Overview
A wireless mobile controller that opens to hold the phone between its grips and connects via Bluetooth, and also works with the Switch console and PC. It has four input modes distinguished by the logo button indicator color, features two batteries rechargeable from a single port, two programmable back buttons, and swappable magnetic face buttons. This manual explains phone installation, connection for each platform, settings, calibration, and troubleshooting for common issues.
Features
- Four input modes: Android mode in yellow, DS4 mode in blue, Switch mode in red, and Direct Touch mode in sky blue.
- Bluetooth 5.3 connection: Latency less than 0.013 seconds with Switch, and less than 0.026 seconds with Apple and Android devices.
- Hall Effect sticks: Magnetic sensing sticks with anti-drift technology.
- Hall Effect analog triggers: Precise analog triggers with a hair trigger mode activated from the controller.
- Two programmable back buttons: R4 and L4 buttons have no default value and accept a single button or a combination of up to sixteen buttons.
- Four-level Turbo: Slow at 8Hz, medium at 12Hz, fast at 20Hz, and off.
- Dual grip vibration: Asymmetric vibration in the grips, with intensity adjustable across five levels.
- Two 1000mAh batteries: A 500mAh battery in each side; charging varies depending on whether the controller is open or folded.
- Magnetic face buttons: The four face buttons, covers, and stick caps are removable to swap the layout.
Device Layout and Button Names
| Position | Elements |
|---|---|
| Front face | View button, Menu button, A B X Y buttons, mode indicator, and M button |
| Top edge | LB and RB buttons, LT and RT triggers |
| Bottom edge | Pairing button, Type-C port |
| Back face | L4 and R4 back buttons |
Specifications
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Supported platforms | Switch, iOS devices, Android devices, and PC |
| System requirements | Android 8.0 or later, Switch console, iOS 13 or later |
| Connection method | Bluetooth 5.3 with mobile devices; wired or wireless receiver connection with PC |
| Phone size | Length from 120 to 215 mm; phone case can be kept on in Bluetooth mode |
| Battery | 1000mAh in total, 500mAh on each side |
| Latency | Less than 0.013 seconds with Switch, less than 0.026 seconds with iOS and Android devices |
| Support software | GameSir app on mobile |
Box Contents
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Controller | 1 piece |
| Short stick cap | 1 piece |
| Tall stick cap | 1 piece |
| Round stick cap | 1 piece |
| Type-C cable | 1 piece (1 meter long) |
| User manual | 1 copy |
| Thank you and after-sales service card | 1 card |
| GameSir sticker | 1 sticker |
| Certificate of Conformity | 1 copy |
Requirements: Android 8.0 or later, Switch console, or iOS 13 or later.
Connection and Play
Phone Installation, Power On and Off
- Open the controller by pulling its two sides to turn it on automatically, install the phone between them; the phone case can be kept on in Bluetooth mode.
- Press and hold the logo button for one second to turn on.
- Press and hold the logo button for five seconds to turn off.
- The controller turns off automatically when folded, except in Direct Touch mode where it remains on.
- A suitable phone is 120 to 215 mm in length according to the official manual page.
Input Modes and Combinations
While the controller is on, press the corresponding combination to switch to the desired mode.
| Mode | Logo Button Indicator Color | Connection Combination | Supported Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android Mode | Yellow | Pairing button + A button | Android 8.0 or later |
| DS4 Mode | Blue | Pairing button + B button | Android and iOS devices |
| Switch Mode | Red | Pairing button + Y button | Switch and iOS devices |
| Direct Touch Mode | Sky blue | Pairing button + Menu button | Works with GameSir app |
After a successful connection to Apple devices in DS4 mode, the default color turns to light orange.
Connecting to Android Devices
- With the controller off, press and hold the Pairing button + A button to turn it on; the logo button indicator will flash yellow rapidly.
- Open the Bluetooth list on your phone, select the device named "GameSir-G8+", and tap to connect.
- A solid yellow logo button indicator means the connection is successful.
- After a successful connection, when powering on, a short press of the logo button is enough to turn it on and reconnect automatically.
Connecting to Apple Devices
- With the controller off, press and hold the Pairing button + B button to turn it on; the logo button indicator will flash blue rapidly.
- Open the Bluetooth list on your phone, select the device named "DUOLSHOK 4 Wireless Controller" as written in the official manual, and tap to connect.
- A solid light orange logo button indicator means the connection is successful; the indicator color in this mode can be changed from device settings -> General -> Game Controllers.
- Pressing and holding the M button turns the indicator blue.
Connecting to Switch
- From the Switch home menu, go to the Controllers menu and choose "Change Grip/Order" to enter the pairing screen.
- With the controller off, press and hold the Pairing button + Y button to turn it on; the logo button indicator will flash red rapidly.
- A solid red logo button indicator means the connection is successful.
- The official manual page notes that the controller name in the Bluetooth list in this mode is "Pro Controller".
