Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows Reviews

• Not compatible with various games such as Call of Duty 4 for PC

  
  By A1PXOVIVN166E4 on 2007-12-02
  I bought this product from amazon and it's the same controller that comes with the XBOX 360 with the addition of a wireless transmitter/receiver that plugs into a USB port. But here's the problem: I can't get it to work with various games on my PC. It works completely fine with the Orange Box on PC. But when i tried it with Oblivion for PC, the game wouldn't recognize the control sticks (joysticks), which makes it useless. And as for Call of Duty 4 on PC, it would not recognize my controller at all which really ticked me off. I'm running Windows Vista 32 bit on a top of the line desktop computer i recently built, so it's not a hardware issue. it's an issue of the games not recognizing the controller. I even downloaded and installed the most recently updated software for this controller from windows, but no dice. The controller still will not detect on COD4, and the control sticks still do not work with Oblivion. hope this review was helpful for any potential buyers
  
  

• Flawless

  
  By AMXE382DCAMQO on 2007-03-23
  Based on the old, excellently performing Xbox S-controller with added bumpers in place of black/white buttons. Thankfully they dumped the large "Duke" controller altogether. This controller can turn on/off the 360 remotely, act as a remote, works on a PC, connects to a headset, etc... It rumbles -- the $600 PS3 doesn't. It connects FLAWLESSLY. Never fails to connect and the connection never drops, ever, even though it's wireless. Battery life is extremely LONG - you'll be able to use the thing forever without recharging. Attachements exist for charge & play, Accessories for quick charge. Options for regular or rechargable batteries.
  
  Having an excellently designed controller is key.
  
  Removing the white/black buttons, so your right hand can rest in a position with your left hand -- both wrapping around the "stalks" of the controller, was a good decision in my opinion. It might take some people some time to get used to the bumpers. They are placed in a location where you might have previously rested your right and left index fingers when not pulling the trigger.
  
  3rd party wireless controllers for the original xbox SUCKED! The connection dropped, they would malfunction, or else worked okay but were not rechargable (Logitech). Everything about this 360 controller is right!
  
  

• Shoddy Software = Wasted Potential

  
  By A261TVJ9RN7SOG on 2008-08-07
  The XBox 360 controller in and of itself is a highly functional piece of gaming hardware that has contributed greatly to the success of the XBox 360 platform. With this offering, Microsoft has attempted to recreate that success on the Windows platform.
  
  Unfortunately, their attempt sorely misses the mark in terms of driver and configuration support. Yes, you can take this controller out of the box and plug it into your PC and it will "work". However, you will quickly find out that this DOES NOT re-create the XBox experience on your PC. (The following are issues I've run into when using this controller with Windows XP):
  
  
  1) NO RUMBLE SUPPORT - Even though it's listed in the product description, this is actually a half-truth. It will support rumble when used with the XBox. However, because Windows games use a different communications protocol, the standard drivers do not recognize rumble events in Windows games.
  
  Possible Solution: There is open-source software called XBCD which attempts to fix this problem with alternative drivers. However as of this writing, XBCD does not support the wireless version of this controller.
  
  
  2) SMALL DEAD-ZONES/LIMITED CUSTOMIZATION - The dead-zone is the area where the analog stick is assumed to be at rest. The standard drivers define the analog dead-zones too narrowly, which translates to frequent false-signals and "drifting" from the analog controls. Additionally, there is zero ability to fine-tune and customize controls.
  
  Solution: Again, open-source developers come to the rescue with configuration software. XPadder is a highly-customizable and free solution.
  
  
  3) CONNECTION-DROPPING - The wireless receiver is rather sensitive to interference and the included documentation is lacking in how to trouble-shoot connection problems.
  
  Solution: Research, experiment and patience. Most issues are likely the result of wireless interference or inadequate power. Move the receiver away from other wireless electronics. Also, ensure that the wireless receiver is plugged into a powered USB port and that the controller batteries are charged.
  
  
  BOTTOM LINE: It is astonishing that Microsoft would even release a product that the open-source community would end up having to support. Microsoft should be responsible and develop fully-functional drivers and software so that the Windows gaming experience is as we are led to believe from the advertising.
  
  If you are willing to invest the time and patience, you may be able to get this controller to work wonderfully for you. However, if you are looking for a great out-of-the-box experience, consider looking elsewhere.
  
