As mobile gaming continues to grow, the demand for reliable physical controls has increased alongside it. While touch input works for casual titles, competitive and action-heavy games still benefit from the accuracy and comfort of a dedicated controller. Mobile gamepads remain a popular choice for players who want better control during long sessions, especially on larger smartphones where on-screen buttons can feel cramped.
I previously reviewed the wired GameSir G8 mobile controller, which set a solid foundation for what the brand offers in this space. GameSir has now introduced the G8+ MFi, a stretchable Type-C controller that expands support with official Apple MFi certification. This allows it to work natively with iPhones and selected iPads, while maintaining compatibility with Android devices, making it a more flexible option for users across different platforms.
The GameSir G8+ MFi supports devices up to 215mm in length and comes equipped with Hall effect joysticks and triggers designed for long-term use. It also includes conductive silicone ABXY buttons, a mechanical D-pad, built-in vibration, and two customizable rear buttons. Practical touches such as an anti-slip grip, swappable button layout, USB-C charging pass-through, and a 3.5mm headphone jack round out the feature set.
In this hands-on review, I’ll take a closer look at how the G8+ MFi performs in everyday mobile gaming.
Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | GameSir G8 Plus MFi Type-C Mobile Controller (Apple Certified) |
| Compatible Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Android |
| Compatible Phone Length | 125–215 mm / 4.92–8.46 in |
| Connection | Built-in Type-C wired connection |
| Sticks | GameSir™ Hall Effect sticks |
| Triggers | Hall Effect analog triggers |
| Vibration | Dual asymmetric motors (one in each grip) |
| ABXY Buttons | Membrane buttons, 2 million-click lifespan |
| ABXY Layout | Physically swappable |
| D-Pad | Tactile switch |
| Grips | Laser-engraved textured grips |
| Back Buttons | 2 programmable back buttons |
| Battery | None (powered by connected device) |
| Audio | 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Supported Software | GameSir App |
| Product Size | 229 × 106.8 × 54.2 mm / 9.02 × 4.20 × 2.13 in |
| Net Weight | 304 g / 0.67 lbs |
| Package Size | 262 × 149 × 66 mm / 10.32 × 5.87 × 2.60 in |
Unboxing
The GameSir G8+ MFi arrives in a large retail box, which is typical for the G8 series due to the controller’s overall size. GameSir uses an eco-friendly paper package with a clean and understated layout. The front panel shows the controller image alongside the product name, while a small badge in the lower-right corner confirms support for both Android and Apple smartphones. On the back and right side, the packaging focuses on useful information, listing the main features and specifications to give a clear idea of the controller’s capabilities before it is taken out of the box.
Inside the package, GameSir includes the G8+ MFi controller along with three interchangeable thumbsticks, consisting of a small thumbstick, a heightened option, and a round thumbstick. Users also get four replaceable magnetic thick silicone pads, a GameSir sticker, and a user manual that covers basic setup and usage.
Design
The G8+ MFi carries over the same expandable controller design used in the G8 and G8 Plus, with a central section that stretches to hold a phone or tablet securely. Once a device is mounted, the controller takes on the feel of a compact handheld gaming system. The adjustable length ranges from 125mm to 215mm, allowing it to support a wide range of smartphones and smaller tablets, even with a protective case installed.
Its white ABS plastic shell keeps the design clean and understated, while the 304-gram weight feels well-balanced during extended gaming sessions. Silicone padding is placed at all contact points to prevent movement and protect the device from scratches. The overall color scheme is calm and consistent, avoiding the contrasting button colors seen on the original G8, which helps the controller maintain a more uniform and refined appearance.
The GameSir G8+ MFi wired extendable controller features a familiar Xbox-style layout on the right side, including a menu button, ABXY buttons, right analog stick, and a home button with integrated mode indicators. The ABXY buttons use conductive silicone, offering comfortable feedback with moderate resistance and a 2 million-click lifespan for reliable performance. The mechanical D-pad provides precise, accurate inputs for platformers and fighting games, while the home button’s color-coded lights—white for PlayStation, green for Android, and blue for G-Touch—make it easy to see the active mode, combining familiar design with practical functionality for a smooth gaming experience.
The G8+ MFi features an intuitive left-side layout with the window button, left analog stick, Dpad, screenshot button, and M button arranged from top to bottom. Its GameSir™ Hall Effect sticks offer precise 360° control using non-contact magnetic sensors that prevent stick drift and support up to 5 million cycles. The feel is very smooth, and it is easy to press down. The joystick covers have anti-slip textures. The mechanical Dpad provides responsive feedback for quick inputs, while the M button includes an indicator light to show the controller’s status in real time, making it reliable and easy to use for extended gaming sessions.
The controller’s top features L1/L2 and R1/R2 shoulder and trigger buttons, with 256-level Hall effect triggers that support both Hall effect and quick trigger modes for different game styles. Gamers can also activate hair trigger mode using M+L2/R2 for faster input, giving precise control in competitive situations. This setup provides smooth analog response and adaptable performance, allowing players to switch between accuracy and speed depending on their gameplay needs.
