GameSir G7 SE Controller review

If you don’t mind a wired connection, GameSir’s latest is one of the best budget Xbox and Windows compatible gamepads around.

Not that long ago, third-party console controllers were almost always accompanied by a compromise. Sure, you might have been able to save a few bucks by purchasing hardware from PDP, PowerA, or RockCandy. But habitually, these budget controllers always seemed to be afflicted by one or more major defects. From crappy directional pads that wouldn’t let you get off shoryuken, dongles that tended to go missing, to face buttons that lacked responsiveness, there was an inventory of problems.

And that’s on top of the issues that OEM controllers face. While the industry is gradually adopting Hall Effect sticks, even most premium-priced gamepads still use potentiometers. Because physical contact is made between components in many contemporary controllers, over time these gamepads can produce phantom movement.

Economically Priced Hall Effect Sticks

Remarkably, GameSir’s GameSir G7 SE avoids many of the traditional problems that plague many third-party devices. And given the device’s fifty-dollar MSRP (currently, the controller is available for $45 from Amazon), the device offers a fair amount of value for players able to endure a single sacrifice. Right now, the G7 SE represents one of the cheapest entryways to obtain Hall Effect technology within the Xbox ecosystem.

Undoubtedly, the shape of the G7 SE replicates Microsoft’s own first-party controller. Both sport a similar shape, have offset analog sticks, comparable button and trigger placement, as well as a functional directional pad positioned on the lower left side. However, there are several notable differences.

Less Clicky but More Buzzy

The G7 SE’s buttons and d-pad aren’t nearly as clicky as Microsoft’s OEM controller, while the four vibration motors inside the device are a bit more buzzy. GameSir’s peripheral also lacks a lithium-ion battery, which shaves about 60 grams from the overall weight. For some, the lack of heft might signal less durability, but the build quality appears to be just as sturdy as Microsoft’s own controllers. Agreeably, the G7 SE has the nuances of any respectable gamepad, flaunting features like micro-texturing on the analog triggers, shoulder buttons, as well as on the back of the controller.

Physical distinction is found in the two, rear-mounted buttons. With an accompanying GameSir Nexus app on the Xbox Dash or Windows, players can remap any button to these inputs. Pleasingly, those with roving hands can independently turn each button off with a physical switch, avoiding any errant inputs. But regretfully, you can’t program any macros or use the inputs to activate turbo fire, which would have been gratifying for fans of the fighting and STG genres.

Preset Profiles for Different Users or Genres

Additionally, the G7 SE touts an “M” button on the chin of the controller. When pressed in conjunction with the d-pad, players can quickly adjust the volume level of any headset that’s plugged into the gamepad as well as tweak the loudness of voice chat. There’s even a mute button next to the headphone jack. It’s rather small and on the bottom of the controller- likely to prohibit accidental presses. The M button also allows users to access a trio of different user profiles that are defined in the Nexus App. From adjusting the amount of vibration, trigger sensitivity, and the range of the analog sticks, there’s quite a bit of customization that can be done.

As versatile as the Nexus app is, it’s not without a few blemishes. After updating to the latest firmware version, the program would temporarily warn that a GameSir controller wasn’t connected when it obviously was. And while the user interface is adequate for making minor adjustments, it’s clearly designed around mouse and keyboard input. One other grievance: even with a USB-A to USB-C adapter, the GameSir wasn’t recognized by a Steam Deck. Technically, the G7 SE is billed as Windows compatible, with no pledge of Linux support, but it would be great to see the device broaden its possibilities.

A Decision That Comes Down to the Wire

Undoubtedly, the lack of any wireless capability might be a dealbreaker for anyone who sits more than 3 meters away from their console. Since the G7 SE sports a breakaway USB-C cable, you could replace the cord with a longer one, but that likely requires an additional expense. Instead, the GameSir is aimed at those who favor not having their play sessions interrupted by the need to recharge their device as well as players who prefer the low latency a direct connection provides.

In the economically priced gamepad space, most controllers force one or more sacrifices. Save for a wired connection, the GameSir G7 SE has very few disadvantages. Yet when it comes to advantages, the device has several, including Hall Effect sticks and a companion app that allows for some customization. At present, the removable faceplates are a wildcard. We’ve seen this feature offered before and quickly abandoned. But even without cosmetic options, the G7 SE’s functionality is strong enough to earn a full recommendation.

Tech-Specs
Platform: Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, Windows 10/11
Connection: Wired, 3m detachable USB-C cable
Audio Jack: Yes, 3.5mm
Extra buttons: 2 mappable back buttons
Face Button type: Membrane
Hall Effect: Analog Sticks and triggers
Size: 152*103*63mm
Weight: 221g