Gamepads are used by many players today. With their help, you can not only play, but also, in general, control computers. There are different models of joysticks. Some are PC-only, while others connect to consoles. In any case, it is necessary to connect them correctly to the main device. Otherwise the device will not work. Wireless joysticks are extremely popular. We will connect them. In fact, everything is not as difficult as it seems. Especially if you are using a “native” gamepad.
About wired models
First, a few words about how to connect a joystick in principle. USB models used to be popular. They are still being produced and are working very successfully. But due to the presence of wires, such gamepads are being abandoned more and more often.
To connect these devices you will need:
- Turn on your computer or console.
- Insert the USB cable into the appropriate socket on the main device.
- Wait a few seconds.
After these steps, the devices will be synchronized, after which the gamepad will work successfully. This algorithm of actions is relevant for “native” consoles. To connect a joystick from consoles to a PC, you have to run special emulator programs. Nothing difficult! But we will try to understand how you can connect a wireless joystick to a computer or set-top box. This is a question many gamers ask.
For Windows
Let's start with the simplest. We are talking about connecting wireless gamepads from the For Windows series to a computer. These devices operate using Bluetooth technology. Therefore, there are no problems with them.
To connect a wireless joystick to a PC, you must:
- Enable Bluetooth on your computer.
- Enable gamepad. It needs to be charged in advance.
- Search for new Bluetooth devices on your computer. This is done using special programs or in the "Control Panel" - "Hardware and Sound". You need to click on "Add a new Bluetooth device".
- Wait.
In a few minutes, drivers will be automatically searched and installed. After this, the gamepad will work normally in the operating system. If your computer does not have Bluetooth, you will have to additionally buy a special adapter.
From PS3 to PC
Now let's move on to more difficult tasks. For example, let's try to connect a wireless joystick from a PlayStation 3 to a computer. This will be more difficult to do.
In general, the algorithm of actions will look like this:
- Install the MotionJoy program.
- Enable Bluetooth on your computer and gamepad. The latter must have a charge.
- Connect the USB cable to the joystick.
- Open MotionJoy and go to "Driver Manager".
- Click on "Install all".
- Restart your PC and run the previously mentioned application again.
- Open "Profiles".
- Select a profile for the gamepad to operate.
- Login to BluetoothPair.
- Click on Pair Now.
- Disable USB.
That's all. Now you can safely work with a PS3 gamepad on your computer without any wires. Fast, convenient, reliable. Sometimes there are glitches during games. This is a normal phenomenon, because we connected a non-native wireless joystick to the computer.
PlayStation 4 and PC
Today, many gamers play on PS4. This console has its own gamepads. And they can also be connected to computers. The main thing is to know how to act. The steps will be somewhat similar to the previous algorithm.
To connect a wireless joystick for PC from PS4, you will need:
- Install InputMapper.
- Launch the appropriate program.
- Enable gamepad.
- Enable Bluetooth on PC. It is advisable to purchase an additional USB whistle.
- Press the Share and PS buttons on the gamepad simultaneously.
- Release when the joystick starts flashing.
- Go to "Wireless Devices" on your computer.
- Quickly insert the USB whistle into the appropriate socket.
- Select the desired gamepad in InputMapper.
- Click on the "Connect" button.
It is best to buy a wireless joystick for PC (For Windows series) and work with it. For example, configure a gamepad using an emulator for PS4.
XBox 360 and computers
What to do if a gamer has a wireless 360 Xbox joystick? In this case, the situation is not the best. It’s not possible to simply connect a gamepad to a computer. Standard Bluetooth will not work. You'll have to buy a special adapter from Windows for xBox 360.
Once the user has the appropriate device, he will need to:
- Insert the adapter into the PC. A USB connector is used for this.
- Enable gamepad.
- Open the program from the adapter (usually it is installed automatically).
- Select the joystick and wait for the drivers to initialize.
Not the best scenario. Many users cannot cope with this task. Therefore, it’s better not to suffer with xBox 360. The gamepad can always be replaced. The xBox 360 wireless joystick is not always suitable for a computer. And that's okay.
XBox One and Windows
What should X Box Van owners do? They can easily connect the gamepad to the computer. Especially if the latter has Windows 10 with the latest updates installed.
In this case, it is enough to perform the following steps:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your computer.
- Turn on the joystick.
- Press the small button on the top of the gamepad.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Select the detected gamepad on your computer in the “Wireless Devices” section.
