The gamepad for the Xbox 360 is a unique device designed primarily for games. However, it is also suitable for use as a control panel for opening access to multimedia products of the console of the same name. Given the fact that the Xbox is manufactured by Microsoft, it is not surprising that the gamepad (also known as the controller) is freely connected to personal computers with the installed operating system from the same creator.
Xbox 360 Gamepad Options
The device comes in a relatively small cardboard box, the middle part of which is made of transparent plastic, and takes the form of a controller. There it is located. This is very convenient, since you can even evaluate its appearance without even unpacking the product. Well, in the event of damage, it is better to return it to the seller under warranty immediately in its original form. The box is made in white and green tones, the information on it is minimum. There is only the name of the controller for the Xbox 360. Inside, depending on the model chosen, there will be either a wire or a charger. Now it is almost the same thing. It's just that on models that were initially oriented to connecting without cables, you can turn it off, but not on others. There is also an instruction written in several languages. In principle, there is no special need for it, since everything is intuitively clear, however, some features of the device are still not too obvious, so you need to read this document. Well, the last is a guarantee. If the product suddenly fails for no apparent reason, you can always use this coupon and return the money. Or change to another, new controller.
Design
The device, like most other gamepads, has 2 joysticks. They are responsible for managing all 4 axes. To perform some action, 10 keys are used, and another, silver, which is located in the middle, is used both to turn on / off the power of the console and to launch Games for Windows Live (if you use a PC connection). Also, the Xbox 360 wired and wireless gamepad has four triggers and the vibration feedback function is active by default. It is especially useful as it fully immerses the user in the world of entertainment. For example, it conditionally displays recoil when shooting, a steering wheel breaking out during races, and so on. In those games where there are no such active elements, vibration helps to attract the attention of a gamer to certain events. The shape of the controller is very convenient for both adults and children's hands. All controls can be reached without much effort. Do not forget about the design. At first, it may seem somewhat unusual, however, in fact, the used option for arranging joysticks helps to control the process much better than the classic one.
When controlling the position of the sight, for example, sometimes, especially in the heat of battle, the player can not always consciously distinguish what this or that control is responsible for. And if the joysticks are located differently, then it immediately becomes clear what each of them is responsible for. I would also like to mention the wire. If you do not take the wireless model, the cable length will be almost 3 meters. This is really serious, so you no longer have to sit right in front of the screen. You can freely sit on the sofa and play for fun. The controller plastic is rough. Not so much that it really felt and was uncomfortable, but enough so that the product did not slip out of hand. Weight is also optimally selected. You can not call the gamepad easy, it is quite weighty. On the one hand, such a mass is not enough to get tired hands. On the other hand, there is a feeling of holding something, and this is very important for the correct statement of commands.
Control
If you take the Xbox 360 PC gamepad in your hands, then under the right are 4 control keys, marked with the letters A, B, X and Y. There is also one of the joysticks. On the left is a cruciform control. A little higher and to the left is another joystick. All controls are made of high quality materials and are very comfortable felt under your fingers. In the center of the device’s panel there are three more buttons: “Start”, “Back” and a proprietary key responsible for turning on the power to the console. At the bottom of the controller there are connectors in which you can connect additional accessories. On the back there are four more keys.
Connecting a Xbox 360 Gamepad
As mentioned above, the controller can interact with both consoles and stationary computers. With consoles, and so everything is clear, there are special connectors designed specifically for such a device. By the way, the cable has a built-in protection system so that the user could not, accidentally touching the cord, turn the console over. Connecting the Xbox 360 PC gamepad to a desktop computer is also very simple, via a standard USB port. Immediately after activation, Windows will find the necessary drivers on its own. You can do this right during the game, at the same time, you do not need to reboot or perform any additional actions.
Summary
Many entertainment industry projects are much better perceived with controllers, rather than mice and keyboards. By the way, some games without such a device or at least an Xbox 360 gamepad emulator do not work at all.