Conventional wisdom says that if you want to play a PC game with a gamepad, your only option is a 360 controller. Indeed, the 360 controller is basically the perfect design for PC gaming, and is basically a must have for console ports. The only problem is getting one cheap. You can either buy a regular 360 wireless controller, pair it with an off-brand wireless receiver for your PC, and hope for the best, or you can plunk down the $40 for the official kit. Well, at least that’s how it used to be, because I recently just discovered something my last time at Gamestop.
The @Play wired 360 controller is the best cheap PC gamepad
Walk into your local neighborhood gamepad, and they probably have the @Play wired 360 controller. It’s an officially licensed controller, and it’s wired so you don’t have to worry about sketchy receivers or anything. The best part, though, is that these come in at less than $20! On Gamestop’s website, they’re listed for $17,99 new, but I got mine (two, actually, when I saw how good of a deal they were) slightly cheaper at my local store.
Another great feature of this inexpensive gamepad is that it just uses a plain-old micro USB to USB cable. In other words, you are in no way dependent on the cable that comes with the controller, since you probably have a million backups stashed around your house. Regardless, the cable that comes with it is pretty solid, so you don’t have to worry about it tearing anyways.
A cheap, durable controller
The rest of the controller is pretty solid too, even with the transparent design. The analog sticks have a solid click to them, and so do the triggers and shoulders (along with the rest of the buttons, yes, even the d-pad). Despite its durability, it’s also light and comfortable, so you can sit and play at your computer for however long you want.
Anyways, if you want a great PC gamepad for less than 20 bucks, you can’t do any better than the @Play wired 360 controller. It’s the cheapest official 360 controller you’ll find out there, and it’s even cheaper than the Logitech F310, which is the only competition for PC gamepads that 360 controllers have. In other words, it’s the best value out there if you want to play PC games from the comfort of your couch. The best part is you probably don’t have to wait for online shipping, since your neighborhood Gamestop probably has a few in stock right now.
