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Xbox 2Peripherals to Work on PCs

Posted by Zonk on from the giant-handed-people-rejoice! dept.

BlueMoon writes "Gamespot has an interview with Dean Lester (Microsoft Windows Graphics and Gaming general manager) where he explains that the Xbox 2 peripherals will all work on PC too. So it looks like the Xbox 2 will probably use the 'normal' USB standard."

47 comments

  1. Xbox peripherals already work on PCs by RzUpAnmsCwrds · · Score: 5, Informative

    With the proper drivers and a little rewiring, you can already use XBox controllers on your PC. They are standard USB, so all you need to do is change the connector.

    1. Re:Xbox peripherals already work on PCs by sw33tjimmy · · Score: 1

      yes, but the only drivers that are worth a damn are very difficult to find. Or at least they were a few months back. MS doesn't currently support using the Xbox controller on a PC. It will rock to have decent software support for a good contoller.

      --
      Get Virtual.
    2. Re:Xbox peripherals already work on PCs by jeffehobbs · · Score: 3, Insightful


      With the proper drivers and a little rewiring... all you need to do is change the connector.

      That's a different definition of "working" than I'm used to.

      ~jeff

    3. Re:Xbox peripherals already work on PCs by cgenman · · Score: 2, Informative

      There are good Playstation 2 to USB adaptors on the market. They map to direct X inputs, which can be reconfigured in-game. My company uses the Lik-Sang version for our PS2 titles in development, though I keep a different one for home use (with dance mat support).

      Yes, there are great controllers that are pretty much fully supported on the PC, but ironically not from the XBox.

      --
      The ______ Agenda
    4. Re:Xbox peripherals already work on PCs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting
      Lik sang hey? They sell cable adaptors for the xbox controller, no need to solder a USB connector on the controller anymore, all you need to do is to unplug the xbox socket extension and use the usb one instead. Good drivers are difficult to find, though code underground used to have pretty much the best ones from the start. By that I mean the drivers supported full analog on all the buttons and triggers, but they got killed by lik sang linking to their drivers without permission... and despite the fact that code underground were selling their own adapters.

      What happenend is that the poor bastards got swamped with requests for support from lik sang customers...

      :: March 21, 2003

      So it seems we have been seriously impacted by LikSang. Since March 7th, we have had about 10 support requests to every 1 cable order. Some of these requests have been from users claiming to have bought a cable, but they did not buy one from us. As LikSang is the only retailer selling them, we assume they are LikSang customers. LikSang did not develop their own technology; they simply provide a link to grooveyardfunk's driver on their site. However, they don't credit his project with development. Instead, they claim to have developed new adapter technology. LikSang can not and will not support software they didn't develop, which means that if users have problems, grooveyardfunk or codeUnderground get stuck with the support costs. This is a great situation for LikSang, as they have no support overhead.

      We provide outstanding software support, with the average support request being answered within 10 minutes. Having someone always available to answer requests costs money and we may no longer be able to afford it. Furthermore, we can not match the economy of scale LikSang has. Their cables are made in China, presumably in a factory. All of our cables are made by hand, here in America, by members of our team. Always having someone around to make cables is expensive, in terms of both time and money.

      We are currently in the process of deciding how best to continue, but for now, the driver and user support will remain free. We will also continue to sell cable adapters, so please, buy a cable. Please be considerate when requesting support. Rude, demanding, or insulting requests will not receive a response. Those of you who have purchased cables will continue to be supported regardless of what we decide. You can also expect to receive discounts on future products or services. We thank you for your support.

      --science

    5. Re:Xbox peripherals already work on PCs by TechniMyoko · · Score: 1

      Doesn't work with the Steel Battallion controller though

    6. Re:Xbox peripherals already work on PCs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have poured hot grits down my pants. Thank you.

    7. Re:Xbox peripherals already work on PCs by Deliveranc3 · · Score: 1

      Sigh, welcome to Slashdot.

    8. Re:Xbox peripherals already work on PCs by CompSurfer · · Score: 1

      there are good drivers out there.

