Microsoft release PC drivers for the Xbox One controller

The Xbox 360 pad has long since been adopted by the PC. It's there for us whenever we need to pummel our opponents in a two-player fighting game, or when we buy a shoddily ported third-person action game in some Steam sale. Or when we load up Watch Dogs, briefly forget its keyboard-based driving controls are an atrocity, and mistakenly attempt to use them. It's become an essential peripheral.

Can the Xbox One pad be clutched as warmly to our Windows-based bosoms? Microsoft are hoping it can. They've just released the official PC drivers needed to get it running.

"The new PC drivers will enable the Xbox One controller to be used with any game that featured gamepad support for the Xbox 360 controller," writes Microsoft's Major Nelson, whose real name isn't Major Nelson. "Simply download the drivers, connect your Xbox One controller to your computer through a micro USB cable and you'll be gaming in no time."

As we're surrounded on all sides by console publications, we'll attempt to steal one and give it a PC-based review. I've not tried the pad yet, but from what I've heard, the D-pad is slightly less of a load of old knob.

Phil Savage
Editor-in-Chief

Phil has been writing for PC Gamer for nearly a decade, starting out as a freelance writer covering everything from free games to MMOs. He eventually joined full-time as a news writer, before moving to the magazine to review immersive sims, RPGs and Hitman games. Now he leads PC Gamer's UK team, but still sometimes finds the time to write about his ongoing obsessions with Destiny 2, GTA Online and Apex Legends. When he's not levelling up battle passes, he's checking out the latest tactics game or dipping back into Guild Wars 2. He's largely responsible for the whole Tub Geralt thing, but still isn't sorry.

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