Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers Use Xbox360 Wireless

While PS3 and Wii wireless controllers use Bluetooth for connectivity (and can be used with Bluetooth-equipped computers with appropriate software), Xbox 360 wireless accessories communicate over a proprietary 2.4 GHz protocol. In order to accommodate this, Microsoft released the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver (sold as 'Crossfire Wireless Gaming Receiver' in the UK), which allows wireless Xbox 360 accessories to be used on a Windows-based PC.Most Xbox 360 wireless accessories are supported, including standard controllers, racing wheels (without force-feedback), headsets and guitar controllers. The adapter was first revealed at E3 2006 and released on February 16, 2007.

The device acts in a similar manner to an Xbox 360, allowing up to 4 controllers and 4 headsets at a time to be connected to the receiver. The device has a 30 foot (10 meter) range and a six foot (2 meter) USB cable. It is specifically designed to work with games bearing the 'Games for Windows' logo, but will function with most games that permit a standard PC gamepad. The official Xbox website noted that the adapter will work with 'all future wireless devices'. However, it is worth noting that the racing wheel currently does not have force feedback support as of now.

Also an issue that has arisen from this product is the amount of power in which the receiver draws. There have been many reports that the receiver will work for days, weeks, or couple of months then fail to 'receive' the signal from the Xbox 360 remote controller. This issue has been solved in a number of ways by end users depending on where the damage from the excess power has manifested itself-in some cases simply purchasing a powered hub (which typically can provide a higher current than a PC port) will fix the issues while in others it may be necessary to work around a blown internal fuse.

The Microsoft Life Chat ZX-6000 wireless headset for PC includes a black version of the Xbox 360 Wireless PC Receiver which works with Xbox 360 wireless accessories.