Clarification about Xbox One controllers.

We feel it's important to make a separate article about the Xbox One controller.

This was originally a part of the Chinese Xbox receiver guide that we made a few years back answering the simple question:

Can you use the Chinese Xbox receiver on an Xbox One controller?

To which the quick answer is: No If that's what you're looking for. Then we're glad to have answered your question. However, there is more to the explanation and why it may or may not really be an issue anymore.

Also, as of 1/2/2020, Microsoft has removed drivers for their controllers off of their site for Windows 7 users as well as removing offline installation of their driver for Windows 10 people. Don't worry guys! we got you covered in this blog as well.

Read on if you want to know more.

About the Xbox One dongle/receiver for your PC.

Can I use the china Xbox receiver or the Microsoft OEM receiver like the one above for my Xbox One controller?

I see people asking this question from time to time. But the short answer is "no" unfortunately. This was confirmed by us as we own an Xbox One controller. The Xbox One uses a different 2.4ghz wireless band than that of the original Xbox 360. The only reason for doing this has nothing to do with efficiency. And instead, it has to do with Microsoft wanting to be a group of assholes. Milking the average gamer all of their money into buying new hardware. Finally, Microsoft released this Xbox One Adapter so you no longer have to plug/wreck your USB connector in "Wired" mode on your PC. This unit originally cost $30(USD). However, the price of the Wireless Adapter has been dropping steadily due to overall circulation.

Update 01/05/2020 - receiver destruction.

We didn't use our receiver or Xbox One controller a whole lot. However, after pulling it out of its bag and plugging it into a PC. We got no power. No nothing. Removing the case was easy enough. Simply take a jeweler's flat-head screwdriver and wedge it into the plastics surrounding the USB port.

We found that whatever 6-pin chip U2 it was completely destroyed. This could've been possibly avoided if Xbox installed fuses in the 5Vdc line as they did with their Xbox 360 receivers. Since the surge hit that chip which was possibly a 3.3v regulator there was nothing else we could've done about it.

Good news! 2-years have gone by and everyone now purchases Xbox controllers with Bluetooth in them (more detail down below) as a result the price of these receivers has dropped like a rock from $30(USD) to Only $11(USD) with shipping included. Between the destroyed traces and burnt pads. This board is kind of a loss.

Drivers Windows 7 and Windows 10.

It has come to our attention that Microsoft has stopped giving direct downloads for the Xbox One Wireless receiver as well as the controller itself. Insisting to their users to go through Windows Update. Normally, we don't host other software companies' products. However, since Microsoft is a group of total dicks and not allowing anyone to download for offline installation. Also, the fact that Microsoft is trying to quietly shut down all support of Windows 7. You can click here and/or click on the download button image to be taken to the download section of our website to where you can get drivers. No more confusion navigating Microsoft's shit website where they refuse to let you go if you press the back button. Or giving the empty promise that if you simply keep your computer connected to the internet 24/7 you -might- get a driver for your dongle via Windows Update. We host files like this because we at S-Config tend to hold the ideology of the original internet. That website should be a one-stop shop for every answer you need. As always, trust no one and keep your virus checkers up to date!

All files are archived with 7-zip and directories are as follows:

• Win7 - Drivers for Windows 32 and 64-bit
• Win10 - Cab files that were on the original Windows Update site. Comes with the inf file so you can install it manually in the device manager.

Keep in mind these drivers will particularly help if you have the Xbox wireless receiver adapter.

Bluetooth support of Xbox One controllers.

Out of respect to being accurate about the Xbox One controller. Microsoft did release a revised version of their Xbox One controller which allowed for Bluetooth connectivity. The logic behind this was to promote gaming within the Microsoft tablet markets which normally would not have a 2.4ghz adapter or would find attaching this monster to the side of your tablet would be a little too bulky. The major identifiable characteristics between an original Xbox One controller versus one with the Bluetooth upgrade is by looking at the plastics and seeing if the plastics around the start button have a uni-body finish versus the original which has separate plastic plates. Ironically, the most expensive controller on the market which is their "Xbox One Elite" series has no Bluetooth due to the date of the version 1 Elite's release.

