I’ve used both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox One dongle’s for my PC’s for quite some time. Thank you Microsoft, for finally making that happen. Though, ever since Microsoft announced that they were slapping in Bluetooth connectivity to the updated Xbox One S controllers, I was planning on swapping over to them. I even went and ordered my very own customized controller and am waiting for it to get to me. You can get one of those as well by heading over to the Xbox Design Lab’s website here.
Though, there seems to be a bit of trouble with the updated controller. Mainly that unlike the Xbox One dongle that allows multiple controllers to be connected to it, you’ll only be to connect one controller to a Windows 10 PC.
Yes, just one controller via Bluetooth. So if you picked up two of them and wanted to get some coop gaming going, it simply won’t be possible with two of the updated controllers. What’s more is that Microsoft isn’t even advertising this change. It’s not marked on the side of the box or via instructions inside of the box and apparently, has only made that info clear on the “How to connect an Xbox One wireless controller to a Windows PC” page. This limitation isn’t even spelled out on the Xbox Design Labs page either. That’s really crappy if you ask me.
But it gets worse, apparently. You won’t even be able to use those controllers until you’ve updated to the recent Windows 10 anniversary update (Windows 10 version 1607) AND updated the controller’s firmware. However, updating to the anniversary update also breaks Xbox One controller compatibility (wireless and wired) as well as killing the usage of DS4Windows, if you prefer using a Dual Shock 4 on your PC. In the case of the XBox One controller, certain programs will stop recognizing the controller , which I experienced first hand on my HTPC setup.
Thankfully you are able to roll back from the update, though losing the ability to use Xbox One controllers via Bluetooth. Though, since they aren’t working correctly, it’s not a big deal right now.
If you aren’t sure what version you’re on, simply pull up the command prompt and type in “winver”. A pop-up will appear and tell you what version you are on. If it displays Windows 10 version 1607, then you are on the anniversary update.
This just makes me sad, to be honest. It appeared that Microsoft was actually back in the game and was committed to righting wrongs. Now, while this all could be an oversight but it’s a huge one. Neglecting to inform people that the new controllers would only work on Windows 10 Anniversary update and limiting the new Xbox One controllers to one per PC via Bluetooth, is plain silly. Bluetooth as long had the ability to connect multiple devices to it. That being said, I’d love to get why Microsoft limited the connectivity to a 1:1 basis.
What’s more is that several Xbox One Play Anywhere titles coming out fairly soon, with Gears of War 4 dropping on October 11, 2016, and Forza Horizon 3 coming out on September 27, 2016. Especially since Gears of War 4 will have co-op multiplayer action, something that I’m looking forward to. I hope this is resolved before then, for Microsoft’s sake and their commitment to getting back onboard with PC gaming.
I hope this is resolved before then, for Microsoft’s sake and their commitment to getting back onboard with PC gaming.
