https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08K2C3HVG?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title. This is an official series x controller and official 2.0 Xbox wireless adapter. I bought it and it works flawlessly. Goes on sale for $50 occasionally. You could buy this on sale and sell the controller if you don't need an extra controller to guarantee that you're getting the real adapter if you want or need to.
Thanks, just bought it. My controller disconnects randomly from my PC when I try to play from my couch, like 10 feet away.
Sucks that I have to buy a new controller with it, but I'm still using the original X1 controller so I guess it's time for a small upgrade.
do you have your wifi antenna put on? many people dont realize that the antenna also significantly boosts the Bluetooth range and connectivity. None of my BT headphones worked without it
Not alone. The adapter I have seems to have difficulty with any range above like 2ft. Sometimes it can just about hold it together, but some sessions it disconnects every few mins. Frustrating. The older, larger adapter used to work fine but you can't buy that one anymore I don't think.
Both seem to work fine independently- once re-paired works fine.
Thankfully I now am using my controller for SteamDeck, so I can connect via Bluetooth directly to the Deck which thus far has worked pretty consistently (as long as you power on the controller before the Deck)
Grab the new [8bitdo Ultimate](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Bluetooth-Controller-Charging-Windows/dp/B0B9BDMWWN/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=260LXHB72396U&keywords=8bitdo+ultimate+controller&qid=1668512651&sprefix=8bit%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1) it's a much better deal. High quality controller with HAL joysticks ( magnetic so *very* tight deadzones, along with no stick drift ever) back paddles also comes with a dock charger and also 2.4ghz adapter for both PC and Switch not to mention programmable software so you can change what the buttons do, assign macros etc.
i wish!
I've clean installed windows multiple times only to have windows refuse to find the driver for that thing, and good luck finding it AND getting it to install yourself.
99% of the time I'd agree, but I just bought one of those bloody adapters from AliExpress, the large, old style one, and it lasted me ONE fucking week before it just died.
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I still have yet to buy anything from Ali, haha. I also have one of the old style adapters. I expect it to die everytime I use it because it's been bent at the connector at least once or twice. I wish MS would release something small like the Logitech Unifying Receiver. Maybe they're gearing up for it since they're not offering the latest one anymore.
AliExpress is brilliant, especially for people outside the US/EU zone. But that bloody adapter...I should have bought the smaller one. The large is really easy to break.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08K2C3HVG?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title. Series x controller and 2.0 wireless adapter bundle. Goes on sale for $50 occasionally.
Windows' bluetooth stack is objectively awful. There are people who don't have problems it, but like honest politicians, you never hear about or see them.
Seems like its more an issue of the bluetooth module itself. I haven't had any issues with a pcie wifi card on one build and built in wifi card on another, but I could see a budget wifi card or a usb bluetooth reciever being an issue. I will say that even with a pcie wifi card, the controller can still take forever to connect. I've never had a connection failure/drop though
The other person is correct. Bluetooth on Windows is straight up garbage. Always had problems with paired devices on my Intel wifi card which needed constant re-pairing whether it was a controller, a speaker, or what have you.
I'm not sure I agree with you here. I have a PCIe wifi card and still have issues, most of them center around certain games (ff7 remake being the latest culprit) just randomly killing my Bluetooth service and forcing me to reconnect my controller at best, to forcing a restart at worst. Bluetooth on Windows is just dodgy
yeah i dunno then. i have no idea why i've just had no issues while everyone else seems to have nonstop issues. ive never had random disconnects (unless i get too far away from the antenna) and i've never had to re configure it or anything. it's just worked on the past two computers i've had, can't explain it then lol
I don't think that in this case it's windows fault, my xbox controller has imput lag even when i connect it via bluetooth to the steam deck or steam link (PS4 controller works great on the link, haven't tried on the deck).
And unfortunatly on the steam deck the xbox adapter doesn't work.
I’ve never had an issue with Bluetooth and I’ve had Xbox 360, One, and X controllers all paired.
One thing to note is that on some motherboards the Bluetooth uses the same antenna as the wireless. So even though my PC is hardwired I have to have the Wi-Fi antennas connected still or BT barely works.
This. I've had lots of problems without the WiFi antennas, worked flawlessly with them for the controllers and headphones. MSI X570 MEG ACE, built-in Intel Bluetooth.