Playing with Direct Touch on Android
- With the controller off, press and hold the Pairing button + Menu button to turn it on; the logo button indicator will flash sky blue rapidly.
- Open the Bluetooth list on your phone, select the device named "GameSir-G8+_G", and tap to connect.
- A solid sky blue logo button indicator means the connection is successful.
- Direct Touch mode simulates a virtual touch unit on the phone, reading controller commands as native screen touches. This does not work on Apple devices because the system blocks external customization features.
Wired Connection
- Use the provided Type-C cable to complete the connection; the device will be recognized automatically.
- After connecting to the device, the controller automatically switches to the appropriate mode and is ready for use.
- Press and hold the View button + Menu button to cycle between Xbox, Switch, and DS4 modes in order.
- When connecting to a Switch via cable, go to Settings -> Controllers and Sensors and enable "Pro Controller Wired Communication".
Indicator Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pairing mode, rapid flash | Controller can only be paired via Bluetooth in this state |
| Connected, solid indicator | Connected to the device |
| Reconnecting, slow flash | The controller only connects to the last device paired in the last mode; press and hold the Pairing button for two seconds to force it into pairing mode |
| Logo button and mode indicator flash white slowly | Back button programming mode, or stick and trigger calibration mode |
| Logo button remains solid white when pressing trigger | Hair trigger mode enabled |
| Logo button flashes red | Turbo feature enabled |
| Logo button flashes red and blue rapidly | Gyroscope calibration in progress |
| Logo button flashes green twice | Turbo successfully cleared from all buttons |
| Mode indicator "breathes" while charging | Indicates current battery level; usually turns off when charging is complete |
Logo button indicator colors representing the input mode are mentioned in the "Input Modes and Combinations" table.
Button Combinations
| Function | Combination |
|---|---|
| Swap face button layout/values (swap A/B and X/Y values) | M button + A button for 2 seconds; setting remains after restart |
| Enable/Disable hair trigger mode | M button + LT or RT trigger for 2 seconds; once enabled, logo button indicator stays solid white when trigger is pressed; setting remains after restart |
| Increase/Decrease grip vibration intensity (5 levels) | M button + D-pad Up/Down; level 0 is off, 1 is 25%, 2 is 50%, 3 is 75% (default), 4 is 100%; setting remains after restart |
| Increase/Decrease volume | Logo button + D-pad Up/Down (not available in Direct Touch or DS4 mode) |
| Factory reset | Logo button + Menu button for 3 seconds; controller vibrates; settings must be reconfigured afterwards |
| Turn off or dim indicator light | M button + Menu button for 5 seconds |
| Enter or cancel back button programming | M button + L4 or R4 button |
| Set Turbo and cycle levels | M button + desired button |
| Clear Turbo from all buttons | M button pressed twice quickly |
| Enter stick and trigger calibration | View button + Menu button + Logo button for 2 seconds |
| Force pairing mode | Press and hold Pairing button for 2 seconds |
| Switch input mode in wired connection | View button + Menu button |
Back Button Programming
L4 and R4 buttons have no default value. Buttons that can be remapped to them are A, B, X, Y, LB, RB, LT, RT, Left Stick Press, Right Stick Press, D-pad, Minus button, and Plus button. The M button is the entry key for programming mode.
- To program: Press and hold the M button + L4 or R4 button until the mode indicator and logo button indicator flash white slowly.
- Press the button or button combination you want to map, then press the L4 or R4 button. The indicator returning to the current mode color signifies programming is complete.
- In button combinations, the time interval between each press is recorded based on the programming time. Up to sixteen buttons can be recorded.
- To cancel: Press and hold the M button + L4 or R4 button until the indicator flashes white slowly, then press the L4 or R4 button itself. The indicator returning to the mode color signifies cancellation is complete.
- If ten seconds pass without any input during setup, it will exit programming mode automatically without saving.
Turbo
- Adjustable buttons are A, B, X, Y, LB, RB, LT, and RT. Four levels: slow at 8Hz, medium at 12Hz, fast at 20Hz, and off.
- To set Turbo: Press and hold the M button + desired button; the logo button indicator flashing indicates successful activation. Repeat to cycle levels.
- To clear Turbo from all buttons: Press the M button twice quickly; the indicator flashing green twice indicates success.
Calibration
Stick and Trigger Calibration
- Connect the phone to the controller, then press and hold the View button + Menu button + Logo button for 2 seconds until the logo button and mode indicator flash white slowly to enter calibration mode.
- Rotate the sticks at maximum angle three times and let them return to their neutral position naturally.
- Press the triggers to their maximum travel three times and let them return to their neutral position naturally.
- Press the A button to finish calibration and exit.
- Perform calibration movements at a steady pace and gently to avoid errors in recorded data. Do not calibrate if sticks and triggers are working normally.
Gyroscope Calibration
- Place the controller horizontally on a flat, stable surface.