      The best one being XBCD

      http://redcl0ud.hostrocket.com/xbcd.html

      and there's even an OSS one too!

      http://sourceforge.net/projects/xboxhid/

      I don't even own an xbox, a friend of mine does, he had to use a joystick emulator to get the controller to work properly. (it wasn't recognized as a gamepad for somereason) the emulator also allowed him to easily map keys to controller buttons.

  2. Older controllers... by IronMagnus · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So, will existing PC usb controllers be useable with the Xbox2?

    1. Re:Older controllers... by Toxygen · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Only if microsoft decides to include drivers for them on the xbox2. Honestly, can you really see them doing that? They'll make up some marketing bullshit about needing a specific controller configuration to play these games and pc controllers don't meet the standards, but why would they let you use pc controllers instead of forcing you to buy a 40$ xbox controller?

      Don't get me wrong, I'd absolutely love to be able to plug in my nice ff steering wheel to play project gotham 3 or whatever, but I can't really see it happening.

    2. Re:Older controllers... by Zarks · · Score: 1

      I doubt it as this would prevent M$ from being able to sell normal XBox controllers at a ripoff price and remove its monopoly.

    3. Re:Older controllers... by chamblah · · Score: 2

      Favorite M$ reference

    4. Re:Older controllers... by Ondo · · Score: 4, Informative

      I doubt it as this would prevent M$ from being able to sell normal XBox controllers at a ripoff price and remove its monopoly.

      Microsoft doesn't have a monopoly on Xbox controllers. Many other companies sell them as well.

    5. Re:Older controllers... by arose · · Score: 1

      Note, decrying usage of M$ wont change your status as an anal Star Treck nerd.

      --
      Analogies don't equal equalities, they are merely somewhat analogous.
    6. Re:Older controllers... by Man+In+Black · · Score: 1

      They'll make up some marketing bullshit about needing a specific controller configuration to play these games and pc controllers don't meet the standards

      Well, to some extent, that's already correct. I mean, if the X-Box had regular USB jacks in place of it's controller ports, I bet you'd get all kinds of morons calling tech support complaining that their controller doesn't work, only to find out that they're using some wacky PC USB controller that doesn't have enough buttons/axes. I mean heck, I would never plug The Claw into a console and expect it to work, but to people who aren't computer literate, it's the same port, so why shouldn't it work?

      Perhaps a better idea would be to modify the jack just enough so that X-Box 2 controllers would fit in "normal" PC USB jacks, but so that regular PC USB peripherals wouldn't fit into the X-Box 2 controller ports... perhaps cut a diagonal on the corners or a notch in the top/bottom or something. Otherwise I guarantee you that tons of idiots will be plugging all kinds of crap in there expecting it to work, and Microsoft sure isn't going to provide drivers for everything.

      --
      -"One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man." -EH
  3. thank the lord. by Song+for+the+Deaf · · Score: 2, Interesting

    It would be a small miracle if I could plug in a PS2 or USB keyboard up to the damn thing.

    More than 2 minutes of inputting song titles and profile info drives me absolutley bonkers with a controller, but somehow it is not worth the investment in an Xbox-only keyboard. I can't explain this.

    Now if we can just get them to promise a hard drive...

  4. Xbox controllers already is USB HID compliant by LookSharp · · Score: 5, Informative

    I can already take an Xbox controller, cut off the tip, solder on a USB connector, load a generic HID-compliant driver in Windows' "Game Controllers" control panel, and use them for MAME or console emulators. Xbox uses standard USB (plus an unknown yellow wire, maybe force feedback?) with a custom connector.

    Anyway, there are even little converters available on eBay for a couple bucks each to avoid the soldering part, but I had a lot of fun modifying a $19 Xbox joystick from Pelican for running MAME games better than a $40 PC joystick. YMMV.