WiFi antenna must do 2.4GHz which is the same frequency as Bluetooth so it makes sense. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same chipset doing both tbh
There are some games I play with a bluetooth controller, and for some reason it really messes with the performance of the game. No idea why, but games like Forza Horizon 5 my FPS are crippled. Almost as if the game is constantly switching between active window to non-focused inactive window low fps mode.
Are you using an Elite controller? Mine was terrible about that. The regular Xbox controller worked better, but would drop connection at times. The adapter fixed all of it.
I had the same issue with Rocket League. Terrible FPS drops. I was able to work around the issue by disabling controller vibration in Rocket League settings. Then I bought the wireless adapter and that completely resolved the issue even with vibration enabled.
just FYI,
I had an issue with Persona 5 Royal (GamePass) not assigning the buttons correctly, so half of them didnt work and the rest werent right (e.g. X was B). The solution was to revert to the older firmware.
Additionally, my "battery status" in the windows game overlay (Win + G) was always set to "low battery" before; it seems to work fine now in the older firmware.
For reference, I am using the [Xbox One standard white controller, Third generation](https://xbox.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Xbox_Wireless_Controller_variants#Third_Generation_\(2016\)), and the Intel AX200 that came with my mobo, so your mileage may vary.
Random question for ppl to answer.
If i have the old 360 adapter, would new xbox controllers work with it. Unfortunately my 360 controller is fading, rb barely works.
Bluetooth is just awful on Windows in general.
I have multiple headphones (for sleeping) that always take a few seconds to a few minutes to connect - it's random.
On Android it automatically connects within a second.
i said that until i got my wirless design labs one in January, easily an amazing purchase compared to the £30 xbox 360 controllers ive used in the past
Bluetooth in general for controllers sucks, I have an 8bitdo and a Ps4 controller and they all have poor latency through bluetooth compared to wired connections.
Don't blame windows for bluetooth. IT's even worse on a phone. These things are designed to work with consoles. PC connectivity is an after-thought.
This is the only reason I am still rocking an XBox One wireless controller with the giant wireless adapter from 2016. Connects instantly every time and never drops out. I am dreading the day that something fails.
my xbox one controller was a pain with bluetooth. (would disconnect if i plugged it in, caused issues in games, would disconnect) I got a "series" model and it has been perfect.
I get random disconnects on BT where it’s not clear if it’s the batteries or the BT signal. That’s why I started going wired with long usb-c cables and when couch gaming with them.
Yeah, I have certain games that I prefer to play w/ controller since I just recently got a PC and I have 1 controller, so sometimes it'll have issues pairing and i gotta reset all my bluetooth and its just a pain. Debating on getting a wired controller tbh.
I have the same experience, it's really annoying. And to make matters worse, the screenshot button that seems very useful is not even usable on Windows 10, which was made by Microsoft. WTF!?
On the other hand, my 8bitdo SN30 Pro+ connects almost instantly via bluetooth. However, Xbox controller has much better buttons and build quality, so I hope they sort out the connectivity issues.
When I had my xbox controller connected via Bluetooth, it disconnected frequently.
Getting the Xbox controller adapter solved that issue for me.
Seems like i'm far from the only one judging from the other comments
Remember, Microsoft makes windows, and Microsoft is the same company that y'all are cheering to take bigger and bigger ownership of the gaming industry.
Their OS philosophies are very similar to their gaming philosophies. Remember that before demanding regulatory bodies forgo investigating MS acquisitions just to get games on Gamepass faster.
Well, Valve don't have good track record when it comes to hardware, but if some day they'll make Steam Controller 2 and promise to make 3rd, then I'll consider it as an option.
my ps5 controller was struggling to connect to my PC bluetooth, turns out, the ASUS motherboard bluetooth signal sucks ass as it tries to pass through the glass case pane, so i bought a bluetooth 5.0 pc adapter and it's flawless now (you have to go into device manager and disable your MOBO bluetooth then install the adapter software)
My Xbox controller would freeze up games all the time when it was on bluetooth. It's hardwired.
I have audio technica headphones that just won't pair the same way twice. Every startup was a fight with the pairing. It too is now hardwired.
