Window 7 is the most recent release of Microsoft’s series of operating systems for personal computers and the successor of the arguably not so popular Windows Vista. Part of the enhanced features of Window 7 is the incremental upgrade that sets compatibility with more applications and hardware.

This is a good news for home video game enthusiasts because they can conveniently play their favorite Xbox 360 games on their personal computer if they wish to. How? The Xbox 360 controller is compatible with Windows 7. Amazing, isn’t it? Microsoft Corporation is the developer of the Xbox 360 console, and it has been a brilliant idea of the people behind it to extend the compatibility of reach of the Xbox 360 controller so that users can have a choice of platforms. Just a little trivia, the original Xbox controller is not compatible with any personal computer application. But, the compatibility feature of this controller existed already with Windows XP, the predecessor of Windows Vista.

There are two kinds of Xbox 360 controllers: the wired and the wireless. The Xbox 360 wireless controllers function with the aid of AA batteries or the rechargeable battery pack. Also, its version necessitates a Wireless Gaming Receiver software that must be connected to the computer to operate; whereas the Xbox 360 wired controllers function through a connection to the USB ports on both the computer and the console.

You might want to find out what are the other interesting features of an Xbox 360 controller. Here is the list:
1. an ergonomic design enables maximum comfort and endless gameplay
2. left and right shoulder buttons
3. two analog pressure-point triggers
4. two vibration feedback motors
5. one eight-way directional pad
6. a nine-foot or 3-meter break-away controller cable
7. easy vibration control with a simple On or Off setting
8. integrated headset port for Xbox LIVE gameplay

Microsoft Corporation has released several limited edition Xbox 360 controllers that have specific themes and designs. The most popular ones are the 4 Halo 3 Special Editions: Halo: Reach, Halo 3: ODST, Halo 3: Covenant, Halo 3: Spartan, and Halo 3: Spartan Green. Microsoft also released a special collector’s edition of Xbox 360 controller for Gears of War 3. Imagine how extensive the improvements and value Microsoft has put into the Xbox 360 controller.

In addition, I recommend that you use an Xbox 360 controller that is compatible with Windows because there are a lot of video games that have “Games for Windows” logo. This will enable you to play any kind of game without having to worry about which platform it is best to configure. So, get ready for an ultimate gaming experience on Windows and the Xbox 360.