• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Is my Xbox 360 controller dead?

mshan

Diamond Member
Have a lightly used Xbox 360 Arcade that I bought new.

Today I started having intermittent connection problems with the wireless controller and suddenly it appears dead.

I changed the batteries but it does not power up.

Is there some way to reset it, or is it dead?

If it is dead, where is the best place to buy a new one? (Amazon has it for $32)
 
Last edited:
All you can really try is to resync it to your console, which is just hitting the little white button on top of the controller and on the console. If that doesn't help then you probably just need a new controller. They don't last forever so if it was heavily used before you than it can most certainly be dead.
 
The Xbox controller won't even light up when I press that power button.

I have actually used it very lightly and bought everything new. 🙁
 
I had that type of problem with one of my controllers - the battery pack was a bit flakey. Make sure the contacts/springs are clean, and that the springs aren't compressed too much. Also make sure the contacts on the batteries are clean. That fixed my problem for me.
 
Some additional troubleshooting before you start dealing with returns: do the replacement batteries have a charge (i.e. check them with a volt meter)? Were they oriented correctly in the controller with the proper polarities?
 
I tried 3 sets of batteries and double checked the + - picture.

Kind of odd, it just died, and I haven't used it much (I use it for driving games mainly, so really haven't been hard on the controller).

I looked at Microsoft warranty and it said 90 days for accessories (got it last winter).




Brand new wireless one is about $32 at Amazon. Is this about as cheap as they get?
 
Last edited:
The Amazon price is reasonable, I think the lowest I've seen about $28 shipped. Dell has a $25 deal right now but they also charge tax and shipping, so it may not be any better than Amazon.
 
Watch gogamer.com for their 48hour madness, I normally get a refurb for like $24. Both have been in good condition.
 
Back
Top