That's all. Owners of an older Windows joystick from xBox One will need to connect it in the same way as in the case of the X Box 360. To do this you will need to purchase a special adapter. Expensive and very reliable!
Gamepad and xBox 360
How to connect a wireless joystick to xBox 360? This is another simple task that any gamer should cope with. Usually this operation does not cause any problems.
How to connect the xBox wireless joystick to the console? To do this you need to do the following:
- Turn on the set-top box.
- Turn on the charged joystick. To do this, you need to click on the "Guide" button.
- Press and hold the small button on the top panel of the device for a few seconds. You need to hold it for about 15-20 seconds.
- Release the button.
If the lights on the gamepad blink, everything is done correctly. Now you can safely use the console. The gamepad is successfully connected.
PlayStation 4 and native console
What's next? As already mentioned, every gamer should be able to connect “native” gamepads to consoles. Typically, detailed instructions can be studied in a special book attached to a particular console. The process does not cause any difficulties.
We will try to figure out how to connect a PS4 gamepad to the corresponding console. Unlike previously proposed algorithms, when you turn on the console for the first time, you will have to register the joysticks. Otherwise they won't work.
To connect a PS4 wireless controller, you will need:
- Insert the USB cable into the console and into the gamepad.
- Turn on both devices.
- Wait.
- Press the connection button on the gamepad. This is a control labeled PS.
- Disable USB.
Now you just need to connect a charged gamepad using a special button on the device. If the device is not registered, you will not be able to work with it.
Results
We found out how you can connect wireless gamepads to your computer and native consoles. The listed techniques will work on all consoles. First, the gamepad is registered on the device, and then it can be used to control the game wirelessly.
To avoid any problems, it is recommended to use only the latest drivers for gamepads and not connect them to third-party devices. Otherwise, the wireless joystick may not work. It is better to use a USB cable to bring your idea to life. Then any joysticks can be easily connected to the computer!
In addition, sitting at a table while playing on the keyboard is not always comfortable. Another thing, sit comfortably on the sofa or in a chair so that nothing distracts you from the game.
Methods for connecting an Xbox 360 joystick to a computer
Many people already know that some Xbox 360 controllers are wireless, but they can also be connected via cable. That's why we'll look at both options, and which one you choose will depend on your preferences.
The easiest option is to connect the joystick from the Xbox 360 to the computer, armed with special USB cable. You will soon find out why this method is easier than its analogue.
To get started you will need download driver package so that the gamepad is identified in the system as a new device. The official Microsoft website will help with this.
Driver selection should be based on the version of your operating system, that is, if you have Windows 7, then the archive should be downloaded specifically for the “seven”.
If Windows 10 is installed on your PC and the software auto-update mode is enabled, the system itself will download all the necessary drivers as soon as you connect the gamepad. Of course, the computer must be connected to the Internet.
After installing the system files, the OS will warn you that a new device is detected, and after a few seconds it will tell you that it is ready to use.
Let’s move on to the “more complicated” option - wireless connection controller from Xbox 360 to computer. For everything to work, you will need to get a receiver that receives the signal from the joystick and transmits it to the PC. Only if you do not have this device, this method will be difficult, since you will have to look for the receiver. Considering that the console is far from new, this may cause some difficulties.
Otherwise, this method is very convenient. After connecting the receiver to your PC, you need click on the sync button- first on it, and then on the gamepad.
Pay attention to the button Guide located in the center of the joystick, if it lights up green, everything is done correctly.
Solving problems connecting an Xbox 360 controller to a computer
It happens that when you try connect a joystick from Xbox 360 to PC, Windows cannot recognize the device type. First, plug the cable or receiver into a different USB port, this often helps.
If you have not updated your operating system for a long time or are using old versions: 98, XP, Vista, – may occur compatibility issues. You can read more about this on the official Microsoft website. There you can also find detailed guides on solving situations with system errors, OS lags and other nuances that arise when connecting new devices.
Setting up a gamepad and selecting a game
After we have figured out the connection, we can move on to the question, how to use an Xbox 360 gamepad on PC. In fact, there is nothing difficult about this if you have already played on a console before.
In any game that supports gamepad controls, there will be a tab in the settings "Control", where you can see which button is responsible for which action. In some games buttons can be reassigned, and in some this option is not available.
To find out whether a game supports joystick control, pay attention to the description for it, for example, on Steam or on the site from where you will download it. If this is not written about, you can search for information on forums, because surely someone has already played it using a joystick, or tried to do so.
