My gaming PC is upstairs, but I'd like to play couch co-op on a TV downstairs or on a TV in the adjacent bedroom. I currently connect the PC to those TVs with a very long HDMI cable and use Bluetooth for the controllers. My older Xbox controller, model 1708 from 2016, frequently stutters—even in the room next to the PC—and performs worse downstairs. My newer model 1914 controller works reliably. The PC uses an MSI MAG B650 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard. I'd prefer an affordable way to improve the connection rather than buying newer controllers. Would a USB extension with a Bluetooth dongle near the TV work, or is there a better option?
3 Answers
The most practical solution is a long, active USB extension running to the TV, with a Bluetooth dongle positioned near where you’ll be using the controllers. A generic Bluetooth range extender probably won’t help much because the controller still has limited transmit power, and floors and walls can weaken the signal significantly.
You may also want to try an external antenna for the motherboard’s Bluetooth instead of relying on the built-in connection. Some onboard Bluetooth implementations perform poorly until the antenna is connected and positioned away from the back of the PC. Placing the antenna as close as possible to the controllers could improve things, though interference from other wireless devices can still matter.
An Xbox Wireless USB Adapter is another strong option. It’s designed for Xbox controllers, can handle multiple controllers, and generally has better range and reliability than ordinary Bluetooth. It also supports the controllers’ headset jacks. Keep in mind that concrete floors and metal reinforcement can block or greatly weaken wireless signals, so even a good adapter may work best when connected through a USB extension and placed near the downstairs TV.
An external antenna made a huge difference for my motherboard’s Bluetooth. Before adding one, even a wireless mouse had trouble at close range; afterward, devices worked reliably from much farther away.