Two of GameSir’s versatile mobile controllers for smartphones, small tablets, and Nintendo consoles are on sale for a limited time at Walmart and Amazon. Notably, both controllers can be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode. They offer better ergonomics and have traditional D-pads, taller sticks, and larger buttons than the Joy-Con 2 Controllers. The GameSir X5s is discounted to $40 (was $50) at Walmart and $45 at Amazon. GameSir just launched this budget-friendly model over the summer. If you’re willing to spend more, the higher-end GameSir G8 Plus Galileo adds remappable back buttons and a few other features; it’s on sale for $59.89 (was $80) at Walmart and $72 at Amazon.
Walmart’s G8 Plus discount is listed as a “flash deal,” and Amazon’s offer is a limited-time deal with a specific number of available units.
GameSir X5s Controller (Switch 1/2, iOS, Android)
$40 at Walmart | $45 at Amazon (was $50)
The GameSir X5s has ergonomic, textured handles that should be more comfortable for most players when compared to the flat Joy-Con 2 grips. Like other dedicated mobile controllers, the X5s has an extendable bridge and silicone pads to cradle devices measuring up to 8.38 inches: Switch 2, Switch OLED, Switch, all iPhones, most Android phones, and small tablets.
The X5s is equipped with Hall Effect sticks and has removable face buttons, so you can switch between Xbox and Nintendo control layouts. Another advanced feature is dual trigger modes. The Hall Effect triggers can move linearly like a regular controller, or you can lock them as rapid-fire buttons. Speaking of rapid-fire, there’s also a turbo function that can be assigned to the face buttons, bumpers, or triggers. It also has 6-axis motion controls and a conventional, 4-way D-pad.
With GameSir’s free mobile app, you can adjust stick and trigger sensitivities as well as the intensity of the dual rumble motors. The controller charges via USB-C and can run for up to 12 hours between charges.
Key Features:
- Platforms: Switch 2, Switch, iOS, Android
- Cradles devices up to 8.38 inches
- Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth
- 8-12 hours hours of battery life (USB-C charging)
- Hall Effect sticks
- 4-way D-pad
- Swappable face buttons
- 6-axis gyro motion controls
- Dual rumble motors
- Two trigger modes:
- Hall Effect linear mode
- Hair Trigger mode
- Turbo function
- Ergonomic, textured grips
- Extendable bridge with rubberized base/sides
- GameSir App customizations:
- Adjust stick and trigger sensitivity
- Adjust rumble intensity
- Create dead zones
- Firmware updates
GameSir G8 Plus Galileo Controller (Switch 1/2, iOS, Android)
$59.89 at Walmart | $72 at Amazon (was $80)
The G8 Plus has all of the features found on the X5s, but it also has two remappable back buttons, removable faceplates, and comes with five swappable stick tops. It also has a larger form factor and cradles devices up to 8.46 inches.
I’ve tested the G8 Plus with Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and iPhone and was impressed by its performance and ergonomics.
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
In addition to the standard black version, GameSir has two officially licensed editions themed around Marvel characters. A green Incredible Hulk Edition is available for $90 (was $100), and a Thanos Edition with a gold and purple color scheme is $100.
Nintendo Switch 2 Ergonomic Grips
If you’re mainly interested in improving the Switch 2’s ergonomics in handheld mode, you could opt for an attachable grip instead. Since the Switch 2’s June launch, the market for ergonomic grips has grown quite crowded. My favorite Switch 2 grip so far is Dbrand’s Killswitch, which is now sold at Best Buy in an $80 bundle that comes with a cover for the screen. The Killswitch has individual controller grips with contoured ridges to rest your fingers on. You can still use the console’s built-in kickstand with the shell attached to the back, too. Unlike some Switch 2 grips, however, the Killswitch prevents you from docking the console normally. Fortunately, it comes with a Switch 2 dock adapter that connects to Nintendo’s Dock Set. It’s cleverly designed and works incredibly well. The travel cover also has an attachment to store 10 game cards.