Xbox 2 controllers go wireless

Microsoft\'s next-generation home console has been designed to use wireless controllers by default, according to online reports which have been confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz this morning by developers working on titles for the system.

British technology news site The Inquirer reported yesterday that the new console will sport controllers very similar to the current Controller S design, but using wireless rather than wired connections to the console.

Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz this morning, developers working with prototype Xbox 2 hardware confirmed that while they have not seen final designs for the controller, Microsoft representatives have indicated that the pads will indeed be wireless.

A number of questions are raised by the decision to use wireless peripherals - most obvious being whether the pads will continue to support battery-draining rumble functions, and if they will be rechargeable or simply rely on replaceable AA batteries.

Microsoft will be the first console manufacturer to ship wireless pads as standard with its hardware, but not the first to ship an official wireless controller; Nintendo has already enjoyed significant success with the WaveBird, its wireless pad for the GameCube.

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I expect all the next gen consoles will, I believe Sony made some indication that the PS3 will also sport wireless controllers...

I hope we don\'t have to change out batteries or anything, that would be a pain.  I know that current wireless controllers have a very long battery life, I believe one of the PS2\'s last 300 hours, but it still sounds like a burden.  Personally I\'d opt for extra long cords than changing out the batteries.  

Thinks back to those horrible little Dreamcast memory units...

very bad idea

especially if we dont have to option to even used wired

I want wireless, I hate stringing up 4 controllers after a nerd session.  I think they\'ll have to include some kinda port(s) on the console though.  We have to plug in our joysticks and steering wheels somewhere.

[§ôµÏG®ïñD]

bad idea, unless they put recharge ports on the consoles or something.

aye, like docking stations
still a bad idea overall

would rather deal with wires than a heavy controller

[videoholic]

Yeah, they have to keep the control the same size and weight.  

A charging station would be certainly duable.  Although at 300 hours of play I\'d be good for freaking years.

I think it\'s a great idea. Playing Xbox Live just begs for wireless controllers.

Wavebird battery life was never an issue for me, nor was weight, so if Microsoft can mimmick that, I\'m all in. In fact, I hope Nintendo does the same thing next time.

-Dan

Docking stations on the console and this is a good idea.