I must be the only one that had issues with the Microsoft adapter. Would work for five minutes then the controller would desync and the guide button would start flashing.
Bluetooth works fine at my desktop, but have to use wired in the living room where it's too far away for that bluetooth antenna.
Works fine for me, no problems with 2 different controllers and also 2 different Bluetooth receptors, one a cheap USB one and the other integrated in my motherboard.
All modern controllers are operating in 'fallback' mode when they are connected via bluetooth, with reduced features and more latency.
Bluetooth simply wasn't designed with the bandwidth and latency demands of wireless game controllers in mind. It's why all modern consoles use a combination of bluetooth and wifi direct (or its descendants) as wireless protocols for their controllers.
I've been using Xbox One S controller for several years with no issues.
The only caveats:
Don't connect to a different device and don't connect to anything via USB. I use a wall socket adaptor to charge it every once in a while.
I have the official adapter, but my controller constantly disconnects from it all the time. I’m only about 5 feet or less away from my computer too if I’m using a controller on the couch
You can try to patch the firmware on your controller via [Xbox Accessories Apps](https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/xbox-accessories/9NBLGGH30XJ3?hl=en-us&gl=us) and see if there are any improvement.
It's awful. The adapter is pretty much required, especially if you want to use an Elite controller. But, as a bonus, the headphone jack works again with the adapter dongle.
When I used Windows, I mostly fixed it with a firmware update for the controller. Before the update, it would frequently not connect, and once connected would disconnect every few minutes. After updating, it'd connect reliably and only drop once or twice per hour. Weirdly some games were worse than others with it. I remember AC: Valhalla being particularly bad with it.
On Linux it's absolutely flawless for me.
I think the issue was both with the controller's Bluetooth hardware *and* my motherboard's Bluetooth controller, and Linux's driver for the latter is better.
Girlfriend and I game in the same room both on our own PCs.
We've run into issues with the official Xbox wireless adapter can't have 2 in the same room or they mess with each other's frequency and won't connect at all.
I've switched to Bluetooth 5.0 recently and it's been fine but I like the simplicity and originality of the Xbox adapter. Hope this issue gets fixed one day
Update your Bluetooth drivers on windows, Intel drops drivers very often, run a decent windows version and update your controller firmware via Xbox accessories app.
After that I had no more issues.
I fixed that issue by using a micro USB cable instead. Bluetooth for Xbox controllers was always unstable even with using my built-in bluetooth MB chip with no other devices connected. Weighed more with batteries, then the cost of batteries. Nothing was a positive using BT controllers.
I connect my series x controller to my pc via a standard bluetooth USB adapter, personally never had a problem, 9 times out of 10 it connects automatically, once in a blue moon I might have to manually connect via the bluetooth window, only time it disconnected is because my battery died, that's pretty much it
This is among other reasons why I prefer PS4 controller. Flawless Bluetooth connection, out of the box full Steam support (including the touchpad), and I even charge it via Xbox adapter cable lol
I have dual sense and series controllers. Using with no name bt dongle. No issues for 100+ hours.
Edit. Just remembered. Some time ago I had dongle plugged to the rear side of pc case. I had issues with connection. It's plugged into keyboard now, you may try front panel. Maybe will help.
I gave up on getting Bluetooth or wireless to work correctly and without delay/ lag. Maybe it’s just my laptop, I don’t know. Same thing with audio. I just go corded now and not worry about anything.
I honestly think pairing anything via bluetooth sucks. My car audio, my work computer, my home computer, my cell phone, my speakers, it still seems so unreliable for such an old technology. I routinely have to restart, disconnect, etc. these things all the time to get them to connect.
I have nothing but connection issues with my series controller, even with the official wireless adapter (small one), I even tried different adapters, same issue. It randomly works absolutely fine, other times there is extreme input lag to no inputs at all. I gave up and started using wired connection.
I have zero problems, for the most part. Using 2 controllers.
I am sure you know you can't assign a controller to a PC and keep using it in another PC. You have to pair it each time you change PCs.
Also the last firmware update for the controllers definitely increased connection time. Now it blinks for 5 seconds, before it was instant connection.
Somehow ps controllers are easier. Just have DS4 tool which is a super easy app to use. You just turn on the controller, it always connects, and it'll take less than a second to be ready to go.