Microsoft did eventually release an Xbox Elite Controller 2 which has a uni-body frame similar to newer Xbox Controllers and also is Bluetooth compatible. Although at the cost of the controller now is equal to the cost of the entire flipping console we are unable to confirm it ourselves.

Flaws of Bluetooth.

Hooking up via Bluetooth does not come without flaws. For starters, it works best only with Windows 10, if you have a Raspberry Pi or Mac you may have to do some playing around. Also, note that Bluetooth mode does not enable any of the rumble features on your controller. Finally, if the 2.4ghz band is really bad in your area such as too much interference there may be noticeable amounts of lag going to your Bluetooth receiver. Overall, this is why sticking with the dongle/adapter is the best way to go.

The battery of an Xbox One.

Just like the Xbox 360 they can accept two AA Alkaline style batteries and the rechargeables are Nickel Metal Hydride or Ni-Hm batteries. Lithium or Li-Po-based batteries are not something companies are willing to put into controllers despite them having a better recharge factor and energy efficiency ratio than either of the other two.

Why not lithium?

This is due to two factors:

Logistically speaking: Ever since there were fires with lithium batteries such products could only be shipped via boat instead of air. They could also risk the potential of being flagged at airports around the globe for that exact reason. Although it's known that people bring their Xbox Consoles on trips with them, not many people want to keep the controllers with their carry-on bag when they go on a trip.

The quality point of view: There's also the problem of the quality of lithium batteries that are received from China. As I described in this blog appearances from China to actual practice are vastly different. To attain the highest quality of lithium requires both money and testing which gets into the last factor.

Financially speaking: Lithium is more expensive than the other two battery formats which is why Nvidia and Xbox have walked away from it on their game controllers. Sony surprisingly has not since the PS3 to Sony's credit. Good for them with sticking with lithium. It's worth the cost for Sony to make their controller. The Xbox One on the other hand? I'm sorry guys, you're getting ripped off pretty hard on these controllers. Especially that Elite controller. Holy shit.

Xbox One confusion and bootlegs.

Picture Obtained from various Ali-express sources.

The confusion as to why people may think Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers work together may be due to pictures like the one above. This actually comes from certain fraud companies that are floating around which bundle the China Xbox 360 receiver with this controller that looks strikingly like an Xbox One. What's really going on here is China realized that the popularity of the Xbox 360 controller is dying off so since getting replacement plastics for the Xbox One is so easy it's just a matter of repackaging the circuit board into the housing of the Xbox One and they are back in business again. Cashing in on the PC gamer world that wants an Xbox One controller but doesn't want to shell out $50(USD) for a controller from a local retailer and another $30 for the receiver. Instead, they got BOTH for only $32(USD). Oftentimes these third-party receivers have terrible pairing issues and a loose button feel to them.  In general, you want to avoid products like these. Especially if the decal where the Xbox logo is totally blank like the picture above.

Final thoughts.

After almost 10+ years Microsoft finally published a product that is about as comfortable of a D-Pad as what Sony made back on their original PlayStation 1. So although they were late to the party they finally delivered a product that just about any gamer likes. However, it's the cost of such a controller that will set a lot of people back and go looking for cheaper alternatives such as picking up an old Sony PlayStation controller and getting a USB adapter for PC use. Or using a receiver from China and finding a used but good Xbox 360 controller.  You just have to be skeptical if you find a brand new Xbox One controller with a receiver for the cost of just the receiver. It's probably too good to be true!

Finally, a lot of this comes down to pure greed on behalf of Microsoft itself. There was no need to separate 360 controllers from Xbox One controllers. Like Nintendo, if Xbox maintained compatibility between the two worlds they wouldn't have to use the bullshit statement that they lose money on hardware purchases because they can in turn have people happily use their controllers from 15 years ago on the platform of today. On top of that since they're obviously using a lower-quality battery system than Sony. There is no reason for the cost of the controllers to be as high as it is. When you get an extra Xbox controller it comes with all of the elaborate packaging to which the average gamer throws away. Let me help you with something.

STOP MAKING INSANE PACKAGING! A vacuum-molded plastic-cased box is fine! Go paper molding if you're feeling Eco friendly.

I just saved you money Microsoft. You're welcome. Now save the gamer some money so they can put it where you DO make money! Which is the software!

This is what server has said to me.

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