Xbox 2 controllers go wireless

Early developers reveal all

Rumours doing the rounds on the internet yesterday have today been affirmed by developers currently working on new titles for the forthcoming Xbox 2 console from Microsoft, although unofficial, developers working with prototype hardware have revealed that the new machine will boast wireless controllers as standard. Apparently, the new controller will by shaped much like the Controller-S, though final designs have yet to be confirmed. Although this move would make the Xbox 2 the first to use wireless as standard, the Wavebird controller for the GameCube has already impressed many with its charms and may have been a convincing factor.

What remains unclear is how wireless controllers will be implemented; for example whether they will use batteries or be rechargeable, and of course whether they will still offer force-feedback, like the current standard Xbox controllers. All in all this sounds like a good move from Redmond, and the use of wireless technology may even allow more controllers than normal to be 'connected', as well as making more unusual control methods possible. We'll keep you posted.

By Luke Guttridge