Xbox 360 Wired or Wireless Controller for PC?

[Link83]

Hi all,
I am planning on buying an Xbox 360 controller for my PC as I have never really got into PC gaming due to not liking the mouse/keyboard combo

The only thing is I cant decide if I should get the the standard wired Xbox 360 controller, or a wireless controller with the Microsoft wireless gaming receiver.

Distance isnt really an issue as my PC is on the desk right next to my keyboard, so wireless would be of very little benefit. However I seem to recall around the time of the Xbox 360 launch someone saying that the wired Xbox 360 controllers were made of poorer/lower quality materials compared to the wireless controllers and wondered if this was true? and if so are current wired controllers any better?

<EDIT> Found a link to an old amazon review which mentions the quality difference:-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3053HGV2CNQRR/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

What im trying to ask is - if both controllers were compared purely on their 'quality', and not the wireless capabililty and extra cost, which controller would be considered better?

Thanks in advance

P.S. Would also be interested if anyone knows the best/cheapest place to buy either the wired controller, or wireless controller and receiver

[3x3cut10n3r]

I agree with the whole keyboard/mouse issue, never got on with it myself being a born and bred console gamer.

The difference in quality between the wired/wireless pad was certainly an issue in the past and as far as I know, still is. The buttons and sticks on the wired controllers have a tendancy to break very easily and never felt as responsive to me, I have 3 useless broken wired pads.

Also there is the weight difference, the wired pad is so light it almost feels empty, similar to the PS3's Sixaxis pad. Couldn't stand it myself, although I was used to the wireless pad when I tried it.

So in summary, if I had to make a choice, personally I would go with the wireless pad and adapter combo.

[mekanor]

i just bought the wireless combo for $70ish AUD the other day at the same time as my new computer. i didnt really consider going for the wired one. why bother when theres a better option around?

thats my thinking anyway

[Link83]

Thanks for the replies

I am definitely thinking a wireless 360 controller is the way to go, especially since Zavvi seems to be selling the xbox 360 wireless controller for &#163;17.95:-

http://www.zavvi.co.uk/zavvi/9995967.product

However, there is one snag - I now cant find anywhere that sells the Microsoft 'Crossfire' Gaming Receiver Everywhere i've looked it seems to be out of stock - How I wish I had bought one when they were &#163;9.99 in Gameplays sale last year...

Does anybody know if they are discontinued or something? Seems really strange that they are so hard to find, even used ones are selling for more than the RRP of new ones on eBay.

i didnt really consider going for the wired one. why bother when theres a better option around?

It depends on whats meant by 'better' I suppose, considering that my mouse is less the 15cm away from my PC's USB ports distance really isnt an issue.

Plus with wireless you have to factor in recharging batteries - which is one of the reasons I have never seen the point in getting a wireless keyboard and mouse. I imagine they are very convenient if you are using a PC in the living room, or with a large screen etc, but if you still sat at your desk then I dont see the benefit of a wireless keyboard/mouse - maybe its just me who feels that way though?

I do love wireless controllers for games consoles - but that totally makes sense to me as you usually play consoles games from a chair a considerable distance away from the Console/TV, and wires tether you to a certain distance making you feel very restricted (aswell as being an accident waiting to happen!)

I guess if I played PC games on a 32 inch screen or larger or was sat back away from the PC then I would definitely just get a wireless controller without hesitation, but since im not I wanted to weigh up my options first.

I hope that makes sense

[BearBoy]

However, there is one snag - I now cant find anywhere that sells the Microsoft 'Crossfire' Gaming Receiver Everywhere i've looked it seems to be out of stock - How I wish I had bought one when they were ?9.99 in Gameplays sale last year...

Does anybody know if they are discontinued or something? Seems really strange that they are so hard to find, even used ones are selling for more than the RRP of new ones on eBay.

I had the same trouble. I bought this in the end:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Xbox-360-Wireless-Controller-Windows/dp/B000H7FCB8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1246264738&sr=1-2

It's the 360 pad with the crossfire receiver included. Also comes with the software drivers on a CD.

[mekanor]

It depends on whats meant by 'better' I suppose, considering that my mouse is less the 15cm away from my PC's USB ports distance really isnt an issue.

Plus with wireless you have to factor in recharging batteries - which is one of the reasons I have never seen the point in getting a wireless keyboard and mouse. I imagine they are very convenient if you are using a PC in the living room, or with a large screen etc, but if you still sat at your desk then I dont see the benefit of a wireless keyboard/mouse - maybe its just me who feels that way though?

no im with you on the keyboard and mouse front. i guess i think of it as better as i plan to also use it with the 360. the wired 360 controllers are clearly inferior (come on, wired controllers have been out since the wavebird) and so id judge the wireless to be better... or something like that