Xbox 360 controller
Primary controller for Xbox 360, also works on Windows PCs.
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The Xbox 360 controller, Microsoft’s main gamepad for its Xbox 360 console, debuted at E3 2005. It comes in wired and wireless forms. The original Xbox controller does not work with the Xbox 360. Both wired and wireless versions are compatible with Windows PCs running Windows XP or later.
Rechargeable Battery Pack
Wireless controllers use either AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack. Wired controllers plug into any USB port on the console or an attached USB hub. For the Xbox 360’s 17th anniversary, third-party studio Hyperkin re-released the controller for the Xbox Series X and S.
Design
Its button layout follows the Controller S, but some auxiliary buttons shifted. The “back” and “start” buttons moved to a more central position on the face.
The “white” and “black” buttons were removed, replaced by two bumpers above the analog triggers on the back. A 2.5 mm TRS connector on the front lets users attach a headset for voice chat. A proprietary serial connector, split into two parts on either side of the headset jack, works with accessories like the chatpad.
On August 31, 2010, Microsoft’s Larry Hryb (Major Nelson) unveiled a redesigned wireless controller to replace the one bundled with the Play & Charge Kit. Small changes included reshaped analog stick tops and gray face buttons. The key addition was an adjustable directional pad that switches between a disc-type D-pad and a plus-shaped D-pad. This controller launched in North America exclusively with Play & Charge Kits on November 9, 2010, and reached Europe in February 2011.
The controller uses a standard USB Human Interface Device interface but is designed for Microsoft’s XInput library. Many PC games support XInput, but some may not work with this controller.
Layout
A standard Xbox 360 controller has eleven digital buttons, two analog triggers, two analog sticks, and a digital D-pad. On the right face are four digital action buttons: green A, red B, blue X, and yellow Y. The lower right holds the right analog stick; the lower left has the digital D-pad; the left face has the left analog stick.
Both analog sticks can be clicked in to activate a digital button underneath. In the center are digital Start, Back, and Guide buttons. The Guide (Xbox) button, marked with the Xbox logo, turns on the console or controller and accesses the guide menu.
Lore & Background
The Xbox 360 controller retains the basic button layout of the Controller S, but with several changes: the 'back' and 'start' buttons were moved to a more central position, and the 'white' and 'black' buttons were replaced by two bumpers positioned over the analog triggers on the back. A 2.5 mm TRS connector on the front allows headset connection for voice communication, and a proprietary serial connector (split into two parts on either side of the headset connector) supports accessories such as the chatpad.
On August 31, 2010, Microsoft's Larry Hryb revealed a redesigned wireless controller that replaced the one bundled with the Play & Charge Kit. This new design featured changes such as reshaped analog stick tops, grey-colored face buttons, and an adjustable directional pad that could be switched between a disc-type D-pad and a plus-shaped D-pad. It was released in North America exclusively with Play & Charge Kits on November 9, 2010, and in Europe in February 2011.
The controller provides a standard USB Human Interface Device software interface but is designed for the Microsoft XInput interface library. While many PC games support XInput, some games may not work with this controller. The Xbox 360 controller is not compatible with the original Xbox.
Reader's Guide
The Xbox 360 controller became a standard for console gaming and PC gaming alike, due to its compatibility with Windows operating systems from XP onward. Its layout—featuring two analog sticks, a digital D-pad, four face buttons, two bumpers, and two analog triggers—established a template that influenced many subsequent controllers. The introduction of the adjustable transforming D-pad in 2010 addressed a common criticism of the original D-pad design.
The controller's use of the XInput library made it a de facto standard for PC game developers, though some games not supporting XInput may not function with it. The controller's longevity is evidenced by its re-release by Hyperkin for the Xbox Series X and S on the console's 17th anniversary. The wide variety of standard and limited-edition color schemes, including themed controllers for Halo, Fable III, and TRON: Legacy, contributed to its collectibility and cultural presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What buttons and inputs does the Xbox 360 controller have?
The face features 11 digital buttons, two analog triggers, two analog sticks, and a digital D-pad. A 2.5 mm TRS headset jack is also built into the front of the pad.
What powers the wireless Xbox 360 controller?
You can run it on four AA batteries or swap in a dedicated rechargeable battery pack. Note that the older original Xbox controller is not compatible with the Xbox 360, making this pad the only first-party option for that console.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Xbox 360 controller (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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