Is there a PC controller that behave exactly like a XBox 360/PC Windows Controller?

Question

I have an Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows and I know that it's very good and one of the most or even the only, sometimes, PC controller supported by recent games.

A friend of mine would like to know if there is an alternative product, possibly cheaper, that behave exactly like the Microsoft one, so that even the games cannot understand the difference.

Answer 1

So, do you specifically not want a Microsoft controller?

Other companies make an xbox 360 compatible controller. They use the same drivers, so it works well for the PC

• Logitech Chillstream
• PDP Afterglow
• MadCatz: Modern Warfare 2 - Black, Modern Warfare 2 - Snow, White / Black, Various NFL Teams, Street Fighter IV Fightpads
• Hori Controllers

But there are wired

• Wired Windows
• Wired Xbox

and wireless

• Wireless Windows

solutions for the PC.

Any of those should behave identically to the XBox controller.

If you can manage to get your hands on a

• Wireless Gaming Receiver

Any wireless Xbox 360 compatible controllers (even those made by third parties) should work fine and behave identically to the original controller.

Razer has announced the

• Onza

Which is a wired xbox 360 controller, but it's expected to be more-expensive than the Microsoft branded ones.

Answer 2

I take it that your friend is aware that there is also a wired version of the PC 360 controller, which is much cheaper than the wireless version?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/dp/B000BK4C80?tag=invihand-21

EDIT: For those in the U.S. that want a link: http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Controller/dp/B000B6MLTQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279527631&sr=8-2

Answer 3

http://www.jayceooi.com/2009/01/19/download-xbox-360-controller-emulator-for-pc-games/

This is an emulator that allows any controller to function as and appear as a 360 controller. I've had success with it, but make sure it works for you before you go out and buy 4 usb controllers.

Answer 4

I'd recommend picking up the MadCatz Xbox360 wired controller. All the xbox wired controllers are Windows compatible, and the MadCatz controller is at least a good 15 bucks cheaper than the Microsoft version. I use a Madcatz for pc gaming all the time, and it works pretty well.

Prices: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=madcatz+wired+xbox+360+controller&hl=en&cid=3875636771555494077&ei=K3lATI3lLqiEjQSM8P3TCA&sa=title&ved=0CAcQ8wIwADgA#p

Lowest listed is only 17 bucks new.

Answer 5

I know that Microsoft used to make a wireless usb dongle for xbox 360 wireless controllers. I tried to find one recently bud had no luck.

But the wired controllers have always been plug and play, for me.