Microsoft XBOX 360 Controller for PC

              Microsoft XBOX 360 Controller for PC

 With console gaming being very popular. The traditional gamepads are still the best option for all in one controller to play games at home. Microsoft XBOX 360 is one such console which has been in every gamers mind. Its controller is known for the best experience served by many users.

1. Brand Talk-

     This gamepad is manufactured by Microsoft, the well known American Software Company who have had a strong comeback in the video game console industry with the release of the XBOX 360 in 2006 ("that is after the flop display of the XBOX"). One of the main attributes of the XBOX 360 is its awesome controller. Having got good critical reception for the controller, Microsoft decided to make it compatible with the PC ("Or Windows to be specific").

2. Avatars-

    This gamepad is available majorly in two types, wired and wireless. It is also available in black or white colour for each type. The controller that I am reviewing is the black wireless model.

3. Out of the Box-

    The box looks like a typical input peripheral box that we have been seeing since the invention of the computer with hook holes at the top to keep it hanging in the store ("for you to spot it"). I can say it is well packed. You get the controller, wireless USB adaptor, 2 AA Duracell Battery, the user manual and the XBOX Configuration Utility Disk. The quality of the contents is top notch as usual by Microsoft.

4. Design and Build Quality-

   Design in gamepads is a major factor, because its comfort to your hands determines the true gaming experience. This controller has kept no stones unturned in this area. The design, placement of buttons is marvelous. The revolutionary right and left analog stick placement is a boon for every gamer out there. The directional pad is placed in between the analog sticks. There is an XBOX guide button is placed in the center of the gamepad. The start button is placed to its right and back button to its left. The ABXY button is placed as usual on the left side.

Top Side

 On the back of the gamepad lies the Left, right Bumper and Trigger buttons. There is a port in the middle for plugging the gamepad to the XBOX console or PC. At it's side there is button which allows many wireless controllers to be connected to the receiver.

Back Side

 At the bottom of the gamepad there is the battery housing, which can be taken out by pressing a button above it. 

At the back side of the controller there is a 2.5 mm headset port, which lets you connect an XBOX compatible headset.  Coming to the wireless receiver, it is well built and has a button in the middle which helps to connect to other controllers. The controller is well built overall. I somewhat don’t like the feel of the feedback of the ABXY which is a bit loose, its not that I am complaining but felt it would have been better if they were a bit tight.

5. Performance-

   a) Game Compatibility-

             The XBOX 360 controller for PC supports a vast number of game titles. It is mainly based on the XInput platform, a driver that Microsoft provides with the Supplied Disk that enables support to a vast game library. Some of the famous games supported by the controller can be seen by clicking the following link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_games_with_XInput_support. You can also extend support to many game titles by installing various software available on the web. The XInput driver is only compatible with Windows XP Service Pack 1 and later versions. So users of windows with versions prior to Win XP SP1 will not be able to enjoy the library support. You can also connect this gamepad to your XBOX 360 Console.

b) Experience-

          Well I have had a good experience with this gamepad. You are drawn into the game with the comfort the gamepad provides. It nicely fits into your hand. The analog sticks are thoughtfully placed and are very easy to reach. The gamepad has a good weight feel. The wired version will be very light because of the absence of battery. But because of the presence of two batteries at the middle, there is a more sense of balance when you hold it. There is also force feedback available in the gamepad, but it's effect is not that convincing to let you feel the pain of the game. This gamepad is best if you have a huge TV and want to play with the comfort of your couch.

c) Wireless performance-

         This gamepad support the 2.4 Ghz WiFi Band. To get started you will have to connect the wireless receiver to your computer's USB port, the controller can be connected by pressing the guide button ("Voila! You are ready to play"). You can play upto a distance of 5 metres from the receiver. There is no lag in the input and is the same as that of your wired controller ("Thank God!").  

d) Extra Features-

      The gamepad can also be converted to a wireless mouse or a partial keyboard by installing some nifty utilities. I have installed a software called JoyToKey which is good. It lets you assign the buttons on the gamepad to various input functions like right click, left click, space, enter and many more.

e) Warranty-

  This gamepad comes with a one year warranty, which I suppose is enough for such type of a gadget.

6. Conclusion-

     The XBOX 360 Controller for Windows is a well thought decision by Microsoft to introduce it to general consumers. Priced around Rs.3000 in India (about $50) it is a very potential accessories that many gamers would want to have, given its beautiful styling and ergonomics.