Gioteck GC-2 PS3 Controller Review

The Gioteck GC-2 controller is a significant improvement over the GC-1 model, and provides PS3 users with a controller layout akin to that of the Xbox 360. 

The controller is aesthetically pleasing in appearance with a stylish glossy finish on the front and a smooth sweat-proof finish on the back. The thumbsticks feel comfortable and responsive, and allow greater precision control – especially useful while playing first-person shooters. The sensitivity of each thumbstick can also be adjusted on the fly using the turbo button and rotating the desired stick. This is a useful feature that I have never seen before and can save time by preventing the user from navigating through option menus. Unfortunately the sensitivity adjustments will be reset each time the console is turned off, unlike changing the sensitivity from the options menu in-game; however it is still a feature I would like to see in future models and it would be useful if Gioteck could overcome this issue. The bumper buttons are also very ergonomically designed and feel natural to use. 

Perhaps one of the most noticeable features of the GC-2 is the significantly longer battery life compared with the official Sony controller. This is thanks to the in-built advanced Lithium-ion battery, unlike the GC-1 model which requires AA batteries. The USB charging cable which comes boxed with the GC-2 is very short which makes playing and charging awkward, however other USB cables can be used to solve this problem (such as the official Sony one).

Unfortunately the GC-2 does not offer any six-axis functionality which is required by some games (i.e. Killzone 2 and Folklore) or enhances others (i.e. flower). However, many new PS3 games do not incorporate the six-axis feature, so this is not too much of a problem. The triggers can also become slightly uncomfortable after holding them in for a while due to the slightly pointed edges (unlike the flat design of the L2/R2 buttons on the Sony controller, or the slightly curved ends of the Xbox 360 triggers). This can become frustrating whilst playing certain types of games such as driving games in which you hold the triggers in for long periods of time.

Overall the controller looks and feels nice to use, and incorporates some welcome features such as the turbo button and in-built sensitivity adjustment. The layout feels natural and I would highly recommend it for any PlayStation users searching for an Xbox 360-esque controller. The controller itself feels solid and sturdy, unlike some other third-party controllers available on the market; and boats a strong battery life thanks to the in-built Li-ion rechargeable battery. Let’s hope it continues to perform into the future!

+ Familiar to Xbox 360 users. 

+ In built rechargeable Li-ion battery for longer battery life. 

+ Aesthetic/ergonomic design providing excellent responsiveness and precision. 

- No Six-axis functionality. 

- Triggers may become uncomfortable while holding them down for extended periods of time. 

- USB charging cable supplied in the box is very short. 

Available from retailers for £20-25. 

Update (08/2013):

After owning the controller for around 6 months the R1 bumper button began developing an annoying habit of sticking in and not responding. This was really noticeable on some games and eventually became unplayable. Fortunately, thanks to GAME's 12 month faulty accessories warranty I was able to get this replaced for free - but readers should beware that this may be a problem the controller can suffer. The first controller I bought from GAME also had this problem and I had to get it replaced soon after, therefore it may be due to a design flaw. 

For an extra £10-20 you can purchase the official Sony PS3 controller with in-built six axis, so this may be worth considering.