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How To Maximize Your GameSir G8+ Usage – Rumble, LEDs, Xbox Mode, and More!

Brief Summary:
This video is a comprehensive deep dive into the GameSir Galileo G8+ mobile controller, revealing all its features, hidden tricks, and modes. The creator discusses the differences between the G8 and G8+, demonstrates multi-device compatibility, showcases advanced tips (like activating Xbox and PlayStation modes), and breaks down how to use rumble, gyro, LED signals, software tweaks, and even button mods. Whether you're a casual mobile gamer or an enthusiast seeking every advantage, there are tons of secrets and shortcuts to make your G8+ controller truly shine.


1. G8+ Unleashed: Introduction to the Galileo G8+

The video opens with infectious enthusiasm for the GameSir G8+, underlining how it has, in their words, "taken the world by storm by offering a superb quality device – one that pairs beautifully with your phones, with your tablets, even with some handheld PCs." Right off the bat, the creator promises an exploration of all features, including "secrets that you may not know about this amazing controller."

He sets the stage for a journey into not just what the G8+ does, but how to make the most of every capability it offers.


2. G8 Variants: Understanding Versions and Key Differences

The Galileo G8+ is based on the original Galileo G8, but there are important differences. The creator stresses:

"The G8 has USB-C, whereas the G8+ has Bluetooth, for example. The G8 has a 3.5mm jack, this one [G8+] doesn't. This one has Rumble and Gyro – the G8 doesn't."

These technical terms are made simple: Bluetooth means you can connect wirelessly, USB-C is the charging/connection port, 3.5mm jack is for headphones, and Rumble & Gyro add immersive vibration and motion controls.

He also mentions other related devices:

  • Red Magic Shadow Blade: Another rebranded GameSir controller.
  • MFi Variant: A wired model spotted at CES 2024, which unfortunately "never came to market for reasons that are unbeknownst to me."

3. To Mod or Not to Mod: Customizing for Tablets and Large Devices

One big advantage: both the G8 and G8+ are "moddable." That is, you can physically extend them for bigger devices (like tablets). For the G8+, this is super simple — just apply gentle pressure to lift and extend the middle section. This lets you fit devices as large as the iPad Pro 13" or Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S9 Ultra, especially in portrait mode.

"If you don't want to mod your controller, just by the extended portion that it gives you, it fits almost every tablet as long as it is in portrait orientation."

Newer tablets with features like Stage Manager (iOS) or Samsung DeX let you multitask, for example: playing a game while watching a YouTube video. Smaller tablets (like the iPad Mini or Lenovo Y700) fit easily, but portrait orientation is the key for large ones.


4. Xbox Mode Demystified: Mastering Multi-Mode Functionality

A standout feature is how you can switch your G8+ between different console modes using button combinations:

  • Android Mode: Hold the capture button + B.
  • PlayStation Mode: Capture + A.
  • Switch Mode: Capture + X.
  • iOS Mode: Connect to iOS; the light turns light beige.
  • Xbox Mode: Capture + Y (shows a green light).

"When plugged in, [Xbox Mode] works as an Xbox-type controller."

This is particularly useful with a special dongle (wireless USB receiver):

"Using this dongle, you can effectively use this mode on your PC or on an Android device... it's not as convenient as Bluetooth, but it's a solution if you're trying to use this controller in a mode that otherwise wouldn't be capable of."

He jokes about his pronunciation of "dongle," showing his relatable style:

"People are attacking me in the comments because of the way I say 'dongle.' I go to Google, I type the word, I have it played: 'dongle, dongle, dongle.' Does that not sound the same?"


5. Rumble, LEDs, and Shortcuts: Deep Dive Into Features

The rumble function (vibration) isn't supported in all modes, and not every platform is compatible. Here's the breakdown:

  • Rumble works in PS (PlayStation) or iOS mode — on Android, PC (wired/dongle), or iOS.
  • No rumble in Switch mode unless it's connected to an actual Nintendo Switch.
  • Xbox mode works via dongle or wired connection, but Apple devices generally don't accept Xbox-type controllers through wire.

You can even adjust rumble intensity on the fly:

"Hold M and push the arrow up – it changes the rumble intensity for your controller."

