When Sony launched the DualSense Edge as a response to Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, it was perceived as a statement of confidence. With an MSRP of $200 at launch, the message was clear: premium performance for a premium price. However, through the efforts of a third-party manufacturer, GameSir (popularly known for its contributions to the Xbox ecosystem), it appears the DualSense Edge might be gearing up for a new, budget-friendly competitor. The GameSir G7 Pro is set to launch in a few weeks and offers some of the best features on the market at a relatively affordable price. The G7 Pro packs a punch, and while there’s still some room for improvement, it signals a potential shift in the controller wars between these two console giants.
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The GameSir G7 Pro Could Shake Up Xbox’s Controller Market
Earlier this year, GameSir unveiled the G7 Pro — a high-end controller meant to bring some competition to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller (and the DualSense Edge by extension). Scheduled for launch next month for a price of $79.99, the G7 Pro boasts a range of premium features, the most notable of which is the TMR magnetic sticks. If the spec rundowns are anything to go by, these combine the precision of potentiometer sticks with the durability of Hall Effect technology for smooth control.
Hall Effect appears to be a source of inspiration for the G7 Pro’s architecture; it also features the former’s analog triggers with clicky stops and a headline-grabbing four remappable macro buttons as opposed to the DualSense Edge’s two. The reasoning behind this is rather simple. Since the G7 Pro is a “pro” controller primarily targeted at professional gamers, the extra buttons give allowance for expanded control customization. These could make a world of difference, particularly in competitive titles, where players need to input complex commands quickly.
For an added level of personalization, the faceplates are also customizable, with three connection modes, a polling rate of up to 1000Hz, and 6ms input latency via its included 2.4GHz dongle for lightning-quick response times. All these features make the G7 Pro a serious contender in the premium controller market, offering a compelling package at a price that is sure to turn heads.
GameSir Hopes To Follow Up The G7 Pro’s Launch With An Even Better Competitor
The initial version of the G7 Pro has one major caveat for Xbox users. It only supports a wired connection on Xbox consoles due to Microsoft’s protocol restrictions. While this is a disappointment for accessibility, it appears to be only an interim one, as an Xbox-centric wireless version of the controller is reportedly in development and should arrive later in Q3 2025.
Given the unique design considerations, this wireless version will likely be priced higher than the wired G7 Pro.
However, even with a price increase in the works for the specialized version, it should put pressure on Sony and its premium controller series. The DualSense Edge relies heavily on its unique features, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which have yet to be matched in the controller industry, to justify its higher price point. While these features are incredible in their own right and can help provide a great experience on any platform, they are features many gamers can live without. For gamers seeking controllers with the best price-to-performance ratio, the GameSir G7 Pro’s features are nearly on par with the best in the world.
Sony will need to continue innovating and refining the DualSense in future updates to maintain its competitive edge. Lowering the price of these controllers will be a good place to start, as PlayStation controllers have always cost more than many other options on the market. Features like Hall-effect sticks should also be considered a high priority, as potentiometer sticks are now broadly considered too old for high-end controllers.
The controller market is set to become even more competitive, and consumers will ultimately benefit from the increased choice and innovation. The GameSir G7 Pro is a product that is going to shake up the market, and gamers can expect even more impressive and affordable controllers to hit the market in the years to come.
- Brand
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Microsoft
- Original Release Date
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November 10, 2020
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$499
- Operating System
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Proprietary (Windows-based)
- Processor
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Custom AMD 8-core Zen 2 3.8 GHz
- Resolution
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720p – 4K UHD