14 DAY TRIAL // If you’ve been living under the rock for the past several years, you might be thinking the world is going crazy. Microsoft is selling Samsung phones in its stores, its devices run Android, and Google helps the software giant build a new browser.
And starting today, you can add a new entry to the list of things nobody would have ever imagined happening a few years ago: Apple has started selling a Microsoft product in its stores.
It’s the Xbox Wireless Controller, which Apple now officially supports in the latest software updates for its devices.
An Xbox Wireless Controller can connect to iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, and Macs, letting Apple customers enhance their gaming experience on all these devices. Apple is also supporting Sony’s DualShock 4 controller in iOS 13, iPadOS, tvOS 13, and macOS Catalina, but for the time being, there’s no sign of Sony’s device in the Apple Store.
Controller support on iPhone
Apple is selling the Xbox Wireless Controller for $59.95, the same price tag that the controller has in the Microsoft Store as well. But as The Verge notes, there’s a chance you’ll find the controller cheaper from other stores, like Amazon and Best Buy.
“Experience the enhanced comfort and feel of the new Xbox Wireless Controller, featuring a sleek, streamlined design and textured grip. Its Bluetooth connectivity lets you play your favorite games on an iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. The controller also offers up to twice the wireless range and the convenience of a 3.5mm stereo headset jack for connecting any compatible headset,” Apple says in the description of the controller in the Apple Store.
Needless to say, connecting a third-party controller to a mobile device is something that’s been possible for a long time on Android, with the whole process working seamlessly with Bluetooth-capable accessories like Sony’s DualShock controller.