Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (white)

Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp. Part number: B4F-00001

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CNET Editor rating:
4.0 stars Excellent
Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 24 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Product series; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: The Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless controller may be the most expensive first-party controller ever, but it's easily the best, too.

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CNET editors' review

Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (white)

price range: $36.99 - $59.99

Reviewed by: David Rudden
Edited by: David Carnoy
Reviewed on: 06/02/2006
Released on: 11/22/2005

The good: The Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless controller is comfortable and practical, with amazing wireless capability and solid battery life.

The bad: The Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless controller is quite pricey, even without the optional rechargeable battery accessories. Also, the controller lacks the motion-sensitive innovation of the Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 controllers and may stunt creativity in games for the system.

The bottom line: The Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless controller may be the most expensive first-party controller ever, but it's easily the best, too.

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Microsoft's first venture into the console business with the Xbox was a learning experience for the company, and there's no greater evidence than the evolution of the system's controller. The original Xbox controller was an oversize mess, with oddly shaped and placed buttons. Roughly halfway through the console's run, the original controller was replaced with the Controller S, the smaller alternative created for the Japanese launch. Heralded as one of the best controllers ever created, Xbox fans wondered how Microsoft could improve upon its design as it set out to create the official wireless controller for the Xbox 360. Here's the answer.

The Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless controller retails for $50--that is, $10 more than the wired controller. It's currently available in only one color, and it accepts two AA batteries or a more environmentally friendly Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack. The controller should last from 15 to 20 hours between recharging or replacing the battery.

The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller borrows many design elements from the Controller S. The left and right analog sticks and triggers, the control pad, and the face buttons are all in the same spots, constructed rather similarly. The start and Back buttons have been moved to the center, flanking the new guide button, which can turn on the system remotely and allows access to your gamer card at any time. Removed from the older controller are the black and white buttons, which were awkwardly placed below the face buttons. Taking their place are the left and right bumpers, which make their home on the top of the controller in front of the triggers. Atop the controller is a small white sync button that, for the first time, allows your controller to communicate with a Xbox 360 console. The slight changes have resulted in a nearly perfect design; not only is the controller great for Xbox 360 games, but you may just prefer the new layout for the backward-compatible Xbox1 titles, as the bumpers are better located than the black and white buttons.

A variety of inputs are unobtrusively located on the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. On the top is the input for the Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit, which allows you to recharge the battery pack via a cabled USB connection to the console--though we found the Quick Charge Kit to be a far better solution. On the bottom is a headset input. You can plug in any headset with a 2.5mm minijack (standard for cell phone headsets), but the input is form-fitted to accept the Xbox 360 Headset, which has built-in volume and mute buttons. Compared to the wired controller, this model is slightly heavier and bulkier, due to the presence of the battery pack at the back of the controller.

As for performance, it's phenomenal, besting even Logitech and Nintendo's wireless wares. Response time is even with that of any wireless controller released before. The controller is as responsive as its wired counterpart, with the exception of the guide button, which takes a few seconds longer to sync wirelessly. The force feedback is strong but not quite as strong as the wired controller's. That said, where the 360 Wireless Controller separates itself from the rest of the pack is its ability to connect multiple controllers at once. While other controllers require multiple dongles and manually chosen frequencies, each of these wireless controllers will sync with the Xbox 360 console once the guide button is pressed. Once connected, the quadrant of the guide button corresponding to the player's number lights up.

In the final analysis, the Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller may be one of the best wireless controllers ever in terms of design and performance. If you're looking for faults, you might argue the controller lacks any startling new features--especially in comparison to the motion-based controllers for the upcoming Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3--which may hinder true game design innovations. And you might also be disappointed that it doesn't come with a rechargeable battery at this price point. But those quibbles aside, the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is at the top of the pack.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 24 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 24

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10 stars

Best Controller Ever Made!!!

by mike_mgoblue on July 24, 2006

Pros: The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller feels perfect in your hands. Your hands fit perfectly on the outside, and your thumbs fit perfectly on the bottons, analog thumbsticks, and digital d-pad. Rumble=GREAT

Cons: There are no cons with the Xbox 360 Wireless Control pad.

Summary: A+ is the grade that the Independent Playstation Magazine rated the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller!!! And rightfully so!!!

When a major competitor rates your product an A+ and says that

...

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Summary: A+ is the grade that the Independent Playstation Magazine rated the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller!!! And rightfully so!!!

When a major competitor rates your product an A+ and says that it is the best controller EVER made, you can absolutely feel safe betting that it is!!!

The rumble feature of the Xbox 360 wireless controller is the best form of rumble technology ever used in a controller. There are many different varying levels of rumble force used. This means that when you get punched with a jab, it feels like a jab; but, when you get punched with a knockout uppercut, it FEELS like a knockout uppercut!!! This is something that the Playstation 3 can't do, because it doesn't feature rumble technology due to a lawsuit that Sony lost. The Playstation 3 is not backward compatible with Playstation 2 or Playstation 1 controllers, either. The Xbox 360 controller is wonderful!!!