  
  Fun - 4 stars for the controller itself and playing potential
  Overall - 2 stars with the Microsoft-provided driver and software support
  
  

• Misleading product description

  
  By A2ZUDGHH459WFD on 2007-07-09
  The controller works great. However, it didn't come with a recharge cable as indicated in the Product Description above. On the box itself and in the included documentation it never mentions the recharge cable being included, so the fault seems to lie on Amazon.
  
  Also, having more time to use the controller with more games, its precision is a bit more questionable than other standard controllers I have used.
  
  

• Great Controller -- too many conflicts, though.

  
  By A2WFZOWWBX79HH on 2007-10-31
  I won't waste words reiterating that which so many others have already said regarding the great performance of this controller. We've all played an Xbox, we all know that Microsoft knows how to make computer components.
  
  Here's the rub: you literally cannot use any other wireless devices (bluetooth is fine) at the same time. Even using my Wacom tablet (the tablet itself uses a USB cable connection ... but the pen itself is wirelessly sending info to the tablet) renders the controller confused and utterly unable to find the receiver, even when scant inches from said component.
  
  Seems a bit busch league to me, but on the bright side: i don't often need to use my tablet and the controller at the same time. if it weren't for the fact that rebooting is the only way to reset the coupling, I wouldn't mind at all.
  
  
• Xbox 360 wireless controller + Vista
  By A3LHLY118IV8A7 on 2008-07-05
  If you have Vista and play games then you need this controller. Works perfect without the need of installing drivers or gamepad/game configuration. Finally an easy care-free gamepad for Windows! Remember not to install the CD that comes with this controller if you have Vista. I've had this controller for over a month now and it works perfectly. Take note that the batteries go fairly quickly.
  
  
• I Use it for Games, PowerDVD, and General Windows Functionality
  By A20C4X7AN3RPDF on 2008-07-06
  I've owned the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows device for about a week, and the only thing I am unhappy about is that I waited so long to buy this controller.
  
  Combined with Xpadder, a free program that lets you emulate key presses and mouse movements directly from the controller (google the program), the 360 controller has become a great way to websurf, play games (e.g. Gears of War, Resident Evil 4), and even control media applications such as Cyberlink PowerDVD. If you don't want to bother programming the Xpadder software yourself, you can download predefined profiles for each of your programs and modify them as you see fit. The range of the controller is sufficient for me, but I have a pretty small apartment :-) I do not know how long the batteries will last and I am considering getting some kind of rechargeable setup. I've run this controller on both Windows XP and Windows Vista without any bugs or other problems.
  
  Overall, I rate this product a 4.5/5.0 stars. The only modification I would make to the controller is to disable it's 'auto-off' feature that shuts down the controller automatically after around 10 - 15 minutes of disuse. When you are reading a web page for a long period of time or watching a movie, having to hit the 'on' button on the center of the pad before you can use the controller again is a minor annoyance. However, for most people who will use this controller primarily for gaming, this is not a problem at all and is instead a battery preserving feature, thus the deduction of only 0.5 stars.
  
  I highly recommend this product.
  
  
• Universal controller for windows game.
  By A3NG06GDE8EA49 on 2007-08-07
  It simply works. The best part is because its made my Microsoft and highly backed by them thanks to the Xbox360, all the PC games I tried were preconfigured for it to work just like they would if I was playing the xbox360 version.
  
  my only issues with the controller is that it wouldn't update the software properly. It would prompt me to update but then tell me I wasn't connected to the internet and that it couldn't. It eventually updated after about 7 tries. And then there is the issue of turning off the controller. If you hit the guide button it pops up a small menu on the screen which shows battery life and there is a button to open some options with the mouse, but none of the options are to turn off the controller. My solution for turning off the controller has been pulling off the battery or just wait the 10 minutes for it to shut itself off.
  
  
• Comes with receiver!
  By A3QVWVYZT228IB on 2008-01-17
  The "Better Together" promotion displayed on my page tries to get you to purchase a Wireless receiver for this controller. Don't do it, as the description says it comes with a receiver!
  
  
• Used to work fine
  By A6YCRCO25AM5P on 2008-01-09
  So when I first got this it worked perfectly fine, setup and everything was a cinch. However, when I moved back to school, I can't get it to connect with the receiver, I try resetting it and the green circle spirals around the "quadrants" and then just blinks. I think it could be because of the wireless routers in apartments in the area. Has anyone else had this problem?
  
  
  
• Good item.
  By A22X5Z3X3V2VSX on 2008-01-14
  PRO: The design of the Xbox 360 controller is a very comfortable, ergonomic one. The ability to use these controllers on your PC, after installing the included CD, makes it a great PC controller as well. The wireless receiver that comes with this item is very useful, and can be used on the PC with more than one Xbox 360 wireless accessory (ie: driving wheel, wireless headset, etc).
  
