EXCELLENT Wired Controller -- GameSir G7 Review

[@ScottWozniak]

I avoid anything with that kind of soft rubber coating because I've had devices (Microsoft mouse, speakers, synthesizer pitch-bend wheels) where the coating breaks down over time and turns to a sticky, syrupy mess. It's a complete nightmare. Maybe it doesn't happen anymore but I'm scarred. 😂

[@herogear_art]

I think it still happens. My Anker soundcore earbuds did this during one very hot summer 😢

[@alansmithee.01]

It even happened to the rubberized grip on my Mercer chef knife after 5 yrs in a professional restaurant kitchen. I'm not sure if it was exposure to chemicals or grease, but I ended up up rubbing off the gunky residue with WD-40

[@Grimlo9ic]

Yep, same here. Reason I stopped using my Logitech G403 mouse years ago, and why I sold my Razer Viper Ultimate. How fast the rubber breaks down depends on how acidic your sweat is, but it will eventually happen.

[@kosmikme]

Oh lord my MP3 from 2008 absolutely *melted* and destroyed almost all the other electronics that it was stored with :c

[@coluzea]

it still happens, and that's why brands are moving away from those types of materials

[@ceejayszee]

Fantastic review Russ! I have to say, I love watching those gamepad reviews, even more than the handhelds! Your opinions are always very objective and trustworthy, and I always find a new gamepad to add to my collection thanks to them. Speaking of which, I wonder if you'd be interested in also doing some Retro-Fighters controller reviews, in special their new PC/PS1/PS2/PS3 Defender controller. We have yet to see a big, trustworthy youtuber like youdo a real review on them, I know I'd love that!

[@mattb6522]

Another great, comprehensive review! Well done! This looks like a great wired controller! It is a shame it isn't an ideal choice for fighting games, though. I used to swear by wired controllers, but I've changed my tune as wireless controllers have vastly improved over the years. It is nice not having to worry about being tethered to your gaming device. I also run into the same dirt-collecting problem on most of my controllers. I mean, even if my hands are clean, they sweat while I'm playing games and I still get patches of dirt on the controller. It is gross, but I'm sure a lot of gamers have the same problem! 😅

[@DR_DINGLENUT]

Really wish Microsoft would make those 2 mappable buttons on the back standard on their first party controllers.

[@Eddie2P]

yes please then we can finally stop buying these cheap ones

[@demoflow]

Lol I know but you could still hook some back buttons with the armor x pro

[@Mokkatomic]

I just bought the 8bitdo Ultimate wired (2.4ghz turned out to be only 125hz, 200 on the BT and 250 on the wired), which is also even cheaper without the Xbox licensing. The value in this third party market is insane these days, glad to see another one coming out

[@Link_3]

Same here. I’m happy with the 8bitdo

[@ChristianHolm-Killbill14]

You mention the hz on the three models. More hz means it's more responsive, right?

[@Mokkatomic]

@@ChristianHolm-Killbill14 yes. Anyone can notice 125hz ->1000hz with a mouse. 125hz->250 is more subtle, but 125hz is x360 wired controller -tier and not enough for PC gaming in a world where everyone has a 144+Hz monitor

[@haruz8401]

Does this controller plug and play with the steam deck?

[@WickedFader]

I find my Xbox series controller rarely gets used because of how bad the dpad is. That's without even having many alternatives to choose from. I can't do any sort of reliable wall jumping in super metroid with it. I want a controller for retro console style games (mostly 2d platformer), otherwise I'm keyboard/mouse. Thanks for the great review!

[@fabbenation]

I would love a wireless version of something like this! Where are they :(

[@EmptyHand49]

They would need to get the permission from Microsoft

[@TrevHolland]

Russ said I'm looking pretty good and I should keep doing what I'm doing. Soo....guess I'm gonna keep sitting here watching KZbin. :shrug:

[@jedimaster8103]

3:20 "When playing destiny back in the day" takes me back to year one when the game was still good.

