The magic device that will let you use your Xbox One wireless controller on your PC is finally arriving.
Let’s admit it. PC gaming is much better with a wireless controller–well, actually, everything is so much better with a wireless controller. Although PC gaming has always set itself apart from console gaming with its point-and-click gameplay, there are games that are still better off played–and are actually clamoring to be played–with a console controller. And having an Xbox One console at home on top of a PC for gaming should just work so much simpler. In theory, it should be working out great since you have an Xbox One controller at your disposal for your PC gaming needs. But in reality, Xbox One controllers, since they’re wireless, just don’t quite work with PCs.
This October, Xbox One gamers who also use their PC for gaming will be delighted to know that the Xbox One wireless controller will finally be usable on a Windows PC / laptop via the Xbox Wireless Adapter. PC World reports that the Xbox Wireless Adapter will only work on Windows 10 PCs and laptops and with an Xbox One wireless controller. So those who are still hoarding their Xbox 360 controllers in hopes of using it with this adapter, sad to say but there’s no other way but to upgrade.
The Xbox Wireless adapter will enable the Xbox One wireless controller to be usable on any Windows 10 PC, laptop, and even tablet, with any PC game or Xbox One game streamed via Windows 10. The new dongle will be available in local and online retailers worldwide at an estimated retail price of $24.99 . Don’t like this price point? Well it’s kinda steep if you consider this on top of the price of an Xbox One controller – not to mention an Elite Xbox One controller – but if you really want to take your PC gaming to a whole new level, then it’s worth the investment. If you’re interested, hang on for now since the Xbox Wireless adapter will only start shipping on October 20.
Xbox lists the full specifications of the Xbox Wireless adapter:
- Play with your Xbox Wireless Controller on Windows 10 PCs, laptops, and tablets.
- Use it with PC games, and Xbox One games streamed to Windows 10.
- Simply bind the Adapter to your Wireless Controller to enable the same gaming experience you are used to on Xbox One, including in-game chat and high quality stereo audio.
- Extend the USB connection to your Windows 10 PC, laptop, or tablet to enhance placement and accessibility to the Wireless Adapter with the included USB extender cable.
- For use with the Xbox One Wireless Controller or Xbox Wireless Controller and controller compatible games on PCs and Tablets running Windows 10 with USB 2.0 or USB 3.0.
- Not compatible with controllers designed for Xbox 360. Significant firmware update may be required; ISP fees apply. Please visit xbox.com/xboxone/controllerupdate for update instructions.
In addition to the upcoming launch of the Xbox Wireless adapter, Xbox One’s Mike Ybarra brings news that could inspire players to purchase the wireless dongle. In a response to a tweet by @StavEllis, Ybarra hints that controller customization is soon coming to regular Xbox One controllers.
@StavEllis @XboxP3 It’s coming for all controllers soon.
— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) October 4, 2015
It’s been noted by @StavEllis that controller remapping is a standard feature of PlayStation consoles and controllers, making Xbox users wonder why it’s only available in the Xbox One Elite controller . Upon Ybarra’s answer that controller remapping will be available across all Xbox One controllers in the near future, Xbox One users are left wondering if purchasing the Xbox One Elite controller is still worth the extra bucks. But if you’re into that extra precision, then Xbox One Elite users still attest that going for the Elite will still be a good option.
Previously, we reported that Cortana won’t be available in Xbox One until 2016. But Inquisitr have found a way to work around this devastating news and was able to unlock a beta version of Cortana lurking around the New Xbox One Experience Preview.
[Featured image courtesy of Xbox Live]