When comparing Xbox 360 Wired Controller vs Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, the Slant community recommends Xbox 360 Wired Controller for most people. In the question“What are the best PC gaming controllers?” Xbox 360 Wired Controller is ranked 2nd while Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is ranked 57th. The most important reason people chose Xbox 360 Wired Controller is:
The controller is very comfortable to hold and allows you to play for hours without tiring your hands. The controller's shape is well-designed, the buttons are well positioned and not slippery. This is one of the reasons, the Xbox 360 controller has been the first go-to for many experienced gamers. Compared to the wireless option, this controller is lighter and less bulky, since it doesn't have a battery pack at the back of the controller. On the contrary, since it's wired, it does have a limited range. This means you can not move very far from the screen.
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Pros
Pro Feels comfortable
The controller is very comfortable to hold and allows you to play for hours without tiring your hands. The controller's shape is well-designed, the buttons are well positioned and not slippery. This is one of the reasons, the Xbox 360 controller has been the first go-to for many experienced gamers.
Compared to the wireless option, this controller is lighter and less bulky, since it doesn't have a battery pack at the back of the controller. On the contrary, since it's wired, it does have a limited range. This means you can not move very far from the screen.
Pro Always available and underpriced on the second-hand market
There is a large supply of these Xbox 360 controllers on the second-hand market. This is an easy way to get them for a much lower price, especially since many people don't care about price they sell it at or just aren't aware of the value of this controller.
Pro Player number indicator
The controller has a green LED circle around the home button, which shows what number player you are from 1 to 4. This can save you from confusion while focused on gameplay.
Pro Convenient plug-and-play controller
It's a convenient plug-and-play controller. There's rarely any hassle - the controller tends to always work without problems. You never have to change batteries either, which saves you from another headache.
Pro Force feedback
The controller has a strong force feedback, which adds to the gaming experience. Since the controller is wired, the vibration is stronger than on the wireless option. In addition to Xbox, many games on PC can also make use of this feature.
Pro Almost instant response time
Since the controller is wired, it has a lower response time compared to wireless options. Though the difference is usually just a few milliseconds, then in competitive gaming every millisecond of reaction time counts.
Pro Vibration feedback
Pro Ergonomics
Pro Good value for money
The wired controller is often sold under $40, but feels solid. Being that it is made by Microsoft, there should be little to no compatibility issues out of the box, which is also something to consider when comparing value.
Pro Good availability
You can find it almost everywhere. Easy to find and purchase. Most big box stores carry this item as well as many gaming stores, not to mention a variety of online markets. There should be no issue finding this controller for a good price.
Cons
Con A-B / X-Y buttons are swapped compared to SNES controllers
The A-B and X-Y buttons are swapped on this controller, compared to SNES controllers. Swapped controls can be confusing if you mainly play SNES(Super Nitendo Entertainment System) games.
Con Need to buy an extra USB receiver
The controller needs an extra cable to convert the old connection to USB, if you plan to use it on anything else than an Xbox. The cable costs under $20, but can be found for much less.
Con Headset input is not standard
The headset input on the controller is 2.5mm, instead of the most common 3.5mm. Your headphones probably use a 3.5mm jack and you will need an adapter to use them with this remote.
Con Poor D-Pad
The controller has a cheap and imprecise 'swivel'-based D-Pad that rests very high. Poor for any D-Pad uses, and essentially a no-go for fighting games given the competition.