Microsoft is very keen to incorporate the gaming experience of Xbox Live to Windows Vista. Soon the first games will come out that makes it possible to compete with PC and Xbox 360 players alike in the same game. I think the first will the Shadowrun that supports this feature. While shooters are best played with a mouse and keyboard other games feel more natural with a gamepad. I’m thinking of beat em up games or arcade shooters for instance.

This was probably one of the reasons why Microsoft created the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver which can be connected to the PC to be able to connect Xbox 360 gamepads to the computer. The real beauty is the wireless factor of course and that the gamepads will be recognized at least by Windows Vista without installing drivers. It is even possible to play the games that ship with Windows Vista using the gamepad. All other games that support gamepads are supported as well of course.

This is the perfect solution for someone who already owns a Xbox 360. Just buy the Wireless Gaming Receiver which retails for roughly $20 and you can use your gamepads that you know how to use on the PC as well. Gamers without a Xbox 360 will have to buy the set for about $50.