How do I get a wireless XBOX 360 controller working?

Question

I have a Microsoft XBOX 360 gamepad with the wireless adapter and I was wondering what I would have to install to use them with Ubuntu 12.04. I read a few other posts but they are old and I could not get them to work. I do know that when using this on Windows I have to manually install the drivers for the wireless receiver (if that is relevant.) Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

How To Install and Configure the Xbox 360 Wired/Wireless Controller under Ubuntu 12.04

If you find difficulties running your XBOX 360 controller, then this will help you install it on a computer running Ubuntu, and also show you how to configure it. These instructions are workable for both wired or wireless X-Box 360 controllers.

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Getting Started

To be able to use your Xbox 360 wired/wireless controller under Ubuntu 12.04 (Precise Pangolin), you need first to install some required packages.

Open the terminal and run this command:

sudo apt-get install --install-recommends jstest* joystick xboxdrv

Connect now your game controller to your PC via USB (wired) or connect your XBOX 360 PC wireless gaming receiver for your wireless controller, then run this command to start the configuration:

jstest-gtk

In the window that shows up, select your controller (Microsoft X-Box 360 pad, Generic X-Box pad, etc.) and click Properties:

Note If your controller is not listed, try to click the "Refresh" button.

A new window will pop-up which will help you calibrate your gaming controller, remap the buttons of your game controller (changing the order of axis and buttons), etc.

After you finish your configuration, save your new settings and close the window. You will be able now to use your Xbox 360 controller to play games under Ubuntu.

Source

Answer 2

I am not sure what you have tried, so let's try official instructions first. Please open a terminal(search for it in the dash) and type the following commands, one by one(no need to copy the output):

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:grumbel/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install xboxdrv
sudo apt-get install xboxdrv-stable 

Reboot, and your wireless receiver should be recognized.

Note that unfortunately, there isn't a 12.04 package for xboxdrv-stable. You may consider contacting contacting the package maintainer, assuming you have a Launchpad.net account. Still, try using the software that needs the driver.

Answer 3

You don't need to install anything, the kernel has a build in driver. Just plug the wireless adapter into USB and sync the controller. xboxdrv is only needed if you want additional configuration options, button remapping, mouse emulation, etc.