Firstly thanks to everyone sharing their real world experience here, this is increasingly difficult to find and really valuable.
I'm in the market for a new controller and would appreciate if you could elaborate further why the GameSir is better than the 8BitDo in your opinion and experience?
I can only speak for the two 8BitDo controllers,
1. 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless
2. 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth
If you are looking at GameSir, you have a very large staple to look at. The GameSir's that I own,
1. GameSir Nova 2 Lite x 2
2. GameSir Super Nova
3. GameSir Cyclone 2
4. GameSir G7 Pro Tri-Mode
5. GameSir G7 Pro 8K
I also have a number of legacy controllers.
I can tell you straight up that if you are a casual gamer and need an everyday controller for fighting and beat 'em up games, just buy a Nova 2 Lite. Of all the controllers on my list, it has the superior D-pad. Avoid the Ultimate 2C in this case. The Nova 2 Lite is just a better pad. I have heard that the Ultimate 2C comes very close to the Ultimate 2. It even puts the Super Nova to shame, but the Super Nova has surprisingly smooth and accurate sticks. If you are going to play something like Rocket League, get the Super Nova. I play all of my casual games, like Dave the Diver, and, even though not casual, X4: Foundations with my Super Nova.
The Cyclone 2 is made for first-person shooters. If you pay a little bit more for a G7 Pro Tri-Mode, you don't even need to consider the Cyclone 2. The Cyclone 2, though, does have good triggers; it is just that the G7 Pro Tri-Mode is more capable. If you have a Cyclone 2, don't feel the need to upgrade to the G7 Pro Tri-Mode.
Then we start with a series of G7/T7 controllers. I can't speak for them all, but I can speak for the Pro. The G7 Pro Tri-Mode is what is considered a 'true' wireless controller. Yes, it does have wireless, but its functionality is limited. It is only active at a 500 Hz (or less). If you set it to 1000 Hz, you lose trigger vibration. The G7 Pro Wireless Edition controllers do have trigger vibration at 1000 Hz. I have never felt the need to have it, though this is subjective. People who play racing games may have a greater appreciation for trigger vibration. If you want it, it is best to see if you can get a FlyDigi Vader 5, which you would have to import if possible. Is the G7 Pro Tri-Mode a good controller? Yes, it is for its price and availability here, unrivalled. You need to be very high on the juice to think that anything else here is better. GameSir has changed the landscape of competitive gaming with this controller. Anyone can now have a top-tier controller that may not break the bank.
I know everyone dislikes Evetech, but when they have it in stock it is less than R1 500. The G7 HE is below R800... but I haven't tried that controller. I think the Cyclone 2 would be better than the G7 HE.
Before continuing, there are numerous reports claiming that the G7 Pro Tri-Mode suffers from a weak D-Pad, and that the wireless versions have fixed these issues; nonetheless, my device did not show any of these concerns. Maybe mine is from a later batch. I won't know; it feels the same as my G7 Pro 8K.
Then moving on to the G7 Pro 8K. I had to import mine. Is it good? Yes, it is S-tier. The sticks are better, but it won't make you a better player. It is meant for esports. If you have a G7 Pro Tri-Mode/Wireless there is no reason to upgrade. I regularly switch between the two. Just note that both of my GameSir G7 Pros are equipped with KontrolFreek Galaxy thumbstick extensions. Though the G7 Pro are XBOX/XBOX-styled controllers, they have PlayStation-sized thumb caps. Just a notice if you are planning on using extensions, grips, or otherwise. These third-party thumbsticks massively contribute to my accuracy.
Where do the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controllers fit in? Well, I have boxed them alongside my Cyclone 2. It is hard to say; it is spoiled by my GameSir controllers. Maybe this has changed with the new Ultimate 3 series. The sticks and D-pad do not measure up to the GameSir's, and then there is the grip. You have to keep your arms inward with them, where you are more relaxed with the GameSir controllers. You only need the Bluetooth edition when you have a Switch, and then its polling sucks as well. I used to be a fan.
If you are considering an 8BitDo, get the 2C, Ultimate 2 Wireless, or one of the newer ones if available. The Bluetooth edition of the Ultimate 2 is inferior but designed to better support all platforms. In this case, I would prefer the GameSir Super Nova if you require broad platform support. This also takes the gyro into consideration. The 8BitDo win is with the extra two mappable buttons on top, but the Cyclone 2 is better overall.
Another mention is that the GameSir controllers aren't that big. Some people like a chunkier controller.
Still, when I play a game like Absolum or Streets of Rage 4, I default to my Nova 2 Lite. It is the cheapest GameSir on the list with the best D-Pad. Even though the G7 Pro has interchangeable D-pad options, it is a bit on the mushy side. If you train with them, the mushiness is a non-issue.
My best AimLab scores are with both the Cyclone 2 and G7 Pro 8K.
There is a lot more to add, but then I would have to break down the pros and cons, most of which are gyro-related.
Just get a G7 Pro Tri-Mode or Wireless (preferably). If you want to spend more, consider importing a Flydigi Vader 5, and if you want to be top-end competitive, the G7 Pro 8K. These are all top-tier controllers with all the buttons you will ever need.
Currently I am considering a GameSir Tarantula 8K, just for fighting games. Won't be ordering one anytime soon.
Black Friday is close; GameSir might have a good special at Amazon (.com) if you want an 8K. I don't think the 8K is sold locally.
