It’s only a matter of time before an accessory manufacturer releases an alternative handheld controller designed for Nintendo Switch 2. Controllers like Hori’s officially licensed Split Pad Pro/Compact and CRKD’s Nitro Deck became popular choices for those seeking better ergonomics and customization features. But you actually don’t have to wait to ditch the Joy-Con 2. I’ve spent the past few days playing the Switch 2 in handheld mode with the versatile GameSir G8 Plus Galileo Bluetooth Controller.
The G8 Plus has an extendable cradle like the Backbone Pro, Razer Kishi V3 Pro, and many other mobile controllers. Where it differs from most is that it offers Nintendo Switch support in addition to iOS and Android. Store pages haven’t been updated to mention Switch 2, but I’ve spent the past few days using the G8 Plus and can confirm it offers the same functionality on Nintendo’s new console.
So far, I’ve found that the G8 Plus works well on Switch 2 and has several features beyond improved ergonomics that make it a compelling alternative: back buttons, Hall Effect sticks, swappable components, a traditional D-pad, and Marvel-themed designs.
GameSir collaborated with Marvel to create officially licensed models themed around Hulk and Thanos. Both Marvel editions are currently on sale for $80 at Walmart. If you don’t like Marvel, the standard black version is available for the same price at Amazon.
$80 (was $100)
Here’s a quick look at the core features found on the G8 Plus Galileo. The specs are the same whether you pick the standard black edition or one of the two licensed Marvel models.
Key Features:
- Platforms: Switch 2, Switch, iOS, Android
- Supports devices up to 8.46 inches
- Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth
- Up to 8 hours of battery life (USB-C charging)
- Hall Effect sticks
- 2 remappable back buttons
- Removable faceplates
- 5 swappable sticks
- Swappable face buttons
- 6-axis gyro motion controls
- Dual rumble motors
- Two trigger modes
- Ergonomic, textured grips
- Extendable bridge with rubberized base/sides
The standard black version of the G8 Plus uses a similar shade of black as the Switch 2 console. The $80 deal is sold by the manufacturer and ships from Amazon. The G8 Plus previously retailed for $80, but it now carries a $100 MSRP.
You can check out the pair of Marvel-themed models below and then read more about the controller’s core features.
$80 (was $100)
The officially licensed Incredible Hulk Edition is also available for $80 (was $100) at Walmart. The controller is sold by GameSir and ships from Walmart.
The Hulk Edition uses a vibrant green color accented by a few pieces of purple artwork. It’s a more subdued design than many themed controllers, since the artwork was designed to blend in with the base colors.
All five sticks and the D-pad match the darker green found on the back of the controller. The face buttons are purple (A and B) and green (X and Y). Hulk’s name is outlined in purple across the back and punctuated by his fist.
$80 (was $100)
If you’d rather have a controller themed around The Mad Titan, the Thanos Edition is officially licensed by Marvel and available for $80 (was $100) at Walmart. Like the Hulk model, it ships from Walmart and is sold by GameSir.
The Thanos Edition has a gold and purple color scheme. The front is accented by glossy gold artwork, and the back is purple with “Thanos” written in large block letters across the center.
The face buttons are purple and gold (two of each), and the D-pad and triggers match the glossy gold accents. It comes with one purple stick and four gold sticks.
The G8 Plus is equipped with Hall Effect sticks that feel smooth and precise. Hall Effect sensors are considered “anti-drift,” so they should hold up well over time. The Joy-Con 2 Controllers have ALPS sticks, and some users have already started experiencing problems with drift.
As mentioned, there are several other features that make it a compelling option for Switch 2. It has a pair of remappable back buttons, one on each side, and a traditional D-pad. The back buttons can be remapped on the controller itself or in GameSir’s mobile app.
It also has a 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls and rumble motors on each side. With a more traditional controller form factor, the G8 Plus has better ergonomics than the Joy-Con 2.
The face buttons have the Xbox Controller layout, so A/B and X/Y are flipped. By default, Nintendo consoles will register the buttons as they are labeled, which may confuse some players. But there are two solutions to this problem. The G8 Plus has hot-swappable face buttons and sticks, allowing users to remove the faceplate, pop off the button caps, and switch their positions. If you don’t want to do this every time you switch between playing on mobile and Switch 2, you can enable “Switch mode” by holding the program button (M) and A. In this mode, the Switch registers A/B and X/Y as opposites.
Inside the box, you’ll find three additional stick caps that can replace the traditional sticks that come preinstalled. The trio of alternatives includes a domed model, a tall stick for FPS games, and a short stick with a smaller cap. Speaking of FPS games, you can enable hair trigger mode, which actuates the right and left triggers with shorter pulls.
There are a couple potential downsides to keep in mind when using the G8 Plus with the Switch 2. While the grip holds the Switch 2 securely in place and has a rubberized bridge and pads on each side to help prevent scratches, it doesn’t connect to the console like the Joy-Con controllers. When carrying the console around, you probably want to make sure you are holding the Switch 2 itself, not just the grip. Due to the Switch 2’s size, the edges extend beyond the top and bottom of the grips, leaving them exposed. You may want to add a protective shell to the Switch 2 when using the controller. Additionally, keep in mind that you will need to remove the Switch 2 from the cradle to dock it.
I often use the G8 Plus when gaming on iPhone. Platform versatility is a major perk here. It’s inevitable that manufacturers will release handheld Switch 2 controllers, but it’s unlikely many of them will work with other devices. So even if you wind up purchasing a different controller or adding an ergonomic grip to the console, the G8 Plus doesn’t need to collect dust. You can even use it as a wireless controller on Switch 2 (or Switch) when playing on your TV.
