Xbox 360 accessories
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Xbox 360 game console, developed by Microsoft, features a number of first-party and third-party accessories.
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[edit] Controllers
[edit] Xbox 360 controllers
Up to nine controllers are supported by the Xbox 360, including wired and wireless gamepads. The wireless controllers run on either AA batteries (Alkaline or rechargeable) or on a rechargeable battery pack. The wired controllers may be connected to any of the three (one at the rear, two at the front) USB ports located on the console, or to a USB hub. USB keyboards are also supported, but only for inputting text and navigating the dashboard; additionally, the number pad and hotkeys are non-functional. The original first-generation Xbox controllers are not compatible with the Xbox 360. The controller is also compatible with PCs with the Games for Windows program. The Xbox 360 controller has been used in the United States and British militaries.[1][2] The Xbox 360 controller has vibration feedback which is limited to titles using the new XInput API, however, unlike the first Xbox, the face buttons and bumpers are not analogue.
Current controller colors available are as follows: White controllers are bundled with the Arcade and Pro packs, the Elite comes with a Black Controller to match the case. These are both available separately. As of mid 2008, Microsoft introduced Pink and Blue controllers, and in October 2008, a "Limited Edition" red controller was released, bundled with a Play & Charge Kit and red rechargeable battery pack. As of December, this controller is still available, so it is unsure how limited it will be.
Microsoft released a new Xbox 360 controller with an improved d-pad midway through October 2008. The new limited edition controller is available only in green and offers enhancements to d-Pad functionality, which will add to the experience of playing games where the d-Pad is the primary control method. However the improvements to the d-Pad are only apparent in games designed to use the feature. The new controller is a limited edition promotional item, in addition to retail availability it is available as a bundle with the release of Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 that is only available in Europe, Asia and Latin America while supplies last.
Some online retailers such as Gamestation, who offered the controller for free with initial pre-orders of Pro Evolution Soccer 2009, have confirmed they are getting supply problems with the special edition green controller, and are offering customers an alternative red and black controller previously only available in the United States instead of the green controller.
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[edit] Cross platform compatibility
As a first for console controllers, the wired version can be used as a PC gamepad out of the box without the use of any converters. Regardless of the green Xbox 360 packaging or the red PC packaging, it is the same controller - the only difference being that the PC package comes with a driver disc included, while the standard package requires users to download the PC drivers. The wireless version of the Xbox 360 controller can also be used with the PC, however the wireless gaming receiver is needed in order to use it. In this case the Xbox Guide button shows the power left in the controller's batteries, whereas with the wired controllers, the button is inactive. Unofficially, third party drivers have also been able to use the controller on other platforms, such as Mac OS X and Linux.[3]
Many Xbox 360 accessories are compatible with any Windows based PC. Some examples are; the wired/wireless controller, the wired headset (via a controller), the wireless headset and the Live Vision camera. However, despite marketing by Microsoft claiming otherwise, the much anticipated Chatpad accessory for the standard Xbox 360 controller is not Windows compatible.
[edit] Wireless Gaming Receiver
At E3 2006, Microsoft announced the Wireless Gaming Receiver (sold as Crossfire Wireless Gaming Receiver in the UK), which allows all wireless Xbox 360 accessories to be used on a Windows-based PC.[4] This allows PC and Xbox 360 owners to use their wireless gamepads, racing wheels, and headset on their computer. The device acts in a similar manner to an Xbox 360 as it allows up to 4 controllers and 4 headsets at a time to be connected to the receiver. The device has a 30 foot range and a six foot USB cable.[5] It is specifically designed to work with games bearing the "Games for Windows" logo, but will function with most games that permit a standard PC gamepad. The wireless device was released on February 16, 2007. It is notable that the official Xbox website says that the adapter will work with 'all future wireless devices'. However, it is also worth noting that the racing wheel still does not have force feedback support as of now. It is yet to be confirmed if the receiver supports the Lips microphones and the Rock Band and Guitar Hero instruments. Also an issue that has arisen from this product is the amount of power in which the receiver draws. There have been many reports that the receiver will work for days, weeks, or couple of months then fail to "receive" the signal from the Xbox 360 controller. This problem has been solved by users rather than Microsoft by either purchasing a new PCI USB hub or a self-powered USB hub.
