# GameSir vs 8BitDo Ultimate Software

The clearest difference is update cadence: GameSir at every 3 weeks against 8BitDo Ultimate Software's every 2 months. GameSir also leads on ratings volume (1.2K vs 197). 8BitDo Ultimate Software's advantage is review sentiment (26% vs 11%). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 2.5 for GameSir against 2.4 for 8BitDo Ultimate Software. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GameSir has 1.2K ratings behind it against 197, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 11% of GameSir's written reviews are positive against 26% of 8BitDo Ultimate Software's.

GameSir ships an update every 3 weeks, 8BitDo Ultimate Software every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GameSir | 8BitDo Ultimate Software |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.5 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gamesir/id1372674215/reviews)** | [2.4 (197 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8bitdo-ultimate-software/id1532713768/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | 197 |
| Positive reviews | 11.2% of reviews | **26.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 47 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Guangzhou Chicken Run Network Technology Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1123411451) | [8BitDo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1532713770) |

## What reviewers say

### GameSir

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gamesir/id1372674215)

Enhance your gaming with this app, offering quick Bluetooth connections for peripherals. Keep your controllers updated with the latest firmware and test their functionality. Access helpful tutorials and customer support for a superior gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Quick Bluetooth connection, Online firmware updates, Controller button testing, Customizable configurations, Connection tutorials, Customer support access

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Great controller
- 🚀 Works well
- 👍 Customizable
- 💡 Innovative features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🔧 Compatibility problems
- 🤯 Frustrating app experience
- ⚠️ Lack of support for newer devices/OS

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes
- Controller not recognized by app
- Firmware update issues

**Requested features**

- Add support for more controllers
- Improve app functionality and customization
- Provide better customer support


### 8BitDo Ultimate Software

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8bitdo-ultimate-software/id1532713768)

Gain complete control over your compatible gamepad. Customize button layouts, fine-tune analog stick and trigger responses, and manage vibration intensity. Create custom macro commands for advanced gameplay.

**Highlights:** Button mapping customization, Stick and trigger sensitivity adjustment, Vibration power control, Macro creation, Controller compatibility management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Functional app
- 💡 Helpful for left-hand device use
- 🚀 Seamless controller connection
- 🚀 Intuitive key mapping

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 🐛 Lack of support for certain controllers
- 🐛 Buggy firmware updates
- 🐛 Profiles not saving properly

**Reported bugs**

- App unable to detect connected controllers
- Key mapping not working as expected
- Profiles resetting after app restart
- Firmware update issues bricking controllers

**Requested features**

- Support for more controllers (e.g. 8bitdo Zero 2, SN30 Pro+)
- Add ability to remap command/option keys for macOS/iOS
- Improve macro functionality (e.g. adjustable delay, ability to hold keys)
- Add media control key mapping options
- Implement Bluetooth firmware update capability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GameSir free?

GameSir is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is 8BitDo Ultimate Software free?

8BitDo Ultimate Software is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, GameSir or 8BitDo Ultimate Software?

GameSir is rated higher. GameSir averages 2.5 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while 8BitDo Ultimate Software averages 2.4 from 197 ratings.

### Do GameSir or 8BitDo Ultimate Software have ads?

Neither GameSir nor 8BitDo Ultimate Software shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GameSir or 8BitDo Ultimate Software?

GameSir ships an update every 3 weeks, and 8BitDo Ultimate Software every 2 months. Most recently, GameSir was updated on September 25, 2026 and 8BitDo Ultimate Software on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*