Do Xbox Controllers Use Bluetooth or Infrared? A Breakdown of Xbox Wireless Tech
As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the Xbox ecosystem, this is a question I get all the time – what wireless technology do Xbox controllers use to connect to the console and other devices? With new Xbox models releasing frequently, the answer can get confusing. That‘s why I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide on whether modern Xbox controllers use Bluetooth or infrared.
A Brief History of Xbox Controller Wireless Technology
Let‘s start from the beginning and go through a quick history of each console‘s wireless tech:
Original Xbox – Used a proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless signal technology not based on Bluetooth or infrared. This allowed wireless gaming without line of sight requirements.
Xbox 360 – Also used a proprietary wireless system, not Bluetooth. An Xbox 360 wireless controller connects via a 2.4GHz wireless signal and uses frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) tech for interference avoidance.
Xbox One – Starting in 2016, Microsoft updated Xbox One controllers to include Bluetooth support in addition to Xbox Wireless. Controllers with Bluetooth have a chrome Xbox button instead of white.
Xbox Series X/S – All Xbox Series X/S controllers support both Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity.
Now that we‘ve covered the history, let‘s dig into the details…
Xbox Wireless vs Bluetooth – What‘s the Difference?
When we talk about Xbox controllers, there are 2 main wireless technologies used:
Xbox Wireless – A proprietary wireless communication protocol designed specifically for Xbox consoles and accessories. It enables low-latency connections for gaming.
Bluetooth – An open wireless standard that allows controllers to pair with other Bluetooth devices like PCs, phones, tablets, etc. Has higher latency than Xbox Wireless.
So in summary:
- Xbox Wireless – For gaming on Xbox consoles
- Bluetooth – For using your controller with other devices
Do Modern Xbox Controllers Have Bluetooth Support?
As shown in the history above, only newer Xbox controllers have integrated Bluetooth support. Here are the specifics:
Xbox 360 Controllers – Do NOT have Bluetooth, only Xbox Wireless. Require a separate "Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows" accessory to connect to PCs.
Xbox One Controllers (Released 2016+) – Have BOTH Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. Identifiable via the chrome Xbox button instead of white.
Xbox Series X/S Controllers – Include BOTH wireless protocols.
The following table summarizes Bluetooth compatibility across Xbox controller generations:
| Controller Version | Has Bluetooth Support? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox 360 | No | Only Xbox Wireless |
| Xbox One (Pre-2016) | No | Only Xbox Wireless |
| Xbox One (2016+) | Yes | Chrome Xbox button |
| Xbox Series X|S | Yes | All versions supported |
So in summary – Xbox 360 controllers and early Xbox One controllers do not have Bluetooth. You need an Xbox One controller released in 2016 or later, or an Xbox Series X|S controller.
Why Add Bluetooth Support to Xbox Controllers?
Xbox has included Bluetooth connectivity in newer controllers for a few key reasons:
- Wider Compatibility – Allow gamers to use their Xbox controllers more easily with mobile devices and computers in addition to the Xbox console.
- Convenience – Simplifies the pairing process, especially for Windows gaming and Xbox Game Pass via cloud streaming services.
- Future-Proofing – More gadgets support Bluetooth than proprietary Xbox Wireless, so adds flexibility.
According to a URCFaq report, over 37% of console gamers also play games on a phone, PC, or tablet where Bluetooth controller support is useful. So increasing accessibility is key!
Do Any Xbox Consoles or Controllers Use Infrared?
As covered in the history earlier, none of the major Xbox console releases have used infrared technology in their controllers.
Early prototyping of the original Xbox console in the 1990s did experiment with infrared controllers. However, the final Xbox product utilized 2.4 GHz signals instead likely due to the downsides of infrared like line-of-sight requirements.
So while infrared was tested and considered in initial development, no production Xbox consoles or controllers have ever relied on infrared connectivity. Modern Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth provide better performance for gaming.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully this guide has cleared up exactly which Xbox controllers use Bluetooth versus Xbox Wireless or infrared connections. The key takeaways:
- Xbox 360 controllers and some early Xbox One controllers only have proprietary Xbox Wireless support.
- You need an Xbox One controller released 2016 or later, or an Xbox Series X|S controller to get built-in Bluetooth for broader device connectivity.
- Infrared technology was trialled early on but is not used in any consumer Xbox consoles or controllers on the market.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Whether trying to get your controller to work with Xbox cloud gaming, console streaming to your PC, or playing mobile games on the go, understanding these specifics around Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth is super important.
