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Nov 10 2008

Best Price - Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows

Posted by: video games in Xbox 360

Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows Discover greater precision, comfort, and control. The Wireless Xbox 360 Controller for Windows delivers a consistent and universal gaming experience across both of Microsoft’s gaming systems. Experience the ultimate gaming experience on Windows XP and Xbox 360.
Customer Review: Shoddy Software = Wasted Potential
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
Customer Review: Good controller
I’m not a huge game player but I got the controller for LOTR: Return of the King, Call of Duty 4, and Assassin’s Creed. I had to use the Pinnacle software with Call of Duty, which worked well and it was integrated with both of the other games. I have not had any issues setting it up or using it and during game play its very comfortable. I would recommend this controller.

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This entry was posted on Monday, November 10th, 2008 at 8:08 am and is filed under Xbox 360.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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