PC Finally Gets Xbox One Controller Support

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The Xbox 360 controller was the gold standard for PC game pads for years. It was simple, relatively cheap, well-made and widely supported by developers. For many games, I used it by default. Now, finally, Microsoft has released PC drivers for the Xbox One.

Support was promised right around the console’s launch in November, but has only just been spotted in the wild. Any game that currently supports the Xbox 360 controller will now work with the Xbox One controller as well. Unfortunately, the update hasn’t been added to Windows Update yet, so you can’t just plug it in and expect it to work. Instead, Microsoft's Major Nelson has released them early on his blog.

We tested out the drivers for a bit on some Telltale games, Skyrim, and Dark Souls. The controller worked great with each. Obviously developers haven’t added support for the Xbox One controller’s extra features, but that’ll only be a matter of time. Until then, if you have an Xbox One and you’ve wanted to make your PC experience just a little better, you can give these drivers a try.

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Daniel Starkey
18 Comments Comment from the forums
  • ubercake
    What features does the Xbox One controller offer that are not present on a 360 controller?
    Reply
  • nukemaster
    Some extra vibration in the triggers and a bit or redesign for comfort.

    The full list of features is here

    http://www.xbox.com/en-CA/xbox-one/accessories/controllers/wireless-controller
    Reply
  • jasonelmore
    now all we need is a wireless driver or adapter and i can finally retire my xbox 360 gear.
    Reply
  • clonazepam
    What features does the Xbox One controller offer that are not present on a 360 controller?
    I think it's mostly about more precision engineering and a higher quality build. I haven't touched one yet though. Hope others weigh in.
    Reply
  • thdarkshadow
    Ubercake: just refined stuff like comfort and crisper buttons. Also the dpad was changed so its usable and actually pretty good. They changed a whole bunch of small stuff but so much so that its hard to use a 360 after using the One because it feels so "bad"

    And it only took them half the year to release...
    Reply
  • soccerplayer88
    Meh. I'm surprised it took Microsoft this long to figure out a basic driver for Windows unless it's going to integrate itself into Windows 8 somehow. I'm thinking of something like Steam's "Big Screen" where you can browse games and other things with a controller.

    I'll stick with my DS3 from the original PS3 launch. It's survived both Demon Souls and Dark Souls as well as my dog.
    Reply
  • firefoxx04
    I enjoy the 360 controller. Lots of people hate on gamepads but for some its the way to go. I grew up on the xbox and xbox 360, its what I know.

    That said, I am getting much better with a mouse and keyboard.
    Reply
  • danwat1234
    The Xbox 1 demos at the conventions were actually PCs with what I'd guess were XBOX 1 controllers. So they've had some sort of beta drive out by then. Guess it took a while to polish everything.
    Reply
  • whiteodian
    I grew up on the xbox and xbox 360, its what I know.
    LOL. I'm getting old. I grew up on NES/SNES, but have gamed on just about everything over the years. I will be trying this out tonight. Just ordered a wireless Xbox 360 controller, doh!
    Reply
  • MrMusAddict
    What features does the Xbox One controller offer that are not present on a 360 controller?

    No added features, but just some optimizations. The D-pad is borderline perfect, the ergonomics are more natural, and the triggers are nicer.
    Reply