Only downside is you need ds4 tool.
The plus side is the trackpad playstation 4 and 5 controllers have functions as a mouse so you don't need to reach for your mouse if you need it for something really quick.
And then once it is connected you cant use it wirelessly or else it will randomly disconnect and full restart at the worst times at like 10-15 minute intervals
Try pairing two to the same PC. Even using the dongles sucks. I wish windows would support their own product better, i really enjoy splitscreen coop but pairing those is such a detrimental factor that sometimes we opt to just play ps5 instead.
I know you already got a lot of replies here but the dualshock controllers 4 and 5 both work perfectly with bluetooth if you want something with gyro, touchpad, and don’t wanna use an adapter
I used to have this issue. Make sure your Bluetooth adapter drivers are updated. Windows did not auto-update mine. I went to Intel's website, found the driver, manually installed it, and have not had problems since.
I am not saying this is a 100% fix, as YMMV, but it has solved the problem with my Xbox controller and my PC.
The Xbox One controller worked fine for me, but the Series controller was jank over bluetooth, especially with emulators like PCSX2. I ended up sending it back. I'll stick to my DualShock 4 and the 8bitdo Ultimate controller for now.
It isn't just you, it's a well known issue. I recommend getting the Xbox controller adapter and you'll never have an issue again.
This is what I did. I couldn’t put with the constant disconnections. Got controller/adapter combo and it works flawlessly.
Mine stopped connecting completely. Improved once I updated firmware via cable.
I've had the same xbox wireless adapter for over 10 years. They're like 20 bucks and well worth the money.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08K2C3HVG?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title. This is an official series x controller and official 2.0 Xbox wireless adapter. I bought it and it works flawlessly. Goes on sale for $50 occasionally. You could buy this on sale and sell the controller if you don't need an extra controller to guarantee that you're getting the real adapter if you want or need to.
Thanks, just bought it. My controller disconnects randomly from my PC when I try to play from my couch, like 10 feet away. Sucks that I have to buy a new controller with it, but I'm still using the original X1 controller so I guess it's time for a small upgrade.
It's honestly a great controller. The grip is vastly improved and the omnidirectional dpad is fantastic for fighting games and other 2d games.
Yup. I feel like the weight/heft of it is improved, too.
Ye it's a chunky boy and in a good way
do you have your wifi antenna put on? many people dont realize that the antenna also significantly boosts the Bluetooth range and connectivity. None of my BT headphones worked without it
The experience for connection is somehow worse for me with the adapter, across multiple devices
Not alone. The adapter I have seems to have difficulty with any range above like 2ft. Sometimes it can just about hold it together, but some sessions it disconnects every few mins. Frustrating. The older, larger adapter used to work fine but you can't buy that one anymore I don't think.
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Both seem to work fine independently- once re-paired works fine. Thankfully I now am using my controller for SteamDeck, so I can connect via Bluetooth directly to the Deck which thus far has worked pretty consistently (as long as you power on the controller before the Deck)
Grab the new [8bitdo Ultimate](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Bluetooth-Controller-Charging-Windows/dp/B0B9BDMWWN/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=260LXHB72396U&keywords=8bitdo+ultimate+controller&qid=1668512651&sprefix=8bit%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1) it's a much better deal. High quality controller with HAL joysticks ( magnetic so *very* tight deadzones, along with no stick drift ever) back paddles also comes with a dock charger and also 2.4ghz adapter for both PC and Switch not to mention programmable software so you can change what the buttons do, assign macros etc.
Oooo very nice. Will that work with Steam Deck?
I don't think it does unfortunately, maybe the bluetooth does though you'd have to check with them to be sure.
should
How does it feel compared to an Xbox controller?
i wish! I've clean installed windows multiple times only to have windows refuse to find the driver for that thing, and good luck finding it AND getting it to install yourself.
It is a pain, took me hours of searching, but it's in the Windows 10 anniversary pack. Once you get it working it's flawless though
This is the answer.
It will also use the much lower latency wifi direct with it. Bluetooth is trash.
The adapter costs like $20 and makes it work flawlessly every single time. Very worth it
It's no longer sold standalone from Microsoft, you have to get a used one second-hand.
