I love retro technology, and I appreciate it much more when it has been reimagined for a modern audience with fresh tricks. That’s why I fell head over heels for GameSir’s new T7 Pro W wired controller. It’s a callback to days gone by with a green, translucent shell, but it has all the trappings of GameSir’s modern controllers under the hood.
That means trigger stops, Hall Effect thumbsticks, and RGB lighting, all of which come together to represent a decent, sturdy controller that absolutely won’t break the bank.
Check out my snapshot GameSir T7 Retro controller review to get my thoughts on this handy, attractive accessory.
GameSir T7 Pro W Retro Controller Looks Good and Plays Great
The GameSir T7 Retro is an officially licensed XBOX controller that will have you remembering the bygone days of classic gaming. It’s reminiscent of the green crystal XBOX, a quarter-century-old console that’s a prized piece of many collections worldwide. The translucent green shell of the T7 Retro could have paired perfectly with that adored console if it existed 25 years ago.
But the shell is just about where the throwback energy ends, as the technology in the T7 Pro W Retro is as up to date as you could hope for.
I’m talking RGB lighting that has an awesome echo effect when you press buttons, Hall Effect sticks that eliminate stick drift, a braided, high-quality USB-C cable, and adjustable trigger stops, which are perfect for FPS gamers.
In your hand, the T7 Pro W Retro is lightweight, thanks to it being a wired controller, and it’s instantly comfortable. It boasts that classic XBOX layout that has been a massive hit with gamers for more than two decades, and the face buttons are as iconic as they are ergonomic.
Despite boasting a low price point, the T7 Pro W Retro doesn’t feel cheap. Nothing creaks when you grip it tight, and there are no rattles when you give it a shake, which is indicative of a solid build.
Sure, wired controllers are being mostly phased out these days because wireless technology is just so damn good, but if you’re a PC gamer or you like to sit closer to your television, you’ll get on just fine with this controller. And you just can’t beat the near-instant latency of a wired connection.
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Under the hood, you’ve got four rumble motors that deliver great haptic feedback, which is stock-standard for controllers these days, and the grips are engraved with a pattern that encourages comfort. Elsewhere, you’ve got a 3.5mm audio jack for headphone input.
GameSir’s recognizable and patented elements shine through in this controller, as well. You’ve got the team’s Hall Effect sticks, which boast a lifespan of five million cycles, which the company is extremely proud of. There are also two customizable back buttons, and when you pair the controller with the GameSir Nexus software, you’ll find even more customization options are available.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong for £55.99 or $49.99. It’s a sight more affordable than an official XBOX controller, and you’re getting a few more bells and whistles. It’s not really comparable to something like an XBOX Elite controller or a Scuf, so I wouldn’t recommend it for enthusiasts or professional gamers, but it’s a great entry accessory for someone heading that way.
Oh, and you get a nice sticker and a Game Pass Ultimate trial in the box, which itself is nicely presented, so there’s that!
Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord server if the GameSir T7 Pro W Retro controller is something you’d buy.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out our review of the GameSir G7 Pro controller, and be sure to sign up for our free weekly newsletter
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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