Xbox 2Peripherals to Work on PCs

BlueMoon writes "Gamespot has an interview with Dean Lester (Microsoft Windows Graphics and Gaming general manager) where he explains that the Xbox 2 peripherals will all work on PC too. So it looks like the Xbox 2 will probably use the 'normal' USB standard."

Xbox peripherals already work on PCs

[RzUpAnmsCwrds]

With the proper drivers [hostrocket.com] and a little rewiring, you can already use XBox controllers on your PC. They are standard USB, so all you need to do is change the connector.

Xbox controllers already is USB HID compliant

[LookSharp]

I can already take an Xbox controller, cut off the tip, solder on a USB connector, load a generic HID-compliant driver in Windows' "Game Controllers" control panel, and use them for MAME or console emulators. Xbox uses standard USB (plus an unknown yellow wire, maybe force feedback?) with a custom connector.

Anyway, there are even little converters available on eBay for a couple bucks each to avoid the soldering part, but I had a lot of fun modifying a $19 Xbox joystick from Pelican for running MAME games better than a $40 PC joystick. YMMV.

Re:Xbox controllers already is USB HID compliant

[Anonymous Coward]

Buunie's Hacking the Xbox says that yellow wire is a 15.734KHz sync signal.
That would kinda make sense because normal NTSC TVs have a Horizontal Frequency of 15.75 or so (1/2 Normal 640x480 @ 60Hz).
I don't think a generic HID works, I think they have to have a semi-custom driver (which does get updated every once in a while)

Re:Xbox peripherals already work on PCs

[cgenman]

There are good Playstation 2 to USB [yahoo.com] adaptors on the market. They map to direct X inputs, which can be reconfigured in-game. My company uses the Lik-Sang [lik-sang.com] version for our PS2 titles in development, though I keep a different one for home use (with dance mat support).

Yes, there are great controllers that are pretty much fully supported on the PC, but ironically not from the XBox.

Re:Older controllers...

[Ondo]

I doubt it as this would prevent M$ from being able to sell normal XBox controllers at a ripoff price and remove its monopoly.

Microsoft doesn't have a monopoly on Xbox controllers. Many other companies sell them as well.

Re:Xbox controllers already is USB HID compliant

[EMH_Mark3]

AFAIK the yellow wire is used for light guns.

Good drivers here

[PhoenixOne]

I went to llamma.com and got an adapter and the drivers for $11. Works great!

http://secure.llamma.com/catalog/product_info.php? cPath=27&products_id=78

They also tell you how to make your own if you like DIY projects. :)

how is this news?

[atlasheavy]

This was part of the whole announcement back when XNA [microsoft.com] was first unveiled. Jeez.