Best gamepad for PC? Recommendations wanted!

I’m hunting for a decent PC joystick, maybe something in the $50 range if I can find a budget-friendly option that actually works. I don't want to deal with the headache of plugging it in only to realize the game doesn't even recognize it. You know the drill—I just want something reliable and solid that won't let me down mid-session.
I stumbled upon this one through a link, so I wanted to get your take. Is this a good call, or should I be looking for something better?
http://www.bestbuy.com/?option=artikl&i...kl=650.303.007

I’m planning on installing Windows 8.1 tomorrow, though I’m sitting here wondering if it even matters when it comes to whether my controller will actually work with different versions of Windows

swiftpilot said:I'm installing Windows 8.1 tomorrow. Not sure if that changes anything regarding controller compatibility on Windows systems.

It shouldn't be an issue. If you want, there's a cheaper version of that exact same stick right here:
CLICK

Honestly, you might want to shell out a few extra bucks and just grab the gamepad Logitech F310. It’s probably only about five or ten dollars more than what you were looking to spend, but trust me, it's worth the jump.

granitehound7 said:Honestly, it might be worth shelling out a few extra bucks to just grab the gamepad Logitech F310. It’s probably only like twenty bucks more than what you were looking at anyway.

In the end, I think I'm just gonna go for an Xbox controller. Now I'm just stuck wondering if anyone actually sells an Xbox ONE version anymore—all I can find online is the old 360 stuff.