Product Description

Technical DataInput Device / TypeGame padTechnical DataInput Device / Form FactorExternalTechnical DataInput Device / Connectivity TechnologyWiredTechnical DataHeader / Product LineMicrosoft XboxTechnical DataHeader / Model360 ControllerTechnical DataHeader / CompatibilityGame consoleTechnical DataHeader / ManufacturerMicrosoftTechnical DataHeader / Packaged Quantity1Technical DataMiscellaneous / Compatible Game ConsolesMicrosoft Xbox 360

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10285 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Microsoft
• Released on: 2005-12-02
• Platform: Xbox 360
• Original language: German
• Dimensions: .39" h x .39" w x .39" l, .91 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
The new standard in wired game pads, the Xbox 360 Controller is sleek, precise and undeniably comfortable.

Customer Reviews

Decent controller
I bought the full blown Xbox 360 package so I already own a Wireless Controller, but I wanted a second controller for multiplayer games, and figured that the wired version would do nicely and would also double up as a controller for playing PC games with.

This model is obviously similar to the wireless version, but minus the battery pack and with a USB cable connected. It does indeed work with PCs as well as the 360 but you have to download a driver from Microsoft to neable this.

The controller feels lighter in the hands than the wireless version, mostly due to the removed battery pack. But while the design is basically the same, you can't help but feel that the wired controller isn't manufactured to standards as high as those used for the wireless version. The thumbsticks feel plasticy instead of the rubberized texture of the wireless thumbsticks, and the coloured plastic inset in the controller's underside also appears to be of a lower quality plastic than the one on the wireless controller.

This is a shame because otherwise the wired controller is a well designed game pad for both the xbox 360 and USB equipped PCs.

The X factor
Using it with WinXP it performs very well. I have been using it with Toca Race Driver 3. It is very well made and seems quite durable. Why no steering whell? Well, I do not like them and the keyboard is not really suited. This pad is much better.

If using it on a PC you will need to download the driver from Microsoft's site since there is no CD in the box. Double click to install. You can check it is functioning properly via the Control Panel under Game Controllers. Next, into your game(s) and set up the controls from there. There is some help offered onscreen after installation but that oddly seems more aimed at the Xbox 360 than the PC.

Comfortable, through design
The best controller I have ever used. It is so comfortable, and Im sure it will not get tiring with extended game sessions.

I've been using this to play Halo 2 on the PC, and whilst Im still getting used to aiming with the joysticks, I am improving.

All too often with other gamepads, you feel overwhelmed with the buttons, if they are even mapped properly. Every button is mapped in Halo 2 intuitively, and if more games follow suit, and use the vibration capabilities well, the controller may begin to play a key part in PC gaming that is all too dominated by the mouse and keyboard combo.

The vibration feedback is a little strong however, and whilst feeling good when felt in short bursts. When "spraying" fire, the unit shakes along with its buttons (especially the xbox guide button) which makes a rattly noise.
Additionally the joystick buttons make a loud sound when pressed. Like somebody cracking their knuckles loudly.

All of this does not detract from the experience however. If you have a Windows Vista Machine, and need a gamepad, you can't do better than this attempt by Microsoft to unify controller gaming for the PC Platform. Just plug it into a USB port, and the drivers are automatically downloaded and installed by Windows Update. No configuration or calibration neccessary.