Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

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."

15 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 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

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

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

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

      Favorite M$ reference

    2. 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.

  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 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
  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
  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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!
  9. 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.

  10. 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