The xbox 360 controller is a gaming controller for any xbox 360 gaming system and are not compatible with the older xbox gaming system. The controller is also compatible with PCs with the Games for Windows program. The controller is used to primary navigate through your xbox dock and to control your character/object in your games. The controller runs of the power of two AA batteries. The controller has a vibration feature which is limited to games that use the XInput API, this feature works for example say if there is an explosion in the game near your character, you would feel vibrations on your controller to re-create the effect of the explosion. The xbox 360 also lets you use more than one wireless controller so up to four of your friends can all be using wireless controllers on your xbox, which is very useful so you don't end up having an endless tangle of wires.
Range and battery life
The Xbox 360 wireless controller has a 30-foot range and up to 40 hours of life on the average pair of AA batteries. If you want to save money on batteries i would recommend buying a pair if not two pairs of AA batteries so you can keep re-charging them and when one pair runs out you'll have another pair you can put in straight away whilst the others re-charge.
What else can the controller do?
You can also plug your Xbox 360 Headset into the controller so you can talk with your friends over xbox live. It works in the same way as the controller does so it's very simple to use. Just plug your headset into your controller and it's ready to be used immediately. The xbox 360 wireless controller has also been used by the military obviously modded but the main components are still there to control the use of robots and flying scouts which shows are reliable and robust they are.
Look and feel
First things first, the controller looks amazing very sleek and clean looking almost quite "Apple" zen. It's not very often that Microsoft make somethings that's both stylish and stable but they definitely have here. The feel of the controller is also very comfortable i would say it's a one size fits all type.
Specifications
(Taken from Microsoft) * 2.4GHz wireless technology with 30-foot range * Lag-free play * Integrated headset port for Xbox LIVE play * Adjustable vibration feedback for longer battery life * New left and right shoulder buttons are designed for ease of use * The Xbox Guide Button at the centre of the controller gives you quick access to all your favourite Xbox 360 system activities
The cost?
I would say the average price of a wireless controller now would be around the £30 mark and looking around from the main retails websites that seems to be the truth. You can get it for £29.99 with free delivery from play.com or you could get it from Game if you have a reward card for the same price. Alternatively you could look on eBay or trade in some old accessories and games at gamestation in order for a swap.
Pictures of Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller - game pad
What the controller looks like in it's package.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Superb controller with no wires and loads of features and very good feel Disadvantages: None- except a bit more expensive than wired controller
Dec 9th, 2008
exceptional by (4%):
very helpful by (96%):
