XBOX Oe Controller Gets PC Compatibility

Controller

We were therefore disappointed to learn that the Xbox One controller wouldn’t be PC-compatible at launch, but Microsoft has finally released the drivers, and now you can plug its new wireless controller into your rig for gaming fun. But you still can’t get actual wireless. Boo.Who would have thought when Microsoft made the original bloated controller for its first Xbox that it would one day create arguably the best PC joypad on the planet for the sequel

In terms of overall design, it feels like a tighter version of the familiar 360 pad. It’s a little more comfortable to hold, especially around the triggers. Beyond that, there isn’t much too different, but that’s a good thing as we were big fans of the previous controller. The asymmetrical thumb-stick/buttons layout is still there and the basic shape is immediately recognisable, but the Xbox One controller isn’t quite so picky about how you hold it thanks to the lack of a battery compartment.

Microsoft says it’s made over 40 changes to the Xbox 360 controller, but aside from the compatibility-breaking new wireless connection, the ones that really interest us are the improved thumb-sticks, slicker triggers, better D-pad and minimal effort buttons. The fact that the batteries are now more tightly integrated into the chassis does make for a more svelte design, which is nice, but as we’re not able to take advantage of its wireless capabilities we don’t actually need those batteries at all.

The triggers are where you get a real idea of the quality of this little pad; they feel very refined, with a definite base to their downward travel. That means you never find yourself white-knuckling the triggers just so they’re definitely depressed. They also have a more consistent level of resistance throughout their movement. The D-pad is more a D-pad than the hat-switch of the 360 controller, and the X Y, A and B buttons aren’t quite so Fox’s Glacier Fruits.

More than anything it’s a refinement to the 360 pad, not a necessary upgrade, and even if you’re already rocking a wireless PC dongle for your 360 controller, you'll miss the wireless connectivity. It’s a real shame Microsoft has used different tech and cut out backwards compatibility. I will confess to not noticing the input lag that's apparently cleared up by the new connection, but it’s still a great joypad and compatible with almost any PC game. We bet MS will be flogging a wirelessdongle soon.

Your thumbs might not feel so comfortable on the sticks. That’s by design though, as the smooth curves of the old sticks have been replaced by a definite ridge, which helps stop your thumbs slipping during a sweat-slicked extended gaming session. They’re a touch smaller, too.

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