MSI Force GC30

Versatility is the key to a good controller.

There are games out there that don’t fit so well with the PC staple of a mouse and keyboard environment. Sure, a good tab-targeting MMO can take advantage of all those extra buttons, but if you’re on a budget, and can’t afford that full-sized racing cockpit, trying to get your brain around using digital key switches to pilot your decidedly non-digital motorized vehicle of choice quite simply sucks. While you can opt for an old-school Xbox 360 USB controller for a little under $30, it’s outdated and definitely not wireless. SteelSeries, Razer, and Logitech all offer their own expensive variants.

Enter MSI’s Force GC30 — and their first foray into peripherals hasn’t been a bad run at all.

The abundance of connectivity will catch your attention. By default, it comes with a 2m long cable to connect it to your rig via USB, and a 12-inch microUSB cable for your mobile devices. Then there’s the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, which means you can also connect wirelessly to your PC or any PS3.

On top of that, it’s also got a built-in battery, dual vibration motors for haptic feedback, and an Xbox-like controller layout. It even has replaceable D-pad covers if you’re not happy with the overall feel of the standard cross style.

As for downsides, the overall material used could be a little more premium, and it is a touch small, but apart from that, there’s little to complain about. All in all, it’s comfortable, has a whole plethora of connectivity, brings a chunky battery to the game, and comes in at a fairly aggressive price.