    1. Re:Xbox controllers already is USB HID compliant by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      Buunie's Hacking the Xbox says that yellow wire is a 15.734KHz sync signal.
      That would kinda make sense because normal NTSC TVs have a Horizontal Frequency of 15.75 or so (1/2 Normal 640x480 @ 60Hz).
      I don't think a generic HID works, I think they have to have a semi-custom driver (which does get updated every once in a while)

    2. Re:Xbox controllers already is USB HID compliant by Omroth · · Score: 0

      Very good, clap clap, you can do all that. But the average gamer won't, and what the PC really needs right now is a standard Joypad. If we can use the cheap, well made, well designed XBox pads out of the box, that will be a step on the road there. Omroth

    3. Re:Xbox controllers already is USB HID compliant by EMH_Mark3 · · Score: 2, Informative

      AFAIK the yellow wire is used for light guns.

      --
      Burn the land and boil the sea, you can't take the sky from me
    4. Re:Xbox controllers already is USB HID compliant by oO+Peeping+Tom+Oo · · Score: 1

      Uh.....I think it is used for toggling power....

    5. Re:Xbox controllers already is USB HID compliant by Cyno01 · · Score: 1

      Its for light guns.

      --
      "Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."
  5. will probably __ the USB standard by mnmn · · Score: 4, Funny

    will probably support the USB standard
    will probably use the USB standard
    will probably replace the USB standard
    will probably destroy the USB standard
    will probably add to the USB standard
    will probably complement the USB standard
    will probably advance the USB standard

    Its like that thriller movie where you missed the critial scene.

    --
    "Give orange me give eat orange me eat orange give me eat orange give me you." -Nim Chimpsky
    1. Re:will probably __ the USB standard by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 1

      Will probably eat the USB standard for dinner. Yum!

      --
      Comment of the year
    2. Re:will probably __ the USB standard by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have poured hot grits down my pants. Thank you.

  6. grammar nazis by XO · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I'm surprised the grammar spelling and typo Nazis haven't jumped ALL over this post.

    Xbox 2 will probably the 'normal' USB standard

    indeed. Very bad. Very bad grammar, incorrect use of '''s, missing word, blah blah blah

    --
    "Champagne for my real friends - and real pain for my sham friends!" http://ericblade.postalboard.com/
    1. Re:grammar nazis by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Thanks for stepping up to the plate, douchebag

  7. What I would like to see... by Daniel+Wood · · Score: 1
    is a standard connector and support for USB mice/keyboards. Something that seriously inhibits console players in RTS and FPS games is the input method. A mouse/keyboard would mean a much more competitive online experience.

    I should note that I have Halo2 pre-ordered anyways and bought a XBL subscription just for it.

    1. Re:What I would like to see... by Corngood · · Score: 1

      More competitive? Like Basketball would be more competitive with jet-packs???

      How about the fact that people can sit down on the couch and comfortably use a gamepad without being totally outclassed by people using mice?

    2. Re:What I would like to see... by moonbender · · Score: 1

      No, more like basketball without the concrete boots.

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      Switch back to Slashdot's D1 system.
    3. Re:What I would like to see... by AuMatar · · Score: 1

      If you're using a keyboard and mouse, why not just play on the PC? Better resolution, and you lose the advantage of console games (the controller).

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
    4. Re:What I would like to see... by Minna+Kirai · · Score: 1

      If you're using a keyboard and mouse, why not just play on the PC?

      Around $400 is why.

  8. Maybe they'll only be usable on Windows PCs by doc+modulo · · Score: 1

    And maybe I just shot my mouth off :O

    --
    - -- Truth addict for life.
    1. Re:Maybe they'll only be usable on Windows PCs by Man+In+Black · · Score: 1

      Why would they be Windows only? Obviously, Microsoft won't be giving out any source code or anything like that, but I'm sure some Linux hackers would have these things working perfectly in Linux less than a week after they're out. Heck, if they're nice, HID-compliant devices, they'd probably work right out of the box.

      --Zero

      --
      -"One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man." -EH
  9. XBOX 2 Domination by darthtrevino · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The XBOX 2 will probably also be the home media center that Microsoft wanted the XB1 to be.

