Windows 8.1 and Xbox Game Controller

[IownFIVEechos]

I recently picked up a few games on the app store for use on the Surface tablets. I also installed them onto some PC's. Being tablet driven they are not so friendly on the PC's. I have seen/read people using the XBOX controllers with the surface and the PC. What kind of connection do I need? Is remote control interface enough? Or is their a special 'joystick' type of usb connection I need to add? Thanks.

[mdavej]

I use one of these with my Xbox controllers. Works great in Win 7, 8 and 8.1. Just follow the install instructions posted in the reviews to the letter.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096PLB9O

[IownFIVEechos]

I used one of these with my Xbox controllers. Works great in Win 7, 8 and 8.1. Just follow the install instructions posted in the reviews to the letter.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096PLB9O

Great thanks for the quick response.

[milli260876]

There is also an official Microsoft xbox 360 for pc receiver. Id get that tbh...

[IownFIVEechos]

There is also an official Microsoft xbox 360 for PC receiver. Id get that tbh...

Thanks, I was going to ask if anyone used that one. I see some reviews say it just plugs in and works. This will be for windows 8.1 and then some say they did the driver fix etc.. Twice the price. But if you can just put it on and go that is worth something. Thanks for everyone pointing me in the right direction. Does anyone here use the official HW and does it just recognize the windows 8.1 environment?

[barnabas1969]

Cool. I didn't know such a thing exists. I don't game much, but it's a nice extra option to have on the HTPC. Already have a couple of XBox controllers. I bought this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HZFCT2/

Several reviews say that it's not the original Microsoft product... but it depends on which seller you buy it from. I chose the one from WorldWide Sales (comes with free 2-day shipping if you have Amazon Prime). It specifically states that it is the official Microsoft device, in black color.

[LuckyDay]

The corded 360 controllers also plug in and work immediately with Steam. Obviously wired is a little nicer, but no batteries to worry about and you'll save $10-30 over the price of the wireless and the receiver.

[epayson85]

I bought one of the generic cheap ones after my microsoft one died. (after several years of use). The only issue with it is you have to manually install the latest drivers. Also you have to manually install the drivers each time you plug it into a different usb port. I keep my HTPC, 360, ps3, and AVR actually in my office so I can work on them at any time. They are all wired to my living room speakers and TV. I ran a usb hub under my couch and just leave the 360 receiver always plugged in. It works great.

A great program to get is Xpadder that detects what game / program you have open and changes the button mapping on your controller accordingly. It works great if you run emulators on your HTPC. I have a hyperspin all setup with a few thousand games and it looks awesome! With Xpadder you can map button combinations so start, select, plus both triggers = exit so that WMC comes right back up via media center launcher. BEST SETUP EVER. I also have an old N64 controller plugged into the usb hub which I absolutely love!

[barnabas1969]

How did you connect an N64 controller to USB?

[epayson85]

http://www.amazon.com/Retro-Bit-Nintend ... B008L3UUPS

With this