[edit] Controller accessories
[edit] Battery packs
The battery pack for the Xbox 360 controller is nickel metal hydride. The pack provides up to 25 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. It is recommended in place of disposable AA batteries (which differ slightly in voltage). It also ships as part of the Play & Charge Kit and as part of the Quick Charge Kit. Third party rechargeable battery pack kits are also available.
[edit] Play and Charge Kit
The Play and Charge kit allows the controller to be recharged while playing a game by plugging the wireless controller into a USB port. The kit also includes the rechargeable battery pack. It should also be noted that the Play and Charge kit allows use of a wireless controller with the battery pack removed, however this can damage the controller [6]. Microsoft currently does not support it to be used as a wired controller, however it does transmit data letting the host know that it is a wireless controller via a Play and Charge kit.[7]; wireless is still used for data communication and the Play and Charge kit therefore need not be plugged into the console itself to function. Any USB port may be used for the player's convenience. The Play and Charge cable also allows automatic pairing of the Wireless controller with the host (i.e. an Xbox 360 or a Windows PC with the wireless receiver).
It should be noted that the play and charge kit batteries are generic 1300mah AA(LR6) nimh cells. Such cells are readily avalible in 4 packs up to 3,000mah. With 2,000-2,600mah batteries being common.
[edit] Quick Charge Kit
The Quick Charge Kit charges up to two rechargeable battery packs and does so in less time than the Play and Charge Kit. It comes with the dual-charger and one rechargable battery pack. Its charge times are:
- Two hours with one battery pack*; or
- Four hours with two battery packs*.
- *The time taken shown above is from 0% charge to 100% charge.
[edit] Xbox 360 Messenger Kit
Microsoft released a small keyboard suitable for messaging in September 2007, coinciding with the launch of Xbox Live Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360.[8]
Released on September 4, 2007, the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit includes a wired headset. (It should be noted that older Xbox 360 wired headsets cannot connect to the chatpad due to the lack of the side pins). Despite the fact that Microsoft advertises the ChatPad as being compatible with "Windows-based PCs",[9] it does not currently provide drivers to make the Chatpad work with a PC. There has been no official word when, if ever, a driver will be released. However, there have been some attempts at a workaround. [10]
USB HID-compliant keyboards can be plugged directly into the console and will work in the same way.
[edit] Universal Media Remote
There are two official versions of Remote control for the Xbox 360 and a number of unofficial ones. The first official media remote is the shorter version of the Universal Media Remote that can be bought at retail. It was supplied at launch with the Premium version of the console, and replaces the Xbox Live Headset in the Australian, New Zealand and Mexican Premium Xbox 360 systems, as well as the Brazilian official pack. These were sold in limited quantities. All remotes can assist in the playing of DVD movies and music (although the console can play such media without the remote), while the Universal Media Remote offers more function by having the ability to serve as a control for a number of TVs or Windows Media Center-based PC. All remotes allow basic control of games, along with being able to navigate the dashboard. The remote control allows for controlling portions of the interface of the Xbox 360 via infrared.
[edit] Steering wheel
The Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel was introduced by Microsoft at E3 2006. Released in November 2006, the force feedback steering wheel controller includes the standard gamepad buttons and floor-mounted accelerator and brake pedals. Although the wheel is capable of running off the rechargeable battery pack, use of the force feedback and active resistance features requires an external AC adapter.[11]
A limited edition of the force feedback wheel included the racing game Project Gotham Racing 3. There is also a "Hardcore Pack" for Test Drive Unlimited, which makes the driving more realistic than without the pack.
On August 22, 2007 xbox.com published a newsflash saying that they will retrofit for free all the Wireless Racing Wheels that were manufactured on 2006 - 2007. This is due to a component in the wheel chassis that in rare cases may overheat and fail when the AC/DC power supply is used to power up the wheel. It turned out that the retrofit actually requires owners to ship their Wireless Wheel back to Microsoft for repair or replacement. Wheel owners are reporting their experiences in this thread on the Xbox.com forums.
[edit] Big Button Pad
The games Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action and Scene It? Box Office Smash come bundled with four special wireless controllers called Big Button Pads, which resemble game show buzzers. Each controller has one large "buzzer" button at the top and four smaller buttons for answering multiple-choice questions. The large buzzer button also functions as a 4-way directional pad, which helps to navigate the XBOX 360 dashboard menu. The game's price is unaffected by the inclusion of the controllers. Other games such as Uno and Wits and Wagers have added support for the Big Button Pads.
