Whether playing a single-player adventure game or competing with other players online, using a controller makes the experience far more intuitive and comfortable. It’s easy to connect an Xbox controller to your PC.
There’s even a pro-oriented option available from Microsoft called the elite controller. This high-end pad has swappable parts, including various grips and many programmable rear paddles.
It’s a Lot Easier to Control
An Xbox controller is a good option for gamers who prefer a controller for their PC gaming. These incredibly ergonomic controllers offer a better control scheme than a mouse and keyboard for some games. They also work well for old console emulators that don’t support mouse and keyboard controls.
It would be best to keep a few things in mind before using an Xbox controller for your PC gaming:
- Ensure your controller is updated to the latest firmware and running on a fresh set of batteries.
- You’ll need a USB hub or an Xbox Wireless Adapter.
- You must connect your controller to the hub or adapter via a cable.
Once you’ve gotten your gear together, connecting an Xbox controller to a PC is relatively easy. All you need to do is plug one end of the cable into the controller and the other into a USB port on your computer. The Xbox button should start flashing, and once it does, you can begin playing your games.
The latest Xbox controller is an excellent choice for PC gaming. It’s thinner and lighter than older models while feeling sturdy and comfortable. Along with a curved directional pad perfect for fighting games, it has new rear paddles that go flat against the controller’s back where our middle and index fingers naturally rest. It even comes with a tool for adjusting the tension of the thumbsticks to your preferred feel.
It’s More Intuitive
Controllers are designed with ergonomics in mind, unlike keyboards, where you’ll often have to contort your wrists and neck into uncomfortable positions to reach keys. That means everything you need is right where it should be, allowing you to remain comfortable and focused on the game.
An Xbox controller for PC gaming is more intuitive than a standard keyboard and mouse. You can plug them into your computer without installing drivers or configuring anything. As the most popular controller in the world, games are typically designed with an Xbox controller in mind, so they’ll automatically recognize it and understand its button layout. It makes it a much more intuitive choice for new gamers or people who have yet to play on a keyboard and mouse.
It features some impressive physical customization and a profusion of added features, including remappable buttons (including the rear paddles), the ability to create shift layers for different functions when pressing the center button, fine-tuned stick and trigger sensitivity, and customizable vibration settings across four zones. You can even store multiple profiles and swap between them with a button.
It’s More Comfortable
In addition to the comfort benefits of a good controller, they can facilitate more immersive gaming. You could be more immersed in the game if you’re constantly looking at your keyboard to see what keys to hit or have to take breaks to give your hands and wrists a break. Using an Xbox controller can help eliminate these problems and allow you to play for longer periods without discomfort or distraction.
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While a mouse and keyboard will always be the best option for certain games, many PC gamers prefer a controller. It is especially true for those who play platformers, racing games, or fighting games, which are often optimized for controllers by the developers.
The latest Xbox controllers are great for PC gaming because they’re comfortable, have a refined design, and feature built-in Bluetooth connectivity. You don’t need to buy a wireless dongle.
The Xbox Series X and S controllers are a great option, but the more expensive Elite Series 2 offers even more refinements and features for serious competitive gamers. It also has a built-in USB-C port for wired play, and it comes with an app that lets you fully customize the controller’s physical controls and software settings.
It’s More Convenient
In addition to the convenience of using a controller, using an Xbox controller on your PC makes your gaming experience more immersive. When you’re struggling with a keyboard or mouse setup, moving it out of your lap to answer the phone, or getting up to refill your water, you’re not as immersed in the game as you could be.
Luckily, all modern Xbox controllers work well on PC, and most games will automatically recognize them.
Most modern Xbox controllers also feature Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can pair them with your PC wirelessly if you have the option. To do so, turn the controller on and press and hold the guide button for three seconds until it lights up solid white. Then, head to your PC’s Bluetooth settings and select “Xbox Wireless Controller” from the list of available devices.
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Alternatively, you can buy an Xbox Wireless Adapter to plug in a wired controller with a 2.4 GHz dongle for lower latency. Just use a rechargeable battery pack or an alternative power source.
