The MSI Force GC30 V2 is a wireless gamepad for both desktop and Android. How does it work in practice and is it worth buying? Reviews, opinion.
MSI Force GC30 V2 – introduction
The MSI Force GS30 V2 pad comes in two colors – white and black. Initially, I used the pads from the old Xbox360 connected to the computer, but after a long break – I could not find either the pads or the special transmitter that would work with Windows. I decided that it was a great opportunity for a change and started searching on the web. I looked through the most popular devices with curiosity, incl. on the Allegro website (Polish largest marketplace). It turned out that the pad from MSI is one of the most purchased equipment for gamers. There are also many original equipment (or imitations) from popular consoles, which can also be connected to a PC. In this case, I ran into the same problem as the first time. I bought a pad for the console, which was supposed to be original and the price indicated it. Unfortunately, during the following weeks of use, it turned out that the rubbers and plastics began to change color, even crumble. The pad itself was getting worse and less responsive, randomly losing connection. I didn’t want to make the same mistake, and Allegro itself has a lot of identical-looking pads in a very large price range. And MSI Force GC30 V2 there were only two offerings – white and black pad. I received the device in the white version for review directly from the manufacturer.
MSI Force GC30 V2 – first impressions
The device has a great, snow-white color in a matte shade. The whole is complemented by accents made in dark and light gray. The housing, knobs and switches are plastic. The exception is the d-pad made of metal. In turn, on the side edges of the pad, the manufacturer placed rubber with a delicate texture. This provides a better grip and does not get dirty. The analog knobs have a special recess to ensure less finger slippage. However, after only a few hours of use, the inside of these knobs has already accumulated a bit of dirt.
The pad is very light, weighing only 212 grams. This is 40 grams less than the classic Xbox One Series X controller and 70 grams less than the Sony DualSense pad. It seems like a small difference, but with prolonged use it makes a big difference.
To turn on the device, press the large button with the manufacturer’s logo. This one, like the A, B, X, Y buttons, are made of transparent plastic with a dark interior. The detail was painted in a light gray color. It looks elegant and I liked it a lot, although I expected at least a slight backlight of these buttons.
Pad operating modes
In the middle of the pad there are four vertical lights and they are a bit puzzling. Logic dictated that each of them symbolized 25% of the battery capacity (4 lit = 100%, etc.). After flipping the gamepad to the other side, an explanation appeared. The device can work in one of four modes: default, analog, digital and connect to the Android system. 2 of the 4 lights are always on, but they are different depending on the selected mode.
What are the different modes? In analog mode, you can define the behavior of the analog joystick of the controller according to your needs. Digital mode allows you to configure the D-pad, and Android mode is for cooperation with mobile devices working on this system.
Battery charging
So how do you know how much battery percentage is left? During charging, all four flash, and when the battery reaches 100%, the LEDs will stop flashing and only two will be lit. If the battery starts to run low, the LEDs will flash. Logical, right? 🙂 Here, however, there is a big plus of the MSI Force GC30 V2. The pad has a built-in 600 mAh battery. When fully charged, you can play for up to eight hours without recharging. However, the device can work in both wireless and wired mode. The set includes a 2-meter MicroUSB cable, which we can also charge the pad while playing. In practice, this means that we can play all the time without worrying about discharging the battery. It’s a very convenient solution.
Magnetic D-pad cover
The set includes an additional D-pad cover that attaches magnetically. Depending on the game, we can replace the classic cross-shaped guard with a polygon for greater precision.
MSI Force GC30 V2 – in practice
I like the low weight of this pad. It’s so light that when I pick it up off the table, I feel like I forgot to put the batteries in. It lies very well in the hands and anti-slip inserts on the edges are a medal. It is also worth mentioning that the manufacturer hid two vibration motors inside the pad. Joysticks move willingly with a slightly perceptible resistance. I have the impression that the one dedicated to the left thumb has a bit more resistance. The buttons themselves have a nice and not too big jump. It is also worth mentioning the ease of connecting the pad to the computer. After plugging in the USB receiver from the set and turning on the pad – the connection is ready and you do not need to do anything else.
I do not like the idea of signaling diodes on the front of the housing. This is not a logical and certainly, it could be done with much better solutions. The user manual itself is also quite limited. For example, there is no hint on how to optimally use individual functions, e.g. setting the d-pad, etc. There is also no word about MSI Center. The manufacturer on his website praises the application that is to help extend the functions of the pad. However, MSI Center works very slowly, and the hardware synchronization options include, for example, keyboards, headphones or mice. No pads.
