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The Xbox Controller is the primary controller for Microsoft's Xbox console and was introduced at E3 2001. The Xbox 360 controller comes in both wired and wireless versions. Original Xbox controllers are not compatible with the Xbox 360. The controller is also compatible with PCs; the wireless version requires a Wireless Gaming Receiver in order to connect to the PC.

The wireless controllers run on either AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack. The wired controllers may be connected to any of the USB ports on the console, or to an attached USB hub.

Design
The Xbox 360 controller has the same basic familiar button layout as the Controller S except that a few of the auxiliary buttons have been moved. The "back" and "start" buttons have been moved to a more central position on the face of the controller, and the "white" and "black" buttons have been removed and replaced with two new bumpers that are positioned over the analog triggers on the back of the controller. The controller has a 2.5mm headset jack on the front so that the user can plug in a headset for voice communication during game play. It also features a proprietary USB connector (which is split into 2 parts on either side of the headset connector) for use with additional accessories, such as the chatpad.

On August 31, 2010, Microsoft's Larry Hryb (a.k.a. Major Nelson) revealed a new design of the Xbox 360 controller which is set to replace the Wireless controller bundled with the Play & Charge Kit. Among small changes such as the shape of the analogue stick tops and grey-colored face buttons, the new controller features an adjustable directional pad which can be changed between a disc type D-pad or a plus shaped D-pad. The control pad was released in North America exclusively with Play & Charge Kits on November 9, 2010 and is expected to be released in Europe during February 2011.

Layout
A standard Xbox 360 controller features eleven* digital buttons, two analog triggers, two analog sticks and a digital D-pad. The right face of the controller features four digital actions buttons; a green "A" button, red "B" button, blue "X" button and amber "Y" button. The lower right houses the right analog stick, in lower left is a digital D-pad and on the left face is the left analog stick. Both analog sticks can also be "clicked in" to activate a digital button beneath. In the center of the controller face are digital "Start", "Back" and "Guide" buttons. The "Guide" button is labelled with the Xbox logo, and is used to turn on the console and/or controller and to access the guide menu. It is also surrounded by the "ring of light", which indicates the controller number, as well as flashing when connecting and to provide notifications. The left and right "shoulders" each feature a digital shoulder button, or "bumper", and an analog trigger.

* Wireless controllers also feature an additional "connect" button located between the "bumpers" to facilitate syncing with the console.

Colors and Special Editions
Wired controllers are only available in white and black (Xbox 360 S color scheme). However wireless controllers are available in numerous different colors including:

Standard Controller Colors
 * White controllers were bundled with the Arcade and Pro consoles; also sold separately.
 * Black controllers came with the Elite to match the case; also sold separately.
 * Dark Blue controllers were released in October 2007 (USA only)
 * Light Blue controllers were released in October 2007 (Europe and Japan only)
 * Pink controllers were also released in October 2007.
 * Black S controllers are bundled with Xbox 360 S consoles. These differ from previous controllers (and the original black version specifically) in that they are completely black, rather than two-tone black and grey. The guide button has a mirror like finish, and the analog sticks and D-pad are black. The bottom edge of this controller also features a gloss black finish to match the Xbox 360 S 250 GB case design.

