Back in January, we had a brief conversation at CES 2025 with Gamesir covering its upcoming G7 Pro controller that shed light on some of the features it was going to bring to both the Xbox and PC gaming communities. Now, the controller has been slowly making its way into the world, and we have had the chance to test it out ourselves before it launches here in the US.
The new GameSir G7 Pro Tri-Mode Controller works with Xbox and Windows, as well as Android devices. Its three operating modes (hence the “tri-mode” in the name) include a 2.4G USB dongle for Windows, a wired connection for Xbox, and Bluetooth for Android devices. Covering most operating conditions and a slew of Android (and possibly other Bluetooth-compatible devices).
This controller steps up the game when it comes to function and adjustability, as it takes on Microsoft Elite series controllers for various reasons. Not only do you have plenty of additional functions and high-quality parts, including two paddle buttons on the back and two extra buttons up top, but you can customize the d-pad to your liking, choosing between three different options, and customize the faceplate and grips as well (all separately). In addition to this, you can dial everything in using Gamesir Nexus software that covers so many settings.
So there is no shortage of customization, allowing you to visually and mechanically tune it to your liking. Making for one powerful controller that works with almost everything you have (as long as you aren’t a PlayStation gamer as well).
So, taking a little closer look at some of these additional buttons, you can see the Gamesir wanted to make sure it wasn’t falling behind when it comes to the satisfaction of serious gamers. In the above two images, you can see that the company tucked away those two extra buttons (translucent) on the inward side of each set of triggers.
Taking a look at the back, you can find the two paddle buttons. Something that I (personally) would love to make use of if I were diving deep into one of my favorite racing games. As that would be fantastic for using as paddle shifters. There is also a series of switches that allow you to quickly lock out some of these features so there are no accidental presses when not in use, as well as a switch that switches between Bluetooth mode and the 2.4G USB receiver.
At the top, there is even an optional small protector that slides into a slot there that helps to protect the connection point to where the USB-C cable plugs into the top of the controller for when you are using it to game on the Xbox via wired. That way, you can avoid any unnecessary strain on the cable or the port. If you are strictly using this as a wireless remote for Windows or Android devices, then you can choose to slide that out and store it somewhere if you prefer it not to be there (or just keep it attached and ignore it).
When it comes to the faceplate, this is one of the easiest approaches to customizable faceplates. Gamesir chose to go with a magnetic design that allows you to quickly pop pieces on and off the controller with little effort. While at the same time, nothing is ever going to come loose while you are using the controller (unless you throw it at the ground in a rage quit–so try not to do that).
The middle sections and both grips are independent of each other. Allowing you to customize each separately. So if you want to keep the grips and only customize the middle section, you can. Or keep the middle and only customize the grips. You can go with two different colors/types of grips, etc. There is a lot of versatility here for those who like to deeply customize the visual look of their controllers.
This should also make it decently easy to 3D print your own faceplates/grips, if you wanted. You just need to include the placement of the magnets in your design and have some magnets on hand. Although this would be limited to those with strong 3D design skills, unless an online community opens up somewhere with downloadable files. Therefore, this was just a bonus thought.
When it comes to customizing the D-Pad, the general round/smooth option comes pre-installed on the controller. You have the option of popping that one off and switching over to a round/cross design or to the good-old-fashioned cross design.
These are removed by carefully pulling straight up on the D-Pad that is currently installed. Then, you simply slide the new one straight down in its place. Lining the small plastic pins/pegs to their destinations.
Did I mention that it comes with a charging base? I should have mentioned that earlier. But then again, the intro for this one would have gone on forever if I mentioned every little thing about the controller to start. But yes, it also comes with a charging dock that the controller easily slips in and out of.
This is something I look for in any wireless remote, as I’m not a fan of having random USB wires running all over that I have to constantly plug/unplug into devices. Docks are not only more user-friendly, but they also look better visually.
Android Use
To make use of the controller with your Android devices, you want to switch the switch on the back to Bluetooth. Then pair it with the desired Android device. This is relatively straightforward and comparable to any Bluetooth controller you’d typically make use of.
We found it to be quite comparable to most controllers we have used in the past for Android. Only this one comes with a lot more buttons. This, of course, also comes with a single limitation — does the game you are playing support those extra buttons? In many cases, you find yourself limited to the buttons each game supports, which are sometimes a select few. So I wouldn’t buy into this controller for the sole use with Android devices. This is simply an “extra” feature of the controller, but I think all of this should be obvious.
PC Use
When using this controller with the PC, you will find this is where it is strongest. It can connect to PC both wired and using the USB dongle (2.4G). Technically, you could try connecting via Bluetooth as well, but that would severely limit the functionality of the controller, as it would become a basic-use controller if anything. So stick to going wired or using the USB dongle.
This is where you can download the Gamesir Nexus software onto your PC and deeply dial everything in. This allows you to go from a standard player style to tournament-level customization. Response times, polling rate, etc — are all phenomenal when playing on the PC. Making this a great option for Steam games (or GOG, Epic, etc). It is also a great controller for Xbox Game Pass users. It even comes with a free month of Game Pass (for new subscribers) inside the box.
By far, this was our favorite use of this controller and is what it is truly intended for. I would say Xbox compatibility falls under “bonus features” as much as Android use does. This a great PC controller through and through.
Xbox Use
Now, before you panic about the Xbox compatibility being limited to wired, it is important to understand that Microsoft doesn’t exactly make it easy for third parties to go wireless. This is due to the proprietary wireless protocol it uses for the consoles that requires special licensing and approval (as well as deep say-so and control by Microsoft on how the product is going to work). So there could be several reasons why this remote didn’t support wireless here. It could be pressure to keep the price affordable, conflicts of interest when it comes to remote functions, or maybe even Microsoft’s willingness to play ball.
That being said, it does work very well with the consoles. We tested it against the Xbox Series X console (it works with the X, S, and One), and the results were as expected. You don’t get the same functionality as you do on PC, but it still gives you the option of switching over to one of the consoles and using the same remote (one remote to rule them all).
Pricing and Availability
The controller will launch in the US on July 22nd, where any pre-ordered units will begin shipping. So there is still a small window of waiting for those living here. For now, you’ll find the links in their article will lead to a page on Amazon that says unavailable (until they launch).
It will retail for $79.99, putting it on the pricier end of things. This doesn’t affect PC users as much as console users, though, as PC users will still be walking away with a win compared to the normal Microsoft controllers.
It comes with three different D-Pad options, a long USB cable, and the USB dongle (for PC).
Amazon Prime Day
The new GameSir G7 Pro controller might not be available just yet, but GameSir has been taking advantage of Amazon’s Prime Day sale with many of its other models currently on sale.
Our Conclusion
Clearly, the main focus of this controller is for use with PCs more than anything. The software allows you to configure various things, allowing you to get the most out of it. Great for competitive users looking to get an edge on their opponents. When it comes to Xbox and Android use, you become limited to the games themselves, and Xbox only offers wired connectivity (Bluetooth for Android devices). So these features mostly become icing on the cake for what is already a great PC controller.
The price tag does make it a little expensive for Xbox users. So, if your main source of gaming is the console, you will likely lean toward something wireless that meets your needs. Unless wired play works fine for you, then this falls in at less than Microsoft’s Elite Controller. If you are mainly a PC user, then this controller would be great. So the glass may appear half full or half empty depending on where you are coming from.
Our rating will be based on PC use with the added capabilities of consoles and Android devices sprinkled on top. In that case, it is a great controller that can accomplish a lot for the price and very much does gain it plenty of spotlight compared to normal controllers.
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