Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

With 84 million units sold, the Xbox 360 (2005) is Microsoft’s most successful game console to date, and its controller became a popular tool for Windows users as well. Microsoft sold a cheaper, wired version of the controller with a USB plug that worked with Windows right out of the box, but it was also possible to purchase a USB receiver for the wireless controller for use with a PC. The receivers were so popular that the device was cloned without permission, and even retailers were not always sure whether they were selling genuine articles or not.

The controller shows us the developments over the years. It still includes a directional pad as in the Game & Watches, the placement of the function buttons is reminiscent of the Super Famicom, and it comes with two analogue joysticks as in the Dualshock. The index fingers have triggers that were first seen in the Sega 3D pad and the Dreamcast controller.

The Xbox controller became the de facto standard for a human-machine interface. In addition to games, it has been used to control various other things – such as military drones operated over a remote connection.

Even though the Xbox One (2013) and Xbox Series (2020) have been unable to match the success of their predecessor on all markets, their controllers remain popular with gamers using Windows, and Microsoft continues to offer the official wireless receiver. This is why the controls on many Windows games are designed with the Microsoft controller in mind; however, Valve’s Steam Input interface now makes it possible to also use PlayStation controllers, for example.