GameSir is a well-known producer of gaming accessories and peripherals and we reviewed their G7 Wired Controller for Xbox and PC a few months ago. We received the company’s new GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller for Xbox and PC for review, which represents the company’s latest endeavour to provide a professional-grade controller at an affordable price.

Review: GameSir G7 Wired Customisable Controller for XBox and PC

This lightweight wired controller boasts an elegant white design adorned with two anti-friction teal rings encircling the analogue sticks. Despite its lightweight construction, the G7 SE may appear marginally smaller than standard controllers at first glance. However, upon closer comparison, they share the same dimensions. In terms of texture, the grip provides a comforting familiarity, featuring a matte finish on top and a grippy texture underneath to secure your hands in place.

Left: GameSir G7; Right: GameSir G7 SE

The trigger buttons and bumper buttons offer a satisfying tactile response and closely resemble those found on the original controllers. The primary four buttons also maintain this consistency. Notably, the start and menu buttons have been repositioned higher, flanking the slightly raised Xbox Jewel button, with the share button situated below. This change may take a bit of adjustment for users.

The D-pad adopts a classic cross-shaped design, known for its responsiveness. Preferences vary when it comes to D-pad styles, but personally, I appreciate the precision of the cross D-pad, which leaves no room for error in diagonal inputs.

During my experience with the GameSir G7 SE, I couldn’t help but appreciate its robust build quality, an impressive array of features and enhancements, and an unexpected level of user-friendliness. GameSir’s refinements, including enhanced ergonomics and the integration of hall effect joysticks. The continued presence of a wired connection might be a limitation for some.

Left: GameSir G7; Centre: GameSir X2 Pro; Right: GameSir G7 SE

In terms of the design, the G7 SE looks similar to the original G7. It retains the exact button layout and maintains the same overall shape to the extent that it even shares identical magnetic faceplates with the G7. However, there are some subtle changes.

The enhanced controller grips feature increased thickness where they curve towards the triggers, resulting in improved ergonomics. The two rear remappable buttons now incorporate locking switches to secure their positions. In addition, the joysticks have transitioned to hall effect sensors, effectively mitigating the risk of stick drift developing over time. The D-Pad and face buttons have departed from microswitches and adopted more traditional, albeit slightly mushier, actions.

While its unassuming plastic exterior may not grab immediate attention, the G7 SE is unquestionably engineered for longevity. Beyond durability, the G7 SE is tailored for top-tier, precision gaming. Equipped with hall effect triggers and joysticks that deliver remarkable responsiveness and accuracy, rivalling even the finest Xbox controllers available, this GameSir wired controller is set to revolutionise the gaming experience for console enthusiasts.

The GameSir G7 SE stands out as a sleek, lightweight, and sturdy controller. It offers a comfortable grip that feels just as enjoyable to use as standard and elite controllers. The inclusion of anti-grip rings on the analogue sticks is a value-add. The customizable buttons are also a welcome addition. The added convenience of quick access features for the headset is a notable touch, highlighting several positive aspects of this reasonably priced controller.

Price: AED 275

Product photography by Ryan Chris

Blowfish Studios, a subsidiary of interactive entertainment company Animoca Brands, announced today that its mecha space opera PHANTOM GALAXIES is launching in free-to-play early access on 2 November 2023 for PC. PHANTOM GALAXIES will be available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the official website.

PHANTOM GALAXIES is an expansive online multiplayer sci-fi action RPG set in a vast and immersive universe, featuring fast-paced mecha combat, high-octane action, and a captivating story and characters. After an interstellar war, the Commonwealth and the Union have united to form the Ranger Squadron — a unit of elite mecha pilots devoted to protecting human colonies on the frontiers of known space.

Players will take on the role of an ensign in the Ranger Squadron, piloting a transforming mechanized Starfighter to defend against the incursions of ruthless pirate factions and treacherous alien foes, from the scavenging Junkers and paramilitary Brooksea to the reviled Xanorra and vicious Sha’har zealots. In PHANTOM GALAXIES, players can create unique characters, build and customize their transforming Starfighters to suit their playstyle, engage in high-intensity combat in space or on the ground as they protect the human colonies against vicious pirate hordes, fend off mysterious alien civilizations, and secure strategic locations to defend humanity’s territory.

