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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."

8 of 47 comments (clear)

  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 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.

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  2. 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 EMH_Mark3 · · Score: 2, Informative

      AFAIK the yellow wire is used for light guns.

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      Burn the land and boil the sea, you can't take the sky from me
  3. 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.

  4. 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. :)

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    Spell cheek you've failed me four the last thyme!
  5. how is this news? by atlasheavy · · Score: 2, Informative

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

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