Do I Need To Buy the XBOX Bluetooth Adapter To Use the XBOX Core Controller With My Windows 11 PC?

[sstephenson61]

I keep reading online info about the XBOX Core Bluetooth controller and I'm still confused. If I want to use the XBOX Core Controller with my Windows 11 PC to play Star Wars Squadrons, do I need to buy the buletooth adapter that XBOX sells? Or is everything I need already in the Controller and my PC? I don't want to buy the additional adapter if I don't need it. Thanks in advance for your help!

[_I_]

x360 controllers need a ms x360 receiver

xbone controllers can use a bt 4.0 or better dongle

[Bad 💀 Motha]

And its not a BT Adapter MS sells. Its a stand-alone wireless, similar to what most Wireless Mice use.

There are two types of Wireless within most of those Xbox One controllers.

If you have BT already, then you don't need to buy anything extra.
If your PC doesn't have any BT, just buy a cheap BT 4.2 or 5.0 USB Dongle

[sstephenson61]

Thanks guys. So just making sure that I'm clear. If my PC has Bluetooth and I'm using this controller: Xbox Core Wireless Controller – Shock Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DFB488B/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_BPWWK0TGA3G3011H5ZKD no dongle needed. Right?

[_I_]

white is $55 from ms right now ($58.91 with tax free shipping)

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/xbox-wireless-controller/8xn59crbsqgz/JBFJ

[Bad 💀 Motha]

I would connect the controller first via USB data sync cable. Install the driver from MS Catalog. Once installed test it out. Then can disconnect usb cable and tether to BT that your PC already has.

[Turbo6MTawD]

Note the Xbox One and up controllers can be paired with any Bluetooth.

The Xbox Wireless Adapter is technically better as it has lower input lag. This is because it uses something similar to a wifi connection and not Bluetooth.

You could also just plug in the controller directly via USB.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

I would highly consider using usb data sync cable and just avoid wireless if you sit close enough anyways. This way don't have to worry about batteries since those Xbox controllers use AA battery and not sealed lithium packs.

BT I always saw as a backup option or for using with a TV, Phone, Tablet

[Turbo6MTawD]

Publicado originalmente por Bad 💀 Motha:

I would highly consider using usb data sync cable and just avoid wireless if you sit close enough anyways. This way don't have to worry about batteries since those Xbox controllers use AA battery and not sealed lithium packs.

BT I always saw as a backup option or for using with a TV, Phone, Tablet

I used wired as well due to latency and convenience. Also no radiation near my body.

[_I_]

also be sure to update the firmware on the controller

[WarBucks]

I have a $9 USD 10ft USB extension cable running across my living room rug from PC to couch. Then a short Usb A to C cable for my series controller.

That makes for a lighter controller, less batteries in the trash, and less money spent on batteries.

USB max length without a repeater is like 16ft. The only reason I would use wireless is children/pets running around. Even then id probably stick the cable under the rug.

[Wampum Biskit]

Publicado originalmente por Bad 💀 Motha:

I would highly consider using usb data sync cable and just avoid wireless if you sit close enough anyways. This way don't have to worry about batteries since those Xbox controllers use AA battery and not sealed lithium packs.

BT I always saw as a backup option or for using with a TV, Phone, Tablet

the 2.0 elite controllers use a sealed pack build into the controller and comes with a charging dock.

[MancSoulja]

Publicado originalmente por Turbo6MTawD:

Publicado originalmente por Bad 💀 Motha:

I would highly consider using usb data sync cable and just avoid wireless if you sit close enough anyways. This way don't have to worry about batteries since those Xbox controllers use AA battery and not sealed lithium packs.

BT I always saw as a backup option or for using with a TV, Phone, Tablet

I used wired as well due to latency and convenience. Also no radiation near my body.

Unless you live 5 miles underground you can’t move for radiation, what do you think sunlight is? Not to mention the radio waves completely saturating our atmosphere.

[_I_]

ms has really dropped the ball on batteries for their controllers

they still have the ni-mh battery for their rechargeable kit

i modded a few for 1000mah lipo with usb charge board and 3v buck board
easily fits inside the 2x aa compartment (uses the controllers usb port to charge)

they can make it about 10 hours play time, fully recharges in about an hour
only down side is the console will not see its charge %, only seen as full until its dead (<3v) and turns off

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Publicado originalmente por Wampum Biskit:

Publicado originalmente por Bad 💀 Motha:

I would highly consider using usb data sync cable and just avoid wireless if you sit close enough anyways. This way don't have to worry about batteries since those Xbox controllers use AA battery and not sealed lithium packs.

BT I always saw as a backup option or for using with a TV, Phone, Tablet

the 2.0 elite controllers use a sealed pack build into the controller and comes with a charging dock.

The average Gamer is not spending that ridiculous amount of money on no Controller.
However you can buy 3rd party produced sealed packs that can take the place of the AA batteries for XboxOne/Core controllers. If you buy AA or Sealed Packs; make sure to use Lithium kinds. They will hold up longer, do not have charging memory issues.

And if you end up using Batteries + Wireless for your Xbox controllers; then ensure to have a separate USB Charge Only cable handy. As you don't want to be plugging in a Data Sync cable to it while it's connected via Wireless of any kind.

What I have done sometimes is instead of plugging Xbox controller into any PC to charge it while you are using it via Wireless already; is have a PowerBank handy (something you should have already for being on-the-go with your Phone) and plug the controller into that when needing to juice it up while Gaming.

[MancSoulja]

Publicado originalmente por Bad 💀 Motha:

Publicado originalmente por Wampum Biskit:

the 2.0 elite controllers use a sealed pack build into the controller and comes with a charging dock.

The average Gamer is not spending that ridiculous amount of money on no Controller.
However you can buy 3rd party produced sealed packs that can take the place of the AA batteries for XboxOne/Core controllers. If you buy AA or Sealed Packs; make sure to use Lithium kinds. They will hold up longer, do not have charging memory issues.

And if you end up using Batteries + Wireless for your Xbox controllers; then ensure to have a separate USB Charge Only cable handy. As you don't want to be plugging in a Data Sync cable to it while it's connected via Wireless of any kind.

What I have done sometimes is instead of plugging Xbox controller into any PC to charge it while you are using it via Wireless already; is have a PowerBank handy (something you should have already for being on-the-go with your Phone) and plug the controller into that when needing to juice it up while Gaming.

Amazon basics sell 2000 mAh rechargeable batteries. I get about 30-40 hours per charge in my pad and they cost £7 for 4.