xbox controller on a PC

Jack Bauer · 1 Nov 2008 at 13:17

Im wanting to get a xbox controller for my PC and Im wondering if I have to buy the xbox controller for windows or if any xbox controller will do the job? Im hoping to get one locally today rather than waiting for delivery so I dont think I will find one for windows.

snowdog · 1 Nov 2008 at 13:19

Afaik:

The windows xbox controller is just a 360 controller with a driver cd.
And that windows vista doesn't need drivers for it, it auto installs em already...

But afaik you can download the xp drivers anyway so no point in getting the ''for windows'' box...

Jack Bauer · 1 Nov 2008 at 13:22

n1, will pick one up today. Im on vista anyway so it should be fine out of the box.

Thanks for the help.

Gideon Lorr · 1 Nov 2008 at 13:23

Doesn't the Windows version come with a converter to a USB connector at the end of the wire?

Or do 360 consoles use USB connections for the controllers anyway?

snowdog · 1 Nov 2008 at 13:25

The wired ones are usb anyway.

Looked it up to be sure:

Both Windows Vista 32-bit and Windows Vista 64-bit are supposed to find the Xbox 360 controller drivers and install them automatically when you connect the controller for the first time. This doesn't always work flawlessly, so if this isn't an automatic process, the Microsoft Gaming site offers versions of the Xbox 360 controller drivers for all versions of Windows Vista as well as Windows XP.

skullman · 1 Nov 2008 at 13:26

The wired ones are usb already. I have one. Wire is plenty long too.

If you want the wireless pad then you'll also have to buy the wireless reciever - imo not worth it if your gaming at your desk.

ic1male · 1 Nov 2008 at 14:08

When you plug it in, Vista will load some drivers. Do a Windows Update and it will then find the latest ones which enable the Guide button.

Robert1986 · 1 Nov 2008 at 14:15

skullman said:
The wired ones are usb already. I have one. Wire is plenty long too.

If you want the wireless pad then you'll also have to buy the wireless reciever - imo not worth it if your gaming at your desk.

The wireless reciever is a piece of junk, avoid at all costs.

james.miller · 1 Nov 2008 at 14:19

never had any problems with my reciever. my wireless pad works just as well as my wired pad.

yoyo50 · 1 Nov 2008 at 14:48

Robert1986 said:
The wireless reciever is a piece of junk, avoid at all costs.

Why do u say that?

i don't know what to buy a wired controller or use my current wireless with the receiver.

Kelt · 1 Nov 2008 at 14:49

Robert1986 said:
The wireless reciever is a piece of junk, avoid at all costs.

Mine works flawlessly, don't give out wrong advice.

Last Kronin · 1 Nov 2008 at 14:51

Was thinking on getting a wired controller as well, do they do them in black as i would proberly use it for my elite as well.

Frapple · 1 Nov 2008 at 14:54

Wireless one has worked flawlessly here on Vista x64.

stifler · 1 Nov 2008 at 15:33

i went to buy a 360 pad for my pc but saw the receiver and bought that instead, works brilliantly with my xbox controller and was only £15.

Robert1986 · 1 Nov 2008 at 15:43

KelticDaz said:
Mine works flawlessly, don't give out wrong advice.

Wrong advice? Its not wrong advice, a lot of others have had problems with the wireless receiver. Do a google search and just read the amount of threads people post on forums about how poor it is.

londonbairn · 1 Nov 2008 at 16:08

Wireless here too on Vista x64 and it I have never had a problem.

Shadows1990 · 1 Nov 2008 at 16:18

ic1male said:
When you plug it in, Vista will load some drivers. Do a Windows Update and it will then find the latest ones which enable the Guide button.

Tried doing a Windows Update with mine installed, but the Guide button still doesn't do anything (using Windows Vista Business 32-bit)

m4cc45 · 1 Nov 2008 at 16:23

Shadows1990 said:
Tried doing a Windows Update with mine installed, but the Guide button still doesn't do anything (using Windows Vista Business 32-bit)

You need the software installed to use the guide button (not just the drivers). The guide button isn't that useful though to be honest.

Used both wired and wireless faultlessly. I'd imagine the people who are having problems have there PC's next to a microwave oven that is on constantly or some other such interferance for, as far as I can tell, they work fine.

M.

chaparral · 1 Nov 2008 at 16:56

rafster said:
Wireless here too on Vista x64 and it I have never had a problem.

+1 & 1/2

Richdog · 1 Nov 2008 at 17:01

Robert1986 said:
Wrong advice? Its not wrong advice, a lot of others have had problems with the wireless receiver. Do a google search and just read the amount of threads people post on forums about how poor it is.

People do have problems with it yes... but mine has been flawless from day 1. I love it.