Xbox 360 Wireless controller - It takes 2 to make a thing go right

One of the best things about the new Xbox 360 Console is the wireless controllers. But the problem is that there is only one included in the premium bundle. This makes it a problem if you want to play with your friends. So I went out and got a second wireless controller for Xbox 360. Not that I have any friends to play with, but still.....

•• What it is ••
The wireless controller for Xbox 360 as the name implies is a wireless controller for Xbox 360. Duh.

•• Features and Commentary ••
The controller comes packaged in a plastic clamshell type thing that is practically impossible to open unless you are a professional locksmith. Once I had it open, I pulled out the controller and the included instruction pamphlet and batteries.

The wireless controller for Xbox 360 uses 2 AA batteries which are included. They are actual Energizer batteries instead of a cheap Chinese knockoff. Presumably energizer paid to have their batteries included. All the better for the customer!

Linking the controller to the Xbox is amazingly simple. Turn on the console, press the receive button on the front. Turn on the controller and hit the same button on the controller. The console and controller's ring of light will blink and turn as the two do the sniff and greet to get to know each other. After that, the controller always works.

What's also nice, is that the controller is portable. I can take it to a friends house, introduce it to his Xbox 360 and it will work. Once I get back home, I'll have to reacquaint it with my Xbox, but that's a painless process.

The Ring of Light on the controller and Xbox are surprisingly useful. Not only is it a nice bit of eye candy, it also tells you which controller is in which port. The first controller lights up the left upper quadrant of the ruing. the second controller lights up the right quadrant. So unlike old Xbox wired controllers, you don't need to detangle any wires to see which controller is in which port.

The range of the controller is advertised as 30 feet. I've not stressed that distance, but I sit at least 20 feet away and have had no connectivity problems. I don't need to point the controller at the console or make sure there is clean line of sight. I even put it under a blanket and it worked fine.

The frequency of the controller is 2.4gHz which is standard among many of today's cordless phones. We have several of that variety and never noticed and interference or communication problems with either the phone or the controller. Nor with the wireless router. This thing definitely plays nice with others.

The wireless controller for Xbox 360 is amazingly responsive. Absolutely flawless. No lag, no drops. Even twitch games like Quake 4 hold up perfectly.

It should be noted that the batteries will last about 10 hours under heavy button mashing. This isn't a long time, so I strongly recommend either using household rechargeable batteries or better yet, picking up the Play & Charge Kit which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charges the battery while you play. Otherwise, pick up a big pack of batteries from Costco.

•• Conclusion ••
If you have friends who want to play your Xbox 360, you'll need extra controllers. And once you go wireless, you'll never go back. Pick one up.

Related reviews:
Xbox 360 Console - The Comprehensive Launch Review
Dead or Alive 4 - Let the button mashing begin!
Amped 3 - Developers Gone Wild!
Condemned: Criminal Origins - I smell a franchise
Kameo: Elements of Power - The Best Xbox 360 Launch title