[@BandoidView]

So these are hall effect triggers but are they hall effect sticks? I'm totally done with stick drift in my life and it drives me nuts that I can't find a licensed Xbox controller with hall effect sticks on it.

[@RetroGameCorps]

The sticks are not hall effect, I haven't seen any Xbox controller with them either but I'm sure we'll see some eventually!

[@BandoidView]

@@RetroGameCorps Thank you, Russ! 😭

[@SneedsterSpeedster]

I don't know if I'm just lucky, but I've never had any controllers of mine (XBOX 360-XBOX ONE-XBOX SERIES S/X, Steamdeck, PS3 Dualshock 3, etc) get drift issues. Even controllers I've been incredibly tough on for well over a decade still have zero issues drift-wise. Is stick drift really that common and I'm just incredibly lucky?

[@BandoidView]

@@SneedsterSpeedster As far as I can tell, you're incredibly lucky. And I'm a little jealous.

[@theconsolekiller7113]

@@BandoidView The Gamesir G7 SE has hall effect sticks, but they removed the rubber grip and the clicky dpad and face buttons, going with membrane dpad and buttons.

[@Mythicalmage]

Big props for having a removable cable; it's the one flaw with my Wired Pro 2 from 8bitdo.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yeah good point! Much easier to change a $5 cable than a $45 controller.

[@LunalynDragon]

6:38 how many of the rest of y'all clicked on your mouse to see as soon as you heard this Also how many of you accidentally paused the video in the process

[@salitz91]

Russ, just want you to know I have no need for this thing, but I'm watching because I love your content and want to support. We all love your channel!

[@DjadamGee]

That's was she said

[@HSGG_]

I like the switches too, the low travel distance and clear actuation point is just really quick.

[@Ulnvtcydr]

What's the point of it being wired?

[@the9thinning1]

some people prefer wired

[@salitz91]

If I remember right from the 8BitDo controller reviews, it has something to do with Microsoft/Xbox proprietary tech and patents, or something like that. 8BitDo's initial Xbox controller was wired until they could get something set up to make a wireless one.

[@Tadcat]

Imput lag also

[@ceejayszee]

Microsoft's quite restrictive with wireless controllers using their branding. Hopefully they'll come up with a BT version soon

[@Fefe1036]

not having to worry about yet another battery ^^

[@maxgern9186]

Why would hardplastic not be better for the grips? Rubber is just going to get gross and sticky in like 2 years

[@RealziesCuts]

Controllers don’t last two years

[@mgb360]

@@RealziesCuts I still have working SNES controllers. They can absolutely last for more than 2 years.

[@mikrobyo1790]

@@RealziesCuts it does, but there might be a better version after 2 yrs

[@teddym2808]

I am not sure why 8bit do, and now gamesir, all manufacturers, remove the turbo functionality when they make an xbox controller. Does Microsoft demand this maybe? I like to use my series X for emulation and I am 50yo with very arthritic fingers so for old shmups turbo is ESSENTIAL (for example). l I often use it for beat em ups too like SOR4 (not fighting games). Try8ing to find an xbox series x compatible controller with turbo has been a nightmare.

[@unknown183]

I wish this controller had electromagnetic sticks like the Gulikit.

[@Dark2Reaper]

Do you know if OEM joysticks fit for repairs? I wear out my joystick a lot and I replace them myself on the Xbox controllers.

[@RetroGameCorps]

They are extremely repairable, you can just pull the face plate off and pop the sticks out. I'm not sure if Xbox sticks would fit though.

[@thi219]

Nice review! I have a question, which software do you use on this video to select the games? Looks awesome!

