Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad

These days, nearly all gamepads feature force feedback and the same number of buttons in roughly the same place, so the most important factor in picking a new gamepad comes down to personal preference. That's why the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad (*Est. $35) is a success: it's generally comfortable and the design is enhanced by a switchable D-pad and analog stick, so you can emulate the layout of either the Xbox 360 or the Playstation 3 controller. Add to this features you won't find on the controllers that come with consoles -- like a function that configures your button layout for a first-person shooter game; the ability to create different layout profiles for different games; and Precision Control, which enhances aim and other sensitive targeting controls -- and you've got a gamepad that reviewers say offers considerable bang for your buck.

The most detailed review of the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad we found was at OverClockersClub.com, which offers a complete walkthrough of unpacking, setting up and testing the gamepad. Additional perspectives can be found at About.com and Amazon.com, though the latter does not have very many user reviews. BrightHub.com also includes the gamepad in its list of the best PC game controllers.