The Xbox 360 gamepad is a unique device designed primarily for gaming. However, it is also suitable for use as a control panel to open access to multimedia products of the console of the same name. Considering the fact that Xbox is manufactured by Microsoft, it is not surprising that the gamepad (aka controller) can be freely connected to personal computers with an installed operating system from the same creator.
Gamepad kit for Xbox 360
The device comes in a relatively small cardboard box, the middle part of which is made of transparent plastic and takes the shape of the controller. That's where it is located. This is very convenient, since you can immediately evaluate its appearance without even unpacking the product. Well, if there is damage, it is better to return it to the seller under warranty immediately in its original form. The box is made in white and green colors, there is a minimum of information on it. There is only the name of the gamepad for Xbox 360. Inside, depending on the chosen model, there will be either a wire or a charger. Now it's practically the same thing. It’s just that on models that were originally designed to connect without cables, it can be turned off, but on others it can’t. There are also instructions written in several languages. In principle, there is no particular need for it, since everything is intuitively clear, however, some features of the device are still not too obvious, so you need to read this document. Well, and the last thing is a guarantee. If suddenly the product fails for no apparent reason, you can always use this coupon and get your money back. Or change it to another, new controller.
Design
The device, like most other gamepads, has 2 joysticks. They are responsible for control of all 4 axes. To perform some actions, 10 keys are used, and another one, silver, which is located in the middle, is used both to turn on/off the console’s power and to start (if a connection to a PC is used). Also, the wired and Xbox 360 have four triggers and the vibration feedback function is active by default. It is especially useful as it fully immerses the user in the world of entertainment. For example, it conventionally displays recoil when shooting, a steering wheel that breaks out during racing, and so on. In those games where there are no such active elements, vibration helps to attract the gamer’s attention to certain events. The shape of the controller is very comfortable for both adults and children's hands. All controls can be reached without much effort. Don't forget about design. At first it may seem somewhat unusual, but in fact, the joystick arrangement used helps control the process much better than the classic one.
When controlling the position of the crosshair, for example, sometimes, especially in the heat of battle, the player cannot always consciously distinguish what a particular control is responsible for. And if the joysticks are located differently, then it immediately becomes clear what each of them is responsible for. I would also like to mention the wire. If you do not take the wireless model, the cable length will be almost 3 meters. This is really serious, so no more sitting directly in front of the screen. You can sit comfortably on the sofa and play for your own pleasure. The plastic of the controller is rough. Not so much that it is really felt and causes discomfort, but enough so that the product does not slip out of your hands. The weight is also optimal. The gamepad cannot be called light; it is quite heavy. On the one hand, this mass is not enough to make your arms tired. On the other hand, there is a feeling of holding something, and this is very important for the correct setting of commands.
Control
If you take the Xbox 360 PC gamepad in your hands, then under the right there are 4 control keys, marked with the letters A, B, X and Y. One of the joysticks is also located there. On the left is a cross-shaped control element. A little higher and to the left is another joystick. All controls are made of high-quality materials and feel very comfortable under your fingers. In the center of the device panel there are three more buttons: “Start”, “Back” and a proprietary key responsible for turning on the power of the console. At the bottom of the gamepad there are connectors into which you can connect additional accessories. There are four more keys on the reverse side.
Connecting a gamepad for Xbox 360
As mentioned above, the controller can interact with both consoles and desktop computers. Everything is clear with set-top boxes; there are special connectors designed specifically for such devices. By the way, the cable has a built-in protection system so that the user cannot accidentally touch the cord and turn the console over. Connecting the Xbox 360 PC gamepad to a desktop computer is also very simple, via a standard USB connector. Immediately after activation, Windows will automatically find the necessary drivers. This can be done directly during the game, and there is no need to reboot or perform any additional actions.
Results
Many entertainment projects are much better experienced using controllers rather than a mouse and keyboard. By the way, some games do not work at all without such a device or at least an Xbox 360 gamepad emulator.
Modern multi-platform games, released both on consoles and on computers, have long been optimized for gamepad control. It's convenient, practical and interesting. Therefore, many PC players prefer, for example, .
This is ideal for platformers, fighting games, action games, 3rd person shooters and many other projects. Moreover, you can purchase a wireless controller, which will allow you to play not only on a PC, but also on a TV connected to the PC. There is only one question left to solve: how to connect the joystick?
