Geek Review: GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller

Mention “stick drift”, and chances are that gaming enthusiasts will groan in frustration. A persistent issue that has long plagued console users, it introduces random input and jitters in the game controller, causing it to have a life of its own. If you find your in-game character spontaneously looking around or a firearm continuously firing without having pressed the trigger, it’s almost certain that drifting has occurred.

And while console regulars have mostly made peace with the issue, solutions are always welcome. Every now and then, a product would come along to effectively address it, and the GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller is one such example, establishing a milestone that Xbox and PC users would view as a significant breakthrough in the fight against stick drift.

Priced at US$44.99, this accessory holds the remarkable distinction of being the world’s first officially licensed Xbox controller. It boasts an astonishing 1,000Hz – a one-millisecond response time – and introduces the groundbreaking Anti-Stick Drift thumbsticks. These thumbsticks, often referred to as Hall Effect joysticks, represent a departure from the potentiometer joysticks commonly found in controllers, and are absent of any material that may generate friction when the joystick returns to its central position. 

Simply put, this critical difference effectively eliminates drift, allowing for pinpoint control over extended gaming periods, which comes in handy for fans of first-person shooters (FPS). The appeal of the GameSir G7 SE is, in fact, evident from the get-go, with its sleek and ergonomic design immediately grabbing the attention of users. It’s lightweight as well, weighing in at just 221 grams, and rocks a white colourway accented with anti-friction teal-colored rings encircling the analog sticks. In terms of aesthetics and feel, the G7 SE rivals an Xbox controller in every way.

The grip feels familiar, featuring a smooth matte finish on the top and a textured grip on the underside, ensuring that your hands remain securely in place even during lengthy gaming sessions. The precision-tuned triggers are not only smooth but also highly responsive, delivering a satisfying tactile sensation when pressed. Similarly, the bumper buttons offer smooth feedback and closely resemble those found on the original controllers, as do the main A, B, X, and Y buttons.

It’s worth mentioning that the placement of the start and menu buttons has been slightly adjusted. These buttons are now positioned on either side of the slightly elevated Xbox button, with the share button located just below it. As per most, if not all, GameSir products, you’ll find a small M button right between the directional pad (or D-pad) and right joystick, which grants access to extra functionality, such as back button assignments and additional D-pad uses. 

When it comes to the D-pad, the GameSir G7 SE features a cross design with four cardinal directions, departing from the Xbox 360-style rounded circle where the diagonals are integrated into the pad itself. This intuitive layout proves useful for gaming, as it eliminates any ambiguity that comes with pressing diagonals.

Like its Xbox counterpart, the controller comes equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting your gaming headset, as well as a dedicated microphone mute button right next to it. Alongside the D-pad and the M button, these features let users adjust volume and party chat mixes while in game, making for a handy shortcut. 

The GameSir G7 SE also boasts a magnetic faceplate that can be easily detached or replaced, so artistically-inclined users can feel free to paint their own custom shell. For those not inclined to dirtying their hands, the secondary chassis makes it easy to clean all the buttons without concern for damaging the electronics. 

One clever addition that GameSir has integrated into the controller are two back buttons on the underside. These buttons are equipped with quick-release latches for easy and convenient access, allowing users to customise their playstyle across various games. Users are able to reach them naturally and comfortably as well, all while enjoying their responsiveness on the field. 

This feature is especially welcome, considering that back buttons are typically found only on more premium controllers, such as the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller. On PC, button mappings can be further customised via the GameSir Nexus software, which stores up to three additional profiles and a default one. Switching between them is incredibly easy, and users will find it highly-intuitive to do so.

In terms of performance, the GameSir G7 SE is an ace scorer. Ride 5 ran extremely smoothly, and the buttons responded well to the challenge. The thumbsticks, meanwhile, delivered a satisfying click with every press and twist, with four rumble motors offering a subtle haptic feedback as the vehicle cruised over speed bumps and pulled the brakes. 

However, where this controller truly shines is in third-person role-playing games (RPG) and brawlers. Executing Ryu’s Shinku Hadouken and other complex special moves with the analog stick came easier in Street Fighter 6, while the remappable back buttons – granting easy access to dodge – significantly improved our odds against Elden Ring’s Godrick. 

There’s plenty to love about the GameSir G7 SE, from its performance to the nifty addition of gaming-focused features. These distinctions are particularly prominent when compared to the US$140 Elite Series 2 Controller, which lacks its secret weapon: hall effect joysticks. For such a high level of responsiveness and precision, the controller is surprisingly affordable, proving its worth as a highly-recommended investment.