  CON: The wireless controller goes through standard AA batteries very quickly, and after you go through a handful of standard batteries you feel compelled to spend an $20 extra dollars on the plug and play kit, which includes a rechargeable battery and usb cable to charge the controller with while playing. The irony appears when you find yourself sitting with a controller in your hand that has a wire to the xbox, and you think to yourself that you could have spent $40 on a wired controller for the same experience that this now "wired" wireless controller is giving you for $80.
  
  FINAL THOUGHTS: You require at least one wireless controller when using an xbox 360, as it only supports 3 wired controllers, and many games allow up to 4 players on the same box. The PC receiver is great for utilizing some of the other xbox 360 accessories in windows. The price difference between the standard wireless and the wireless for windows is only about $10. It is worth it if you enjoy PC gaming, otherwise save your money and buy a standard controller.
  
  
• we have to unplug our whole house to get it to connect
  By A34IHZYW0XVOAD on 2008-01-19
  Ok maybe not the whole house but still... the controller conflicts with our pre-existing sets of mouse/keyboard combos. Once we run around unplugging those and rebooting the machine it works fine, but that is certainly not worth the effort.
  
  
• XBox Controller Apparently Not Compatible With Older Games
  By A1M6KOYC3X51A7 on 2007-12-07
  I bought this last week hoping to play some older PC games I have like Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 & Need for Speed Underground (the original).
  
  Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get this device to work with either game yet. I believe it has something to do with how Windows recognizes the controller. It works fine in Crysis and probably works well with contemporary titles.
  
  
• Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows ROCKS!!!
  By A2QXD4NE7HJC11 on 2007-12-08
  This is everything I always wanted, Use my console controllers on my pc!!!
  It is really simple, connect the wireless receiver to the pc and turn on your controller (I connect 4 xbox 360 wireless controls) and that's it!!! In 10 min I was playing with 3 friends all night.
  
  It's cheaper to buy this product than buy 1 regular xbox 360 wireless control and 1 wireless receiver.
  
  
• Works Great with Xpadder
  By A2RUER1UHYR86G on 2007-12-28
  The Xbox 360 controller is one of the best controllers ever, in my opinion. With the PC adapter included in this unit, you can use the Xbox 360 controller to control virtually anything on a PC - all you need is Xpadder (http://xpadder.com). Xpadder allows you to create custom controls for the 360 controller to use with any Windows program - even Windows itself - allowing you complete freedom over the button mapping of any game. Even games that don't officially support controllers can be controlled with the 360 controller and Xpadder. While a game like Oblivion is a bit too reliant on the keyboard to truly work properly with the 360 controller, it works great with games like Call of Duty 4, Lost Planet, Half-Life 2, and BioShock.
  
  
• xbox 360 controller for windows
  By A16P8XJI5P0DQV on 2008-01-23
  Most uncomfortable controller I've ever handled. I don't hate the triggers as much as the two buttons above them. They're really awkward to try to reach. I don't know why these peripheral designers don't take advantage of the hand's natural placement on the controller and put buttons under the right and left hand middle fingers. Notice the placement of your hands when grabbing the controller; buttons under your middle fingers instead of on top of your index fingers would be so much more comfortable. Anyway, I'm selling this one on ebay. I don't ever use it. I thought it would be better than my Saitek but alas...
  
  
• Deadzone Issues, poor driver support in Windows with Wireless Receiver
  By A1GZM015K1NQHY on 2008-02-09
  I bought this controller along with the Wireless Receiver for using in Windows Vista. It's horrible, and unusable in 80% of my games because of major sensitivity issues with the Dead Zone on the analog sticks. There is no Dead Zone calibration settings built into the Microsoft drivers, so unless the game has support for it, you will be randomly flying off to the left or the right and it's nearly impossible to maintain control. XBCD does not support the wireless controllers at this point, so now this thing is getting thrown into the closet with the rest of my junk. This controller shouldn't even be allowed to be sold as an alternative for a Gamepad for Windows because it simply doesn't work as intended.
  
  Also, the USB receiver pulls too much power from my mother board when it boots, so that all of my other peripherals plugged into USB are dead when the computer boots up. I have to start my computer with the receiver unplugged, so my mouse and keyboard will work, and then I have to plug the receiver in. I've heard this can be avoided by using a powered USB hub, but frankly I don't want to sink any more money into this debacle, nor should I have to in the first place. This entire concept is a good idea gone horribly wrong, unless Microshaft would get their act together and actually support what I paid for. How can they get away with this?
  
