Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller + Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 Review

In 2015, Microsoft unveiled the Xbox Wireless Adapter, an external USB accompaniment for connecting Xbox One controllers to a Windows 10 PC. Supporting upwards to eight devices, information technology was a quick and easy solution for PC gamers looking to take reward of the Xbox One's wireless capabilities, without the requirement for a physical connection over micro USB.

A few months agone, a successor to the wireless dongle was unveiled, promising to offer the same feature set in a smaller and much more refined form cistron. The device won't make its manner to the U.Due south. until 2018, only we spent some time with this revised accessory.

Subsequently its unveiling, it soon emerged that most markets will take to await until next twelvemonth to buy this gadget, with a staggered rollout start in select Asian markets. Nosotros managed to secure one of these adapters from Korea, prior to the U.South. debut scheduled for January 2018.

• See at Xbox
• Run into former Xbox Wireless Adapter at Amazon

Design: Smaller and sleeker

Upon first getting started with the latest Xbox Wireless Adapter, the first thing you'll notice is that it's very small, particularly in comparing to its predecessor. According to Microsoft, the latest revision comes in at 66 percent of the original'southward volume, which significantly reduces its overall footprint. Every dimension of the adapter has been reduced – the most significant is its length, with nearly 40 mm off the casing protruding from the USB port.

The redesign feels like a significant evolution, with refinements in about every aspect of its design. The "Sync" push used to connect controllers has been moved from the side and now fits seamlessly into the rear of the blueprint. The Xbox proper noun on the side has been ditched, instead opting for a much subtler standalone Xbox logo. And while a plastic outer casing however exists, condensing its internals makes for a denser and weightier feel in relation to its size, resulting in a premium feel. Oh, and y'all get a beautiful cap to cover the USB connector.

This refinement is what makes the new Xbox Wireless Adapter so compelling every bit a versatile solution for using Xbox controllers on PC. This is especially truthful for gaming on the get, essentially offering the same functionality at almost half the length of the original. After the first version of the adapter was blasted for its cumbersome dimensions, this second take is much more suitable for laptop and tablet use.

Functioning: Join your favorite devices

Similar the original, the adapter allows you to connect up to 8 Xbox controllers at a unmarried fourth dimension, over Microsoft's proprietary "Xbox Wireless" protocol. This applied science has been used in controllers since the release of the Xbox One and remains its sole method of connecting wireless accessories. Microsoft has slowly been expanding the Xbox Wireless ecosystem over the years, with back up for stereo headsets, joysticks, and other accessories. Using the Xbox Wireless adapter allows PCs to hook into this ecosystem of devices, with more than just controllers supported.

Post-obit the size reduction, I had worries virtually the device's range – especially with the same functionality being offered in a smaller course factor. In our testing, nosotros constitute the adapter offers a mostly comparable range to its larger counterpart, fifty-fifty surpassing a staggering 40 meters in an open up environment. Range and latency are conspicuously nonetheless maintained, even with the internals having been drastically reduced.

Terminal thoughts on the new Xbox Wireless Adapter

Since the release of the offset Xbox Wireless Adapter, a lot has changed beyond the Xbox ecosystem. In this time, select premium Windows 10 PCs, including the Surface Studio and Surface Book two, take offered integrated back up for Xbox Wireless. Furthermore, Microsoft has also begun to include Bluetooth support across its recent controllers, offering compatibility without this additional accessory.

The relevance of this adapter has somewhat diminished in contempo years – especially those who utilize Xbox controllers on Windows PCs for infrequent casual gaming. Bluetooth for this utilize is still inferior on paper, with variations in operation and a lack of impulse trigger support, though for many, justifying the adapter is now a lot harder in 2017.

The new Xbox Wireless Adapter offers some major improvements over its predecessor, surpassing the original model in almost regard. With identical functionality and an unchanged retail price, those looking to take advantage of Xbox Wireless on a PC should look no farther; this is a great accompaniment with some welcome refinements.

If you're merely using Xbox One controllers for fleeting gaming sessions, this accessory may be better avoided. While it is a corking slice of kit for those looking to take full advantage of Xbox accessories abroad from the living room, the benefits over Bluetooth are all the same scarce for exclusive controller use.

The new Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 is currently on runway for a U.Due south. release on January 31, 2018. The device is currently expected to cost $24.99.

• Run across at Xbox
• Come across old Xbox Wireless Adapter at Amazon

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Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/new-xbox-wireless-adapter-review

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