The G8+ MFi controller is designed for comfortable and precise gameplay. It includes three interchangeable joystick caps, giving players the flexibility to choose the setup that fits their play style. Both grips feature Asymmetric Motors for Immersive Vibration, similar to those in the original Xbox controller, and the intensity can be adjusted for a more personalized experience. With its combination of responsive controls and customizable options, the G8+ MFi delivers reliable performance for mobile and console-style gaming.
The G8+ MFi controller uses an adjustable Type-C connection for near-zero latency and works with Android, HarmonyOS, and iPhone 15 series and newer, drawing power directly from the phone without needing a separate battery. Its silicone protective pad, now with a magnetic design, keeps devices safe while making attachment and removal simple and secure. The contact area features a honeycomb-patterned anti-slip rubber layer with micro-perforations for better heat dissipation, while the side grips use broken-tooth rubber pads to improve stability without blocking the phone’s speakers, ensuring a smooth gaming experience with reliable grip and consistent audio-visual performance.
The G8+ MFi controller features a Type-C charging port and a 3.5mm audio jack at the bottom center, allowing the phone to charge during gameplay and supporting wired headphones for clear audio. The back is minimal, with the GameSir logo and two programmable buttons, M1 and M2, that can be customized to match personal gaming preferences. With console-style ergonomics and laser-textured grips, the controller offers a comfortable and stable hold, keeping players in control during long sessions and delivering a familiar console-like experience on mobile devices.
Use and Gaming Experience
The GameSir G8+ MFi delivers a practical and flexible solution for mobile and tablet gaming. With Apple MFi certification, it connects seamlessly to iPhones and iPads while remaining compatible with Android devices. Setup is simple: mount the device using the adjustable 125–215mm stretch range, connect via the Type-C port, and the controller is ready to use. Testing with the REDMAGIC Astra Tablet showed how the controller transforms the device into a handheld console-like setup. Magnetic silicone pads and honeycomb anti-slip rubber keep devices secure while ensuring airflow and speaker access, providing stability and comfort during extended sessions.
Once connected, GameSir’s GameHub software launches automatically, simplifying the setup and management process. The interface has a clean, console-style layout that is easy to navigate using either the controller or a mouse. Firmware updates are managed directly in the app, with clear version information and simple on-screen instructions to prevent interruptions. Real-time controller diagnostics allow users to check stick centering, trigger response, and button inputs, and calibration can be performed within the app without the need for additional software.
GameHub supports both native gameplay on Android and cloud or PC streaming, offering flexibility for different devices.
The G8+ MFi’s hardware provides precise and responsive inputs. Hall effect analog sticks and triggers ensure smooth movement with no noticeable drift, while ABXY buttons and the mechanical D-pad offer reliable tactile feedback. Dual asymmetric vibration motors deliver immersive haptic feedback similar to traditional console controllers, and the intensity can be adjusted per grip or globally to match player preference. The controller also supports key mapping for all buttons, including the rear M1 and M2 triggers, allowing custom layouts for different games. Adjustable dead zones and hair trigger mode give extra control for competitive play, while ergonomic grips and interchangeable joystick caps ensure comfort over longer sessions.
Gaming Performance
Hall effect triggers and analog sticks provide precise aiming and movement in shooters. Hair trigger mode reduces input lag for faster reactions in games like Destiny: Rising and Genshin Impact. Vibration feedback enhances immersion, giving subtle cues for shooting and movement, while sticks remain accurate and drift-free during extended play.
Mechanical D-pad and ABXY buttons register inputs quickly and consistently in fast-paced games. Titles like Red Dead Redemption (Mobile) and Hollow Knight: Silksong benefit from responsive buttons and triggers for combo moves and quick actions. Vibration feedback adds a physical sense of impact, and anti-slip joystick covers keep hands comfortable during long sessions.
In racing Games, analog sticks provide smooth steering while Hall effect triggers deliver fine control over acceleration and braking. Adjustable vibration adds realistic feedback from road surfaces and collisions, enhancing the racing experience without being overwhelming.
For RPGs and strategy Games, the G8+ MFi offers stability and comfort over long sessions. Customizable M1/M2 buttons allow faster access to key functions, while GameHub makes it easy to switch layouts between games. Extended play remains comfortable thanks to balanced weight, laser-textured grips, and ergonomic design.
Across all tested genres, the G8+ MFi provides consistent control and precision. Hall effect triggers, mechanical D-pad, swappable joysticks, and dual vibration motors combine to deliver an experience that is comfortable and reliable. From competitive shooters to long RPG sessions, the controller supports extended gameplay without hand fatigue, while GameHub simplifies setup, firmware updates, and customization. The G8+ MFi effectively turns mobile devices into a portable gaming system, offering a familiar console-style experience for players on the go.
Conclusion
The GameSir G8+ MFi Controller is available now on Amazon. For more information, visit the official GameSir website. For more controller reviews, click here.