[@prestoncram7507]

As I go through my days I hear Russ’ voice echoing in my head saying “And so…” “And so…”

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yeah sorry, it's a Hawaii thing. When someone is explaining something they will often start most of the sentences with "so". I try to not let it rub off on me too much but that's one thing I just can't shake ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@prestoncram7507]

@@RetroGameCorps No worries, I like it (it's obviously memorable to me), and it feels unique from my perspective. And I think it's mostly just a sign that I've been watching a lot of your videos

[@guitarsimon1]

I have a headcanon now that Russ has a bag of Cheetos just off camera at all times that he’s constantly munching on.

[@TheOneG36]

i use a xbox one controller as my main PC Controller because its pairing button is broken but i do not want to discard ist just because of this, it still works great. Not buying a new one until it dies ;)

[@GreaseCrease]

Bro get on that GAMEVICE flex review. Super underrated atm

[@zZiL341yRj736]

Back buttons isn't just for shooters, I prefer mapping thumb clicks to the back. I prefer being able to move and click at the same time, tilting and clicking just feels wrong, like it might break your stuff.

[@RetroGameCorps]

That's a good idea too!

[@Dracossaint]

I use them for dodge buttons in action games.

[@GamingHero2011]

Love the opening music!!!! Been wanting to ask if you could please review the "Flydigi Apex 3 Elite" please? 🙏🙏

[@KyleRuggles]

What I don't get about these wired controllers, why not just do wireless and offer a wired connection? Like the original controllers.. we don't need to use them wireless, we don't need to have the batteries installed, just plug it in.

[@PoeticDeath]

I ordered one a week ago because the stick drift on my series 2 elite controller just came in today and I forget how much I hate the knurling on the sides of joysticks on modern controllers my thumbs with hate me till I eventually wear it off from gaming

[@minimoe2807]

FYI to Linux users. It sadly does not work. I am running a Kin Hank drive on my PC and since it boots off the drive the controller is not recognized. Shame because everything Russ said about this is true. This thing feels amazing in the hand.

[@lisov4575]

The main issue is that $45 price. For this much just about any other controller can be had except for those crazy "pro" controllers. And the truth is, this controller is NOT better than any $45-50 controller out there.

[@aymodaslacker8852]

Which is what?

[@crumpdapmvp]

6 months in, crazy stick drift on left stick. Can not get ahold of customer service. No place to file a claim even in their warranty section on the site. Google reveals tons of people saying even if you do get ahold of them, once you mention a return or warranty replacement they GHOST you. Terrible company.

[@max36047]

The controller does not work on Batocera or Linux. You could have just not said anything about Batocera rather than lying in the video.

[@HyperHawg]

Russ! You should do a video with converting Google Stadia controller to Bluetooth 😁

[@eldren1841]

finaly, a tactile but smooth face button. I don't have to mod my stock gamepads to satisfy my needs. I wonder why they didn't make the d-pad also a micro leaf switch.

[@moomah5929]

So, better D-Pad and it would be perfect (and minus rubbery coating for reasons mentioned by Scott)? The connector "hole" for the the USB cable should be spacier so you can use lots of different cables. Would also be nice if you could use it on the Switch as we are looking for a replacement for our cable Hori Pads, thanks to joystick drift and one having even more problems like moving with the left stick causes signals for the right stick o_O. Btw, I hate when companies don't offer normal downloads of their software and force you to get it via the ill-fated MS Store. PS: How do you keep all these handhelds charged so the batteries don't get discharged and damaged? It's already a pain with just a dozen handhelds, especially the one we don't use for long periods of time like our two PSPs.

[@YOUTUBEACEHBERDIKARI]

Nice video vlog and thanks for sharing information friends

[@parkseoyin5957]

Hello i hope you reply this. About stick sensitivty. I confused, the higher the number, less sensitive or the higher the number more sensitive?

[@sh.sonic01]

It feels like I can play with it even with out gaming and just get peace with it😂 And a question. Does it have a microphone?

[@hedovein3540]

Amazing! Concise and thorough. Thank you and I'm subscribed. Please keep it up!

