Test of the MSI Force GC30 V2 controller for computers, consoles and even smartphones

In most games, the choice between a pad and a mouse and keyboard is obvious. Similarly, as for all controller users, it is obvious to choose a system characteristic for either PlayStation or Xbox. Today we have something similar to the devices from the Microsoft stable, because it is the system that is characteristic of them that was used by the MSI Force GC30 V2 controller, tested today. Without extending it, let’s check if it is worth your money.

Box and accessories included

In a cardboard box in bright colors (for the white version) you will find a controller packed in foil, an instruction manual, a removable magnetic cap, a USB receiver and two white cables.

That’s right – two. One (200 cm USB-A to microUSB) is used to charge the built-in battery and wired mode of operation with a console or computer, and the other (30 cm) connecting microUSB with USB-C, allows you to connect it with an Android smartphone, thanks to the OTG mode support. MSI guarantees full compatibility with Windows 7 (or newer), Android 4.1 (or newer) and PlayStation 3.

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Appearance, materials and workmanship

In white, the MSI Force GC30 V2 is pleasing to the eye. The dominant white in it is broken by light gray, black and silver, but only in the form of accents, mainly buttons and rubber linings. This gray will probably be strangely familiar to many, and for good reason, because MSI has openly opted for the iconic retro shade, characteristic of old equipment. This, of course, is a plus.

Similarly to the general style of the casing, which, although it is mainly oval, which has a positive effect on comfort, has a total of three sharper embossing, giving the whole a bit more character. The top edge of the controller is similarly finished, which has lost some of the housing between the LT / LB and RT / RB buttons in favor of a small indentation.

As I already mentioned, the Force GC30 V2 chip is the “Xbox” and, interestingly, the sizes of these pads are practically identical (15.24 x 10.16 x 6.27 cm vs 15.6 x 10.5 x 6.25 cm) . The MSI model is a bit larger and also lighter (212 vs 287 grams), which in my case has a positive effect on the comfort itself. Especially that the tested pad is made of a pleasant to the touch, matte plastic, which of course will not protect your hands from sweating, but in itself gives the impression of something of a higher shelf.

A slightly better grip is provided by the aforementioned rubber inserts on the sides with protrusions (in contact with the middle part of the hand). They also clearly have a visual function, as the color-related plastic extends along the entire length of the pad, thus masking the joints of the two housing parts. They are not connected in a particularly sophisticated way – just screwed together with six screws visible to the naked eye on the front. In addition, MSI has placed only a hidden factory reset button on this side of the Force GC30 V2 model.

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The rest of the elements are standard. However, as this pad works in both wired and wireless modes, its microUSB connector is used both to connect to your hardware and to charge the built-in 600mAh lithium-ion battery. This, in turn, is enough for about 7-9 hours of gameplay, depending on the intensity, on a single charge, lasting from 2 to 3 hours. Charging mode is indicated by constantly lit LEDs that start flashing when the energy level begins to run out.

In addition to the traditional two analog knobs, a D-pad with two interchangeable metal caps, a pair of function buttons and a set of convex X / A / B / Y, MSI has also given a special role to its signature logo. The one under Windows corresponds to, among others for activating the game overlay, but at the level of the controller itself, we choose one of the four operating modes (default, analog, digital, for Android). They are indicated by a specific combination of red LEDs in the very center of the controller, which can be read from the sticker on the base. While the first and fourth modes are obvious, the two in between (analog and digital) are simply responsible for assigning functions to the knob and the D-pad.

Before we move on to my subjective impressions of playing the MSI Force GC30 V2, it is worth mentioning what the manufacturer boasts. However, there is not much of that here. We are talking about the built-in two vibrating motors, switches with a durability of up to 2 million clicks and lower triggers (LT / RT), operating not zero-one, like the rest of the buttons, but smoothly, offering 256-level sensitivity.

How does the MSI Force GC30 V2 play?

Let’s start with the fact that the MSI Force GC30 V2 was comfortable and pleasant in my hand, but it was not without any minor problems due to my many years of getting used to the controller with … PlayStation 3. Of course, these two pads are two completely different worlds, but I have to I must admit that the location of the rear buttons on the MSI Force GC30 V2 was not too ergonomic for my big hands. Not so much in terms of weight or shape, but … buttons on the back.

It all boils down to the position of both smooth triggers, which do not require too much force to activate, and the LB / RT buttons. My fingers simply did not fit on them, so in search of the most comfortable system, the index fingers landed just below the LB / RT, and the middle ones just outside the body. It took some effort for me to keep them ready, but it feels like a habit.

However, it is impossible to forgive the company for the way LB / RT operates, which have a different character of activation depending on the place where we put pressure on them, which leads to a perceptible inconsistency. If that was not enough, for my taste the D-pad returns to its original position a bit too aggressively, which in effect generates a loud noise with more aggressive movements, but it will certainly find its supporters.

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Above, I have illustrated the moment when the analog knobs start to “catch” the signal and at the end I will only mention that the triggers in games that do not read their deflection level are activated with a slight pressure, and not only after pressing the entire button. In turn, the two vibrating motors are average, because the vibrations they generate definitely do not rip out of your shoes.

MSI Force GC30 V2 test – summary

The Force GC30 V2 can be purchased for PLN 210, which is a good PLN 60 cheaper than the new Microsoft controller for Xbox Series X | S consoles. Contrary to appearances, this is important information, especially when you are looking for a new pad with a personal computer in mind, because remember that MSI does not mention anything about compatibility with Xbox consoles. Microsoft, in turn, clearly states that its controller will work both here and here.

However, MSI clearly did not aim to be a competitor to Microsoft, but something more universal. Yes – we are talking about ensuring compatibility with smartphones on Android, which for many can be even key. So if you like the Force GC30 V2 both on paper and in photos, after spending a dozen or so hours with it, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with this equipment in practice. It is comfortable, solid (of course not so much to withstand the madness of Mortal Kombat or FIFA players), precise and reliable (in terms of connection stability) in both operating modes (wired or wireless), and in the white version it can clearly be liked. So do you need more?