The Article

This Nintendo Switch 2 Handheld Controller Is Only $50 For A Limited Time

The GameSir G8 Plus Galileo Bluetooth Controller for handheld gaming on iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch consoles is on sale for a great price during Walmart Deals and Amazon Prime Day. Normally $80, the G8 Plus is only $50 at Walmart and $64 at Amazon. What's especially notable about the G8 Plus is that it's compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, so you can use it as an alternative to the Joy-Con 2 in handheld mode.

The G8 Plus works well on Switch 2 and has several features that make it a compelling option for Switch 2 users: improved ergonomics, back buttons, Hall Effect sticks, swappable components, and a traditional D-pad. And if you're a Marvel fan, you can play your Switch 2 on the go with an officially licensed controller themed around Hulk or Thanos.

Like the Backbone Pro, Razer Kishi V3 Pro, and many other mobile controllers, the G8 Plus has an extendable cradle for your phone, tablet, or Nintendo console. With support for devices 8.5 inches or smaller, the G8 Plus is extremely versatile. Along with Switch 2, the controller works great on Switch OLED and the original Switch. In addition to your iPhone or Android phone, you can connect an iPad Mini and a wide range of small Android tablets.

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.