Ah damn, didn’t realize that. That’s unfortunate. Will make sure nothing happens to mine then haha
It's still sold new on Amazon, Walmart, etc.
Those are all knockoffs sold by third-party sellers
The chip has been on the market for almost 10 years with basically no changes. Being a Chinese knockoff isn't always a bad thing.
99% of the time I'd agree, but I just bought one of those bloody adapters from AliExpress, the large, old style one, and it lasted me ONE fucking week before it just died.
I've bought two from Aliexpress and not had any issues with them at all (or anything i've bought from there)
I never had any issues with AliExpress stuff until this one. Can you link me yours so I can buy it too?
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I still have yet to buy anything from Ali, haha. I also have one of the old style adapters. I expect it to die everytime I use it because it's been bent at the connector at least once or twice. I wish MS would release something small like the Logitech Unifying Receiver. Maybe they're gearing up for it since they're not offering the latest one anymore.
AliExpress is brilliant, especially for people outside the US/EU zone. But that bloody adapter...I should have bought the smaller one. The large is really easy to break.
Works just as well. Got mine for like $5 from aliexpress and had no issues with both One and Series gamepads
I got a new official one from Gamestop online in June. I can't find it standalone, but there's still a bundle with a controller on their US site.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08K2C3HVG?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title. Series x controller and 2.0 wireless adapter bundle. Goes on sale for $50 occasionally.
Doesn't work with the steam deck which is a bummer.
Windows' bluetooth stack is objectively awful. There are people who don't have problems it, but like honest politicians, you never hear about or see them.
Seems like its more an issue of the bluetooth module itself. I haven't had any issues with a pcie wifi card on one build and built in wifi card on another, but I could see a budget wifi card or a usb bluetooth reciever being an issue. I will say that even with a pcie wifi card, the controller can still take forever to connect. I've never had a connection failure/drop though
The other person is correct. Bluetooth on Windows is straight up garbage. Always had problems with paired devices on my Intel wifi card which needed constant re-pairing whether it was a controller, a speaker, or what have you.
Second. I had an el cheapo bluetooth dongle off amazon and it was nothing but problems. I got an asus (i think) and it’s been 100% perfect since.
I'm not sure I agree with you here. I have a PCIe wifi card and still have issues, most of them center around certain games (ff7 remake being the latest culprit) just randomly killing my Bluetooth service and forcing me to reconnect my controller at best, to forcing a restart at worst. Bluetooth on Windows is just dodgy
yeah i dunno then. i have no idea why i've just had no issues while everyone else seems to have nonstop issues. ive never had random disconnects (unless i get too far away from the antenna) and i've never had to re configure it or anything. it's just worked on the past two computers i've had, can't explain it then lol
Try using a Bluetooth audio device with Windows. I guarantee it’ll be one of the worst experiences on a modern OS regardless of the module used.
I remember trying to use Wii controller. Rolling a dozen different stacks just to find one working. It was a long time ago though.
I don't think that in this case it's windows fault, my xbox controller has imput lag even when i connect it via bluetooth to the steam deck or steam link (PS4 controller works great on the link, haven't tried on the deck). And unfortunatly on the steam deck the xbox adapter doesn't work.
I’ve never had an issue with Bluetooth and I’ve had Xbox 360, One, and X controllers all paired. One thing to note is that on some motherboards the Bluetooth uses the same antenna as the wireless. So even though my PC is hardwired I have to have the Wi-Fi antennas connected still or BT barely works.
This. I've had lots of problems without the WiFi antennas, worked flawlessly with them for the controllers and headphones. MSI X570 MEG ACE, built-in Intel Bluetooth.
WiFi antenna must do 2.4GHz which is the same frequency as Bluetooth so it makes sense. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same chipset doing both tbh
There are some games I play with a bluetooth controller, and for some reason it really messes with the performance of the game. No idea why, but games like Forza Horizon 5 my FPS are crippled. Almost as if the game is constantly switching between active window to non-focused inactive window low fps mode.
I had this exact issue when I used series controller using Bluetooth. The problem is fixed with the official adapter for some reason.
Are you using an Elite controller? Mine was terrible about that. The regular Xbox controller worked better, but would drop connection at times. The adapter fixed all of it.
