Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller really requires batteries?

Brian Bowers · May 28, 2017

I'm considering buying the "Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller for Windows & Xbox 360 Console" but the description on Amazon.com says that this wired controller requires two AA batteries. Is this true?! The wired controller needs batteries?!

:)

MerlinKM · May 28, 2017

Windows 10

Was it the official Xbox 360 or Xbox One controller? For the Xbox 360 wireless controller, an adapter is required. For Xbox One, the original Xbox One controller will only work when wired. For the One S controller, you can connect it via bluetooth.

Static Jak · May 28, 2017

Question about 360 controller for PC

A normal wired 360 controller will plug in and play on your PC without issue. Windows will pick it up instantly.

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A wireless 360 controller requires the Microsoft Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows. It plugs in via USB.

Smwutches · May 29, 2017

The wired controllers do not require batteries.

Smwutches

The wired controllers do not require batteries.

Obsessive Power

Hi,

There is no driver to download or update for Xbox 360 controllers on Windows 10. You just plug them in.

Note: Xbox 360 wireless controllers can not be turned into wired controllers. A 360 play and charge cable can only charge a battery or power the controller if no battery is present, it does not send data.

If you have a wired 360 controller just plug it in, no driver required
If your controller is wireless, you need an Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows.

WPAK

Hi there,

are you trying to connect a wired Xbox 360 controller or are you using a wireless 360 controller via the play and charge cable.

If it is the wireless controller that you will need a wireless received in order to connect it to a PC, the cable is only used to charge the wireless controller battery pack.

If the controller is a wired controller or you need more information on using a wireless controller then be sure to check the steps and possible requirements on this link:

https://support.xbox.com/xbox-on-windows/accessories/xbox-controller-for-windows-setup

Let us know the results

PalmettoBling

With the Xbox 360 controller, it only sent data wirelessly. The charging cable was only used to charge rechargeable batteries on the controller, and does not send data over the wire for the controller. You would need the Xbox 360 wireless controller
adapter (usb dongle) to connect. If the 360 controller was wired natively then that would work, but the default controllers only worked wirelessly.

Obsessive Power

Hi,

Sorry, what you're trying to do won't work. The simple answer is that 360 wireless controllers were only designed to work wirelessly. They don't have the functionality to send instructions via a wired connection.

The Play and Charge can only charge the battery - or power the controller if no battery is present.

You'll need a gaming receiver or a wired 360 controller. Only Xbox One controllers can use both wired or wireless connectivity with a PC.

Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller really requires batteries?