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Just bought a Xbox Series X controller

For use with my PC and I got some questions.

First of all how does wireless work for PC? Do most PCs have blue tooth? Does the controller have a blue tooth receiver inside of it?

Secondly if you use it wirelessly how much battery life do you get?

And finally is there a way to turn the Xbox logo off from glowing white, unlike the One controller? (I like to play in the dark)
 

Codes 208

Member
The controller is meant to be wireless so it doesn’t drain the battery that much. The life span is fairly similar to playing via Xbox (for me it’s about a week’s worth of gameplay) There are two main ways to use an XBSX controller wirelessly: Bluetooth (which works fine as-is but it does have limitations like headphones can’t be used in the controller’s aux) or you can buy the pc wireless dongle (there’s no official series x version, but the Xbox one dongle works just fine. Source: me, that’s what I use)
 
The controller is meant to be wireless so it doesn’t drain the battery that much. The life span is fairly similar to playing via Xbox (for me it’s about a week’s worth of gameplay) There are two main ways to use an XBSX controller wirelessly: Bluetooth (which works fine as-is but it does have limitations like headphones can’t be used in the controller’s aux) or you can buy the pc wireless dongle (there’s no official series x version, but the Xbox one dongle works just fine. Source: me, that’s what I use)
Having to change the batteries every week sounds like a pain, it'd be nice to be wireless but eh I think I'll just plug it into the USB cord I've been using so I can never have to worry about battery life.

Cover the Xbox button with tape.

Use wired. Negates the need for batteries.

Your PC must have Bluetooth connectivity. Either your PC already has that or if it does not then you can buy a USB dongle fairly cheaply.
Covering it tape is what I did with my One controller, there's really no way to just turn it off this time? That really sucks, hate to cover this brand new 60$ controller in tape.

I don't get the need for the glowy shit on modern controllers, it bugs me with the PS4 controller as well.
 

dcx4610

Member
The Series X controller might be my favorite controller of all time. It works with Bluetooth but I prefer to use a USB dongle. It instantly connects and I've never had sync or lag issues. Bluetooth can be picky and before I got the dongle, it didn't seem like it always wanted to connect.


Battery life is roughly about 30 hours. I recommend a Play and Charge kit. Xbox One batteries work.

Logo, I don't think you can turn it off.
 
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The Series X controller might be my favorite controller of all time. It works with Bluetooth but I prefer to use a USB dongle. It instantly connects and I've never had sync or lag issues. Bluetooth can be picky and before I got the dongle, it didn't seem like it always wanted to connect.
I haven't played anything with it yet but I have felt it in my hands and oh yeah, it feels great.

Not radically different than the One controller but still feels very much improved in very key ways.
 

wipeout364

Member
I haven't played anything with it yet but I have felt it in my hands and oh yeah, it feels great.

Not radically different than the One controller but still feels very much improved in very key ways.
It’s weird when you first use you are thinking it’s essentially the same thing with a textured back. Use it for a few weeks and then go back the old one and the changes really stand out. The sticks feel so much better and the triggers and shoulder buttons feel better as well.
 

dcx4610

Member
I haven't played anything with it yet but I have felt it in my hands and oh yeah, it feels great.

Not radically different than the One controller but still feels very much improved in very key ways.

The d-pad upgrade was the big thing for me. I'm big into 2D and I'm a bit of a d-pad snob. I had an Elite and Elite 2 controller. I randomly saw the new controller on demo, grabbed it and couldn't believe how good everything felt and how good the d-pad was. I sold my Elite and "downgraded" to the standard controller and haven't looked back. The textured grip on the back and the triggers/bumpers is a nice touch too. On top of the great battery life, I have zero complaints. Yeah, it's not a radical change but the One controller was already great and this is just improving upon that.
 
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It’s weird when you first use you are thinking it’s essentially the same thing with a textured back. Use it for a few weeks and then go back the old one and the changes really stand out. The sticks feel so much better and the triggers and shoulder buttons feel better as well.
I've already the noticed the improvements with the triggers and joysticks and like I said I haven't even used it to play a game yet.

