20250724-Two Fresh Gamepads Worth Talking About
Super High•If you love gaming on console or PC, you know a good controller can make a huge difference. This week two brands—8BitDo and GameSir—announced new pads that try to fix old problems like confusing button layouts and stick‑drift, while still keeping prices student‑friendly. Here’s the quick, easy‑to‑read scoop.
1. 8BitDo Pro 3 — Move Your A‑B‑X‑Y Buttons Anywhere
Snap‑on buttons. The Pro 3’s biggest trick is its magnetic face buttons. Pop them off, swap the order, and you can jump between the Nintendo‑style (A/B bottom row) and Xbox‑style (A/B right column) layouts in seconds. No tools needed—just magnets. (PC Gamer)
Next‑gen sticks and triggers. Inside, 8BitDo uses TMR thumbsticks and Hall‑effect triggers. Both rely on magnets instead of old‑school metal contacts, so the sticks shouldn’t drift and the triggers stay smooth. (PC Gamer)
Solid battery life. A 1,000 mAh pack gives about 20 hours of play, and you can charge over USB‑C or drop it on the matching dock. (PC Gamer)
Price and colors. Pre‑orders open now for $70, shipping August 12. Pick gray (PlayStation vibe), “G Classic” beige (Game Boy look), or purple (GameCube throwback). (PC Gamer)
Why it’s cool: If you switch between Switch and Xbox—or just get mixed up—the movable buttons keep muscle memory simple.
2. GameSir G7 Pro — A “Pro” Pad for Under $80
Best‑value award. Reviewers at GamesRadar+ call the G7 Pro the new “best value for money” Xbox controller at $79.99 (often on sale for ~$60). (GamesRadar+)
Tri‑mode connections. It works three ways: wired USB‑C, 2.4 GHz dongle for PC, and Bluetooth for phones. Oddly, Xbox consoles still need the wire—but GameSir says a true wireless version is in the works. (Windows Central)
Drift‑proof parts. Like the Pro 3, the G7 Pro packs TMR sticks and Hall‑effect triggers, plus four extra remappable buttons (two on the back, two on the shoulders) and rapid‑fire trigger stops. (Windows Central, GamesRadar+)
Comfort touches. You get rubberized grips, swappable faceplates, and even a charging stand in the box. Downsides? The D‑pad feels mushy and the back buttons click loudly. (Windows Central, GamesRadar+)
Why it’s cool: It crams a lot of “elite”‑style features into a price tag that won’t wreck your allowance.
3. What’s the Deal With TMR and Hall Effect?
Both pads ditch the old potentiometer parts that wear out and cause stick drift.
Hall effect uses magnets to read trigger pull or stick angle—nothing rubs, so nothing grinds down.
TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) is an even newer magnetic tech that’s super precise. Think of it as Hall Effect 2.0. Fewer moving parts = longer life and smoother aim.
4. Which One Should You Grab?
If you… | Check out… |
|---|---|
Jump between Switch and Xbox a lot | 8BitDo Pro 3 for its swappable buttons |
Mostly play on PC but own an Xbox | GameSir G7 Pro for tri‑mode wireless (just keep a USB‑C cable handy for Xbox) |
Hate stick drift with a passion | Either—both ditch the old parts that cause drift |
Want the cheapest upgrade | G7 Pro sales can dip near $60 |
5. Final Thoughts
Controllers keep getting smarter without blowing up the price. The Pro 3 lets you re‑arrange your buttons like LEGO bricks, while the G7 Pro stuffs premium guts into a budget shell. If your current pad is starting to drift—or you’re just bored of the same old layout—summer 2025 might be the perfect time to level‑up. Happy gaming! 🎮
