XBox controllers for PC

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nigelj

856 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 125

#157599 5-Dec-2014 21:26

Starting off, I realize that for at least 360 controllers this subject will be old-hash (my understanding is, pretty much any wired 360 controller will work with PC games, yay USB!), but I seem to be reading conflicting info about the new XBox One controllers as they are all wireless and the more I read, the more I seem to be confusing myself.

A lot of the older articles I read indicated that the controllers wouldn't work because of missing patches/drivers, but based on the latter articles this is fixed, and then another lot of articles/comments say that while the controller has a MicroUSB port, if plugged into the PC it'll just act as a charging cable, while others say it will work.

I've noticed that Microsoft seem to be putting out a 'XBox One Controller with Cable for Windows' package at a bit of premium, so I'm really left wondering what's the actual deal (I don't own any XBox/PS consoles myself) and what would I actually need to play a game that recognizes XBox controllers in general, or am I better off just buying a 360 controller?

lurker

838 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1189620 5-Dec-2014 21:41

Personally at this stage I'd go with Xbox360 wireless controllers. I've got 3 myself (no Xbox, exclusively for PC use).
You need the dongle which is a premium when packaged in with the official controller but you can source knockoffs pretty cheap.
A friend got one from Aliexpress for around US$10 and said it works fine. I use official dongles myself as I bought these a while back (harder to get now it seems without paying a lot).
Wireless is great, I share mine between a couple of gaming PCs plus I also use Steam's Inhome Streaming, so just need to carry the controllers over to the couch.

Not sure of the status around wireless Xbox One controllers, I'd imagine that one day they'll do something about it? But is it worth waiting, I don't think so - Xbox360 controllers are a little cheaper and still widely available

HawK89

75 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#1189672 5-Dec-2014 22:54

I currently use this "http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Wireless-Gaming-Receiver-Windows/dp/B000HZFCT2" but white coloured for when they first came out and probably before the black coloured xbox 360 version came out.
Anyway, this connects your xbox 360 wireless controller to your PC. You will need something else to charge the batteries though. The Plug N Play charge kit does NOT work as both. It will only charge. The "play" meaning that you can play with the controller during its charge because it will be on to connect wireless to the xbox 360 console or PC receiver kit.
I don't know anything about the xbox one controller to PC. For me, the 360 controller works best. People complained about the xbox one controller trigger buttons being hard to press (the RB and LB).

billgates

4705 posts

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#1189772 6-Dec-2014 09:50

Just buy the standard Xbox One controller and use any micro USB cable you have to connect it with the PC and there you have a working controller.

Do whatever you want to do man.