GameSir sent me their G7 HE Xbox controller, and I am mighty impressed. Starting at a $50 US MSRP, the G7 HE is one of the more comfortable and durable controllers I’ve used. Featuring Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, two programmable backbuttons, and a bevy of features far more expensive controllers lack, it’s one hell of a package. While my huge mitts have a few issues, my experience has been almost entirely positive.
Specs:
- GameSir Hall Effect Joysticks
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers
- Physical Trigger Stops
- Micro Switch Face Buttons
- Anti-Friction Rings around Joysticks
- Rubber-coated Texturized Grips
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack
The box includes the controller, a 3-meter USB-C cable, a warranty, a sticker, and 1-month game pass trial (new users only).
I was immediately impressed with the build quality of the plastics. While it’s not overly heavy, due to being wired, it feels solid. It’s that type of product that feels like it can take a pounding before it will break apart. I have rather gigantic hands, and the GameSir is on the smaller end of Xbox controllers. Even so, I found it comfortable to use for extended periods while working on reviews.
Hall-Effect Heaven
The biggest selling point for me with the G7 HE series is the Hall Effect joysticks. One of the biggest issues with controllers, for decades, has been stick drift. Hall Effect sensors rely on magnets instead of physical contacts, leading to greater durability. Some of the other features available are:
- Two programmable back buttons
- Hall Effect triggers with built-in trigger stops
- Anti-Friction Rings
- Removable Magnetic Faceplate
I’m a back button/paddle-loving fool, so only having two available is a bit of a bummer. It’s made up for by how good they feel compared to the competition. I tend to prefer four that let me set the face buttons on the. That way, while playing shooters/action games, I never have to stop aiming. At $50 I can’t complain about getting only two, and the anti-friction rings should help with the long-term stick/controller feel.
The removable magnetic faceplate is cool, though that ups the cost if you want to customize things. I’ve also never been that big of a trigger-stop user. Still, it’s great to have the option there for those who partake in said stopping. The micro switches on the face buttons feel nice and clicky. Overall it’s a slightly smaller Xbox Series controller, with the Menue, View, and Capture buttons where you’d expect.
It’s shocking how much better these sticks feel to use compared to something like the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra. They’re just Xbox sticks, but better. You can set the deadzone to zero in any game’s settings and they’re as smooth as can be even after dozens of hours. Whereas the TB’s felt grindy for a while as they worked through the top layer of thumbstick plastic.
Wrapping Things Up
The GameSir G7 HE is a shockingly great controller for the price. It has features and a feel as good if not better than controllers that cost four times as much. It’s available in black or white and has gone on sale often since its launch.
GameSir G7 HE Controller
Played on
Xbox Series X|S and PC
PROS
- Fantastic Value
- Hall Effect everything
- Micro Switch Face Buttons
- Two well placed back buttons
CONS
- My hands are too big for it (not really a con)
After both my Starfield controller and my Elite 2 Core started drifting recently I decided to give up on Xbox branded controllers and grabbed one of these last month, as I was really impressed with the GameSir G8+ I got for my mobile last year. Only been a month, but can safely say the G7 HE is fantastic and I don’t think I’ll be buying another first party controller any time soon.
It’s mighty impressive for the price!