The Logitech G F310 Wired Gamepad (940-000138) promises a familiar and comfortable gaming experience. Having spent several weeks putting it through its paces with a variety of games, I’m ready to share my thoughts on this budget-friendly controller. Does it deliver on its promises, or does it fall short? Read on to find out.

The F310 boasts a layout remarkably similar to the Xbox 360 controller, making it instantly familiar to anyone who’s used Microsoft’s iconic gamepad. This familiarity is a huge plus, minimizing the learning curve and allowing you to jump straight into gaming. The standout feature, however, is the unique floating D-pad. Instead of a single pivot point, it utilizes four independent switches, resulting in significantly improved precision and responsiveness, particularly during fast-paced games requiring quick directional changes.

The six-foot cable provides ample reach, ensuring comfortable gameplay even when sitting a good distance from your PC. The inclusion of Logitech’s Profiler software allows for advanced customization, enabling you to map buttons to keyboard and mouse commands for games that don’t natively support gamepads. This is a great feature that extends its compatibility beyond games explicitly designed with gamepad support.

In practice, the F310 performs admirably. The button layout is intuitive and responsive. The analog sticks provide good accuracy, although they might not feel as premium as those found on higher-end controllers. The real star is the D-pad; its responsiveness significantly surpasses traditional D-pads in my experience, making it ideal for fighting games and other titles that heavily rely on directional inputs. I tested it on a range of games including emulators, retro titles, and modern PC games with gamepad support. It handled all of them well, proving its versatility.

The Profiler software is easy to use and adds a significant layer of customization. I found myself regularly using it to tweak button mappings for optimal gameplay in specific games. However, the software requires installation and may be a deterrent to some users who prefer plug-and-play functionality.

Pros:

• Familiar Xbox 360-like layout
• Highly responsive floating D-pad
• Long cable (1.8 meters)
• Broad game compatibility
• Customizable with Logitech Profiler software
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Analog sticks feel slightly less premium than higher-end controllers
• Requires software installation for advanced customization
• Plastic build quality isn’t the most robust

Overall, the Logitech G F310 Wired Gamepad (940-000138) provides excellent value for its price. The responsive D-pad and familiar layout make it a fantastic option for gamers on a budget. While the analog sticks and build quality might not compete with high-end controllers, the overall performance and broad compatibility make it a strong contender. I’d recommend this gamepad to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable option to enhance their PC gaming experience, especially those who appreciate a responsive D-pad.