Codetopia

First off many thanks for this book!

a (few) question(s) in regard to using an Xbox 360 controller in windows...

do we need to purchase the "for windows" variety?
if not, how strict are the req to be able to get an Xbox controller -- as there seems to be a few kinds... even those that are cabled -- that works in winXP?
Vista?
have there been any changes / improvements w/ controller support in winXP (Vista) w/ the XNA 2.0 release?

any other insight into this?

thanks in advance.

I originally thought that you couldn't use the Windows on Xbox, but that isn't true.

I don't think there have been any changes to the hardware or driver support in the OS. There's an irritating little service that runs after you install the drivers. It seems to be an auto-update thing.

I have the wired controller for Windows and the Wireless one. I've used the wireless on both my xbox and my pc. The only thing to note is that you'll need to have the device "discover" it's host when you want to switch. they develop an affinity for a particular PC or console. You reset it using a little button that (if my memory serves me correctly) is in the battery compartment.

No real insights from me, though. I'd definately recommend the wireless version. The USB-based transceiver supports up to 4 countrollers, I think.

If you can get a cheap wired controller for Windows, pick one up. It's handy for those times when you
want to throw your laptop into your backpack and head over to a Wi-Fi spot to do some dev work. (Less to carry. No worries about the battery life.)

-- joe

---

There are 10 kinds of people in this world -- Those that can count in binary, and those that can't.

thanks for the reply... yes, that's in addition to the book and this site!  ;o)

ok, i never thought about whether the "for Windows" controller would work w/ the 360.  i was more concerned about it the other way around. 

currently i'm aiming for Windows game dev only as i'm 360less... but that could change.  as for the laptop (yes, laptopless too), how do you keep little hands from accidentally picking it up, slaming it down and dancing on it's unconcious body?

thanks again.  peace & 42