MSI Force GC30V2 Wireless Gaming Controller, Dual Vibration Motors, Dual Connection Modes, Interchangable D-Pads, Compatible with PC & Android, Black by msi

Works like it should – got it for my MSI laptop. Has those back buttons I rarely use – but they are there. Feels sturdy.

Apart from its micro-USB connector (really, still?), this has all the makings of an outstanding value controller. The stick accuracy exceeds much more expensive units, which is particularly useful in the racing games I play (FH5, NFS, etc.). I really like this controller and would not hesitate to give it five stars if not for the following issues.

My unit frequently gets stuck on vibration–rumbling when there’s nothing to rumble, even in the pause menu. I had to reset the controller several times a session. Then, the rumble almost completely died and became little more than a distracting rattle. More than an immersion enhancement, vibration is necessary for a good racing experience, as it provides feedback on tire grip and shift times. The rumble has since returned for now, but it still gets stuck a half-dozen times a session, at least.

I figured I just got unlucky and wanted to exchange the controller for a new one. While the issue occurred within the first two months of ownership, I was past my Amazon return window. So, when the rumble died, I went to MSI for an RMA. However, I refuse to pay to ship an RMA. Faulty products not caused by the customer should be the company’s responsibility entirely. MSI’s representatives clearly cared very little about my issue. As such, the whole experience left a bad taste. If MSI had agreed to provide a shipping label, this very well could be a five-star review.

Should you try it? Maybe. The controller is otherwise an excellent product, and you may have better luck than me. But I just can’t in good conscience give this a positive rating based on my personal experience.

Been using this controller for over two weeks. Works as expected. No stick drifting so far. Fits my hands as well. I was in the market for a sub 30 bucks controller and this one was in my range at the time. I wished it has Hall effect sticks but you get what you paid for it. Software wise you need to install msi center to adjust your controller configuration. The software is okay but it could be better if it could show the exact battery life percentage of the controller.

This controller is really good, especially at its price point. The MSI Force GC30V2 feels a lot like an Xbox controller, but honestly, I actually prefer its top bumpers over the Xbox’s. They’re more comfortable and have a satisfying, clicky feel. The rest of the controller is solid too, with responsive buttons and nice vibration feedback. Connecting it is simple, just plug in the USB dongle for PC, or use the provided OTG adapter cable for Android and hold the mode button for 3 seconds to switch modes. The battery life is solid, and swapping between devices is easy. For the price, it’s a viable choice. I took one star away for not being bluetooth. 

6 month update: After 6 months of pretty good usage the right stick has started to malfunction, sometimes causing the controller to be stuck in a position. However this is easily solved by pulling the stock out and pushing it back in. So in terms of quality I would say it’s pretty decent as apart from the stick issue, I have dropped the controller at least a dozen or more times on a hardwood floor and not a single piece of it broke off.

Good controller, well built and connects seamlessly to my PC. I tried it on two games, Gear Tactics and StarWars Survivor and it worked well on both. Vibration function is the same as console controllers and synced to in-game action. There is a changeable magnetic button which is easy to pull out and change. Love the controller and would recommend it!