Microsoft’s most recent approach has been accessibility. One of the company’s biggest innovations of the last two generations has been its backwards compatibility. Games originally developed for the original Xbox and Xbox 360 are all backwards compatible with Xbox One and Series consoles. Brook Accessory’s Wingman XB 2 Converter aims to match that backwards compatibility and then some, by providing unrivaled controller compatibility across all generations of Xbox.
Inside The Box
Brook opted for more eco-friendly packaging, with the box measuring only slightly larger than the device itself. The contents include The Wingman XB 2 Converter, a small bilingual information sheet, and nothing more. Brooke claims to reduce their carbon footprint by providing a QR code, which will forward over to its official website. Brook’s intentions were noble, however, instructions for how to use the XB 2 would have been incredibly useful; Especially when trying to set up the device’s extra functionality.
The Wingman XB 2 is essentially a passthrough device, which allows for different controllers to be used on consoles they weren’t initially intended for. Out of the box, the XB 2 is compatible with all generations of Xbox consoles. This includes Xbox Series, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and the original Xbox. Stylistically, the adapter is themed to match the Xbox brand. This includes a two-tone green-on-black finish. Brook’s chameleon mascot is also prominently featured near the male USB port. The XB 2 feels fairly sturdy in the hand and has a tight USB port.
Wired Or Wireless Options
The adapter will function through any of the Xbox’s available USB ports. From there, controllers can either be synced up via the XB 2’s USB passthrough or internal Bluetooth. Regardless of being wired or wireless, the Wingman XB 2 is an incredibly versatile adapter. The compatibility will vary, however, most of what was thrown at it has worked with ease. Want to use anything but the console’s actual controller? The XB 2 has you covered!
Endless Possibilities
Sony’s DualShock 4 and DualSense connect initially via USB, however, are fully wireless after successful synchronization. Both the Nintendo Switch Pro controller and Wii U Pro controller were also fully compatible, working wirelessly after being synced. The possibilities are seemingly endless! An Xbox 360 wired controller was able to be connected via the XB 2’s USB passthrough. Playing backward-compatible Xbox 360 titles with an authentic Xbox 360 controller is quite the blast of nostalgia!
First & Third Party Options
Brook’s Wingman XB 2 Converter isn’t only compatible with first-party controllers. The first 3rd party controller thrown into the fray was none other than Brook’s own Vivid Controller for Nintendo Switch. The Vivid synced to the XB 2 as simply as Nintendo’s official offering. Next Retro Fighter’s Brawler 64 USB Edition was plugged in. While some of the controller’s buttons had to be re-mapped, the controller is fully functional.
Additional Cables May Be Required
Some controllers will require additional cables to function. For example, the original Xbox’s Duke and Controller S variations are compatible, provided a controller to USB adapter is on hand. An Xbox 360 wireless receiver for PC is also required to sync an official wireless Xbox 360 controller to the adapter. With the required cabling, these controllers hook up without issue. While most controllers thrown at the Wingman XB 2 functioned without issue, others refused to work. This includes a couple of MOGA controllers, an old Razer Orta, and the Google Stadia controller. Plugging in a generic N64-style controller into the XB 2 produced some interesting results. While the controller did function, none of the buttons functioned as they should. This was fixable via the controller’s remap feature, however not necessarily worth the effort.
Rapid Fire & Combos
While setting up the actual controller to the Wingman XB 2 is a breeze, the device’s added functionality isn’t as simple. The XB 2 can enable rapid fire/turbo on any of the controller’s face buttons or triggers. This is done by pressing both the “VIEW” and “Guide” buttons or whatever controller’s variation. These button combinations are where the Wingman XB 2 requires patience and instruction. In addition to rapid-fire, the XB 2 is also able to capture button combinations. While setting up the controller’s button configuration can be frustrating, once set up the turbo buttons and combinations work without fail.
Remap To Face Your Needs
Another useful feature of the Wingman XB 2 spouts is the ability to remap the face buttons. This will be incredibly convenient for those switching to a Nintendo branded controller, or any other with a swapped A & B button placement. While the Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC are capable of remapping buttons through software, the controller’s ability to remap on the fly is very beneficial for those using the XB 2 on legacy hardware. For those looking to utilize these extra features, Brook offers a video tutorial on a QR code within their official website. This video is required to fully understand the XB 2’s capabilities. Those just looking to play games with a wide variety of legacy controllers can do so out of the box.
Four Generations of Xbox, One Device
Speaking of legacy hardware, the Wingman XB 2 was tested on all 4 generations of Xbox. While functionality on Xbox Series and Xbox One was to be expected, having the same capabilities on the older platforms opens great possibilities. Many gamers complain about antiquated controllers, but with the Brook Wingman XB 2 Converter, modern-day controllers can be used on your console. Regardless of preference between the layout of the Xbox Series controller of Sony’s DualSense, either can be used to play classic games on the 21-year-old console.
Closing Thoughts
Brook’s Wingman XB 2 Converter adds a whole new layer of accessibility to the Xbox platform. Having the ability to use a wide range of controllers that span many makes and generations is more than a novelty. The XB 2 covers multiple use cases. Those looking for a more authentic experience can use the original controller designed for the backward-compatible game being played. Those looking to play their older Xbox or Xbox 360 with an updated control scheme can use whichever modern controller they choose, regardless of make. Many USB or Bluetooth arcade sticks can even be used for a retro arcade feel. The versatility of the Wingman XB 2 Converter is mind-blowing. While setting up turbo/button combinations and button remapping can become difficult, setting up a controller for basic functionality is incredibly simple.
Brook Accessory’s Wingman XB 2 Converter is available now for $49.99. The adapter can be purchased on their official website or on Amazon.com.
A Wingman XB 2 Converter was provided for the purpose of this review.