The d-pad upgrade was the big thing for me. I'm big into 2D and I'm a bit of a d-pad snob. I had an Elite and Elite 2 controller. I randomly saw the new controller on demo, grabbed it and couldn't believe how good everything felt and how good the d-pad was. I sold my Elite and "downgraded" to the standard controller and haven't looked back. The textured grip on the back and the triggers/bumpers is a nice touch too. On top of the great battery life, I have zero complaints. Yeah, it's not a radical change but the One controller was already great and this is just improving upon that.
The d-pad is a big improvement too, yeah.
 
Having to change the batteries every week sounds like a pain, it'd be nice to be wireless but eh I think I'll just plug it into the USB cord I've been using so I can never have to worry about battery life.


Covering it tape is what I did with my One controller, there's really no way to just turn it off this time? That really sucks, hate to cover this brand new 60$ controller in tape.

I don't get the need for the glowy shit on modern controllers, it bugs me with the PS4 controller as well.
Use Eneloop rechargeable batteries. They last for years and can be had for 15$ for a pack of 4 and charger.
 
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Hoppa

Member
I bought one today too to use with PC Gamepass until I can get a Series X. Connected to PC wirelessly and no setup needed. Controller is a bit lighter than I was expecting but I like the size and the grip
 
So, what the hell, I can't just use the same USB cord I was using for the Xbox One controller? This really pisses me off.

Am I wrong about that? I sure can't seem to get the fucking thing plugged in with my mini USB cord and I don't want to break anything.
 
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wipeout364

Member
So, what the hell, I can't just use the same USB cord I was using for the Xbox One controller? This really pisses me off.

Am I wrong about that? I sure can't seem to get the fucking thing plugged in with my mini USB cord and I don't want to break anything.
I think they have switched to USB C like everything will be in the next 2 years.
 

M16

Member
So, what the hell, I can't just use the same USB cord I was using for the Xbox One controller? This really pisses me off.

Am I wrong about that? I sure can't seem to get the fucking thing plugged in with my mini USB cord and I don't want to break anything.
where did you buy it from? they sell a version with a 9ft USB-C cable included for the exact same price.
Xbox Wireless Controller + USB-C® Cable | Xbox
 
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dcx4610

Member
USB C is the new standard. You can find them everywhere and other device will use them. Even the Switch uses it and Nintendo is usually behind the curve. Do yourself a favor and buy a pack of them.
 

pasterpl

Member
Having to change the batteries every week sounds like a pain

you can buy play and charge kit, rechargeable aa batteries or battery packs




 
where did you buy it from? they sell a version with a 9ft USB-C cable included for the exact same price.
Xbox Wireless Controller + USB-C® Cable | Xbox
Target, what I bought was all they had, I thought I was getting a good deal by not having to wait for it to ship but little did I know I was getting screwed over, really, really wish that's what I bought.

Can you buy an official Xbox cord separately? Not that it makes a big deal whether a cord is official or unofficial, but I'm just asking.


USB C is the new standard. You can find them everywhere and other device will use them. Even the Switch uses it and Nintendo is usually behind the curve. Do yourself a favor and buy a pack of them.
I had never even heard of USB C before.


you can buy play and charge kit, rechargeable aa batteries or battery packs




How long is the cord that comes with it? Is it 9 feet? Can I plug it into my PC and have the controller work?
 
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SyberWolf

Member
Buy the official wireless dongle from Microsoft, don't mess with bluetooth it's shit. Trust me, you have no idea what a big difference the dongle makes but you'll kick yourself for not having gotten it already. It's that big of a deal.
i second this. the xbox wireless dongle is awsome. that and the official play and charge kit with the usb c cable.
 

Spukc

always chasing the next thrill
Buy the official wireless dongle from Microsoft, don't mess with bluetooth it's shit. Trust me, you have no idea what a big difference the dongle makes but you'll kick yourself for not having gotten it already. It's that big of a deal.
This so much this.

i wasted so much fucking time on connection issues.

be sure to update your windows 10 and controller!

