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Two of GameSir’s adaptable mobile controllers for smartphones, compact tablets, and Nintendo consoles are available at discounted prices for a brief period at Walmart and Amazon. Importantly, both controllers can operate with the Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld format. They provide enhanced ergonomics and incorporate conventional D-pads, elevated sticks, and larger buttons compared to the Joy-Con 2 Controllers. The GameSir X5s is reduced to $40 (previously $50) at Walmart and
$45 at Amazon. GameSir recently unveiled this cost-effective variant during the summer. If you’re prepared to invest additional funds, the premium GameSir G8 Plus Galileo includes customizable rear buttons along with various other attributes; it’s discounted to $59.89 (was $80) at Walmart and $72 at Amazon.
Walmart’s G8 Plus promotion is advertised as a “flash offer,” whereas Amazon’s discount is a temporary proposition with a limited quantity of stock.
GameSir X5s Controller (Switch 1/2, iOS, Android)
$45 at Amazon. GameSir recently introduced this economical variant during the summer. If you’re ready to allocate more funds, the advanced GameSir G8 Plus Galileo provides remappable rear buttons along with several additional functionalities; it is currently reduced to $59.89 (originally $80) at Walmart and $72 at Amazon.
The G8 Plus markdown at Walmart is labeled as a “flash deal,” while Amazon’s promotion is a temporary offer with a limited stock quantity.
GameSir X5s Controller (Switch 1/2, iOS, Android)
$40 at Walmart | $45 at Amazon (was $50)
The GameSir X5s includes ergonomic, textured handles aimed at enhancing comfort for a majority of gamers compared to the flat Joy-Con 2 grips. Similar to other specialized mobile controllers, the X5s features an expandable bridge and silicone pads to support devices with a width of up to 8.38 inches: Switch 2, Switch OLED, Switch, all iPhone models, most Android smartphones, and compact tablets.
Equipped with Hall Effect sticks, the X5s also has interchangeable face buttons, allowing users to alternate between Xbox and Nintendo configurations. An additional sophisticated feature includes dual trigger modes. The Hall Effect triggers can operate linearly as a standard controller, or they can be reconfigured as rapid-fire buttons. In relation to rapid-fire, a turbo function is available that can be assigned to the face buttons, bumpers, or triggers. Moreover, it incorporates 6-axis motion controls alongside a traditional, 4-way D-pad.
Using GameSir’s complimentary mobile application, you can modify the sensitivity of sticks and triggers, as well as the strength of the dual rumble motors. The controller charges through USB-C and has a runtime of up to 12 hours between charges.
Key Features:
- Compatible Platforms: Switch 2, Switch, iOS, Android
- Supports devices up to 8.38 inches
- Wireless connection via Bluetooth
- 8-12 hours of battery duration (charges via USB-C)
- Utilizes Hall Effect sticks
- 4-way D-pad
- Interchangeable 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 sides/base
- GameSir App customizations:
- Adjustable stick and trigger sensitivity
- Adjustable rumble intensity
- Dead zones configuration
- Firmware updates
GameSir G8 Plus Galileo Controller (Switch 1/2, iOS, Android)
$59.89 at Walmart | $72 at Amazon (previously $80)
The G8 Plus includes all the functionalities present in the X5s, but it also features two remappable back buttons, interchangeable faceplates, and comes with five interchangeable stick tops. Additionally, it has a larger form and accommodates devices up to 8.46 inches.
I’ve evaluated the G8 Plus with Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and iPhone, and was impressed by its efficiency and comfort.
Highlighted Features:
- Compatible Platforms: Switch 2, Switch, iOS, Android
- Supports devices of up to 8.46 inches
- Wireless connection via Bluetooth
- Up to 8 hours of battery life (USB-C charging)
- Hall Effect sticks
- 2 remappable back buttons
- Interchangeable faceplates
- 5 interchangeable sticks
- Interchangeable face buttons
- 6-axis gyro motion controls
- Dual rumble motors
- Two trigger modes
- Ergonomic, textured grips
- Extensible bridge with rubberized base/sides
Besides the standard black variant, GameSir offers two officially licensed versions inspired by Marvel characters. A green Incredible Hulk Edition is listed at $90 (previously $100), and a Thanos Edition with a gold and purple design is available for $100.
Nintendo Switch 2 Comfortable Grips
If your primary goal is to enhance the Switch 2’s comfort in handheld mode, you might choose an attachable grip instead. Since the launch of the Switch 2 in June, the market for comfort grips has become quite competitive. My preferred Switch 2 grip thus far is Dbrand’s Killswitch, currently available at Best Buy in an $80 package that includes a screen cover. The Killswitch features individual controller grips with shaped ridges for your fingers. You can still utilize the console’s integrated kickstand with the shell attached to the back. However, unlike some Switch 2 grips, the Killswitch obstructs the normal docking of the console. Thankfully, it includes a Switch 2 dock adapter that connects to Nintendo’s Dock Set. Its design is clever and it functions exceptionally well. The travel cover also has a compartment to store 10 game cartridges.
Another grip I’d suggest is Genki’s Attack Vector Grip Case. While I don’t find it as cozy as Dbrand’s Killswitch, it does work with the Switch 2 Dock Set as usual. It includes three different pairs of grips that you can interchange to suit your own liking. Genki’s Attack Vector also comes with a travel cover. You can purchase it for $60 on Amazon. It’s noteworthy that Genki also produces a sleek travel cover grip called the Force Field 2 available for $30.
There are numerous economical Switch 2 grips available on Amazon. Several of these appear to be inspired by Dbrand’s Killswitch. For example, the BHGift Dockable Grip Case ($20) and Timovo Dockable Grip Case ($14.87) feature shaped ridges akin to the Killswitch. For a budget-friendly choice resembling Genki’s Attack Vector, there’s the Skull & Co. NeoGrip for $30.
JSAUX is another well-known economical brand with several appealing options for $30 or less. The Split Protective Case with Travel Cover is priced at just $27 (down from $30). We have created a custom Amazon page where you can compare these grips and others side by side.
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