Benefits of playing on an Xbox 360 controller
But first, let’s briefly talk about why you should choose this particular controller. It was also used on the console of the same name. And the Xbox console and the Windows operating system, which is the main platform for PC games, are the brainchild of Microsoft. This ensures full interaction at all levels: software, functional, structural. What does this mean? Having decided to connect the gamepad to the computer, you will only need to carry out several manipulations once and install the drivers. Afterwards, when turned on, the joystick will automatically connect. In all modern games, when you use a controller, the controls and button layout automatically change - you don't even need to go into the settings. In addition, vibration is supported. All this makes the gamepad convenient and practical in games of any genre.
Connecting an Xbox 360 controller to a PC
Let's return to the connection process. If you need to connect the Xbox 360 wireless controller to your PC, you will additionally need one more device - a receiver. It is plugged into the computer's USB port and provides a connection to the controller. You can purchase this gadget at any online console store. Next, the procedure will consist of a chain of steps.
- Installing drivers from the official Microsoft website.
- Connecting the receiver (if you are using an unofficial device, you will need to find it in the manager and manually additionally install standard drivers for Xbox).
- Synchronizing the gamepad with the receiver (to do this, you need to press a special button on the gadget and joystick, waiting for the connection).
Ready. Now, every time you turn on your Xbox 360 controller, it will connect to your PC automatically. Just press the big central button. Moreover, if you press it in the on position, a small window will appear on the screen showing the battery charge level.
Many modern computer games allow you to use the controller from the Xbox 360 console as control. It is an excellent alternative to a mouse and keyboard. All the necessary software is very easy to install if your PC uses the operating system: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.
I would like to immediately note that the following information is only needed to connect a joystick from the Xbox 360 console. The next generation controller from the Xbox One console is connected using a Bluetooth wireless connection and on the Windows 10 operating system this happens automatically.
How to connect a joystick from xbox 360 to a PC
First start
Follow the instructions to establish an Xbox 360 Wireless Controller connection on the Windows 10 operating system:
Connect the device using a USB cable if you do not have a wireless controller. If this is a wireless version, then you should connect only a special station to the USB connector to receive the signal, which looks like this:
The Windows 10 operating system will automatically detect the device and begin installing the necessary software. There is no need to download third-party software as it may damage your computer. As soon as a message about successful installation appears, you can close the installation window and start using the controller.
Open any modern game and try to experience the joystick's capabilities. If control occurs correctly, then the drivers were installed correctly.
If the system is unable to detect the Xbox 360 controller, you can try moving the USB cable to a different connector and then try installing again;
Is the controller still not working? Check for Windows 10 updates by going to the Settings menu found in Start. There, go to the “Update and Security” subsection and check for updates;
Review the game's user manual. Features The developers of the game project have indicated some special parameters for launching joystick control for their game.
Setup for Windows 8 and 8.1
In the case of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems, drivers are installed initially. You just need to connect the docking station or the joystick itself via a USB connector and you can start playing.
If you encounter problems with operation, you should use similar software for Windows 7.
Windows settings 7
There is a tab for downloading drivers. You should select the bit version of your system:
- Windows 7 (32-bit only)
- Windows 7 (64-bit only)
- In the language selection menu, select the language of your operating system;
- Save the installation file;
- Find the downloaded program on your hard drive and right-click on it. Select the "Properties" tab;
- Select the compatibility tab and select Windows 7 from the drop-down list;
- Click the “Accept” and “Ok” buttons;
- Double-click on the installation file to start the software installation process for using the Xbox 360 joystick. You will need to restart your computer.
Checking the functionality of the controllerXbox360 on a personal computer
- When using Windows 8, click on the start window and enter search joy.cpl. In the case of Windows 7, simply search the system;
- Find your Xbox 360 controller and click on “Properties”;
- To test the functionality of the device, just press the central key of the joystick in the form of a big X;
- If the device was not recognized, then you should move the USB cable to another port and try to start the joystick again.
Installation on older systems
In the case of older systems, such as Windows XP and Windows Vista, it is better to install the software using the CD that came with the Xbox 360 controller for a personal computer:
- You need to insert the disc into the PC drive. The installation process can be started through the “My Computer” window if it does not start on its own;
- In the installation window, click on the “Install” button;
- The system will independently install all the necessary software and allow you to enjoy the game even on somewhat outdated operating systems. You will only need to restart your personal computer after installing all the necessary components.
Computer discovery
In order for the system to detect the joystick, you need to pair it. To do this, press the desired button on the docking station.