- Press and hold the Pairing button + M button (per official manual) or M button + Screenshot button (per manual page).
- The logo button indicator flashes red and blue rapidly during calibration.
- The indicator returning to the current mode color signifies completion.
Reset
- Factory reset: Press and hold the Logo button + Menu button for 3 seconds until the controller vibrates; settings must be reconfigured afterwards.
- Turn off or dim indicator light: Press and hold the M button + Menu button for 5 seconds (per manual page).
Support Software and Firmware Update
- Visit the official GameSir website from your phone or scan the QR code printed in the manual to download the GameSir app.
- Use the app to update firmware, adjust stick and trigger dead zones, and remap buttons.
- To rollback firmware: From the app home page, tap the controller icon, enter the firmware update page, choose other versions, and select the one you want.
- On Apple devices, the app is only valid for firmware updates and adjusting controller settings, as the system blocks touch customization features.
Charging and Battery
- If the controller is open while charging, only the right battery will charge.
- If the controller is folded while charging, both right and left batteries will charge together.
- The controller does not turn off automatically when folded during charging.
- While charging, the mode indicator "breathes" to indicate current battery level.
Charging port is on the bottom edge; total battery capacity is 1000mAh (500mAh per side).
Swapping Face Buttons
- The four face buttons are magnetic; the layout can be swapped according to preference.
- Remove the top cover; you will find a groove to the left of each face button. Align your fingertip with the groove and gently pull the button from its side.
- After removing the button, orient the printed character upward, align it with the corresponding position for the platform, and insert it to complete installation.
- Two layouts available: Xbox layout (Y on top, X on left, A on bottom, B on right) and Switch layout (X on top, Y on left, B on bottom, A on right). Default is Xbox.
FAQ
What devices are supported? Switch, Apple devices, Android devices (120-215 mm long), and PC.
Is the controller wired or wireless? Bluetooth with mobile devices; wired or wireless receiver connection with PC.
Can I keep my phone case on? Yes, you can keep the phone case on when connecting via Bluetooth.
Buttons press themselves and the logo button flashes red. Turbo is enabled. Press and hold the M button + the specific button to clear Turbo from that button, or press the M button twice quickly to clear from all.
Stick drifts or trigger not working correctly. Connect phone, press and hold View + Menu + Logo buttons for 2 seconds until indicators flash white slowly, rotate sticks three times, press triggers three times, then press A to save and exit.
Pass-through charging not working. Enable "Direct Charging" in phone settings, change the order of connecting the charging cable to the controller, use a charger supporting fast charging standards (max 9V/3A), or replace the cable. The controller accepts input up to 9V/3A; the phone and charger must support version 2.0 or higher of this standard.
View button delay on iPhone. Caused by Apple's "Shared Gestures" for game controllers. Go to Settings -> General -> Game Controllers -> Default Controls, select your controller, scroll to "Shared Gestures," and disable "Screenshot."
Controller connected via cable to Switch but not working. Enable "Pro Controller Wired Communication" in Switch system settings -> Controllers and Sensors.
Buttons/Sticks not working on Apple device. Caused by "AssistiveTouch." Go to Settings -> General -> Accessibility -> AssistiveTouch and disable it.
Cannot touch screen and use controller simultaneously. Ensure you are in "Mapping Mode" and enable "Intensive Mapping": tap the floating red GameSir icon on screen, go to Settings -> General Settings, and enable "Intensive Mapping."
Direct Touch mapping seems delayed or unstable. Direct Touch is constrained by connection protocols; performance is slightly lower than other modes, which is normal. If it affects gameplay, switch to Mapping Mode.
How to dim/off indicator light? Press and hold M + Menu button for 5 seconds.
How to rollback firmware? From the app home page, tap the controller icon, enter the firmware update page, and select a previous stable version.
Are spare parts sold separately? Internal components like electronics, replacement buttons, ports, and single receivers are not sold separately. Items available: generic cables, face covers, carrying cases, stick caps, friction rings, thumb covers, and chargers.
Does overcharging damage the battery? All GameSir controllers have overcharge protection; charging stops automatically when full, and the indicator usually turns off.
Can I use XInput via Bluetooth? No, Microsoft imposes restrictions preventing this mode over Bluetooth. Use the wireless receiver for PC, or launch games from the Steam platform to utilize its button customization features.
Documentation Notes
- The combination to enter Direct Touch mode is Pairing + Menu button in the official manual, but Screenshot + Menu button on the manual page.
- The combination for Gyroscope calibration is Pairing + M button in the official manual, but M + Screenshot button on the manual page.
- The official manual calls the power/pairing button the "Pairing button," while the manual page calls it the "Logo button."
- The official manual names the controller in Apple Bluetooth lists "DUOLSHOK 4 Wireless Controller"; it is transcribed here as stated.
- The DS4 mode indicator color is listed as blue in the table, with a note below that it turns light orange after successfully connecting to Apple devices.