in mind so they're pretty well unusable.

[@albyx]

Man, I literally just sent an order for a Razer Kishi V2 on Amazon. It was 80 bucks and the quality of this controller already sounds better.

[@jjayala]

Return and get this my kishi 2 sucks lol. I mean maybe I'm spoiled but the joycons (and I don't mind joycons) are cheap and break super easily

[@mikec1554]

Promotion code didn't work

[@NickyNunchucks69]

I think so. Tried it as well :( BUT the code for the gamesir official site works AND its $60 usd after code with free shipping.

[@karld4737]

The best one I’ve used on a phone is the Shanwan I got on Amazon. Dpad is amazing on it, the best of any handheld imo including dedicated handhelds. Needed to slightly modify the face buttons tho. It’s Bluetooth but I haven’t had any issues with connection or lag.

[@jc74435]

I will not buy a phone controller unless it fits my phone WITH a case.

[@nonyabusiness-f9e]

backbone gen 2

[@hectorgomez401]

You can cut the rubber grip where the USB C connector is located, and it fits thick cases, I saw this mod on Reddit, and worked perfectly

[@RangerAlone]

Logically I can see why they don't make them. The thickness of phone cases largely varies. Razer Kishi came close. You can remove the rubber parts to fit a phone case. Although, it's specifically made for the Razer phone and the case that comes in the box. My Samsung S22 almost fit with a case. The camera lens messes it up though.

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

​@@hectorgomez401I can confirm that it didn't work for me.

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

This will if you cut out the rubber bumper where the USB C is

[@RafidW9]

This is the best setup for moonlight/steam link. I've been exclusive gaming on my phone with moonlight lately, and I use the gulikut ns09. Seeing hall effect on a controller like this is really nice.

[@joshbarthur]

Doesn't even recognize my Pixel 6 via USBC and pass through charging doesn't work either. 80 bucks for a paper weight and no reply from the customer service department. Waste of money.

[@GaetanoCrisci]

you definitely deserve 500k follower and more! great review

[@MegaDeox]

80 bucks for a controller for your phone. Not only is that way too much, I also agree with you that it's really hard to get immersed in a game on android. It just doesn't feel like a console.

[@mr.bright]

My odin2 is thinking different :-)

[@PantsaBear]

Im sorry but what is "way too much" about that? People have no issue chalking up $70-80 for a dualsense, xbox controller, or extremely low quality joy cons (many or all of those are missing features that this controller has). PS Portal just came out for $200, and the only thing that has over this is an ok screen and the high-end haptics. If Gamesir makes a good premium product with premium R&D and premium materials, charge appropriately for it If you wanna pay $20 for a controller for your phone, thats fine, but more often than not youre making compromises in some area on top of the whole Android thing. Im glad options like this exist that really make it feel like gaming with your phone is a thing you can do viably

[@MegaDeox]

@@PantsaBear I have an issue with paying 80 for a dualsense too.

[@RvEllorquez]

Who play android games though? Lol. Android is there for emulation. Tons of games from nes to ps2 and switch is playable.

[@juliobonetti]

Amazing review! I just ordered mine. I'd love to mod it and attach it to my Galaxy Tab S9 (not sure if I have the skills, though). That'd be a kickass emulation machine!

[@kingmaniactech]

Just ordered this since Delta has released on the iOS app store. My iPhone will keep me sane on the bus rides to and from work playing Gameboy games :D.

[@JamieR]

Top tier review Rus. I pulled the trigger to pair it with a OnePlus 12 as my main way of playing games. Waiting for Switch 2 to buy anything else as I don't own a TV any longer and don't want to be chained to a PC to play games. This seems like the perfect controller for android. Comfortable, quality and can support tablets as well. I've seen people pair Galaxy Tab S9's with it and play GeforceNow / Xbox Game Pass with it. Pretty incredible!

[@wanggaard]

I have not done it in awhile, but I've searched ebay multiple times for a V60 since you spoke well of it a year or two ago. This video rekindled that interest. Have not found a provider I was satisfied with as a daily driver though

[@The.JZA.]

I wanted to buy one of these but then I bought a 3D printer recently and decided to print an adaptor to use my XBOX Elite controller with my iPhone 15 Pro Max to play games. I'm pretty impressed with it but either I am rusty at aiming with a joystick OR I'm experiencing some Bluetooth latency. I might end up getting one of these G8's eventually. Maybe I'll wait for the 2nd gen so they can iron out any lumps.

[@TheDeadlyTikka]

when it comes to these controller for your phones you need to consider we all have a phone, likely a really powerful one that can play games better than a stand alone so its a really solid option. It doesn't compete with a standalone solution but its certainly worth trying out.

[@namitjain2890]

Was waiting for your review on this before pulling the trigger!

[@OGTechNick]

I was so happy to see this review from you. I ordered one a week ago and it’s on the way. I recently covered the budget BSP-D8 which for a $20 Bluetooth telescopic controller that can fit phones with cases (even Switch) it’s pretty amazing. It has analog triggers and the sticks have a 0.7% average circularity error. They claim to both be hall sensor. I have yet to confirm if it’s true but they work so well. I know it’s not in the same ballpark with the G8, especially in regards to ergonomics and build quality, but it’s a nice budget option for those who can’t afford this. It stretches super wide too. I hope to someday hear you call me a friend like @RetroBreeze because I consider you guys fam. Btw.. I was the one who posted the RG35XX with your reflection on Reddit 😅

[@OGTechNick]

@igr7011 oh nice! Thanks for letting me know

[@XhoowieX]

I gave up waiting for reviews on this thing, went ahead and ordered one. Now while it's in the post it gets the seal of approval from the best retro review 😄 looking forward to its arrival now.

