Absolute beginner's questions re: PC gaming setup

[oldernewbie]

My apologies to all you experts, but I need help with 2 very, very basic questions in the context of considering getting a PC rather than an Xbox:

1) How does a PC accommodate 2 or more different controllers--can they be wired, or do they have to be wireless? if wired, then through which ports?

and 2) is an Xbox One controller compatible with a PC or only with an Xbox?

Thanks!

 

[Andrei123]

Yeah you can use multiple wired controllers by plugging them in the usb ports of yoir computer but it all depends on the games you'll play
Yes XBox One controllers work w/ PC, only wired though.

 

[oldernewbie]

Thanks very much! The games we'll play will likely be Call of Duty and Halo, or similar titles. How does that change things? and I take it from your answer that one can readily have wireless controllers hooked to the same PC; is that handled through the game software?

 

[madmatt30]

Better off with a Microsoft controller (which is pretty much a wireless 360 pad with a wireless USB dongle)

You can run up to 4 controllers on one wireless receiver .

If you already own 360 pads you can buy a cheap receiver for less than $10.

Any controller that's compatible with 360 will work with it - that includes headsets/steering wheels etc.
Most new titles support the 360 controller natively.

 

[oldernewbie]

Do you mean the 360 or the Xbox One? one of my kids has a strong preference for the One controller.

 

[madmatt30]

I mean 360 controllers - as stated the xbone controller only works wired.

 

[oldernewbie]

Last question: not sure what you mean by a "receiver"--what I would plan to do is to have a WiFi and/or Bluetooth card on board. Is that what you're talking about?

 

[madmatt30]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0076HD2W8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1432146324&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=wireless+controller+reciever&dpPl=1&dpID=41SuG5w9sOL&ref=plSrch

That will let you use up to 4 Xbox 360 wireless controllers (be they the gamepad / steering wheel /rockband or guitar hero guitar etc)

Once plugged in & drivers installed & the pads are paired everything is automatic - if a game title is compatible with a gamepad its compatible with that natively.

If you're in the UK these though are a very viable alternative.

Speedlink XEOX Pro Analog Wireless Gamepad - Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008XPEH9O/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Bknxvb1VA0E6F

Very good wireless rechargeable pad - in between the 360 & xbone pad size size - work with absolutely any game - there is a switch on the back to swap between xinput (360 pad mode) & dxinput - this is for older titles.

 

[Andrei123]

Thanks very much! The games we'll play will likely be Call of Duty and Halo, or similar titles. How does that change things? and I take it from your answer that one can readily have wireless controllers hooked to the same PC; is that handled through the game software?

Nothing changes , as long as the game you play supports local co op you're good , no games don't handle your controllers you have to buy a device from Microsoft to use them wirelessly