Conclusion
In summing up, I have to admit to rather liking the XFX Gear Gamepads, both the wired and wireless versions. They both competently achieve what they set out to do, which is to give you a solid, reliable and responsive gamepad for your PC. The just plug and go option allowing you to configure controls directly within the game make them ideal for those ‘pick and play’ moments and the programmable nature of the pads is great if your game doesn’t support gamepads as you can just whack in keys for buttons instead.
Clearly XFX have taken a good look at what’s on the market and decided to give the gamer what they need in the form of easy to use hardware that doesn’t require any faffing around to get it going and get playing and these pads deliver the goods. As to whether to choose the corded or wireless version, my preference falls with the wireless one. I just like the slightly chunkier looks and weightier feel of the pad over it’s corded cousin but either way I’d be happy with either.
Pros
Good looks, solid build
Rubberised non-slip coating
Easy to use without programming
Programming a doddle
Responsive, if slightly light, joysticks
Cons
Wooly feel to buttons (until you get used to it)
Very short cord for USB receiver
Special thanks to the Ukrrrrranian Princess for the samples
