Xbox 360 USB Controller to Go Cross-Platform

Remember how the Xbox's controller interface was really USB as discovered by a bunch of modders, then hacked on SourceForge to work on Windows XP? Microsoft, seeing the potential of the controller for PC gaming, has decided that the upcoming Xbox 360's controller will use an actual USB port to be used on either the 360 or the PC without chopping it up.

For those not in the know, the Xbox 360 controller sports a plethora of triggers, buttons, 2 analog joysticks, a D-pad, and those pesky black and white buttons are actually done right this time. IGN thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread.

Microsoft will be selling this individually as the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows for $40, including the driver for use on Windows XP. Alternatively, future 360 owners can also pull their own controller (the wired version) from the system and merely download the XP drivers from Windows Update. Apparently the game developers are thrilled at the concept of a cross platform controller, with backing from EA, THQ, Ubisoft, and Vivendi Universal, so expect to see a lot more console ports hitting the PC in the future.

Filed under Game Controllers