[@orbita1]

I just returned the x2 pro which you previously recommended for this and I'm quite happy. The x2 pro cost me £57, this cost me £67 and tbh it's quite expensive but whatever. The issue I had with the x2 pro was similar to the joycons, it makes my hands cramp and the right joystick was too high, triggers felt off, and the lb and rb were too tactile. So far, all of that is fixed with this g8. Something I liked with the x2 pro was it enumerate or mimicked an Xbox controller, so pretty much everything worked fine. I'm hoping this will be similar

[@pkilljoy5797]

The razer kishi really soured me on these kinds of products but its nice to see them getting better and cheaper

[@garethmorgan7105]

Bought this based on your review to play Xbox cloud on iPhone. Played for a couple hours so far and the feel of the controller is very good

[@optionlV]

I don't have any Gamesir controllers, but I've seen many reviews of them. What often stands out is the price to performance ratio. It seems like they're often the best value bar none. The features they include on their stuff is to be expected from higher end controllers.

[@XianRee]

I modded mine to fit a Redmi pad se 8.7. I use a Xundd cases, which is too thick, hence the usb-c could not plug in to the device. What I did is I cut a portion of the rubber on the side of the usb-c port, which is intended to cushion the device, I cut it in a way that I could still put it back if I wanted to. I was able to connect my tablet and Xundd case now works as the cushion (barely). The total weight is around 740g, which is still lighter than a steam deck with a Spigen case (which is about 820g+). But the gamesir is just way more ergonomic. Do note that, if you use a device without a case or one with a thin case without the rubber on the usb-c side, then that might damage your device's usb-c port.

[@sterling68]

Definitely getting this after watching your video!! Few people at work have the backbone ad after endless amount of videos on various controllers I'm settling with this one for my S24 Ultra. Your code isn't working on Amazon but i think its because I'm UK.

[@tomfreeman1967]

Did you get any joy on the code code?

[@jesseseehawer5840]

My favorite part of android emulation is the approachability of it. You can do most of the work configuring all your games and settings on your phone and pretty much anywhere. Then when it's hame time you add the controller and you're good to go. I love my steam deck but i can't say it really does go EVERYWHERE with me like my phone just naturally does. And cheap phones are getting better nowadays. Ive got a galaxy A52 5G that i got for 80 dollars from cricket that plays pretty much everything i need to be entertained when im finding myself in a waiting period.

[@Chrisezo]

Gamesir and 8Bitdo have been the best 3rd party controller manufacturers for like the last 10 years, every controller of them that I've owned has always been very good quality, and the extra features that they usually add such as macro or button remap and etc, have always been features that make me prefer them over 1st party controllers.

[@Rockmankb]

Damnit, I wish they had one with the analog and d-pad on the left side position swapped 😭

[@dankind64]

i will pick one of these up for sure when I get a phone w/ USB C

[@TheScripflipNetwork]

So timely. I was thinking this morning that I gotta get a better controller for gfn on my phone

[@StevenYoo1]

I wish it had a DISPLAY OUT usb-c port, then I could use my AR glasses.

[@reinaweis]

The rotating USB-C port is something the backbone needs badly. I put my Iphone 15 pro max into it and it felt like it was going to break the port of my phone, it's just too large. Also I wish this could work with a case on, but I understand why they don't allow a bit of extra room.

[@kinghoju]

Some needs to make one these that's specifically for retro gaming, with no joysticks and a super portable form factor.

[@thalia.viraldreams5737]

"hadoukenable and shoriyukenable" - the best way I've heard this function/motion test described

[@Face_RC]

I bought a Gamesir X2 Pro a while back and its awesome. I've been really happy with Gamesir as a whole. They are making pretty slick hardware.

[@rin_blank5830]

Does this work on pixel 7 pro?

[@BartvG88]

I had an extra ps5 controller, so i bought a magsafe compatible ps5 phone holder. It works magnetically, no clamps, no usbc, works with all magsafe compatible phone cases, and the best feature of all: You can play each game landscape or portait! or even diagonal if you're nasty... 30 euros well spent!

[@georged7627]

Funny thing is that i watched retrobreeze video last night 🙏🏾

[@kilosera]

One thing you need to know before buying one of these usbc gamesir controllers is that they make your usb socket a structural point. The rubbers around won't really reach your phone to support it, it will literally sit on small usbc socket pushing it around. I just got X2 pro and sending it back because of that... and sticking left joy :(. Shame because I like it. Also pass through is charging only, no external drive hookup is possible.

[@alimir5350]

first mobile controller I think is totally worth it the price, the design, the software is all just perfect. Definitly gonna buy this one!!

[@Zakuman87]

Software? Can you assign buttons how you want? Like foe emulators etc?

[@alimir5350]

@@Zakuman87 not sure what do you mean by assigning btns but we can map the keys in games that don't support controllers. And from the software we can manage the deadzone, change btn layout like Nintendo, and there are some other useful features too

[@Zakuman87]

@@alimir5350 "map" is the word i should use as i wanna buy controller only for emulators for games for ps2 for example - so there will be no native support. So i wonder if there will be support to do that in g8

[@alimir5350]

@@Zakuman87 yes it has and I checked for the Raji game on android and they are working fine. And based the game, sometimes the custom mapper do provide us the predefined buttons mapping but it's only for a few games like COD etc. But ya it has that custom mapping function that is available in their app that can be downloaded from playstore