Players can fight alone or team up with other pilots online. Player freedom is key, with a variety of mecha types to choose from — specializing in close, medium, or long-ranged combat and fully customizable to focus on offence, defence, or both. PHANTOM GALAXIES Gameplay Features:

1. Engage in fast-paced battles against enemy mechs, spacecraft, and sky-filling capital ships
2. Gain new abilities, weapon configurations, and more as you upgrade the mecha class that fits your playstyle
3. Choose between four unique mecha classes and customize your loadout to triumph on the battlefield
4. Travel among the stars, exploring sectors inhabited by pirates, scavengers, and rogue factions.

PHANTOM GALAXIES will launch on PC in early access on 2 November 2023; the game is free-to-play and available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the official website. PHANTOM GALAXIES features language support for English, Russian, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is the latest addition to Razer’s renowned BlackWidow keyboard lineup and is now available in the UAE. Whether you prefer the smooth precision of linear switches or the satisfying click of tactile switches, this mechanical gaming keyboard has got you covered. The keyboard allows you to enhance your gaming performance and comfort. It features sound-dampening foam layers to keep your gaming sessions discreet, while pre-lubed stabilisers ensure each keystroke is smooth and responsive.

The keyboard also comes with dedicated macro keys located conveniently on the left side of the keyboard. This allows you to execute complex commands effortlessly. In addition, you get lightning-fast response times with a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, thus giving you the competitive edge you need during intense gaming sessions.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro goes above and beyond with its rotary knob and multi-function roller. You can easily adjust volume, scroll through media, or fine-tune backlighting brightness and other keyboard settings with these intuitive controls. You can also customise their behaviour and a plethora of other settings using the included software.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro stands out as one of the finest gaming keyboards I’ve had the pleasure of using recently. Its top-notch build quality, vibrant RGB lighting, and the perfect blend of quiet typing and lightning-fast response times make it a versatile choice for both everyday tasks and intense gaming sessions.

While it comes with a price tag of around AED 950, making it a bit pricier compared to other wired mechanical keyboards, the value you receive in terms of performance and features more than justifies the investment.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro stands tall alongside flagship offerings from other industry giants. Its build quality exudes the kind of durability and precision that’s expected from top-tier gaming peripherals. However, what sets it apart is its choice of ABS keycaps, a departure from the norm in gaming keyboards within its price range.

In terms of performance, the BlackWidow V4 Pro doesn’t disappoint. The clicky green switches offer a tactile experience that’s not just satisfying but also highly responsive. The presence of dedicated macro keys along the left side of the keyboard gives it a substantial footprint. However, this keyboard provides a workaround – simply detach the wristrest to reclaim some desk space, ideal for those seeking a more streamlined setup.

Stability is a strong suit of the BlackWidow V4 Pro. Seven rubber feet beneath the wrist rest, along with an additional eight under the keyboard itself, keep it firmly in place during intense gaming and typing sessions. Moreover, its two retractable stands underneath allow you to adjust the keyboard’s angle, catering to your preferred typing position, whether flat or slightly elevated.

The BlackWidow V4 Pro shines with its full RGB backlighting, illuminating each key individually. You can customise the brightness levels and lighting effects using the included software. Notably, the wrist rest itself features its own RGB lighting zones, which activate when attached to the keyboard, adding a touch of flair to your setup.

In terms of connectivity, this keyboard doesn’t skimp. It comes with two braided USB-A to USB-C cables. One powers the keyboard itself, while the second serves as a USB passthrough, offering added convenience for your gaming and work peripherals.

If you’re a serious gamer, this keyboard is an absolute gem. It boasts an exceptionally low single-key latency, which is essential for lightning-fast response times during intense gaming sessions. The effective update rate of 8000Hz ensures a stable and consistently responsive experience, whether you’re a casual gamer or competing at a professional level.

The Synapse 3 software is a breeze to use, making personalisation a cinch. Customise the RGB lighting to match your setup, set up macros for any key, and effortlessly reassign keys to your liking. Plus, the ‘Game Mode’ feature lets you focus on your game by disabling Alt+Tab or Alt+F4 commands, and the Hypershift button enables a secondary layer of programmable keys for that extra edge.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro isn’t just another gaming keyboard; it’s a statement of excellence. With its premium build, tactile switches, ergonomic design, and customizable RGB lighting, it’s a top choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike.

Price: AED 950

Product photography by Ryan Chris