USB Ports and Controllers

[SLorimer]

I've got 2 USB ports on my computer. If I want to plug in 4x USB controllers (just some cheap SNES-style controllers for 4 player fun on my kids birthday) I need 2 more ports... I can see various products on EBAY (multi-port splitters?) but would these allow me to plug in 4 recognised devices through 1 port or am I dreaming?

 

[big10p]

Look for a 4 (more) port USB hub. Ones with a separate power supply tend to be better, but you could probably get away with one powered via USB, if you just want it for connecting controllers.

 

[SLorimer]

OK thanks - but can I feed a 4 hub through USB into 1 port and have my computer process (not just charge) 4 connected devices? I'm dubious... each port has 2 data wires + a (5V) power and ground I think: will my computer recognize 4 separate devices if I'm channelling them all into 1 port?

If so, awesome.

 

[big10p]

Yes, that's precisely what they're for.

You should be able to plug any USB devices into it (printer, gamepad, keyboard etc.) and they'll function just the same as if you'd plugged them into a USB port on the PC.

 

[SLorimer]

Love it. Thanks for the help.

 

[SLorimer]

I'm working through a few not-too interesting technical issues on a couple of projects at home, but the projects are actually pretty interesting - I'll try to post a couple pics when I can.