The Big Button Pads use an external IR receiver which connects to the Xbox 360 via USB. When the IR receiver is connected all four quadrants on the 'ring of light' are lit to tell the user that four controller devices are active. These Big Button Pads can be used at the same time as the wired and wireless gamepads and the wireless headsets.
[edit] Xbox 360 Arcade Gamestick
The Xbox 360 Arcade Gamestick from Mad Catz has a full size joystick and spinner control. It comes with the Xbox Live Arcade games Frogger, Time Pilot, and Astropop. It is officially licensed by Microsoft.
[edit] Xbox 360 Guitar Hero Controller
Guitar Hero II features a special guitar shaped controller (known as the Guitar Hero X-Plorer Controller, and modeled after the Gibson Explorer guitar) that is plugged in via the USB ports. The controller works just like a normal controller and may be used with other games, however it does not have the same number of buttons or joysticks which may limit other games. The controller is sold bundled with Guitar Hero II, some bundles of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, or available separately. It is also bundled with the PC and Macintosh releases of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock comes with a new designed controller that is wireless (called the Les Paul controller and shaped like a Gibson Les Paul), that works in the same way as its predecessor. Both these controllers also feature the expansion port which allows users to equip a wired headset for voice communication. The wireless Les Paul guitar controller has been tested to work on the Microsoft Windows operating system using the Wireless Gaming Receiver for use with the PC version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, however, the wired X-Plorer is the only guitar controller officially supported by Aspyr Media (developer of the PC and Macintosh release).[12]
[edit] Xbox 360 Ace Combat 6 Flight Stick
Produced by Hori, it was only made available for purchase in a special-limited edition package of Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation. The Ace Edge package was officially released only in North America and Japan.
[edit] Audio/Visual Peripherals
[edit] AV Connectors and Cables
Adapters and cables are available for TOSLINK, RCA (audio and video), S-video, Component video, VGA, D-Terminal, and SCART connections, depending on regional standard.
On March 28, 2007 Microsoft officially announced the Xbox 360 Elite which includes a built-in HDMI port and a bundled HDMI cable. Currently all Xbox 360 models have an HDMI port, but only the Elite model comes with an HDMI cable.
[edit] HD DVD Player
The HD DVD Player for the Xbox 360 is a now discontinued[13] accessory which allowed playback of HD DVDs. It was announced by Bill Gates during his 2006 keynote speech at CES[14]. It was officially presented at E3 2006 and was launched on November 7, 2006.
The drive uses USB to connect to the Xbox 360 and all of the audio and video processing is done by, and is output from, the Xbox 360 itself. The HD DVD player also features two extra USB ports on the rear as well as a clip to for attaching the wireless network adapter to. The drive will neither read Xbox nor Xbox 360 titles, and all Xbox 360 games will continue to use DVD-9 media.
[edit] Headset
- Headset: It allows gamers to use in game voice chat, private chat, party chat, audio for video chat and in-game voice recognition like Tom Clancy's EndWar[15] for Xbox Live. The headset can also be used with a PC but requires a controller to do so. Some upcoming Xbox 360 titles may benefit from voice command. It has an in-line volume control and a mute switch. An official headset is not needed for a controller; any standard 2.5 mm socket handsfree set from a mobile phone will work as a headset. However, not all hands free headsets have volume control or mute functions. Conversely, the Xbox headset can be used in any device that supports a 2.5 mm headset.
. In addition to the firstparty headset, Plantronics produces a range of officially-licenced wired headsets for the Xbox 360.
Wireless headset
- Wireless headset: The Headset has the same uses for the wired headset. Up to four wireless headsets can be used simultaneously on a single Xbox 360. The headset features a built-in rechargeable battery, which lasts up to 8 hours, and comes with a charger and an instruction manual. The headset fits over either ear and comes with two sizes of removable ear grips for a better fit. The headset uses the same 2.4 GHz wireless technology as the wireless controller and functions within the same 30 foot range and can be used with or without a controller connected to the console.
