You’ve got to admire companies that like to get things done right, even when they don’t go about it in the prettiest way. Much like Thrustmaster with its barmy yet ridiculously innovative eSwap X2 Pro, the GameSir G7 Pro is choosing function over fashion for Xbox, PC, and mobile.
As far as wired controllers go, the GameSir G7 Pro isn’t just up there with the Victrix Prime Gambit — it’s better, depending on your usage and preferences. Despite its relatively dull looks, at least with its inaugural Mech White edition (a darker Shadow Ember design is in the works), it offers some of the best functionality for its mid-range price point in the market, with impressive attention to detail on the pro-level functions that matter the most.
It’s one of the most flexible controllers out there — and it’s not difficult to see why it’s gained the official thumbs up from Microsoft.
What’s in the box?
- GameSir G7 controller with pre-fitted dish D-pad
- Auto start-stop charging station
- USB receiver
- Two additional D-pads (four-way, four-way circle)
- 3m USB to USB-C cable
As with a few Chinese controller manufacturers, like PB Tails, the unboxing isn’t much of an event — lightweight foam rings protect the analog sticks, while the D-pad had come off the controller in transit — but these are daft complaints when you consider just how much the GameSir G7 Pro offers, given its specs.
Gamesir G7 Pro specifications
- Wireless PC and mobile connectivity; wired Xbox connection (with 1,000Hz polling rate on PC through wired and 2.4G)
- Proprietary “Mag-Res” TMR analog sticks
- Hall Effect analog triggers with micro-switch trigger stops
- Micro switch ABXY buttons and mechanical micro-switch D-pad
- Four extra buttons (two on the shoulders, two on the back)
- 3.5mm audio, supported by wired and 2.4G wireless
- Four vibration motors
- Built-in gyroscope with mapping function (PC only)
- 1200mAh battery
- Three-part magnetic swappable faceplates
- Removable cable retainer for protection in wired mode
Prime competition
Play Puzzles & Games on Forbes
In your hands, the G7 Pro feels brilliant. This is mainly because it’s practically identical in form and factor to Microsoft’s standard wireless Xbox controller, but with nice, rounded grips that curve rather than sharpen at the base of your hands. Smaller-palmed players will have no complaints about it.
The programmable L3/R3 shoulder buttons sit nicely under your fingertips, while the two rear buttons are within easy reach, though they’re a little too easy to trigger. Not that it’s a problem; the G7 Pro has trigger locks for these, which is a true rarity, but they’re also gratefully received for those of us who like the option but may rarely use them — for me, I only really adapt them for manual shifting in racing games. You’ve got to love a flappy-paddle gearbox.
While it’s definitely reminiscent of the Victrix Prime Gambit, it feels more premium. The G7 Pro shares the magnetic faceplates of the Gambit, but in three sections, and they’re just as easy to remove — a bit of a godsend when it comes to switching D-pads.
The GameSir G7 Pro also differs from the Gambit by putting a bigger focus on its wireless flexibility. The Prime Gambit’s recessed USB-C connection is perfectly fine for a controller that lacks an internal battery, but the G7 Pro’s removable cable retainer means it protects the wire just as well, and allows the controller to look the part when it’s in wireless mode on PC and mobile. It’s a simple design idea, but genuinely brilliant.
Admittedly, you can’t swap out the analog sticks on the G7 Pro, but I don’t care — they’re pretty much identical to a classic Xbox controller, and with the TMR technology (and its supremely responsive feedback), they’ll keep delivering for months, and years, to come.
Mechanical energy
Mechanical buttons are a godsend on any controller, and the GameSir G7 Pro doesn’t disappoint. The ABXY inputs alone are precise and comfortable, even if these sit a little higher than you’d hope (especially compared to the fighting game-primed Victrix Pro BFG), but its greatest strength is its triggers.
In standard mode, the LT and RT buttons work as expected — nothing to write home about, but perfectly fine nonetheless. Switch the trigger stops to low-profile mode, and they’re probably the best I’ve ever used — the micro-switch haptics are superb and precise. There are no clacky sounds or lack of dampening to make every pull jar your fingers and trigger misophonia. The trigger-lock switches on the back of the controller are stiff, but not unusable, especially given that players will rarely switch them.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows
The GameSir G7 Pro is a great controller, but it’s not without its issues. Crucially, its D-pad feels mechanical yet imprecise. You can hear the eight-way input, but on fighting games, you can’t fully trust it — like the ABXY buttons, it feels like the mechanism sits just a tad too high, which isn’t ideal for such a delicate section of the pad.
The software, too, is very basic. On Xbox, the GameSir Nexus app is hard to read, as even the crispest resolution barely shows thin text, even on a 4K OLED TV. Mapping is a breeze, but there aren’t options for combination inputs, which will turn off fighting game players. It’s not quite as bad as the weird interface for the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless with Lumectra, but it’s not far off.
That said, the rest of the G7 Pro’s criticisms are minor. My most common issue — at least, when it’s wired to the Xbox, and automatically switches itself off after inactivity — is that it reconnects to, then disconnects from, the console. It can happen twice, or occasionally three times. You find yourself staring at the pad, hoping the light stays on.
Then there’s the charging station, which is a lovely extra, but it’s useless if you’re only buying the controller for your Xbox. Well, that’s not strictly true; the G7 Pro still looks great sitting on it, even if you feel the overwhelming need to remove the wire and cable protector to make it look “right.”
A lovely little package
My Gambit Prime was a go-to controller to switch between Xbox and PC, but between its wireless mode, grippier finish, and industry-leading clicky hair triggers, the G7 Pro is the better option. If only it was wireless on Xbox, it’d be the perfect recommendation.
The GameSir G7 Pro doesn’t pretend to be an attractive controller because it doesn’t need to. It might not look beautiful, or offer a wireless mode for Xbox gamers, or provide a real depth of customization, but it just works — and incredibly well, at that.