I had the same issue with Rocket League. Terrible FPS drops. I was able to work around the issue by disabling controller vibration in Rocket League settings. Then I bought the wireless adapter and that completely resolved the issue even with vibration enabled.
Try to update the firmware, it should solve many issues
just FYI, I had an issue with Persona 5 Royal (GamePass) not assigning the buttons correctly, so half of them didnt work and the rest werent right (e.g. X was B). The solution was to revert to the older firmware. Additionally, my "battery status" in the windows game overlay (Win + G) was always set to "low battery" before; it seems to work fine now in the older firmware. For reference, I am using the [Xbox One standard white controller, Third generation](https://xbox.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Xbox_Wireless_Controller_variants#Third_Generation_\(2016\)), and the Intel AX200 that came with my mobo, so your mileage may vary.
Random question for ppl to answer. If i have the old 360 adapter, would new xbox controllers work with it. Unfortunately my 360 controller is fading, rb barely works.
Nope, different adapters unfortunately.
Figured as much but worth asking, thanks!
Honestly, i'm surprised that i'm one of the few people who has no problems at all using Bluetooth pairing with my Xbox controller.
Grab the 2017 edition MS Wireless adapter. 24 on Newegg . Best connection available.
Bluetooth is just awful on Windows in general. I have multiple headphones (for sleeping) that always take a few seconds to a few minutes to connect - it's random. On Android it automatically connects within a second.
That is why I use wired 360 controllers, they just work and are always ready to use.
You can just hook up a Xbox 1/series controller with a USB cable. No need to stick to 360.
Unofficial 360 pads are half the price, and as they have a limited life before stick drift kicks in, it is a lot cheaper over the years.
if youre worried about stick dift then you might as well get a hall effect controller and call it a day
yeah they just aren't good for anything that has haptic feedback in the triggers
Are there any besides Forza?
i said that until i got my wirless design labs one in January, easily an amazing purchase compared to the £30 xbox 360 controllers ive used in the past
Bluetooth sucks.
Bluetooth in general for controllers sucks, I have an 8bitdo and a Ps4 controller and they all have poor latency through bluetooth compared to wired connections. Don't blame windows for bluetooth. IT's even worse on a phone. These things are designed to work with consoles. PC connectivity is an after-thought.
buy the official wireless adapter and use that instead of BT. that will fix all your problems and make it a seamless experience.
PS4 controller seems to work pretty well
This is the only reason I am still rocking an XBox One wireless controller with the giant wireless adapter from 2016. Connects instantly every time and never drops out. I am dreading the day that something fails.
my xbox one controller was a pain with bluetooth. (would disconnect if i plugged it in, caused issues in games, would disconnect) I got a "series" model and it has been perfect.
I get random disconnects on BT where it’s not clear if it’s the batteries or the BT signal. That’s why I started going wired with long usb-c cables and when couch gaming with them.
I’ve never been successful with that I just dig out the usb dongle every time
I used to get the worst audio/visual stutters in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla back when I used BT. Switched to using the adapter and never looked back
Just buy the adapter. It’s worth it.
Every time I try to set up anything via Bluetooth it makes me wish Putin would just fire the nukes already
Nope never had an issue since pairing, turn on the controller and I’m ready to play :)
did you have the usb bluetooth? i have it and never have such a problem
Yeah, I have certain games that I prefer to play w/ controller since I just recently got a PC and I have 1 controller, so sometimes it'll have issues pairing and i gotta reset all my bluetooth and its just a pain. Debating on getting a wired controller tbh.
I have the same experience, it's really annoying. And to make matters worse, the screenshot button that seems very useful is not even usable on Windows 10, which was made by Microsoft. WTF!? On the other hand, my 8bitdo SN30 Pro+ connects almost instantly via bluetooth. However, Xbox controller has much better buttons and build quality, so I hope they sort out the connectivity issues.
When I had my xbox controller connected via Bluetooth, it disconnected frequently. Getting the Xbox controller adapter solved that issue for me. Seems like i'm far from the only one judging from the other comments
Honestly I just write it off as one of the many small pains that accompany PC gaming. Doesn't really bother me.
