If you want to head on out and grab an Xbox 360 controller before the Xbox 360 is out, be my guest, but it will cost $5 more as it is the PC edition of the controller. There is no difference between the PC and Xbox 360 wired editions, and they are interchangeable. The big difference is the PC version includes the drivers/software needed to use the controller on a Windows computer.
So if you need the controller now, it is available at select locations.
Press Release to Follow:
REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 19, 2005 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the retail availability of its first cross-platform game controller and the latest addition to the Microsoft® Game Precision Series. The Xbox 360™ Controller for Windows® delivers the precision and control that will set the standard for next-generation game controllers.
“This controller is a great example of one of the many areas where the Xbox 360 and Windows platforms complement each other,” said J Allard, Microsoft corporate vice president and chief XNA officer. “The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows is an important step in making it easier for consumers to enjoy gaming on both platforms.”
The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows works with Windows XP-based PCs and the Xbox 360 system, with a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design, force feedback vibration support and a familiar button layout across both platforms.
“For the first time, gamers can simply unplug their controller from their Xbox 360 system and plug it into their Windows XP-based PC,” said Chris Donahue, director of the Windows gaming and graphics team at Microsoft. “This is a great breakthrough for the gaming industry as we make it easier for developers to create multiplatform titles.”
The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows retail product will include a driver for Windows XP-based PCs. The wired Xbox 360 Controller, which comes with the core Xbox 360 system, will also work on Windows XP-based computers after users download the available driver from Microsoft. The Controller has a 9-foot breakaway controller cable that plugs into a standard USB port.
The Xbox 360 Controller for Windows is widely available in North America for an estimated retail price of $39.99 (U.S.)* and will be released soon in Europe and Asia. The driver will also be available via download from Windows Update at http://www.windowsupdate.com and the Microsoft Hardware Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.