Does it have a large shiny green circle on top with the XBOX Logo?
#Controllers won't work.
keen flame
"Original XBOX".
That console is very old, it could be that the controller is faulty, and getting a replacement might be a challenge. The model was introduced in about 2001.
You could try going on ebay for a replacement controller, but I wouldn't want to vouch for the reliability of a device of 15-20 years old.
Was he gonna play games on it or use it for media streaming or what?
That's an awful shame. I hope he didn't pay too much. The games he could play on that would all be pre-2006 games.
Any chance that where he bought it from would take it back? Especially since the controller may be faulty?
A newer one may cost quite a bit more, but it'll come with so many more options of what to play.
That's a shame. I understand that he thought he could get a bargain. You think he'll be able / willing to get something better? The price difference between that and something good / recent is quite a lot, but I like the idea of an old person getting to enjoy something like that.
Well there are third party controllers on Amazon, but the quality of them is questionable. When you say it's plugged in "to the remote" I'm curious about that because on all the ones I've seen it is permanently attached to the controller.
The only other thing I'd ask about is if the little breakaway end bit is firmly connected.
This part goes into the console, then there's a matching connector for the smaller round part on the controller wire.
If that part of the cable looks damaged or corroded then you could potentially replace it.
Also, AFAIK you need the controller to be plugged into the first port on the left as you look at the console.
Just trying to see if anything can help here.
You said the controllers don't work, are you getting an image on your TV?
keen flame
They should come on automatically if they work. Honestly I'm confused by your setup. The controllers I remember didn't have anything that plugged right into the console.
They a
Can you se how those are now annotated A and B?
The A connector goes into the front of the XBOX.
B connector joins to one which is similar but "opposite" so you can plug it in. Lets call that one C. The connector we're calling C should be the only one that comes out of the controller. I see your picture but it's hard to follow the path of wires. There seem to be more wires than I'd expect?
OK that's what you need. Yes.
Looking at this 1, 2, 3, and 4 are the controller ports. So when before you said it went directly into the console without the breakaway cable, where were you putting it?
Somewhere at the back?
The only ports on the back should be power, AV Out, and Ethernet.
Sorry if any of this is confusing, but I'd like to solve it. You didn't tell me if you can see any image on the screen.
keen flame
Sounds like the controller is dead then. Sad. 😦
keen flame
Depending on which 360 you got, maybe they sent you the wrong power brick.
This power brick goes with this style of console.
The brick you have there looks like it goes with a newer model of 360. There were two which hade different power bricks.
Even the brick I just showed you, there were multiple variations on it. It's essential to have the right one for the right console.
keen flame
https://xbox.fandom.com/wiki/Xbox_360_S
That's the model of XBOX you seem to have there.
The power brick you have is for the XBOX 360 E model.
keen flame
Yes, and look for something like this.
I don't know if that one there is an original, but the connector (look on the far right) is what you need. I'm sure you can see a port like that on your console?
I feel like you ought to be able to go back to the person who sold you (your grandfather) the console though.