Limited or Special Edition Controller Colors
 * Halo 3 "Spartan Green" controllers were included with the Halo 3 Special Edition Xbox 360 systems released in September 2007.
 * Halo 3 Spartan "Limited Edition" controllers were released in September 2007 and feature Halo 3 themed artwork from artist Todd McFarlane. The Spartan controller also included a Master Chief Figurine.
 * Halo 3 Covenant "Limited Edition" controllers were released in September 2007 and feature Halo 3 themed artwork from artist Todd McFarlane. The Covenant controller also included a different Master Chief figurine.
 * Red "Limited Edition" controllers were released in September 2008. The controller features 'black accents' with the D-Pad, analog sticks, triggers and parts of the casing all changed to black instead to the usual gray. It comes bundled with a Play & Charge Kit with a red rechargeable battery pack. The red controller is also included with the Limited Edition Resident Evil Xbox 360 Elite console released in March 2009. As of May 2010, this controller is still available to buy, so it is unknown how limited it will be.
 * Green "Limited Edition" controllers were released in mid October 2008 in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The green controller has a direction pad with 16-way functionality, instead of the 8-way direction pad used on all previous controllers. This controller was released alongside Pro Evolution Soccer 2009.
 * Dragon Design "Limited Edition" White and Black controllers were released in October 2008 and are available only through Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. The controller features a black dragon (and other symbols) on a white background, along with a white D-pad and black analog sticks. It comes bundled with a black wired headset.
 * Halo 3: ODST "Special Edition" controllers were released in September 2009 in a "Collector's Pack" including the Halo 3: ODST game. The pack was originally exclusive to GameStop and retails for $99.99.
 * Radioactive Design "Exclusive" controllers were released in October 2009 and are available exclusively at GameStop, or (in Australia) at EB Games. The design features a carbon black pad with a red radiation symbol emanating from the right analog stick. The left analog stick is black and the right analog stick and D-pad are red. This controller was announced at Major Nelson's website and is said to be limited edition although the packaging makes no reference to this. It comes bundled with a Play & Charge Kit with a black rechargeable battery pack.
 * Halo: Reach "Special Edition" controllers are to be released on 2010-9-14, coinciding with the game's release. The controller is based around the Black S design (black analog sticks, d-pad, battery pack, etc.; glossy black front; shiny guide button) with the matte black shell replaced with a satin silver shell, which also features a custom design based on the game. It will be available separately and with the Halo: Reach Special Edition console bundle, which will come bundled with two of the controllers.
 * Fable III "Special Edition" controllers are to be released on 2010-10-05, 3 weeks before the release of Fable III itself. The controller is based around the Black S design (black analog sticks, d-pad etc.; glossy black front; shiny guide button) and features a custom gold-colored shell and artwork. It also comes bundled with an exclusive downloadable tattoo set for use within the game.
 * Transforming D-Pad "Special Edition" controllers were released in the US on November 9, 2010 and in Europe during February 2011. The main feature of this controller is a D-pad that can be rotated to adapt to the user's gameplay, becoming either a "plus" (4-way) or a "disk" (8-way) d-pad. The controller also features new concave analog stick tops and grey tone A, B, X, Y buttons. It is finished in matte silver and features gloss black accents like the "Black S" design. This controller comes bundled with a black improved Play & Charge Kit, offering up to 35 hours of play. The codename for the controller during development was "Aberdeen".

Non-Retail Controller Colors
 * Launch Team Edition controllers were bundled with the "Xbox 360 - Launch Team Edition", given exclusively to members of the Xbox launch team by Microsoft in November 2005. These white wireless controllers feature green accents at the front in place of the standard grey.
 * Yellow controllers were included with the 100 Limited Edition The Simpsons Movie Xbox 360 systems announced in May 2007, and given away as prizes in special events and promotions.
 * Orange LIVE TURNS FIVE controllers were released in November 2007, and were given away to selected members of the media.

Guide button
The Xbox 360 controller has a Guide button in the center of its face that provides a new functionality. This button is surrounded by a ring of lights divided into four quadrants that provide gamers with different types of information during game play. For instance, during a split screen multiplayer match, a particular quadrant will light up to indicate to a player which part of the screen he or she is playing on at that time. In this case, when the user pushes the button, he or she accesses the Xbox guide; a menu which provides access to features like messaging friends, downloading content, voice chat and customizing soundtracks, while staying in the game. The Guide button also allows users to turn off the controller or the console by holding the button for a few seconds (rather than simply pressing it).

Rechargeable Battery Pack


The Rechargeable Battery Pack for the Xbox 360 controller contains two AA nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries inside a sealed casing, with a custom connector on the rear to allow charging through the Xbox 360 controller itself. The pack provides up to 25 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. It is recommended in place of disposable AA batteries (which differ slightly in voltage). It ships as part of, and can be charged by, the Play & Charge Kit and the Quick Charge Kit. To fully charge the battery pack takes approximately 2 hours with the Quick Charge Kit with the Play And Charge Kit taking longer (depending on whether the controller is being used). Third party rechargeable battery pack kits are also available.

Wireless Gaming Receiver


The Wireless Gaming Receiver (sold as "Crossfire Wireless Gaming Receiver" in the UK) allows wireless Xbox 360 accessories, such as wireless gamepads, racing wheels and headsets, to be used on a Windows-based PC. 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".

Messenger Kit


The Messenger Kit consists of a wired Xbox 360 headset and a small keyboard known as the "Chatpad". The Chatpad connects to the front of the controller and may be used for any standard text input on the console. It is not currently compatible with the wireless gaming receiver.