Classic microsoft. They’ll say they do it to combat cheating, but it’s just another step to lock people into their ecosystem and squeeze more money out of them.
Windows Central says they might be actually opening up a bit:
We’ve heard from sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans that this may be related to Microsoft expanding its program for approved third-party wireless Xbox controllers. Most Xbox third-party controllers right now are wired.
Approved means licensed in this case. This is a plot to sell those licenses by literally forcing third party manfacturers to buy them.
This is progress given that currently every third party controller has to be wired and everything else is rather clunky. I own a Brook adapter for fight sticks and let’s be real, it’s not a great solution.
I love my Razor Wolverine Ultimate (Gen 1) wired controller with the original Xbox style breakaway cord.
I realized how useless wireless controllers are when you are playing in one room, not far from the TV. Why the hell would I want to juggle with recharging and my controller dying on me?
Wired makes way more practical sense to me, and I believe wireless controllers are not actually any more convenient. It really just depends on what you’re looking for. The only way wireless is actually more convenient is if you’re playing super far from your TV or have a child or pet that messes with cords.
I’d rather not deal with batteries, crappy charger packs that lose their charge too quickly, or my controller dying during a game.
I think in a general sense, wireless electronics are more reasonable and convenient. But absolutely not wireless controllers if you’re going to be sitting on your ass in one place, not far from the TV. Then they are just more hassle with the only benefit rendered irrelevant (if you’re playing in one spot near your TV).
I believe most gamers fall into this category, and just don’t really consider what is more convenient and practical.
That’s fair, but a lot of people just don’t have wires from their TV to the couch but chargers on the couch, so plugging the controller into that negates the downsides.