[@JoeCastellon]

A very compelling controller! I wish you had tested it on Apple Silicon Macs. I'd like to get this for PlayCover on my Mac Studio

[@RetroGameCorps]

Unfortunately it does not work on my M1 MacBook Pro. Doesn't light up or register any inputs.

[@JoeCastellon]

@@RetroGameCorps thanks for confirming. It seems there's another version that is compatible and wireless. T4 pro I think.

[@SEVENTEENPOINT1]

@@JoeCastellon I would opt for a 8-Bitdo Ultimate for that use case.

[@JoeCastellon]

@@SEVENTEENPOINT1I'm thinking of that one too but I see conflicting information about it's compatibility with MacOS. The Pro 2 for example, was explicit in supporting MacOS.

[@SEVENTEENPOINT1]

@@JoeCastellon I have a Mac with a M2 in it, I can test mine and see.

[@Curryking32000]

looks nice but I use the EasySMX Wireless Game Controller which is excellent. But why have either wireless or wired? Why not both where you can wire it up, or detach the wire and it becomes wireless?

[@RetroGameCorps]

It's a licensing issue, very few Xbox controllers have wireless capability because the costs are too high. That's why even the Razer Wolverine (a $150 controller) is also wired.

[@jesselox3470]

Hello! What device would you guys get if what you wanted was to play ps1 for the cheapest price? As someone who doesn’t play that much i dont want to spend that much money but want a nice experience playing up to ps1 games. Thanks

[@AAron2020xydfg]

8bit do pro 2 xbox controller

[@RetroGameCorps]

If you're looking for something to play on the TV, I would say a Fire Stick is a great option, I have a setup video for it. Otherwise if you are looking for a handheld device then the RG350P is still a great device (with Adam Firmware Image) and can play up to PS1 well. The RG35XX is also great if you want a vertical form factor.

[@jesselox3470]

@@RetroGameCorps thank you so much for replying! I was thinking of setting up a firestick since i already have one but will look into those consoles. The xx is definitely in my budget and looks great! Thanks again

[@iconiayeal4072]

GameSir got license ? kidding !

[@declangallagher1448]

:C I thought this was the Win 4 review for a moment.

[@RealziesCuts]

8 bit do Is the only company that can make a proper D pad in 2023. Ultimate is the 🐐 switch controller 🏆 Also those back buttons the one under the left side is jump the one under the right side is crouch. That’s how you get your KD up in FPS.

[@mikrobyo1790]

bullshit the 8bitdo xbox analog stick is so stiff my hands do get fatigued when i used them. The triggers are not good compared to standard xbox

[@ridhocadell21]

Is this gyro support? I need to play cemu and yuzu with gyro support

[@gun4funofficial937]

Do control freeks work with it?

[@govgamers2821]

Would the pcb work with gulikit kingkong 2 pro joystick?

[@mre8ballgaming842]

I just got one of these but it feels small in my hands....other than that it is great

[@harunwp5842]

Hi, my priority is a durable gamepad, is this gamepad suitable for long-term use?

[@Moshpit420]

I’ve bought 2 of these for Xbox and have had to return both of them. Yes they are cheap but cheaply made. It’s sad to cause I did really enjoy the controller.

[@mikrobyo1790]

why did you return it?

[@subzero-ku2wx]

This isn't the Razer Edge review 😭🤡

[@ВадимС-л2о]

про качество звука в гарнитуре ничего не сказал. Я думаю там плоский звук без басов как на hori.

[@Dracossaint]

Thanks for the Video.

[@alphaomega1969]

Too much input lag in wireless version

[@Ghost_Matter]

I wonder how the face buttons compare to the Razer Wolverine Ultimate. That's my favourite controller.