Also yeah use tape on the logo.Lights on controllers are hands down the dumbest fucking thing they added.

xbox QC can be a bit all over the place.
so be very careful of any sticky buttons.
Or weird dpad issues. imo the series X controller is a downgrade.. my one X controller never had any BT issues(worked fine without the need of the official dongle)

i srsly returned 6 xbox controllers. Inc 4 elite v2
They all had issues.

gl with trying to set up MP on windows 10 i flat out gave up using BT
 
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Wizz-Art

Member
It's Philips brand, just for the batteries. They are probably best on market.
It used to be Sanyo and now Panasonic. I have them too, they're very good! Don't buy the more expensive (black) PRO's though, the regular (white) should suffice if you;re only going to use them for your controller.
 
yeah, cable is 9ft and it should work normally with your pc
Thank you.

The trouble with the dongle is it's out of stock on Amazon and seems to be out of stock everywhere where I live and I want to be playing using the controller within the next week, so it looks that might be what I have to buy and could maybe get the dongle later (or just forget about it)
 

M1chl

Currently Gif and Meme Champion
It used to be Sanyo and now Panasonic. I have them too, they're very good! Don't buy the more expensive (black) PRO's though, the regular (white) should suffice if you;re only going to use them for your controller.
Well good thing that my dyslexia is still alive and well, yeah it's Panasonic.
 
The Series X controller might be my favorite controller of all time. It works with Bluetooth but I prefer to use a USB dongle. It instantly connects and I've never had sync or lag issues. Bluetooth can be picky and before I got the dongle, it didn't seem like it always wanted to connect.


Battery life is roughly about 30 hours. I recommend a Play and Charge kit. Xbox One batteries work.

Logo, I don't think you can turn it off.

Play N charge kit is good. Seconded.

Alternatively, I also use Panasonic Eneloop AAs. I would highly recommend those as well. In fact, I might slightly prefer it vs the play n charge.

OP: pick up a charger and a 4 or 8 pack of Eneloops and you're good for years.

On a side note, I've never understood the complaints about removable batteries. It makes a lot more sense than a built in, unchangeable battery that slowly loses charge life over time until it dies. PS5 controllers have subpar battery life even brand new, let alone after a a few years of moderate to heavy use. With a bunch of Eneloops ready to go I don't think about it at all.
 

Panajev2001a

GAF's Pleasant Genius
Can you do that or are you wishing that's an option? It's dumb you can't turn it off.
I wish it were an option. It is quite bright and in your face.

This is their best controller yet (and a great controller overall) and the DPad is excellent now despite being a bit loud. The face buttons need to be pressed a bit more firmly than I remember (if you feather them they might not register 100% of the time more like 98% or so).

The light on top is bright and directed to the players and it is the only controller I know of that made this choice (others either pointed away from the player or can be adjusted and are thin trips).
 

Schmick

Member
Or option in the OS to dim it or shut it off? That would be preferable
That would be preferable. But that isn't an option.

To many electronics have annoying lights; Xbox Controller, DS4, my Bluetooth ear buds that are so bright they illuminate my bedroom at night. Had to put a plaster on to cover the light.
 

Soodanim

Gold Member
I absolutely agree about lights being annoying on electronics. Every single one should have options for turning them off.

I just had a controller and dongle in the basket on the MS UK site for £70, but I realised a couple things -
•I don’t think I can get over the noise of the controller. It’s hard work finding noise comparisons so I had to find controller ASMR, but a video on Xbox and DS5 shows the difference. I can’t imagine playing a Souls game and hearing a click every time I attack with R1, or any 2D/menu hearing a click for every input.
•The textures/grips on everything would be a turn off. Not once have I ever found a concave trigger lacking for grip.

So as much as I like the look of the Series controller, as well as the benefits of MS’ own wireless over BT, I have to go with my instincts on this one. The forever light didn’t help its chances, either.
 

AphexTwunt

Member
Dude I don't mean to dump on you... but you buy something and then afterwards ask how to connect it and whether the light can be dimmed - a bit of fucking research before you bought it would have answered all of those questions.
 

Jaysen

Banned
interesting. Never heard of this brand before
All of the best rechargeable batteries are rebranded Eneloops. For a couple years even Apple sold batteries which were rebranded Eneloops.