LED signals give instant, easy-to-understand feedback:

  • White blinking: Hair trigger is activated.
  • Green flash: Feature off; Red flash: Feature on.
  • Turbo mode: M + B, with different flashing speeds indicating turbo levels.

"This LED is more than a fancy light – it actually gives you information in terms of what you're doing with your controller."

Shortcuts let you swap button layouts, activate turbo modes, and more.


6. Mode Surfing and Dongle Magic: Switch Modes Like a Pro

With the dongle, you can jump between modes instantly using shortcuts (hold minus and plus). He demonstrates moving from D-input (commonly used by PlayStation controllers) to Switch Pro mode, and then to PlayStation mode – all in real time. This flexibility is a game-changer for switching between devices and games.

"We're able to jump from modes to modes. When plugged to a PC, you are absolutely capable of jumping from one mode to another, and it will report as the PS4 mode."

A surprising discovery: recent iOS updates support more controller modes and rumble feedback, even things that didn't work previously now magically do!

"I assure you, that is new! That did not work before. Maybe that's a change we can just observe in the new iOS version."


7. An Awesome Tool: Dongle Takeaways and Compatibility

The dongle is praised as "a phenomenal tool":

"This is going to greatly expand the compatibility that you have with your controller and also the convenience that you have with the G8 Plus. Very easy to use, very simple... it feels extremely responsive!"

In short — if you want maximum compatibility across iOS, Android, PC, or even Android TV, the dongle is a must-have.


8. Gyro and Easter Eggs: Advanced Steam & LED Tricks

Next, the creator shows using the G8+ on Steam Big Picture mode (a PC gaming ecosystem), connecting via Moonlight streaming. The G8+'s gyro sensor (lets you aim or move via tilting) is recognized and fully calibratable in Steam.

He reveals a fun Easter egg:

"You can actually change the color of your LED [on the controller] through Steam Input, and it will match the color around your logo... such a small but awesome touch!"

He hopes future versions will include more LEDs for improved customization.


9. Software Not Connecting? Quick MFi Overview & Bluetooth Signal

Apple's MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) certification poses strict limitations, especially for wired connections. Many controller brands avoid paying extra fees, so they use alternative methods:

"Most of these devices that can be tweaked on iOS... have a secondary Bluetooth signal... called 'GameSir G8 Plus' — whenever you see that mode, it means it's trying to pair to give you access to the software."

If you're having trouble connecting, it's likely because your controller's software link is still 'claimed' by another device (like an iPad). Solution:

  • Disconnect from other devices.
  • Reconnect on the desired device.

"If you do [run into connection issues], just know that it is because it is connected elsewhere and you have to disconnect that one first."


10. Software Tweaks and Feature Gaps

The G8+ app lets you tune various controller settings, but gyro adjustment isn't currently available (yet is for the GameSir X3 Pro). The creator encourages GameSir to add this in future software updates, as it's a "major feature for gyro users."

This is a reminder: always check if your device and software versions support your desired features!


11. More Than Buttons: Customization, Mods, and PlayStation Layouts

The video ends with practical customization:

  • Physical button swaps let you change ABXY to PlayStation shapes.
  • Shortcuts allow you to reassign button functions on the fly.
  • Community-created button sets (like PlayStation symbols) are now available, making the G8+ even more versatile.

"I would hope that GameSir has official ones. At least we're seeing people from the community pick up those options because I'm sure a lot of us would love to have PlayStation buttons on our Galileo G8 Plus — and it is now a possibility."


Final Thoughts

The host's verdict:

"The GameSir Galileo G8 Plus remains a fantastic and one of the better options in terms of telescopic controllers."

While not quite ready to crown it the best, he highlights its strong competition with the Absolute S9, which he plans to review soon. You're encouraged to use the G8+ dongle and experiment with all its modes and tricks to get the most out of your gaming experience:

"Now you know some of the little secrets that it has, some of the little tweaks, and ways you can take better advantage of this phenomenal device."

Bottom line:
If you want a mobile controller that's wildly flexible, full of neat features, and ready for just about any device, the G8+ is definitely one to consider!

👏 Thanks for reading, and — as the host closes — "I'll see you on the next one. Peace!"

Summary completed: 12/1/2025, 8:02:40 PM

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