  Grade = F
  Repeat the 5th Grade.
  
  However, I'm sure it would work fine on an Xbox360.
  
  
  
• I ordered this for a friend, he never received it.
  By AQZ8S5V0RPYMH on 2008-02-14
  I ordered this for a friend, he never received it.
  
  Sincerely,
  Ira Carmel.
  
  
• Great for the versatility alone
  By A14LA0ZROG6WQP on 2008-03-09
  The big draw of purchasing this is that the package includes a 360 controller and a wireless adapter for Windows. This allows the controller to be used as a Gamepad inside of Windows (and I imagine Apple/Linux platforms, but I can't confirm that) for any games that are suited for it, which is especially useful for things like Gametap.
  
  As it can also be used directly with a 360, you can think of it as getting two controllers in one (although that is obvious hyperbole). Really you're getting the ability to move the controller around as needed.
  
  The actual controller is very well built, with substantial housing and well-made buttons. The directional pad (D-pad) could be a little better, but otherwise this is a superb controller.
  
  
• Great
  By A1ZX71G840BFSS on 2008-07-01
  
  This is a great heavy controller. Didn't use included software - simply connected it to Vista(32), let it install the software automatically, then turned on the controller and let it install that automatically.
  
  This controller is ridiculously more precise than the Logitech controllers I've tried (with the square area for the joysticks). I'm having SO much more fun playing games, especially racing games.
  
  Rumble feature works for me.
  
  
• Solid.
  By A34OAVVALMGTYD on 2008-07-17
  One of the most solid gamepads available. Interfaces with Windows beautifully. Rarely have to adjust any settings. Works in most games right from the start.
  
  
  
  
• Best controller for PC
  By A3RSNRV184MY2L on 2007-07-22
  Works great just plug the receiver and start playing, the microsoft drivers are terrible but im hoping XBCD would be available for this pad soon, comes already with batteries, it's compatible with the rechargeable batteries and the play and charge kit, it supports rumble, if your game doesn't support this controller you can use Xpadder it's free.
  
  
• pc and 360 wireless controller
  By A37UQETR11KKL4 on 2007-08-07
  I use this controller on both my pc and 360. It is a little of a pain to switch between but the controller was probably not designed for this kind of dual use in the same room. It is the best controller I've used. Previously my favorite was the "DUKE" controller for the first xbox. I hate the s controller.
  
  
• Very good purchase
  By A20SWIJ008QKBU on 2007-08-23
  Hi, I purchase the Microsoft XBOX 360 Wireless Controller for Windows one month ago and has a very long battery life. The bluetooth technology is a very good featur, which would go up 30 feet away fromt the reciever. The installation software is very easy to install, you just need to agree to the terms of the licance and the installation will began. The price of this controller is at a rezonable price. Thank you Microsoft.
  
  
• Perfect
  By A1GQS3Q3J8CS2N on 2007-08-28
  Performs flawlessly, no lag, around 30 hours of battery life on the Microsoft rechargeable packs, can't ask for much more.
  
  
• Excellent
  By A1JCI6B1D6VBZF on 2007-12-17
  It came with a wireless reciever which was great. I popped in the CD with drivers and the controller was read automatically. Very easy to install and excellent product.
  
  
• Can anyone help?
  By A3VSMNM494VK0O on 2007-12-22
  Has anyone gotten this product to work with Call of of Duty 4? This seems like the best controller out on the market right now and I want to get COD4 but some people are saying it doesnt work on COD4. Can someone help me out?
  
  
• Great Product
  By ATRJI2NCP4K8P on 2008-01-02
  Works great, no problem with installation or controller response, you'll want rechargeable batteries as it burns through them relatively quickly.
  
  
• Dual-Purpose Controller
  By AV6EUCXXEVMGJ on 2008-01-02
  We bought this wireless XBox 360 controller for our oldest grandson. It is cool because it can be used on a Windows PC as well as the XBox 360.
  
  
• This ROCKS
  By AUUJQNOE4KLI9 on 2008-01-07
  This controller rocks once you get it setup. The biggest problem is lack of documentation but once it's done it work very well and is very responsive. Just note that the control comes with the Wi-Fi adaptor so don't by one separately.
  
  

• PC Gamer (1-year)

• Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows
• Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit
• Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
• Xbox 360 Rechargeable Controller Battery Pack White