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    xbox controller for pc

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by mattcheau, Dec 28, 2012.

  1. mattcheau

    mattcheau Notebook Deity

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    every time i look into this i get discouraged by all the conflicting information and third-party hardware out there. (and yes, i'm stupid like that--i prefer the official microsoft stuff.) can anyone point me to what you're using to hook up a 360 controller to pc short of buying the actual controller for windows itself? for the right price and reliability, i'm open to third-party. thanks for the help.



    _____
    EDIT: this thread probably belongs in accessories.
     
  2. Element

    Element Notebook Evangelist

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    You can either buy a normal wired Xbox 360 controller or you can get a wireless receiver for PC to use with a wireless controller.
     
  3. Zymphad

    Zymphad Zymphad

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    I'm using the Razer Onza. I hear it's not that great for fighting games like Street Fighter though, but I use it fine for HawX and driving games.

    Also Best Buy last I saw had a bunch of 360 wireless controllers made for PC on sale. They said PC on it specifically, not for 360 controller. And it was only $45.
     
  4. long2905

    long2905 Notebook Virtuoso

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    i use my PS3 controller with a software made by the community which fool windows into thinking its an Xbox 360 controller :D work like a charm
     
  5. mattcheau

    mattcheau Notebook Deity

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    is there a cable that allows you to connect an otherwise wireless 360 controller via USB? from what i understand the play-and-charge kit does not allow you to do this even though that's exactly the type of cable/solution i'd be most interested in.
     
  6. Tree_Burner

    Tree_Burner Notebook Deity

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    you'd have to buy the wireless reciever. I just picked up an official microsoft wired controller for under $30 from amazon.
     
  7. long2905

    long2905 Notebook Virtuoso

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    if it uses a USB port then it should work.
     
  8. mattcheau

    mattcheau Notebook Deity

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  9. Fat Dragon

    Fat Dragon Just this guy, you know?

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    When I wanted a 360 controller for my computer, I bought a wireless one on sale assuming (for some reason) that it was bluetooth. When I realized my mistake, I gave the controller to my little brother who had a 360 and bought a wired 360 controller on the cheap. At the time, it was cheaper in my case to go that route than to buy the wireless receiver, and the extra (third) controller for my brother was a bonus as well.

    If you own a 360 and you're trying to get your wireless controller working with your laptop as well, the wired controller option is worth considering because it shouldn't be notably more expensive than the wireless receiver and it gives you an extra USB controller.
     
  10. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    I went the USB controller route even though I already had a 360, I'm not far from the PC and it gave me an extra controller. I went for an Onza as well, and yeah not that great for 2D fighting games, but then again, the original 360 controller d-pad is hell for 2D fighters anyways. Works great for other type of games though.
     
  11. mattcheau

    mattcheau Notebook Deity

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    $15 versus $40 puts me in enough of a bind to start a thread about it. ;)

    genuine controller or bust! :eek:
     
  12. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Well, the genuine are indestructible, I'll give them that, drop proof as well as rage proof, definitely more sturdy than my PS3's controllers.
     
  13. Fat Dragon

    Fat Dragon Just this guy, you know?

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    Reasonable enough. The wireless thing was near the end of a summer visit to the States - my only option at the time was buying in-store for $25+. I got the wired controller for about $15 in a shop here in China right after returning (MS packaging with a hologram seal, but probably not legit as it's got a sticky RB button and both of the controllers I bought for a friend wore out in the left joystick). I don't know any shops that sell the receiver here and I wasn't savvy to online shopping in China at the time, so buying in the States was my only option for the receiver at the time.

    $15 vs. $40 is simpler - if you want another controller, go USB; if you don't, get the receiver.
     
  14. Zymphad

    Zymphad Zymphad

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    As far as Windows is concerned, the Razer Onza is a genuine 360 controller. No bust. Personally I read a lot of reviews from hardcore 360 players and the Onza resolves nearly all their issues they have with the original 360 controller
    - The rubberized and customizable thumb joystick, this was their #1 issue with the original. The original was too shallow, easy to slip, and too sensitive. Onza allows you to customize the sensitivity, no software needed.
    - The quickfire buttons. It uses Razer's same tech as their mouse to provide you with the fastest responsive, clicks. The button press is shallow and instant. This was their second praise for it.
    - The d-pad, while it's not perfect, most 360 gamers noted, it's far superior to the original.
    - The triggers, again, far superior. But they noted seemed to be best for car/flying sims. But then again, on PC, if you are using a controller for shooters, you need to stop.
    - Most 360 gamers also really liked the weight of the Onza, it's much lighter than the original.
    - Rubberized finish.
    - And of course the two customizable buttons do work, and no software needed for that either, because again, this is a plug n play 360 controller, not bust.

    Well if this controller is superior and liked by hardcore 360 players, good enough for me. Cause I only use this controller, only when I have to. I always go mouse+keyboard, this is only for games that have poor PC optimizations, which unfortunately is becoming very common. Was finally pushed in 2012 to get a controller, got sick of terrible PC support on these console ports.
     
  15. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    When I meant genuine, I mean the original if you prefer, all 3rd party controllers I've seen so far were recognized correctly. I agree with most of the points you listed about the Onza Tournament Edition though.
     
  16. spandexninja

    spandexninja Notebook Consultant

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    This looks like the same as the $10 receivers on eBay. From what I've read, some people have trouble installing the correct drivers on 64 bit Windows (the one that comes with the driver disc apparently doesn't work).
     
  17. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    Deagle has a 3rd party chinia receiver, just d/l the drivers from the site.

    I like the plug and play of the genuine one but I have had one burn out on me after not much use, and now I think my new one is dead as well (didnt work for me today) so I would full heatedly recommend the rip off as it maybe actually a higher quality product or atleast more worth its cost.