This $80 controller does lots to justify its personal existence

Irrespective of the way you play, in 2025, there’s an ideal controller on the market for you. From multi-platform budget options that cater to players on the go to dedicated console controllers that offer premium features, there is no scarcity of choices, and the extent of alternative can truthfully really feel slightly overwhelming at occasions, particularly in the event you’re unsure which options you really need in your day-to-day gaming.

It’s into this crowded panorama that the recently-released GameSir G7 Professional enters. Quietly launched final month, this controller is designed for Xbox, but additionally works with PCs in addition to Android units, and boasts plenty of options for $80, squarely focusing on players that demand the head of efficiency from their controllers. And if that is you, then it is perhaps value getting your palms on the GameSir G7 Professional, particularly in the event you’re taking part in on PC.

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Value, availability, and specs

Premium options at a average worth

The GameSir G7 Professional is packing plenty of options below the hood, together with upgraded management sticks that swap the common G7’s Corridor Impact sticks for GameSir’s proprietary Magazine-Res TMR sticks, which function larger precision, elevated sturdiness, and decrease energy consumption. That is the second GameSir controller to function this know-how (following final yr’s Tarantula Professional), and will assist give these controllers a protracted life since TMR know-how has fewer shifting elements than people who use Corridor Impact.

For many who crave customization, this controller options 4 programmable buttons: two extra-clicky shoulder buttons that sit neatly beside the triggers and two well positioned below the grips. Nevertheless, in the event you’re taking part in on PC the GameSir G7 Professional presents an additional layer of customization within the type of a programmable gyroscope that permits PC gamers to map sure capabilities to movement controls. So for example, if you wish to pause your recreation or open a menu with a vigorous shake, you are able to do so with this added performance.

And talking of PC gamers, the GameSir G7 Professional delivers unparalleled responsiveness on the platform with a1000Hz polling price on PC through each wired and a pair of.4G connections.

Different normal options on this controller embrace Corridor Impact analog triggers, optical micro swap ABXY buttons, a completely detachable faceplate and swappable d-pad.

The controller retails for $80 and is accessible on GameSir’s web site.

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What I like concerning the GameSir G7 Professional Controller

Comfy, customizable with options that goal to please

To check out this controller, I took 2024’s 9 Sols out for a spin. This action-platformer has drawn comparisons to Hole Knight and options difficult degree design and a singular fight system that made it good for testing out a controller that emphasizes efficiency and precision.

Connecting the controller wirelessly to my PC took just a few seconds, and inside moments I used to be hacking and slashing my manner by way of the sci-fi and fantasy-infused world of the sport.

The controller is light-weight at solely tk lbs and its textured grips are straightforward to carry for lengthy gaming classes. Thumbsticks are textured as properly, offering a satisfying, tactile really feel in the course of the slightest actions. The optical micro swap ABXY buttons had a really shallow click on that made rapid-fire button urgent straightforward with out the dreaded hand cramp that generally accompanies this oft-repeated movement.

And in the event you’re in to marathon gaming classes, the controller’s large 1200mAh battery lasted a number of days earlier than it wanted to be charged. Not that I minded charging it, because the premium dock that got here with the controller sit neatly on my desk and offered an ideal resting place for the controller any time I wasn’t taking part in.

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What I did not like concerning the GameSir G7 Professional Controller

Designed for Xbox, finest on PC

Ths GameSir G7 Professional is so jam-packed with options that it is exhausting to seek out a lot to dislike right here. Although the worth is slightly steep when in comparison with different GameSir controllers, at $80 the controller nonetheless offers an excellent worth for many who are wanting particularly for an Xbox-compatible controller that also works on PC.

And talking of PC, although this controller particularly touts its Xbox compatibility, I feel the PC is the place the G7 Professional truthfully will get its finest likelihood to shine. The added gyroscope performance and better polling price are all PC-exclusive options, and make this an amazing alternative for many who are in search of a high-performance controller on this platform particularly, and its virtually exhausting to advocate the controller as enthusiastically for Xbox players just because it simply has extra options for PC.

It also needs to be famous that Xbox gamers are restricted to wired mode with the G7 Professional. The ten-ft USB-C cable that’s included with the controller ought to give players with small- or moderately-sized rooms loads of house to play, however in case you have a bigger room, chances are you’ll want a diffferent cable. The twine stretched simply throughout my workplace (the place I play PC video games) however sadly wasn’t lengthy sufficient to succeed in throughout my lounge (which is the biggest room in my home), which is the place I play console video games. So, if you’re primarily an Xbox gamer, that is one limitation value preserving in thoughts.

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Must you purchase the GameSir G7 Professional?

A severe controller that may not be for everybody

When looking for a brand new controller, it is very important take into account your individual use. This premium controller has plenty of options that can enchantment to those that demand the utmost efficiency from their controller with premium TMR sticks, a excessive polling price on PC, spectacular customization choices, and a strong dock that appears nice on any desk. This controller is clearly constructed with players working on the highest degree of efficiency in thoughts, and in the event you’re in search of a controller that can sustain with you in high-pressure video games like Overwatch or Counter-Strike, the GameSir G7 Professional is as much as the duty and positively value its $80 price ticket, particularly on PC.

Nevertheless, if you’re a extra average and even informal gamer, it is perhaps value testing the unique G7 in the event you’re taking part in on Xbox, or the Cyclone 2 in the event you’re a PC participant, as each of those controllers nonetheless supply premium options, however at a a lot cheaper price level.

Platform

Xbox/PC/Android

Battery

1200mAh

Connectivity

2.4G & Wired for PC; Bluetooth for Android

Headset Assist

3.5mm audio, supported through each wired & 2.4G wi-fi

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