For point of reference here's how my controllers perform:
Xbox Series X controller with White Eneloops - roughly 30 hours per charge
Xbox Series X controller with Play and Charge kit - roughly 20 hours per charge
Dualsense controller with built in lithium ion battery with haptics set to low and triggers set to off - 12 hours per charge
 

dcx4610

Member
Play N charge kit is good. Seconded.

Alternatively, I also use Panasonic Eneloop AAs. I would highly recommend those as well. In fact, I might slightly prefer it vs the play n charge.

OP: pick up a charger and a 4 or 8 pack of Eneloops and you're good for years.

On a side note, I've never understood the complaints about removable batteries. It makes a lot more sense than a built in, unchangeable battery that slowly loses charge life over time until it dies. PS5 controllers have subpar battery life even brand new, let alone after a a few years of moderate to heavy use. With a bunch of Eneloops ready to go I don't think about it at all.
I didn't like the idea of removal batteries back then but now I prefer it. If you buy a $60-70 controller and your battery dies (and it WILL die), good luck changing out the battery. Look at a video of how impossible it is to open up a PS5 controller. Most people will just end up buying a new controller. With Xbox controllers, you can still use rechargable batteries but you can actually get to them by simply popping off the cover. While it seems a little cheap on paper, it's an ideal solution for future proofing a controller.
 
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dcx4610

Member
One minor complaint that someone mentioned is sticky buttons. For some reason, Microsoft's QC is pretty spotty with controllers. I've purchased Elite, Elite 2 and two different XSX controllers. All of them have had sticky or squeaky buttons. Thankfully, there's a pretty easy fix (use at your own risk). Take a Qtip, dip it in alcohol and then just rub it in the corners of the button or trigger that is sticky. Then just press the button down over and over. The idea is you are letting a little bit of alcohol seep in. Once it's no longer sticky or squeaky, let it dry for a bit and you are should be good to go.

I guess there's some kind of residue on the buttons and the alcohol cleans it off. It has worked on every single controller I've done it on and worth a try if you hit the sticky button lotto.
 

Hezekiah

Banned
For use with my PC and I got some questions.

First of all how does wireless work for PC? Do most PCs have blue tooth? Does the controller have a blue tooth receiver inside of it?

Secondly if you use it wirelessly how much battery life do you get?

And finally is there a way to turn the Xbox logo off from glowing white, unlike the One controller? (I like to play in the dark)
I did the same thing last year, and it's a bit of piss take that you need a wireless adapter which is £30. And then the fact they still use disposable batteries in 2021 feels incredibly dated.

The triggers are too small aswell and lack any stiffness.
 

Jaysen

Banned
One minor complaint that someone mentioned is sticky buttons. For some reason, Microsoft's QC is pretty spotty with controllers. I've purchased Elite, Elite 2 and two different XSX controllers. All of them have had sticky or squeaky buttons. Thankfully, there's a pretty easy fix (use at your own risk). Take a Qtip, dip it in alcohol and then just rub it in the corners of the button or trigger that is sticky. Then just press the button down over and over. The idea is you are letting a little bit of alcohol seep in. Once it's no longer sticky or squeaky, let it dry for a bit and you are should be good to go.

I guess there's some kind of residue on the buttons and the alcohol cleans it off. It has worked on every single controller I've done it on and worth a try if you hit the sticky button lotto.
The issue I have with XSX controllers is that every single one of them has had an issue where A or Y would either not register a press or it would register two presses. Apparently MS recently acknowledged the problem and said they’re working on a fix, which leads me to believe it’s an OS issue and not a hardware problem.
 
Dude I don't mean to dump on you... but you buy something and then afterwards ask how to connect it and whether the light can be dimmed - a bit of fucking research before you bought it would have answered all of those questions.
It was an impulse buy while I was shopping at Target, next time I will definitely do more research before making a purchase that high again without knowing anything.
 
Order a set of 4 Enerloop batteries with a cheap charger if you want to use it wirelessly. It will likely cost about $20, the batteries will last at least about 30 hours of use, and Enerloop last for years.

Seriously, I've been using the same set of 4 Enerloops for all of last gen, and they're still going quite strong.
 
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