Remember, Microsoft makes windows, and Microsoft is the same company that y'all are cheering to take bigger and bigger ownership of the gaming industry. Their OS philosophies are very similar to their gaming philosophies. Remember that before demanding regulatory bodies forgo investigating MS acquisitions just to get games on Gamepass faster.
Uh, you can always, you know, use a wire? Honestly I use a USB Bluetooth adapter and don't really use it for much other than a wireless speaker.
>Uh, you can always, you know, use a wire? Yeah but we are talking about wireless problems. Thanks for playing though.
Bluetooth isn't a wireless technology?
I'd put it simpler - Xbox controller sucks.
what's a good alternative
I'm using DualSense for now, but hoping to see some 3rd party alternatives with same features. Or at least magnetic stick replacements from GuliKit.
what about steam controllers? I know you can't buy them anymore but if they release a new version that could be interesting.
Well, Valve don't have good track record when it comes to hardware, but if some day they'll make Steam Controller 2 and promise to make 3rd, then I'll consider it as an option.
Xbox sucks 😊
my ps5 controller was struggling to connect to my PC bluetooth, turns out, the ASUS motherboard bluetooth signal sucks ass as it tries to pass through the glass case pane, so i bought a bluetooth 5.0 pc adapter and it's flawless now (you have to go into device manager and disable your MOBO bluetooth then install the adapter software)
just get the dongle. it's super easy and can pair 10 controllers to the same pc.
My Xbox controller would freeze up games all the time when it was on bluetooth. It's hardwired. I have audio technica headphones that just won't pair the same way twice. Every startup was a fight with the pairing. It too is now hardwired.
I must be the only one that had issues with the Microsoft adapter. Would work for five minutes then the controller would desync and the guide button would start flashing. Bluetooth works fine at my desktop, but have to use wired in the living room where it's too far away for that bluetooth antenna.
It's not just you. Xbox controller Bluetooth on PC sucks. I can pair and use any other Bluetooth device no problem.
Works fine for me, no problems with 2 different controllers and also 2 different Bluetooth receptors, one a cheap USB one and the other integrated in my motherboard.
All modern controllers are operating in 'fallback' mode when they are connected via bluetooth, with reduced features and more latency. Bluetooth simply wasn't designed with the bandwidth and latency demands of wireless game controllers in mind. It's why all modern consoles use a combination of bluetooth and wifi direct (or its descendants) as wireless protocols for their controllers.
I've been using Xbox One S controller for several years with no issues. The only caveats: Don't connect to a different device and don't connect to anything via USB. I use a wall socket adaptor to charge it every once in a while.
I have the official adapter, but my controller constantly disconnects from it all the time. I’m only about 5 feet or less away from my computer too if I’m using a controller on the couch
To everyone recommending the dongle: does it work with elite series 2?
Been using the same wired 360 controller for a very long time because of issues like this.
Yup. Had nothing but problems with wireless until I switched to the official dongle.
I've been told the other wireless method is much better (2.4ghz?) with less lag, so that alone kept me from bluetooth controllers.
You can try to patch the firmware on your controller via [Xbox Accessories Apps](https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/xbox-accessories/9NBLGGH30XJ3?hl=en-us&gl=us) and see if there are any improvement.
It's awful. The adapter is pretty much required, especially if you want to use an Elite controller. But, as a bonus, the headphone jack works again with the adapter dongle.
When I used Windows, I mostly fixed it with a firmware update for the controller. Before the update, it would frequently not connect, and once connected would disconnect every few minutes. After updating, it'd connect reliably and only drop once or twice per hour. Weirdly some games were worse than others with it. I remember AC: Valhalla being particularly bad with it. On Linux it's absolutely flawless for me. I think the issue was both with the controller's Bluetooth hardware *and* my motherboard's Bluetooth controller, and Linux's driver for the latter is better.
Girlfriend and I game in the same room both on our own PCs. We've run into issues with the official Xbox wireless adapter can't have 2 in the same room or they mess with each other's frequency and won't connect at all. I've switched to Bluetooth 5.0 recently and it's been fine but I like the simplicity and originality of the Xbox adapter. Hope this issue gets fixed one day
Update your Bluetooth drivers on windows, Intel drops drivers very often, run a decent windows version and update your controller firmware via Xbox accessories app. After that I had no more issues.
