Skip to main content

New Windows 10 Xbox wireless controller adapter delayed into 2018

Microsoft delays release of its latest and smallest Xbox wireless adapter

new windows 10 xbox adapter xboxwindows10wirelessadapter
With the Xbox Play Anywhere program giving Xbox One and Windows 10 PC users the ability to easily switch between the two systems while playing a game, it’s tempting to stick with an Xbox wireless controller on both platforms. Microsoft’s latest wireless adapter is substantially smaller than its previous model, but a delay pushed back its release into 2018.

Originally available August 8, the new Xbox wireless adapter will only be compatible with Windows 10 PCs. Microsoft boasts that it’s 66 percent smaller than the company’s previous controller dongle. It will still cost $25, but it lacks the older model’s support for Windows 7 and 8.1 devices. Neither are compatible with Xbox 360 controllers.

Related Videos

According to the Microsoft Store, the adapter is now scheduled to release on January 31, 2018. A Micorosft representative confirmed the January release with Windows Central. The date is subject to change and other markets are getting the adapter much sooner. Japan gets the adapter first on August 24. Australia and New Zealand are next in September, followed by the U.S. and Canada in January. Other countries’ launch dates have not been announced.

Up to eight separate Xbox One controllers can be connected to a PC with the adapter at any given time, assuming that you have a display large enough to accommodate that many players — this was also the case with the previous model, however, as was its support for wireless stereo audio.

When your Xbox wireless controller’s battery runs low, you can also make use of the Play & Charge kit to keep playing without any downtime. Unlike the Xbox 360’s controller, the Xbox One switches to a wired connection when plugged in using a USB cable, though you’ll run out of ports pretty quickly if you’re playing with other people.

In the meantime, a $70 “Patrol Tech” controller will release on October 17, featuring a blue color and detailed metal-like markings on either grip. If you prefer a standard controller, you can purchase a bundle with the adapter for $80 as well, or you could customize your own personalized gamepad using the Xbox Design Lab — these controllers start at $80 and allow you to choose a color for the body, back, bumpers, triggers, sticks, and buttons. You can even get a custom engraving.

Update: Adjusted release date and re-worded body to reflect product delay.

Editors' Recommendations

Pokémon Sleep: expected release date, trailer, news, and more
An illustration of a Snorlax and other Pokémon napping from the Pokémon Sleep trailer.

Just when you thought you had all the Pokémon you needed in your life, here comes a way to interact with the world of Pokémon while you sleep. First announced in 2019 and quietly in development since, the mobile app Pokémon Sleep is set to launch in 2023, the Pokémon Company recently announced.

You may have caught all the Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet or Pokémon Legends: Arceus, but have you studied their sleeping habits? Here's everything you need to know about this new Pokémon experience.
What is Pokémon Sleep?
Rest your very best! | Pokémon Sleep

Read more
2023 is already an excellent year for rhythm games
The heroes of Hi-Fi Rush stand together.

Just days into 2023, my podcast co-hosts and I fell into a discussion about rhythm games. In talking about the golden age of music games like Guitar Hero, we began to mourn for a genre that had seemingly fallen out of fashion among mainstream audiences. Sure, niche indies like Melatonin still release regularly and Ubisoft’s Rocksmith quietly exists, but we were left to wonder if the genre was long past its peak.

I’ve never seen a video game conversation age so poorly so fast. Now two full months into the year, 2023 has already been a godsend for fans of rhythm games. That was initially thanks to Tango Gameworks’ excellent Hi-Fi Rush, but that’s only the most high-profile example. Between an excellent Final Fantasy title, indie hidden gems, and a wealth of VR music games getting a second life thanks to PlayStation VR2, 2023 is shaping up to be the year of the rhythm game.
Feel the beat
For music game aficionados, 2023 started off on the strongest note possible thanks to Hi-Fi Rush. The Game Pass title is a character-action game, not unlike Devil May Cry, but with a unique musical twist: every action is more effective when performed to the beat of the game’s soundtrack. While music-based action games aren’t new to gaming (see last year’s Metal: Hellsinger), Hi-Fi Rush cracked the genre wide open and discovered mainstream success.

Read more
Xbox Game Pass new games: what’s new and what’s leaving in March 2023
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty characters

While Microsoft was been hit with criticism for the Xbox Series X's slow-growing exclusive lineup -- several highly anticipated titles like Bethesda's Starfield and co-op shooter Redfall have been pushed to later in 2023 -- the company is still delivering one of the best deals in gaming: Xbox Game Pass.

Game Pass gives gamers access to a massive library of games that includes throwback hits, brand new titles on release day, and indie darlings. These games can be played on Xbox consoles, PC, mobile, and even Steam Deck.

Read more