It is solely a matter of time earlier than an adjunct producer releases an alternate handheld controller designed for Nintendo Change 2. Controllers like Hori’s officially licensed Split Pad Pro/Compact and CRKD’s Nitro Deck turned fashionable selections for these searching for higher ergonomics and customization options. However you truly do not have to attend to ditch the Pleasure-Con 2. I’ve spent the previous few days enjoying the Change 2 in handheld mode with the versatile GameSir G8 Plus Galileo Bluetooth Controller.
The G8 Plus has an extendable cradle just like the Backbone Pro, Razer Kishi V3 Pro, and plenty of different cell controllers. The place it differs from most is that it affords Nintendo Change help along with iOS and Android. Retailer pages have not been up to date to say Change 2, however I’ve spent the previous few days utilizing the G8 Plus and may verify it affords the identical performance on Nintendo’s new console.
To this point, I’ve discovered that the G8 Plus works effectively on Change 2 and has a number of options past improved ergonomics that make it a compelling various: again buttons, Corridor Impact sticks, swappable parts, a conventional D-pad, and Marvel-themed designs.
GameSir collaborated with Marvel to create officially licensed models themed around Hulk and Thanos. Each Marvel editions are at present on sale for $80 at Walmart. In the event you do not like Marvel, the usual black model is obtainable for a similar value 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 provided with Corridor Impact sticks that really feel easy and exact. Corridor Impact sensors are thought-about “anti-drift,” so they need to maintain up effectively over time. The Pleasure-Con 2 Controllers have ALPS sticks, and a few customers have already began experiencing issues with drift.
As talked about, there are a number of different options that make it a compelling choice for Change 2. It has a pair of remappable again buttons, one on both sides, and a conventional D-pad. The again buttons might be remapped on the controller itself or in GameSir’s cell app.
It additionally has a 6-axis gyroscope for movement controls and rumble motors on both sides. With a extra conventional controller kind issue, the G8 Plus has higher ergonomics than the Pleasure-Con 2.
The face buttons have the Xbox Controller format, so A/B and X/Y are flipped. By default, Nintendo consoles will register the buttons as they’re labeled, which can confuse some gamers. However there are two options to this downside. The G8 Plus has hot-swappable face buttons and sticks, permitting customers to take away the faceplate, pop off the button caps, and change their positions. In the event you do not need to do that each time you turn between enjoying on cell and Change 2, you may allow “Change mode” by holding this system button (M) and A. On this mode, the Change registers A/B and X/Y as opposites.
Contained in the field, you may discover three further stick caps that may change the normal sticks that come preinstalled. The trio of options features a domed mannequin, a tall stick for FPS video games, and a brief persist with a smaller cap. Talking of FPS video games, you may allow hair set off mode, which actuates the appropriate and left triggers with shorter pulls.
There are a pair potential downsides to bear in mind when utilizing the G8 Plus with the Change 2. Whereas the grip holds the Change 2 securely in place and has a rubberized bridge and pads on both sides to assist stop scratches, it does not hook up with the console just like the Pleasure-Con controllers. When carrying the console round, you in all probability need to be sure to are holding the Change 2 itself, not simply the grip. As a result of Change 2’s dimension, the perimeters lengthen past the highest and backside of the grips, leaving them uncovered. You could need to add a protective shell to the Switch 2 when utilizing the controller. Moreover, take into account that you will have to take away the Change 2 from the cradle to dock it.
I typically use the G8 Plus when gaming on iPhone. Platform versatility is a serious perk right here. It is inevitable that producers will launch handheld Change 2 controllers, but it surely’s unlikely lots of them will work with different gadgets. So even when you wind up buying a unique controller or adding an ergonomic grip to the console, the G8 Plus does not want to gather mud. You may even use it as a wi-fi controller on Change 2 (or Change) when enjoying in your TV.
