Review of the GameSir G7 HE: An Excellent Controller Hindered by Its Wired Connection

GameSir, a Chinese company recognized for producing gaming controllers, offers its products to customers worldwide, focusing on platforms like PC, Xbox, and mobile devices. Throughout my reviews at Windows Central, I’ve had the chance to evaluate many of these controllers. Among them, the GameSir G7 SE wired stands out as a top choice for Xbox. Today, I’m diving into the GameSir G7 HE, a model boasting some notable upgrades over the SE, although predictably, GameSir has inexplicably removed certain features along the way. Despite the ongoing wait for GameSir to release a wireless Xbox controller, I find the G7 HE to be GameSir’s finest Xbox offering yet, especially considering its affordable price point. So let’s explore what sets the GameSir G7 HE apart.

Why You Should Trust Me

Hello, I’m Jennifer Young. As a longtime gamer since the ’90s and a member of the Windows Central team for the past two years, I have a deep understanding of what makes a gaming controller worthwhile. Whether I’m battling through Dark Souls, embarking on Diablo quests, or indulging in the nostalgic charm of Petz 4, I bring my love of gaming to every review I write. My preferred platforms are mostly Steam Deck, Xbox, and PC, and while I have an extensive collection of controllers, only a select few earn a spot in my daily rotation. When they don’t make the cut, you can trust I’ll tell you why in my reviews on this site.

This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by GameSir. The company did not see or influence the review’s content prior to publication.

GameSir G7 HE Controller Review: Pricing and Specifications

The GameSir G7 HE is priced at $49.99 and is available in Black, White, and an Iron Man Special Edition.

Specs Overview:

• Price: $49.99 at Amazon
• Connectivity: Detachable 3-meter USB-C to USB-A cable
• Compatibility: Works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11
• Features: Includes a microphone mute button, two rear remappable buttons, and a 3.5mm audio jack
• Controls: Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, micro-switch buttons
• Customization: Magnetic swappable faceplates
• Dimensions: 152 x 103 x 63 cm
• Weight: 435 grams

Purchase the G7 HE on Amazon or via GameSir’s website. While it shares the G7 SE’s replaceable magnetic faceplate feature, the design variety remains limited but practical. Inside the box, you’ll find a USB-C cable—this replacement-ready design can come in handy, especially if you frequently misplace items like I do.

GameSir G7 HE Controller Review: The Good

The transition from the G7 SE to the G7 HE brings several welcome improvements. The use of Hall Effect joysticks is a standout, providing a drift-free experience that’s absent in many other Xbox controllers. The switch to micro-switch buttons is another highlight, delivering a satisfying clickiness and greater precision for long-term better performance than the membrane buttons found in the SE.

The added silicone grips at the back enhance comfort and grip, crucial for those intense gaming sessions that tend to make your hands sweaty. In my own gaming escapades with the G7 HE, these upgrades have firmly established it as my new favorite over the SE, despite initial skepticism about the extent and necessity of the changes.

GameSir G7 HE Controller Review: The Bad

Of course, no GameSir release is without a few quirks. The removal of the rear button lock mechanism is one such irk, making unintended button presses more common during gameplay. Additionally, the absence of trigger stops might be a letdown for FPS enthusiasts looking to optimize their performance in fast-paced titles.

Two years after the SE’s release and with rising expectations, the $50 price tag for a wired Xbox controller feels less justifiable, even with Hall Effect advantages. While I appreciate what GameSir brings to the table with this model, the gap between wired and wireless options is increasingly significant, especially in a home filled with kids and pets.

GameSir G7 HE Controller Review: Alternatives and Final Thoughts

For those set on wireless connectivity featuring Hall Effect technology, options like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, albeit costly, are available. Alternatively, PC gamers can explore more affordable choices such as the GameSir Cyclone 2 Wireless, which includes a magnetic charging stand and TMR stick technology, offering exceptional precision and efficiency.

In summary, while the G7 HE surpasses the SE with its great attention to controller design details, the lack of wireless support is disappointing. GameSir continues to excite in the PC gaming space, and I’m hopeful for their potential in the Xbox market when licensing hurdles are cleared.

If you leaned into the G7 SE’s wired charm and appreciate tactile buttons with firm grips, the G7 HE will certainly not disappoint. But for broader appeal, I’m eagerly awaiting affordable wireless options from GameSir and similar third-party brands. Despite my mixed feelings on its pricing and wired nature, it’s a controller I wholeheartedly recommend to fans of its predecessor who don’t mind the tether.