Wireless gamepads are more convenient, but for latency, copper trumps 2.4GHz. What to do? Build hybrid controllers that can instantly cut the cord. It seems that's what Microsoft's thinking, as the company applied for a patent on just such a controller in March, using infrared, Bluetooth or RF technologies alongside a wired (possibly USB) connection and switch between the two "without permanent disruption to an ongoing game." Of course, dual-mode controllers have been around for months in a slightly different form -- Microsoft's own
Sidewinder X8 and the
Razer Mamba did the same for the high-end gaming mouse. It also doesn't bode well that this particular application clearly describes the
original chunky Xbox.
Note: As some of you have surmised in comments, this is similar to how the PlayStation 3's controllers work, though they hardly perform the task seamlessly. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit doesn't interrupt a game, but only uses the physical cable to charge a controller's battery pack.
posted July 19th 2010 8:11PM
@malu05:
Buy rechargeable AA batteries. When they die, you recharge them. When you no longer use your xbox, you use them in something else. Why people like built in batteries, I do not know. Why people also buy dedicated battery packs that can never be used for anything else I do not know.
this is really awesome in my opinion because i like PC gaming(spring/summer) and my Xbox(fall/winter).
with a controller that does both i cant ditch the mouse and keyboard for games like tf2 or dragon age or w/e i am playing that has an Xbox 360 version with controls pre-setup
I love how this story is still going around all the major gaming sites but not one person writing these articles has bothered to actually look at the patent file date.....
@Anticrawl
What?
It was filed March 26, 2010 and revealed July 15, 2010 according to the source?... Your point is?
Ah, their gaming mices do this. Specifically the Sidewinder X8.
Say what you want, I LOVED the original Xbox.
Phantom Crash is one of the best games I have ever played.
The Xbox in the picture looks liek the first Xbox (Jus Sayin)
Uhhh, 360 play and charge kit anyone?
why is it fanboys will start a console war where ever they are