The Tilt Sensing feature of the Playstation 3 and Nintendo controller is something that Microsoft deliberately did not put into the Xbox 360 controller. In fact, Microsoft built a controller for the PC over 10 years ago that featured Tilt Sensing abilities; it was called The Sidewinder. But Microsoft quickly realized that this sort of technology was a waste of effort because it was virtually impossible to accurately control games like that. After all, what happens if you accidentally move; the game doesn?t know the difference. Microsoft learned from the Sidewinder, which is why they decided to avoid using Tilt Sensing functions in their controller.

The analog triggers on the Xbox 360 controller are FAR SUPERIOR to the analog triggers on the Playstation 3 controller. The PS3 controller has analog triggers that don't press down deeply at all; however, the Xbox 360 analog triggers allow varying levels of accuracy to occur in almost all of the games they are used for. For example, in Perfect Dark Zero, if you pressed it a little bit, then you would Zoom 2-3x, but if you pressed it halfway, you would Zoom much closer, and if you pressed the trigger down all the way, you would Zoom in to the maximum setting for the weapon or scope you were using. This is incredibly fun!

The Xbox 360 uses either two AA batteries or a Microsoft Xbox rechargeable battery. If you buy standard AA batteries, then they usually last 35-40 hours. You can also use rechargeable AA batteries such as nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable AA batteries last a similar amount of time to the standard AA batteries. The Xbox 360 battery also provides about 35-40 hours of life. I recommend buying the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery and the battery charger that can recharge two batteries in just two hours. Batteries are used very efficiently by the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller!

The Guide button can be held down for a few seconds to bring up a screen that allows you to turn off the controller or turn off your Xbox 360 in a way similar to a remote control. The Guide Button can also be tapped to bring up a whole menu of options that make your Xbox 360 gaming experience wonderful. For example, you can choose Personal Settings that allow you to pick whatever songs you want to listen to while you are playing your Xbox 360 games. You can copy all of your CD songs onto the Xbox 360 hard drive, and you can also use any MP3, WMA, or iPod player with the Xbox 360, and the Wireless Controller will allow you to select all the songs to listen to while you are playing! There is just something special about listening to the Top Gun soundtrack while playing one of the Xbox 360 awesome racing games! You can also choose whether you want the voices of people you are playing with to come from the headset, your speakers, or both. There are many other options that you can select with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller.

The Xbox 360 has an absolutely amazing D-pad that makes playing games like Dead or Alive 4, Street Fighter 2 Hyper Fighting, and Mortal Kombat very fun to play because of the accuracy of the controller.

The Xbox 360 analog thumbsticks are extremely responsive. When it comes to playing First-Person-Shooters like Perfect Dark Zero, Call of Duty 2, and Halo, the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller makes playing the game very fun because of the incredible accuracy. The same can be said about Third-Person-Shooters like Gears of War and Lost Planet. Playing games like these is almost like thinking something, and the controller automatically does what you want it to, because it is so responsive.

The Xbox 360 is the best controller ever made. Period!

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 stars

average gaming experience

by aznboy318 on June 2, 2008

Pros: it has rumble feature.

Cons: some of the buttons are hard to press and too heavy.

Summary: I compared this controller to the Dualshock 3, and didn't like this as much as the Dualshock 3. It is heavier, and less comfortable to use than the Dualshock.

Summary: I compared this controller to the Dualshock 3, and didn't like this as much as the Dualshock 3. It is heavier, and less comfortable to use than the Dualshock.
9 stars

Great Wireless PC Game Controller!..

by jayawhy on February 6, 2008

Pros: No Wires, Perfect for PC Gaming!

Cons: I should have purchased the Black one!.. (To match all my other electronics)

Summary: Perfect wireless pc game controller!.. I'm not much of a gamer, but when I do play Madden 08, NFL 08, & Need for Speed ProStreet this wireless game controller ...

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Summary: Perfect wireless pc game controller!.. I'm not much of a gamer, but when I do play Madden 08, NFL 08, & Need for Speed ProStreet this wireless game controller works perfect.. I had to buy the XBOX 360 wireless USB controller for the PC in addition to the wireless controller to get it to work (Well worth it, I hate being tied down w/ wires).. I also purchased the charge & play adapter to eliminate having to buy new batteries every time.. (Too bad you can only use the charge & play adapter to charge it, & not utilize it as a wired game controller!, Oh Well!) Over all I love this wireless controller!..

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1 stars

Sync problems, Abysmal Technical "support"

by sararainmaker on January 17, 2008

Pros: Nice looking Paperweight

Cons: Can't get it to work or get help to get it to work

Summary: I spent three hours trying to get the Xbox 360 wireless controller for PC to work. I installed, uninstalled, reinstalled and updated the software countless times. connected the usb cable ...

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Summary: I spent three hours trying to get the Xbox 360 wireless controller for PC to work. I installed, uninstalled, reinstalled and updated the software countless times. connected the usb cable and checked every usb port. I even went so far as to unplug every wireless mouse/keyboard and turn off the Xbox in the other room before calling Microsoft Technical support.

