Microsoft Brings Wired Xbox One Controller to the PC, Can Convert to Wireless for Xbox One Use

Nearly nine-years-ago, I posted an in-depth look at using the Xbox 360 controller on the PC, and ever since then, it’s remained my gamepad of choice. Well – at some point I did move over to a wireless version of the same pad, but in all that time, no other controller could displace that one from my hands. That’s not a big surprise, though: The market isn’t exactly booming with controller competition. Nonetheless, when the Xbox One came out last fall, I couldn’t deny that a controller upgrade was in my future.

Just shy of a year since Microsoft released its Xbox One console, the company has finally decided to bring its gamepad counterpart to the PC. The upside is obvious: We get what could be the best gamepad for the PC ever. But the downside hurts a little: It’s a wired option. I’m sure we’ll get wireless support down-the-road, but it’s really unfortunate it’s not going to be here from the get-go.

There is a perk here: This wired gamepad can be turned into a wireless one for use with an Xbox One console, so if at some point Microsoft does release a wireless adapter, you won’t have to go out and purchase a brand-new controller – which is exactly what I had to do back in the Xbox 360 days.

The official Windows-specific product is called “Xbox One Controller + Cable”, and it’s set to become available in November. Pricing isn’t mentioned, but I’d have to imagine that it wouldn’t differ from the current pricing of the wireless model, which runs between $55 – $60 USD.