Microsoft Ships Xbox 360 Controller For Windows

Microsoft has announced that it has made available to North American retail its first cross-platform game controller, the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows, ahead of the Xbox 360 launch later next month. The Controller, which is identical to an Xbox 360 wired controller, and works with Windows XP-based PCs and the Xbox 360 system, is shipping early in its PC-packaged SKU as Microsoft seeks to better unify its hardware and software platforms with similar control devices. The controller features force feedback vibration support, and includes packed-in driver software for Windows XP-based PCs. Microsoft again clarified that the wired Xbox 360 Controller, which comes with the core Xbox 360 system, will also work on Windows XP-based computers after users download the available driver from Microsoft. The Controller has a 9-foot breakaway controller cable that plugs into a standard USB port, and retails for $39.99. "This controller is a great example of one of the many areas where the Xbox 360 and Windows platforms complement each other," said J Allard, Microsoft corporate vice president and chief XNA officer. "The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows is an important step in making it easier for consumers to enjoy gaming on both platforms." "For the first time, gamers can simply unplug their controller from their Xbox 360 system and plug it into their Windows XP-based PC," said Chris Donahue, director of the Windows gaming and graphics team at Microsoft. "This is a great breakthrough for the gaming industry as we make it easier for developers to create multiplatform titles."