It’s always exciting to see a new third-party controller hit the market. In this review, we’ll dive into how the GameSir G7 SE stacks up against the big names. One standout feature is its Hall Effect analog sticks, which could be a game-changer if you’re tired of stick drift in typical Xbox controllers.
GameSir G7 SE Review
Let’s talk about how traditional analog sticks work. They use electrical resistance to detect movement, which causes wear and tear over time. No matter how careful you are, they eventually fail and develop stick drift. Hall Effect sticks, on the other hand, use a magnetic field for movement detection, meaning there are no parts that touch and wear out. This design results in practically no performance degradation over time and significantly reduces the risk of stick drift.
Packaging
The packaging of the GameSir G7 SE is impressive. The controller comes in a well-designed box, with an interior cardboard shell and plastic wraps, ensuring it arrives in perfect condition. Inside the package, you’ll find a white USB Type A to Type C braided cable that’s over 9 feet long and well-built for durability. It also includes a booklet, a multi-language instruction manual, a GameSir sticker, and a one-month pass for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. These little extras are always welcome.
Physical Features
The GameSir G7 SE looks and feels like a familiar Xbox controller, with some button rearrangements. Major controls are the same, so it won’t feel strange in your hands.
Hall Effect Sticks
The main highlight is the Hall Effect sticks. I’ve tested this controller for over 80 hours of gameplay, including 30+ hours in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, finishing Remnant 2, and playing Tekken with younger cousins. The sticks are still performing like new, lending credence to the claim that stick drift won’t be an issue.
Triggers
The triggers have a textured, standard design but also utilize Hall Effect technology, offering 255 points of sensitivity. They are accurate up to 0.1mm, and you can adjust the sensitivity using the companion software. There are also dedicated vibration motors in each trigger, a standard feature in Xbox Series controllers. The software allows you to adjust the vibration intensity and even change the triggers to hair triggers, which activate with minimal pressure—perfect for first-person shooters or competitive games.
Face Buttons
The face buttons are what you’d expect from an Xbox controller. They are color-coded for easy recognition but are not embossed or engraved. They are smooth to the touch, so unless you’re a seasoned Xbox player, you might need to glance at them to ensure you’re pressing the right one.
Back Buttons
The GameSir G7 SE features two customizable back buttons, which can be mapped on the fly either with physical buttons or through the companion software. I often map the sprint function to the left back button, making it easier than pressing down on the left stick. There’s also a switch to disable the back buttons if you don’t want to press them accidentally—just slide it to the off position.
D-Pad
The D-Pad is slightly mushy but very quiet, which is great if you don’t want to wake anyone up with the noisy stock Xbox controller’s D-Pad. However, it isn’t as tactile, which might be a drawback, especially in fighting games.
Overall, the GameSir G7 SE is a solid option for gamers looking to avoid the common stick drift issues of traditional controllers. It’s well-packaged, thoughtfully designed, and performs exceptionally well.