The Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows runs on two AA batteries and also requires a USB adapter to connect to your computer. I received two AA batteries, a quick start guide, a PC USB adapter and the controller itself in the box.To avoid having to purchase batteries regularly, I swapped out the AA batteries for the Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit, which I purchased separately.
I did have some problems charging the battery at the start but it turned out to be a glitch present in many such battery packs, and just reconnecting the charging cable a few times solved the issue. The battery pack claims 35 hours of game-play, and I did manage to go over 30 hours of usage without charging twice.
I have previously used a friend’s wired Microsoft Xbox controller and the wireless one brings forth the same sturdiness and comfort to the table. It is also slightly heavier with the batteries attached, adding to the sturdy feel. The controller provides good and quick feedback. It is extremely easy to set up, just plug and play really. The controller feels quite comfortable in the hands, and all the buttons are comfortably accessible. I spent 3-4 hours at a stretch playing and yet my hands didn’t feel tired.
I have used the controller for around a fortnight now, and have had no problems as of yet. The connectivity has been excellent as well. The vibration feedback is just...wow, letting you actually ’feel’ the game, so to speak. Almost every game runs directly with the controller, with no customization required. I have tried out the controller with different versions of Far Cry, Fifa, Saints Row and even Ashes ’09, and the controller has performed excellently every-time. The controller also comes with a three-month Microsoft warranty.
One thing that seemed to be missing was the battery indicator, without which it was quite difficult to know when the controller would run out of juice, which did happen a couple of times in the midst of frolicking around in the fields of Far Cry 4. A quick Google search led me to the Microsoft Xbox Accessories software which enabled the battery status to be displayed on screen after a short-press of the Xbox 360 Logo button (Guide Button).
Another thing that really annoyed me was the auto-off feature. The controller turns off automatically 5-10 minutes after you have stopped using it, which unnecessarily drains battery. There’s no button to actually turn off the controller when you are done playing. (Or so they say.) Another quick Google search and I had downloaded and installed the Xbox 360 controller manager, which enabled the controller to be turned off by a long press of the Guide Button.I am not really a stickler for third-party apps and software and would have rather preferred if Microsoft would have included a button (or a software) to turn off the controller.
One can opt for the wireless controller without any hesitation whatsoever. Will I recommend the controller? Definitely.