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Older Xbox wireless controllers are getting quick-switching between devicesYou need to be an Xbox Insider Program member for now, though
You need to be an Xbox Insider Program member for now, though
One of the cool things about the official Xbox Series X/S wireless controllers – if we’re using a dramatically expanded definition of the word “cool” – is that they can pair to both the console and a Bluetooth-enabled PC or laptop, then switch between both sources with a double-tap or hold of the pairing button. In what could be good news for owners of older, Xbox One-era wireless controllers, Microsoft are now rolling out a firmware update that brings this same quick-switch functionality to the more aged pads.
Theannouncement postspecifically names “Xbox One controllers with Bluetooth support, [the] XboxEliteWireless Controller Series 2, andXbox Adaptive Controllers” are compatible hardware. Once the update is installed, it should be possible to connect the controller between to both a host device using the Xbox Wireless protocol (i.e. an Xbox) and a second Bluetooth source, i.e. your PC or laptop. Once both are connected, double-tapping the pairing button will switch between the two almost instantly.
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Obviously you can’t play games on two devices at once, but this could be handy for, say, playing on a gaming laptop while using your Xbox to stream TV in the background. Or just finishing a game session on console and immediately starting another on PC without having to manually re-pair? Either way, it’s nice that older wireless Xbox controllers are getting the upgrade; it’s not too hard to imagine Microsoft keeping it as a Series X/S controller exclusive so folks with multiple game machines are pressured to upgrade their pad. And support for the more inclusive Xbox Adaptive Controller is always welcome.
Demo of the new “double tap to switch devices” feature in action.Making it easy to switch between the devices you play Xbox on: console, PC, mobile, etc.pic.twitter.com/4F6zT1Wwao— James Shields (@shieldsjames)September 17, 2021
Demo of the new “double tap to switch devices” feature in action.Making it easy to switch between the devices you play Xbox on: console, PC, mobile, etc.pic.twitter.com/4F6zT1Wwao
Hopefully any bugs are quickly stamped upon and the firmware can get a general release, because it does sound like a significant direct upgrade, and for a generation of controllers that’s likely to be far more common amongst PC players than the new Series X/S models.Connecting a PS5 controller to your PCis easy enough, but Sony’s effort lacks any kind of quick-switch smarts.
If you’re instead thinking about upgrading your more traditional PC inputs, mosey on over to ourbest gaming mouseandbest gaming keyboardroundups for our personal recommendations.
