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The GameSir G8 telescopic controller
Why the GameSir G8?
Nothing makes you feel older than realizing that emulators have been available on Android phones since 2008, a whopping 16 years ago - which is exactly how long I've been waiting for a telescopic controller option for phones without any compromises. Over the years, I've bought numerous controllers, tried out various brackets to attach my phone to PlayStation and Xbox controllers, and experimented with Android-based portable handheld consoles like the original Nvidia Shield, Retroid Pocket 3+, and AYN Odin 2.
I mention this extensive history with mobile gaming controllers because, in this entire 16-year timeframe, I have never found a device that wasn't compromised in at least a few significant ways.
For starters, the GameSir G8 Galileo features full-sized Xbox-style thumbsticks that are easily removable and replaceable with one of the three included options: a full-sized Xbox-style stick, a slightly smaller Nintendo 64-styled stick, and a GameCube C-Stick. Additionally, you can use any replacement Xbox thumbstick on the market, offering nearly endless customization options. The controller's exterior housing (faceplate) is secured with very sturdy magnets, making the replacement of these thumbstick caps a breeze, taking less than 10 seconds.
The sensors themselves are, of course, the gold standard Hall Effect, which are supposedly drift-resistant for life. As a company that also operates a repair business in-house, we can confirm that Hall Effects aren't the end-all-be-all of stick drift that people claim. So, don't focus too hard on that. Although it's a nice-to-have feature for some, our controller (purchased directly from Centrecom) had no QC issues or defects.
What's it compatible with?
The controller is available in one SKU with a USB-C port, making it compatible with the iPhone 15 series and practically every Android phone from the last half-decade.
In terms of size compatibility, there appear to be no issues with any phone currently on the market, from the S24 Ultras to the 15 Pro Maxes, foldable phones, and even gaming-specific phones like the Nubia Redmagic 9. Unlike competing devices, the phones always seem to fit very snugly and without the need for any flimsy adapters (we're looking at you, Kishi V2).
When it comes to game compatibility, we were initially concerned when we heard that the controller didn't support the universal standard, "Xinput" In theory, this would mean that the controller wouldn't automatically work on most games, Xbox Game Pass, and most importantly to me, Call of Duty Warzone: Mobile. However, good news - I was wrong. Everything worked perfectly without any issues, and without the need to download GameSir's own app. Even Call of Duty Mobile required zero configuration and just worked out of the box.
The controller also offers multiple input modes: PS Mode (used for Playstation Remote Play), Android Mode (which we believe is actually just Xinput), and "G-Touch" Mode, which requires you to download the GameSir App. G-Touch mode allows you to convert physical button presses into a touchscreen touch using software. This is required for games like Genshin Impact, which don't natively support controller input on Android.
What about the rest of the hardware?
Well, aside from the fantastic thumbsticks, the telescopic controller also boasts a full-sized, clicky D-Pad, which is honestly one of my favorite D-pads I've ever had the pleasure of using. Its location on the controller is very comfortable, and the tactile click is exactly what I wish every D-pad had. The rest of the face buttons feel a little softer, closer resembling the button press of an Xbox controller, while somehow still maintaining a bit more of a tactile click that feels great. The "LB" and "RB" buttons follow the same theme and are also comfortable, easy to reach and press, and have a lovely tactile click that, in my opinion, is the best "feel" of a bumper that I've ever experienced on any controller. The analog triggers have the perfect amount of "length" to the press, but compared to the rest of the device, feel quite light. This is good in the sense that they're again very comfortable and easy to pull, but if I really had to nitpick this incredible controller, I'd just want a little bit more strength in the triggers.
The controller also features two programmable buttons on the back, which my middle fingers naturally sit comfortably on, and require just enough pressure to push that I'd never accidentally press them.
The center of the controller where your phone sits has a hard rubber lining, with soft rubber "teeth" at both ends to grip onto your phone. The materials feel great, and I have no doubts that these were the right materials to use. I have seen no wear and tear on the controller (or my phone, the OnePlus 12 with a polished chrome chassis).
Everything just feels exceptional, and to a quality level that is unmatched by its competitors that are, in some cases, twice the price.
Are they good value?
If you're eyeing this controller, you can grab yours right HERE!
I paid $109 AUD for the device, which is $60 less than what I paid for my Razer Kishi V2 and Backbone controllers, while surpassing them in essentially every metric.
From comfort to build quality, tactility, repairability, upgradability, and price, I couldn't find a single area where the GameSir G8 Galileo didn't excel beyond its competitors, all without ongoing subscription fees or paywalls like the Backbone.
Not only does this controller excel beyond its other telescopic controller brethren, but it also offers a significantly more ergonomic and accurate experience than the built-in controllers on high-end Android emulation handhelds like the AYN Odin.
Given the excellence of flagship Android phones and the quality of this telescopic controller, I have no doubts in my mind that this is the absolute best way to game on an Android device. Whether it's for games like Call of Duty: Mobile, emulation, or game streaming, this is the definitive way to play.
To sum it up, we are genuinely impressed with the GameSir G8 Galileo, and have no qualms with recommending this as the definitive way to game on an Android device.
So should you buy one?
The answer is an astounding yes, you absolutely should.
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