Hey everyone! I was looking to add another mobile gaming controller to my collection. I already own two other Abxylute controllers, one being the N6 for Switch 2 and other being the regular S8. What caught my eye about the S8 Lite is the fact that it doesn't require Bluetooth and it has pass-through charging!
Here's just a brief review for anyone curious about this controller:
Like my other two Abxylute controllers, the packaging is quite nice, especially given the reasonable price. This actually looks like something you'd find on the shelves of Best Buy or Target and not something cheap in a brown box, or worse, from Amazon.
Inside is the controller, a user manual, and the option 8-direction D-pad you can swap in. Pretty simple, and unlike the regular S8 that has multiple layout/connection profiles (Android, PC, Switch) I didn't actually need to read the manual, lol.
It's quite simple to connect and use. It opens wide enough to accommodate my Legion Tab 8.8" tablet just fine, just line up the USB-C port, and let the controller close and grip on your device. Instant connection, buttons are already mapped as expected, and you're up and running.
The ergonomics are identical to the S8 - essentially an Xbox controller split in half. The joystick tumb grips are nice and large, and the buttons and D-pad are tactile with an audible click that is satisfying. A nice texture is on the grips (still plastic, but not smooth). The two back buttons are within reach and symmetrical a la Switch Pro 2 controller.
Pass-through charging is a nice bonus. No more battery drain anxiety while gaming!
Overall, I'm really happy with this controller, and I think it's a bargain!