[@hungryman3720]

g7 is heavy more than Razer ultimate. really heavy

[@Reicta]

Hey Russ/Retro, I just got this controller today and I was hoping you might be able to compare your controller with something I noticed on mine. It seems my right rear button has a noticeably noisier click than the left rear button, which is quieter and maybe even "feels" smoother to press. Does your do that? I also noticed the thunbsticks make a slight noise when I initially tilt them in any direction. I'm wondering if I should return it for another one to see if they also have the same "issues." It's minor but enough for me to notice. Thanks for the review by the way, it was very thorough and I do love the face buttons.

[@circleofthytyrants]

the switch probably just isnt lubed as much. sound doesnt mean its damaged.

[@josephthecatgod5581]

Can i use this with my nintedo switch dock

[@quelldieu7263]

wonder where the screen on this handheld is XD

[@this_is_very_strange]

Vibration sucks! Especially in forza 5.

[@APXCALZONE]

Turn it off

[@ColeMay]

Nice, thanks man.

[@NiKE-2002]

Hey Russ, i'd suggest another criteria for your controller-reviews: loudness of all buttons, the d-pad, triggers and analog sticks. Maybe i'm a bit too sensitive, but i really like silent controllers. Would this be possible? Greetings from Germany!!

[@Autotrope]

He does talk about loudness of the buttons quote a lot in this video

[@EmptyHand49]

Same. The most quiet xbox controller is still louder than the PS5 controller. You can always get the adapter to use the Dualsense on the Xbox, but if not this G7 is still alot better than the original Series controllers.

[@tommy6742]

This is my new favorite controller for gaming on pc. Will be getting the wireless version of this controller whenever GameSir releases one. This is actually a $30 controller with the inclusion of a $15 ultimate game pass code inside of the box.

[@isaiahjohnranigo7391]

You did a good review sir. I also owned the 8bitdo and it already started to drift. Thanks again.

[@Autotrope]

Which model of the 8bitdo ultimate did you own?

[@alphardestur5784]

Torn between Gamesir G7 vs 8bitdo ultimate wired. Which is better?

[@RetroGameCorps]

They’re both good, I like the G7 better.

[@alphardestur5784]

@@RetroGameCorps G7 it is then, thank you so much!

[@mikrobyo1790]

the triggers in 8bitdo is not good. I had an xbox 8bit do and the sticks are squeeky and stiff. My hands are fatigued when I used them. Just keep that in mind. I hear g7 has better sticks

[@Krypterium]

very nice review bro

[@2PAC7723]

nice review

[@jhonsany2306]

AVOID WHITE SCREENS AT ALL COSTS

[@jfaristide]

I bought this on your recommendation for $38 from Amazon last night. It will arrive tomorrow.

[@jfaristide]

It's here. I like it quite a bit.

[@dangcao3370]

How's it now ? Still good recommendation ? I got a PowerA Spectra Infinity 2 months ago and it's getting stick drift so bad now. Thinking abt to get this gamesir

[@jfaristide]

@@dangcao3370 it's great. I don't have any complaints with it

[@keepcoolgames5896]

Still liking it ? Mine arrives today

[@jfaristide]

@@keepcoolgames5896 left trigger broke. replacing it

[@ChronoBrother]

Are the back buttons recognized when changing inputs using Steam Input/controller configuration? The only controller I personally know of that has back buttons that are recognized by Steam input is the Xbox Elite controller, but am dying for a cheaper alternative. Are you aware of any controllers with back paddles/buttons that are recognized by Steam input?

[@Kaskrout_Gaming]

Hi and sorry if my comment is not related to this video But it's about the PS Vita adapter I bought a 32GB SD card for it and now I realized it's not enough for everything I want in my ps vita So can you please upload a short video explaining how to change the SD card without losing any data or damaging the Ps vita?

[@marciomladenoff7912]

Russ told me I look good today... I can die happy 🥲

[@I4getTings]

Hi Russ! You're looking quite fine yourself 🙂. I'm glad that there are options, but why not plug in an xbox controller with a usb cable when you want to be wired? Or for normal multi-controller on windows, the official wireless adapter supports up to 4 controllers very well (I don't know if it works on steamdeck though).