    1. Re:XBOX 2 Domination by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not in Japan if it is as big and bulky as the XB1

    2. Re:XBOX 2 Domination by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      without a hard drive? Even Sony's current media playstation the PSX has a hard drive...

  10. That gag's got whiskers on it! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    from the giant-handed-people-rejoice! dept.

    2001 called. It wants its standard-issue Xbox insult back.

  11. Good drivers here by PhoenixOne · · Score: 2, Informative
    I went to llamma.com and got an adapter and the drivers for $11. Works great!

    http://secure.llamma.com/catalog/product_info.php? cPath=27&products_id=78

    They also tell you how to make your own if you like DIY projects. :)

    --
    Spell cheek you've failed me four the last thyme!
  12. Finish Him by radimvice · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Hmm...Ethernet, DVD, mass storage, now full USB peripheral compatibility...why doesn't Microsoft pack its XBox2 with a VGA connector and a stripped-down version of Longhorn for web, chat, etc?

    In the article, Lester mentions Microsoft's push to produce standardized 'levels' of preconfigured computer setups that would guarantee compatibility with specific games. How is this much different from what the XBox2 will try to achieve? Really, the whole console/pc distinction is pointless now that they're using the same exact technologies and components...the only thing consoles have going for them is a stricter standardization and millions of dollars in heavy marketing.

    I certainly commend Microsoft's effort in 'opening up' the console architectures. We've come a long way from Nintendo and its draconian licensing policies of the 80s and early 90s. But remember, the closer we come to achieving the ideal open-architecture pc-like console, the closer Microsoft comes to being able to use the full power of its Windows leverage to dominate the backbone of the console gaming industry (and crushing Sony's hardware stronghold in the process). Of course, as a gamer, I'd gladly give them the world if it gives me more control over the games I play and more design freedom for the games that are developed.

  13. grammar police by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    So it looks like the Xbox 2 will probably the 'normal' USB standard.

    Sentences need a VERB of some sort I think.

  14. Because that would _really_ piss Dell off... by rsilvergun · · Score: 1

    Along with every other PC vender. Besides, why sell one copy of Longhorn when you can sell two (XBox + PC).

    And I don't recommend you get too chummy with Microsoft. Right now they're coddling their developers to compete with Sony. After all, the real money's in license fees. Ignoring that's what killed the Saturn.

    --
    Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
  15. how is this news? by atlasheavy · · Score: 2, Informative

    This was part of the whole announcement back when XNA was first unveiled. Jeez.

    --

    iRooster, the Mac OS X a
  16. Keyboard support is in the dev systems by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Keyboard support is in the dev systems, but is disabled in the retail units.(If I remember correctly, could be very wrong, since I was but a lowly tester.)

    1. Re:Keyboard support is in the dev systems by Song+for+the+Deaf · · Score: 1
      I can't help but think that keyboard support is a no-brainer.

      RPGs, for one, would definitley benifit from increased functionality. When you consider that KOTOR was a *huge* success for the Xbox on so many different levels, and that Fable is already a record breaking title the move to a more sophisticated input system would seem natural. As far as the inherently watered down, oversimplified nature of a console- it's not like a 101 keyboard is something the masses have never seen before.

      Besides, wouldn't this be in line with the "convergence" conspiracy Mr. Gates' has had all along? ;) I would just *love* to be able to choose between mouse and keyboard and controller on my Xbox.

  17. Awesome idea by AlexMax2742 · · Score: 1
    If the new controller is anything like the Controller S, this is fantastic news. Now no more dicking around with adapters or sodering.

    Say what you want about the games (I happen to like them) but the Controller S is the best first party controller of this generation...and dare I say ever. (Probably not ever, the D-pad makes my thumb heart after a while, and the weird location of the black and white buttons is all right for most games which assign it a non-essential function, but it blows for Capcom style 6-button 2D fighters.)

    --
    I'm the guy with the unpopular opinion