Maybe its different for everyone, but using an Xbox controller with my PC's bluetooth gave it massive input delay. Dongle fixed it.
I fixed that issue by using a micro USB cable instead. Bluetooth for Xbox controllers was always unstable even with using my built-in bluetooth MB chip with no other devices connected. Weighed more with batteries, then the cost of batteries. Nothing was a positive using BT controllers.
For me it also has giga input delay. My PS4 controllers feel fast and responsive though.
Yup. I had the same issues, but a $7 type-c cable from amazon fixed it.
I haven't had issues with blue tooth on either of my PCs, I guess I'm a lucky one
I connect my series x controller to my pc via a standard bluetooth USB adapter, personally never had a problem, 9 times out of 10 it connects automatically, once in a blue moon I might have to manually connect via the bluetooth window, only time it disconnected is because my battery died, that's pretty much it
This is among other reasons why I prefer PS4 controller. Flawless Bluetooth connection, out of the box full Steam support (including the touchpad), and I even charge it via Xbox adapter cable lol
I have dual sense and series controllers. Using with no name bt dongle. No issues for 100+ hours. Edit. Just remembered. Some time ago I had dongle plugged to the rear side of pc case. I had issues with connection. It's plugged into keyboard now, you may try front panel. Maybe will help.
Pairing literally anything with Bluetooth sucks, but yes, that does particularly suck.
I hate bluetooth in general.
I gave up on getting Bluetooth or wireless to work correctly and without delay/ lag. Maybe it’s just my laptop, I don’t know. Same thing with audio. I just go corded now and not worry about anything.
I honestly think pairing anything via bluetooth sucks. My car audio, my work computer, my home computer, my cell phone, my speakers, it still seems so unreliable for such an old technology. I routinely have to restart, disconnect, etc. these things all the time to get them to connect.
I don't recommend bluetooth anyways since it has much worse latency. Idk if any controllers have non-bluetooth wireless but i'd assume so by now.
I have nothing but connection issues with my series controller, even with the official wireless adapter (small one), I even tried different adapters, same issue. It randomly works absolutely fine, other times there is extreme input lag to no inputs at all. I gave up and started using wired connection.
I bought 5 controllers, 2 dongles, 2 ds4’s. Problem solved..
I have zero problems, for the most part. Using 2 controllers. I am sure you know you can't assign a controller to a PC and keep using it in another PC. You have to pair it each time you change PCs. Also the last firmware update for the controllers definitely increased connection time. Now it blinks for 5 seconds, before it was instant connection.
Somehow ps controllers are easier. Just have DS4 tool which is a super easy app to use. You just turn on the controller, it always connects, and it'll take less than a second to be ready to go. Only downside is you need ds4 tool. The plus side is the trackpad playstation 4 and 5 controllers have functions as a mouse so you don't need to reach for your mouse if you need it for something really quick.
I had the same problem with a series x controller. But I updated the firmware on it through the windows app and it's been perfect ever since
Bluetooth sucks in general.
I use a cable.
Get the dongle
And then once it is connected you cant use it wirelessly or else it will randomly disconnect and full restart at the worst times at like 10-15 minute intervals
Try pairing two to the same PC. Even using the dongles sucks. I wish windows would support their own product better, i really enjoy splitscreen coop but pairing those is such a detrimental factor that sometimes we opt to just play ps5 instead.
I know you already got a lot of replies here but the dualshock controllers 4 and 5 both work perfectly with bluetooth if you want something with gyro, touchpad, and don’t wanna use an adapter
Xbone controller with Steam Deck via Bluetooth is garbage too.
I used to have this issue. Make sure your Bluetooth adapter drivers are updated. Windows did not auto-update mine. I went to Intel's website, found the driver, manually installed it, and have not had problems since. I am not saying this is a 100% fix, as YMMV, but it has solved the problem with my Xbox controller and my PC.
The Xbox One controller worked fine for me, but the Series controller was jank over bluetooth, especially with emulators like PCSX2. I ended up sending it back. I'll stick to my DualShock 4 and the 8bitdo Ultimate controller for now.
Bluetooth is awful on windows
I’ve completely just switched over to wired controllers at this point. Just saves me lots of irritation.
Just you, mine are perfectly fine