I called the number on their website that it gave me for the specific controller. after a horrid wait the guy told me to call the Xbox tech support and gave me the number. luckily for me the wait was not as long, however the person I got to "help" me could do nothing of the fort. Granted... he really did TRY, but when you have no knowledge of the subject at hand reading off what the computer says for you to say only does so much. Eventually he told me to return it for another one because it must be faulty.

Sadly the next one I brought home had the same problem. I did a bit of research online and it seems Microsoft forgot to test their product before releasing it to the public because there are a lot of people with a lot of problems and not one trained tech support person at Microsoft to help them out with it.

I would suggest just buying a regular PC controller instead of wasting your money and time on this piece of junk!

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9 stars

MS gets wireless integration right for this great 3D controller, but the 2d pad just doesn't hold up

by seishino on April 23, 2007

Pros: Good hand fitting form, good button action, nice triggers

Cons: Atrocious D-pad, additional play-n-charge kit basically required

Summary: I've traditionally avoided wireless controllers due to issues around laggy response times. Well, I have to say, the 360 wireless controller really made a convert out of me. The ...

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Summary: I've traditionally avoided wireless controllers due to issues around laggy response times. Well, I have to say, the 360 wireless controller really made a convert out of me. The response time is crisp and fast, with no noticable lag at all. The "feel" is great, and if it weren't for the unusably bad d-pad (the same as the wired 360 controller's), it would be one of the best controllers out there.

The 360 wireless controller oozes quality. From the fit in your hand, to the rough weight, to the overall behavior, this thing is well-made. If you get the play-n-charge kit, you'll see that you can transition from wired (and charging) to wireless just by unplugging the controller... a great feature if you're in the middle of a session and running out of juice. Unusual for a wireless controller, you can still use it to shut down or turn on the system. Microsoft had planned the 360 around wireless controllers like this one, and the quality of integration really shows.

Just in terms of feel, this controller has a lot to love. The little nubs on the analog sticks give a good sense of direction. The analog shoulder buttons are responsive over a nice, wide sweep. Ditching the old white and black buttons, the buttons on the face of the 360 controller are consistently smooth jelly-bean style, with a responsive travel. The back and pause buttons are a little recessed for my taste, but they work.

Now, there are a few major drawbacks to the controller. One, you will need to get a play-n-charge kit for an additional 15 to 20 dollars. You do not want to be futzing with changing batteries every few days. The lifespan of a pair of AA's in the wireless controller, especially with rumble on, is about a weekend's worth of light gaming.

The other major drawback to this controller is the same as Microsoft's wired 360 controller: the D-pad is terrible for 2D gaming. The controller is nearly constantly pressing diagonals when you're attempting to press straight directions. As a lot of the Xbox Live Arcade games utilize the d-pad, this can be problematic. If you're excited about 2d fighters on the 360 you'll want to pick up a Mat Catz controller, as they have superior d-pad controls (though worse analog sticks).

Overall, if you can spare the 50 - 60 dollars for the wireless controller + charging cable, it comes strongly recommended. The feel is just great, with a suprising level of integration. Just be aware that you'll need to pick up another controller at some point for 2d and fighting games.

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10 stars

Best Controller

by jagraj on January 29, 2007

Pros: Wireless, controls are easy to reach

Cons: nothing really

Summary: Great Controller, ppl are whining about how it doesn't have motion sensors in it like the PS3 and Wii but they don't realize that the PS3 and the ...

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Summary: Great Controller, ppl are whining about how it doesn't have motion sensors in it like the PS3 and Wii but they don't realize that the PS3 and the Wii came out a year later.

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10 stars

The best controller ever made!!!!!!!

by the 4077th on December 21, 2006

Pros: Fits with your hand like a glove, Long range, Long battery life, Great features, Headset port on it, I could go on forever.

Cons: None that I can think of.

Summary: I suggest getting this controller over a wired controller because your can be far away and still play.

Summary: I suggest getting this controller over a wired controller because your can be far away and still play.
9 stars

Great feeling

by LePope on November 6, 2006

Pros: Wireless, sleek design, good feeling

Cons: price is a little high; white surface easily attracts dirt
10 stars

Best controller ever

by HotShot424 on August 13, 2006

Pros: This controller is just so comfortable to hold and i love the new bumpers

Cons: Nothing Nothing Nothing

Summary: This is the best controller ever!!!

Summary: This is the best controller ever!!!
10 stars

I love the feel and handleing

by tobymac on June 19, 2006

Pros: It has no start up lag.

Cons: Noe that I'm experiancing

Summary: I've always been a wireless controller guy and this is the most simple I've ever owned.

Summary: I've always been a wireless controller guy and this is the most simple I've ever owned.

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 24

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Part number: B4F-00001
Description: High-performance wireless gaming is here! Using optimized technology, the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller lets you enjoy a 30-foot range and up to 40 hours of life on the two included AA batteries - and when they run low, you're given ample warning so you can connect a Play & Charge Kit for uninterrupted play. Plug the Xbox 360 Headset into the controller for full two-way voice communication: a wireless first.