Xbox360 Wired or Wireless Controller for use with PC gaming?

[extrapoints]

I am interested in using a xbox360 controller for PC gaming. I am hearing conflicting reports of whether its better to use the wired or wireless controller. I've been reading that some users have experienced issues with the reception and or drivers with the wireless controller. Can anyone confirm/recommend or validate which of the options I should go with? Also, if i go with the wireless controller, do i HAVE to purchase the "Play and charge" kit to recharge the batteries?

This is the wireless controller with the receiver bundled:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Xbox.../dp/B000KA5T6A

Regular wired controller
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Contr...5001357&sr=1-4

Play and Charge Kit
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Black...5001439&sr=1-1

 

[gorcorps]

If you get the wireless controller w/ the rechargeable battery pack then yes, you need the play and charge cable... but if you have the battery pack then you'll GET the play and charge cable. I don't think there's a product where you'll get the battery but not the cable.

By default the wireless controller just comes with a AA battery pack. I think these days you have to buy the battery and cable separate if you want them. But honestly the battery packs die within 6 months of use (I've had 2 do this) so it's really just easier to use AAs. Either disposable or rechargeable AAs.

 

[BlueWeasel]

I've had the wireless controller for a few months and have had no problems with the reception or drivers. You don't have to use the play and charge kit to recharge -- standard or rechargeable batteries work fine.

Personally, I'd go with the wireless but there's no difference between the two versions. You might be able to get it cheaper by getting a standard wireless 360 controller (have seem them new for $30 lately) and the wireless adapter off Ebay.

 

[Modular]

I bought the wired from Best Buy for under $30 recently. It's awesome and I don't regret not getting wireless at all. The last thing I want to be doing when I go to fire up a game is scrounging around for batteries...

 

[zagood]

Last I checked, the Play n Charge kit doesn't work with a PC.

I use regular AA batteries with mine, I don't notice any lag even at around 20'.

 

[AlucardX]

play n charge does NOT work for actually using the pad on the PC. it's charge only. you have to get the wireless PC receiver to sync your wireless pad to the receiver that plugs into your PC.

 

[PieIsAwesome]

I would go for the wireless controller. I got one for $35 new on ebay last week, and they were going for $39 on Amazon, seems prices have gone up. I use rechargeable AA batteries for my 360 controllers, no need for the proprietary battery packs of questionable quality.

 

[aigomorla]

that wireless bundle link does NOT come with the usb dongle.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.as...ingid=65767070

Just to let you know... You need that dongle for it to work on your PC.
After u install that dongle, windows usually finds the drivers required for it.

I had to get my USB dongle though ebay. (linking ebay is against TOS)
Go though ebay to find one cheaper.

But i am on wireless on my PC.

 

[zerocool84]

that wireless bundle link does NOT come with the usb dongle.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.as...ingid=65767070

Just to let you know... You need that dongle for it to work on your PC.
After u install that dongle, windows usually finds the drivers required for it.

I had to get my USB dongle though ebay. (linking ebay is against TOS)
Go though ebay to find one cheaper.

But i am on wireless on my PC.

It shows it in the picture and says it comes with the USB receiver in the description also in the OP's Amazon link.

 

[aigomorla]

It shows it in the picture and says it comes with the USB receiver in the description also in the OP's Amazon link.

well i bought one.. and it did not come with a dongle.

And it makes sense when the wireless controller itself is about that expensive.

If you get it.. let me know if it came with a dongle.
I could use another set.

 

[PieIsAwesome]

well i bought one.. and it did not come with a dongle.

And it makes sense when the wireless controller itself is about that expensive.

If you get it.. let me know if it came with a dongle.
I could use another set.

There is the Xbox 360 wireless controller and then there is the package that includes the controller and dongle called "Xbox 360 controller for windows" or something like that. That is the one I got and it came with the dongle.