Weight 256 g
Key specifications
- Weight
- 256 g
- Stick technology
- Hall
- Controller type
- Stretchable Bluetooth controller
- Compatible platforms
- Smartphones, tablets, Switch 1 and 2 (XInput, NS, PS, HID modes)
- Connection modes
- Bluetooth 5.3
abxylute S8Overview
The abxylute S8 is a full-size stretchable controller that connects over Bluetooth 5.3. The manufacturer says it works with smartphones, tablets (iPhone, Android, iPad) and Switch 1 and 2 consoles, with XInput, NS, PS and HID modes plus a mapping mode.
It uses Hall-effect sticks and linear triggers, two programmable back buttons, a turbo function, a gyroscope and two adjustable vibration motors. The 1000 mAh battery supports fast charging. The ABXY Game app lets you change keys, trigger sensitivity and vibration. The controller weighs 256 g and extends up to 216 mm.
abxylute S8Our test
Our ABXYLUTE S8 was sent to us free of charge by ABXYLUTE, with no brief on the content; this origin may have influenced our appreciation. We had already tested the S9 over USB-C; the S8 is Bluetooth.
It is an extendable controller (smartphones and tablets up to 8.8 inches; 10-inch tablets and larger do not fit), light but well built in our view despite not-so-premium plastics, with a purple faux-leather back and ridged grips. The joysticks are full-size, Hall-effect and fairly lively. The triggers are ridged and pleasant, linear by default with a switch to click mode. The ABXY buttons (Xbox layout) are quiet and responsive. The D-pad is removable and a circular spare is supplied, appreciated in fighting games. The S8 offers two programmable rear buttons, rumble, a gyroscope (with the option to map its values to the sticks) and an M button that adjusts mapping, two turbo modes, sensitivity, rumble strength and trigger mode on the fly. The ABXYLUTE app lets you remap buttons, record macros, adjust dead zones and sensitivity curves, and map the screen for Android games without controller support (Android only). X-Input, Switch, PlayStation (Remote Play) and HID modes can be selected, and the maker claims over fifteen hours of battery, which we did not measure.
In play (Battlefield on GeForce Now), the rear buttons work well. The S9, a little longer, feels even nicer in the hand. The S8 costs under €50 at the time of the video, and we see it as very good value.
What we liked
- Under €50: good value
- Full-size Hall-effect joysticks and triggers
- M button: on-the-fly settings (turbo, sensitivity, rumble, triggers)
- Removable D-pad with a circular spare
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Switch, PlayStation Remote Play, with gyroscope and rumble
What convinced us less
- No phone charging or headphone jack (Bluetooth)
- Plastics not premium
- Tablets of 10 inches and above not supported
- Right joystick requires curving the thumb
- Claimed battery of over 15 hours, not verified
abxylute S8Full specifications
Connectivity
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
|---|---|
| Connection modes | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery
| Capacity | 1,000 mAh |
|---|
Dimensions
| Weight | 256 g |
|---|
Compatibility
| Controller type | Stretchable Bluetooth controller |
|---|---|
| Compatible platforms | Smartphones, tablets, Switch 1 and 2 (XInput, NS, PS, HID modes) |
| Compatible devices | Devices up to 216 mm in length |
Controls
| Stick technology | Hall |
|---|---|
| Analog triggers | Yes |
| Rumble | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes |
| Programmable buttons | 2 programmable back buttons; turbo |
| Trigger technology | Hall (linear) |
Other
| Companion app | ABXY Game (key mapping) |
|---|
abxylute S8Available configurations
| Configuration | Colour | Price | Availability | See price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noir | Noir | $41.99 | In stock | See price Noir |
| NGC Indigo | NGC Indigo | $39.99 | In stock | See price NGC Indigo |
abxylute S8Creator videos
Videos open on YouTube.
Visit the official store
Prices, stock and shipping change: the manufacturer's store is the reference.
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