The wireless gamepad is one of the most popular accessories for PCs, and it's easy to see why. With a wireless gamepad, you can play your favourite games, whether they're on Steam or Origin or anywhere else, without having to worry about being tethered to your computer.
But how do these devices work? How do they communicate with the PC? And what makes them so much more convenient than the standard wired controller?
In this article, you’ll get answers of all those questions and more, explaining how wireless gamepad pc games operate and how they differ from their wired counterparts.
How Do Wireless PC Gamepads Work?
Wireless gaming controllers let you play in comfort from across the room without having to worry about tripping over wires or getting tangled up in them.
This is possible because these controllers use radio signals instead of wired connections to communicate with your computer. Some use Bluetooth technology, while others use proprietary protocols like Logitech's Lightspeed system or Xbox's Wireless Adapter for Windows.
When you first turn on your wireless controller, it will automatically pair with your computer via Bluetooth or another wireless protocol — this process usually takes only a few seconds but can vary depending on your specific device and operating system.
Other wireless controllers come with a USB dongle that plugs into your computer's USB port. The dongle allows the controller to communicate with your PC so you can use it to control your games or applications.
The dongle typically has two LED lights on it that indicate whether it's working properly or if there's an issue with the signal between the dongle and controller (or vice versa). If one of these lights is flashing red or stays off after you've turned on your computer or started up a game, then there may be something wrong with either the dongle or controller itself.
Wireless controllers work using radio waves instead of wires, which means they're able to send signals through walls and other obstacles.
Signs of a Faulty Wireless Gaming Controller
The signs of a faulty wireless gaming controller are easy to spot. If you notice that your controller is not working properly, it may be time to get a new one. Here are some signs of a faulty wireless gaming controller:
Dead Batteries
Dead batteries can cause all sorts of problems with your controller, from simple glitches to total shutdowns and system crashes. If you notice that your controller is not getting power from the batteries, then it is time to replace them.
Wires Falling Out
If you notice that the wires on your wireless gaming controller are falling out of place or breaking off, then this could be another sign of a faulty wireless gaming controller. You may also notice that your controller will not charge properly if the wires are damaged or broken in any way.
Not Charging
If your PS3 controller is not charging properly, then this could be an indication of a faulty device. If the battery does not charge fully or if it does not hold its charge for long, then this could be an indication of a faulty battery or power supply unit (PSU). The PSU has to be replaced in order for the device to work properly once again.
Conclusion
Well, the process is quite simple once you understand the details of how a wireless gamepad works. First, the USB receiver and the console or PC connect via some form of radio-wave communication. Next, the wireless gamepad communicates with its controller head through a set of infrared beams.
So, to sum up, a wireless PC gamepad uses a radio transmitter (or two) and radio receiver (or two) in order to transmit data from the controller to the host device without the use of wires. The two components work in conjunction with each other to determine just where on the screen the player is aiming. Overall, it's a very straightforward process that you can learn from easysmx game controllers.