Xbox controller Archives

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Sometimes, an FPS really is better with a controller

The text discusses the ongoing debate between using a mouse and keyboard versus a controller in first-person shooters (FPS). The author reflects on their experiences with various games, noting that gameplay dynamics can differ significantly based on the input method. In particular, they found that while playing Halo with a mouse and keyboard was enjoyable, it lacked the immersive intensity experienced with a controller. The design of Halo's enemies is noted to complement controller use, enhancing combat engagement. The author also mentions their experience with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, where they found the controller more intuitive due to design choices favoring controller users, such as analog movement and aim assist. They express surprise at how well classic titles like Doom adapted to controller play, leading to a reevaluation of input preferences in FPS games.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

Grab one of our favorite PC controllers while it’s at its lowest price ever on Amazon this Black Friday

Amazon is offering significant discounts on a top-rated PC controller this Black Friday. The Xbox wireless controller, which has over 17,000 five-star reviews, is currently priced at .99, down from its original price of .99. It features a comfortable grip, rumble motors, and a hybrid D-pad, but relies on AA batteries for power. The Heart Breaker and Ice Breaker variants are also on sale for .00, reduced from .99.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

How to put Xbox Full Screen Experience on your Windows handheld gaming PC — Legion Go, original ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and more

The Xbox Full Screen Experience (XFSE) is now available on all Windows handheld devices, including the Legion Go 2. Users can customize their experience by replacing XFSE with a different game launcher, such as Playnite, upon startup. To exit XFSE and return to the Windows desktop, users can swipe up from the bottom of the screen, tap on Windows desktop, and select Continue. XFSE enhances gaming performance by minimizing background processes and allows seamless access to Xbox services and games. The rollout of XFSE is ongoing, and users may need to explore options to stop XFSE or set up alternative launchers if desired.

BetaBeacon

November 17, 2025

Android 17 update to bring native game controller remapping for mobile gamers

Android is working on a new feature for Android 17 that will allow users to remap controllers at the system level, providing a native controller area in Settings. This feature will also include a "virtual gamepad" that can map physical buttons to touch regions in games that do not have native controller support. This new feature aims to provide consistency for clip-on controllers, Android handhelds, cloud gaming players, Android TV boxes, laptops, and improve accessibility for players who rely on remapping buttons for gameplay.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (KB5067106) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Users can now add and manage mobile devices from their PC under the "Mobile Devices" section in Bluetooth & Devices. A new entry point in the Start menu allows direct access to the benefits page for Microsoft accounts. The build includes updated Game Pass references in Settings, improvements to File Explorer's dark mode, and the ability to enable or disable the Drag Tray feature in Settings. Fixes include resolving a catastrophic error in File Explorer when extracting large files, correcting display issues with videos and games, and fixing update installation errors. Other fixes addressed issues with Outlook, Remote Credential Guard, and print preview in Chromium-based browsers. Known issues include problems with text actions in Click to Do and Recall, disabled taskbar preview animations, and issues with the Start menu and notification center. Users may also experience bugs with Xbox Controller connectivity via Bluetooth. Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually with feedback monitoring.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Now Available Worldwide

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices are now available in 45 countries, developed in collaboration with ASUS and AMD. These devices integrate the Xbox experience with Windows, allowing players to access their Xbox library, progress, friends, and achievements. Pre-orders are available through Xbox.com in the U.S. and through the ASUS eShop for other regions. The Xbox Ally features ergonomic grips and a new Xbox Full Screen Experience, with resources like a Getting Started guide and Gaming Copilot (Beta) for assistance. The Handheld Compatibility program includes titles such as Gears of War: Reloaded and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Players can enjoy over 1000 games via Xbox Play Anywhere, with over 55 new titles added last month. Select markets will receive three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium or PC Game Pass with their purchase. The devices are optimized for accessibility, catering to players with disabilities. Future updates will include Default Game Profiles for better performance and battery life, enhancements to the docking experience, and AI-powered features. Many innovations will be applicable across all Windows devices, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6780 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6780 (KB5067103) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include: - Agent in Settings: Quick adjustments for recently modified settings and enhanced search functionality. - Drag Tray: Supports multi-file sharing and improved app suggestions. - Click to Do: Visual cues for key entities to enhance productivity. - Administrator Protection: Option to enable this feature via Windows Security is available again. - OneDrive: New icon in Accounts and Homepages within Settings. - Run: Updates to the dark mode experience in the Run dialog. Fixes include: - Click to Do: Resolved display issues when launched on the primary display. - Taskbar & System Tray: Fixed cycling issue with app windows. - File Explorer: Addressed a recurring crash issue. - Start Menu: Corrected scrolling and context menu issues. - Search: Resolved unexpected text display in search results. - General resolution of app crashes from the previous flight. Known issues include: - Taskbar & System Tray: New animations temporarily disabled. - File Explorer: Issues with copy progress display and scrollbar visibility in dark mode. - Xbox Controller: Bugcheck issue when using via Bluetooth. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, with features rolled out gradually. Some features may not be fully localized and could change or be removed during development.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Windows 12 Expected Release Date and Latest Updates

Microsoft's Windows operating system has seen significant evolution through its major releases. Windows 12 is expected to be announced in June 2025, with an official release anticipated in October 2025. The Microsoft Insider Program will facilitate early access to Windows 12 builds, and public previews will help address bugs before the consumer launch. Rumored features for Windows 12 include a modernized user interface with Fluent Design 3.0, an integrated AI assistant called Windows Copilot, enhanced security measures like Hardware Root-of-Trust, and improved app compatibility for legacy and Android apps. The expected hardware requirements for Windows 12 will be higher than those for Windows 11, with a minimum processor speed of 1.5 GHz, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of recommended storage. Windows 12 will focus on enterprise and educational adoption, offering tools for deployment and management, while also emphasizing sustainability through energy-efficient practices. The projected adoption rates suggest that by 2027, Windows 12 could reach 600 million installs, representing 60% of Windows devices. Potential challenges include legacy support issues and a learning curve associated with new automation features.

AppWizard

September 27, 2025

Xbox Ally X pre-orders prove popular as retailers sell out in no time

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is available for pre-order, with significant demand leading to limited stock at various retailers. Pre-orders started on September 25, with the ROG Xbox Ally priced at 9.99 and the ROG Xbox Ally X at 9.99. The official release is set for October 16. Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy are offering pre-orders, but stock shortages are reported, particularly in the UK where the Xbox Ally X is out of stock. Some retailers have implemented measures like sign-in requirements and CAPTCHA due to high consumer interest. The design features Xbox branding and a controller-style grip, making it appealing to gamers.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

Microsoft updates Xbox controller functionality for Windows 11 users – The Times of India

Microsoft has introduced a new feature for Xbox controllers on Windows 11 that allows users to access the Task View switcher by long pressing the Xbox button. This feature is currently being tested with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. The traditional function of shutting down the controller remains unchanged, accessible by a longer press of the Xbox button. The update is part of Microsoft's vision for handheld gaming PCs, with similar functionality expected in upcoming Xbox Ally devices. The single-press function of the Xbox button still opens the Game Bar interface. Testing began in September 2025, with a rollout to all Windows 11 users expected in the coming months.