Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller
Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp. Part number: B4G-00001
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- With PC compatibility, the wired Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller makes a fine choice for a fourth controller.
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CNET editors' review
Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller price range: $28.96 - $44.99
- Reviewed by: David Rudden
- Edited by: David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 06/02/2006
- Released on: 11/22/2005
The good: The Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller is comfortable and practical and can be used for PC games.
The bad: The Xbox 360 isn't designed to accept many wired controllers, and the near-perfect wireless controller isn't much more expensive. The controller lacks the innovative motion-sensitive features of the Wii and PS3, which may stunt creativity in games for the system.
The bottom line: With PC compatibility, the wired Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller makes a fine choice for a fourth controller.
Carrying a retail price of for $40--or only $10 less than the Xbox 360 wireless controller--the Xbox 360 Controller is currently available in only one color, and it plugs in via the console's USB port. The controller's cable measures in at nine feet and has a breakaway component that keeps the console from falling if someone trips on the wire. The USB connection poses a problem; the system has only three USB ports, one of which is on the back of the console. In order to hook up four controllers (the maximum allowed by the system), at least one has to be wireless.
The Xbox 360 Controller borrows many design elements from the Controller S. The left and right analog sticks and triggers, the control pad, and the face buttons are in the same spots, constructed rather similarly. The start and Back buttons have been moved to the center, flanking the new guide button, which allows access to your gamer card at any time. Removed from the older controller are the black and white buttons, which were awkwardly placed below the face buttons. Taking their place are the left and right bumpers, which make their home on the top of the controller in front of the triggers. The slight changes have resulted in a nearly perfect design; not only is the controller great for 360 games, but you may just prefer the new layout for the backward-compatible Xbox1 titles, as the bumpers are better located than the black and white buttons.
On the bottom of the controller is a headset input. You can plug in any headset with a 2.5mm jack (standard for cell phone headsets), but the input is form-fitted to accept the Xbox 360 Headset, which has built-in volume and mute buttons. Compared to the wireless controller, this model is slightly lighter and less bulky due to the absence of a battery pack at the back of the controller.
The performance of the Xbox 360 Controller on the console is phenomenal, with instantaneous response time. The controller syncs with the system much faster than the wireless controller, and the force feedback is a bit stronger. On the PC, the controller performs more than admirably. Once you download the software from Microsoft's official site, the controller will work with any controller-compatible game. As long as the game you're playing allows you to customize button usage (most do), the controller ranks among the best available for the PC. Games specifically designed to work with the controller can also make use of the headset input and the force feedback.
The Xbox 360 Controller is one of the best-designed and best-performing controllers on the market. If you're looking for faults, you might argue the controller lacks any startling new features--especially in comparison to the motion-based controllers for the upcoming Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3--which may hinder true game design innovations. And you might also say the controller's about $10 too expensive. Overpriced or not, however, it serves as a great third (or fourth) Xbox 360 controller and, when called upon, fills in nicely as a PC gaming controller.
User reviews
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Best Controller
by thefox84 on June 5, 2006
Pros: Extremely comfy, X button, works with PCs and 360s, all around easy to use, rumble and great battery life
Cons: only 3 usb ports on 360.
Summary: This controller is fantastic. Although I use it mostly for my 360 it is nice to take a break from keyboard mouse and do this. Nicest of all it is ...
Summary: This controller is fantastic. Although I use it mostly for my 360 it is nice to take a break from keyboard mouse and do this. Nicest of all it is extremely comfy, very light, very well built, and all around easy to use. I have to say as the owner of a PS2 and Gamecube that this is by far the best conventional controller ever made. Dualshock 3 is still behind, they even took most of what makes the 360 controller awesome and emulated it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Xbox 360 controller additions...
by ST0RMC00PER on June 5, 2006
Pros: Excellent responsiveness and easy to use.
Cons: Battery pack location and white=dirt magnet.
Summary: I agree with most points listed in the review of the Xbox 360 contolller, but I wanted to add a couple more (for both wired and wireless).
As a point ...Summary: I agree with most points listed in the review of the Xbox 360 contolller, but I wanted to add a couple more (for both wired and wireless).
As a point of reference, I've had an original Xbox with 2 wired "S controllers" for a few years, and a 360 with one wired and one wireless controller for several months.
As a side-note, I play every night, and know these controllers well, so don't "push my buttons."
The 360 wireless controller works amazingly well, even when I am a good distance from the console (such as, in the next room). The battery life is great. I can go several days before charging it (and yes, I highly recommend the Charge & Play Kit). There are only a couple of complaints I've had:
1) The wireless controller's battery pack gets in the way of my middle fingers, causing my fingers to cramp after extended play (more than an hour). This it not a problem with the wired controller, as there is no battery pack under the controller.
2) It is white. I am really hoping Microsoft releases a green, silver, or black controller. The white controllers get really gross looking, and quickly. Don't agree with me? Run your fingernail down one of the grooves on the side. Exactly. Not that a color change would prevent the build-up, but at least it wouldn't be as visible.
3) The headest is sub-par. I purchased a Plantronics headset to go with my original Xbox, and I liked it much better than what came with the 360. The 360 headset seems cheap, and I often have trouble hearing people. I could use my old Plantronics headset, but there is no volume control without using the 360 headset.
4) Charge! This is more a recommendation than a problem... If you want to charge your wireless controller, you have to plug it into a USB port. The 360 console will only charge the controller when the console itself is on. If I am playing and charging at the same time, this is fine, but if my 360 is off, I just charge it on my PC's USB port. It is that easy! (And yes, my PC is always on.)
And now for the 360 wired controller:
Since the wired controller is esentially the same as the wireless, there is really little to add here, but here is what I've found.
1) Don't be a fool. Microsoft actually sells two versions of the wired 360 controller. One is a few dollars more than the other because it comes with a driver for PCs. Save your cash. You can purchase the cheaper wired controller and download the driver for free from Microsoft.com. Sneaky, aren't they? I've played Halo on the PC with the wired 360 controller, and once properly configured, you can really convince yourself you are playing on a 360.
2) As mentioned above, due to the battery pack on the 360 wireless controller, the wired controller is actually the more confortable of the two... if you don't mind being wired.
Finally, as far as comfort goes, I still believe the S controller was easier to hold, but the 360 definitely has improved button layout and an impressive wireless connection. I look forward to seeing what Microsoft does next with the 360's accessories.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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a good xbox 360 controller for video game player
by jsjbingxi on November 17, 2009
Pros: good quality
Cons: The price is cheap, the quality is still very good.I have seen this products here http://www.epathchina.com/xbox-accessories-c-293.html
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
- Part number: B4G-00001
- Description: Based on the acclaimed design of the Xbox Controller S, the Xbox 360 Controller features an extended nine-foot cable and an improved ergonomic design. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button grants you quick access to your digital movie, music, and games libraries. The ultimate in gamer flexibility, precision, control, quality, and comfort are all yours.
General
- Device Type Game pad
Input Device
- Compatible Game Consoles Microsoft Xbox 360
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Features Vibration
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x Gameport
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x Data cable - 9 ft
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
Manufacturer info
- Microsoft Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Microsoft Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.microsoft.com/
- Address:
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052 - Phone: 1-425-882-8080
- Fax: 1-425-706-7329