[edit] Live Vision camera
The Xbox Live Vision camera was announced at E3 2006 and was released in North America on September 19, 2006, and Europe and Asia (except Japan, as the release date has not been confirmed yet) on October 2, 2006.[16][17] At present there are 11 Live Arcade games which have camera functionality included, some of which are: UNO, TotemBall, Burnout Paradise (only during online play, when you are taken down and the camera sends a picture of you at the moment of being taken down), Texas Hold'em, Spyglass Board Games, Pinball FX, Hardwood Backgammon, Hardwood Hearts and Hardwood Spades. The ability to create an in-game representation of a player is possible using this camera and a suitable game, similar to Sony's EyeToy for the PS2. The retail games Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas and Vegas 2 allow players to create an in-game version of their face with this feature. The dashboard software released on June 13, 2006 added an option in the system tab to support its functions. The Xbox Live Vision Camera is also used in Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise. How its used you scan a card the game came with and you get a new pinata or money or item for in game use.
[edit] Storage
[edit] Detachable hard drives
Optional detachable SATA hard drives are used for the storage of games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos, player preferences, and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace; it may also be used to transfer such content between Xbox 360 units. It is required to play original Xbox games and a select number of Xbox 360 games. The total capacity of the Xbox 360 Hard Drive is either 20 GB, 60 GB, or 120 GB. Of this amount, approximately 6 GB is reserved for system use. Approximately 4 GB of that portion is reserved for game title caching and other hard drive-specific elements in games that support the hard drive, and an additional 2 GB is reserved for use by the Xbox 360 backwards-compatibility software.[18] This leaves users with exactly 13.9 GB of free space on the 20GB HDD, about 52 GB on the 60 GB HDD, or exactly 107 GB on the 120 GB HDD, to save game files, downloadable content and music, and other media. Depending on the market, the hard drive comes preloaded with content, such as videos and Live Arcade games or demos. There are three HDD sizes:
- 20 GB hard drive, available by itself or as part of the Premium package
- 60 GB hard drive, available by itself or included as part of the Premium packages from August 2008.
- 120 GB hard drive, available by itself or with the Xbox 360 Elite SKU. As a separate product it comes with a data exchange transfer cable for moving content from a previous hard drive. The drive that is packaged with the Elite comes in black and a transfer cable is available for free by filling out a form from Microsoft[19] and sending it to the address specified.
The hard drive inside the casing of the 20GB, 60GB and 120GB drives are standard 2.5" (laptop sized) SATA hard drives.
[edit] Memory units
Small, portable, flash based memory devices which allow the transfer of saved games, unique gamer profiles, and content downloaded from Xbox Live Marketplace to other Xbox 360 consoles. Sizes available are:
- 64 MB memory card
- 256 MB memory card (supplied only with the Xbox 360 'Arcade' Package)
- 512 MB memory card (Was pre-loaded with the Xbox Live Arcade game Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved for a limited time. Newer units are now pre-loaded with the Xbox Live Arcade game Worms.[20])
Some game saves and downloaded content cannot be copied from hard drives to memory cards. What content cannot be moved is up to the discretion of the individual video game developers.
Example games with unmovable content:
| Game | un-movable | movable |
|---|---|---|
| Bejeweled 2 | Saved game | |
| Dead or Alive 4 | Saved game | |
| Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 | Saved game | |
| Forza Motorsport 2 | Local scoreboard data | Saved game, ghosts, settings, photos, vinyl groups and replay |
| Perfect Dark Zero | Saved game (from the Xbox 360 Dashboard) | Saved game (from the in-game options) and downloaded content |
| Ridge Racer 6 | Downloaded content | Saved game |
| Viva Piñata | Saved game and most other data | |
| Zuma | Saved game |
[edit] Datel Xsata
The Datel Xsata is an unlicensed accessory used to transfer materials from the console's hard drive to a Windows PC. The XSATA is a device that sits between the 360's hard drive and the console itself. Use of this device to transfer saved game files for the purpose of unlocking achievements is prohibited by Microsoft in the Xbox Live Terms of Service agreement.
[edit] USB Storage Devices
The Xbox 360 can read USB storage devices such as thumb drives, Zunes, iPods, mp3 players, and hard drives. These can be used to play music, or to view pictures and videos. The file systems FAT, FAT32 and HFS+ are supported but NTFS is not.
[edit] Cooling products
[edit] Nyko Intercooler 360
The Nyko Intercooler 360 is designed to reduce the internal operating temperature of the 360 and as a result, to prolong lifespan of the console. It connects to the exterior of the Xbox 360. There is no internal modification of the Xbox 360 required. A pass through power connection utilizes the existing Xbox 360 power supply negating the need for an extra AC adaptor. The unit also powers on and off automatically with the 360 and the Intercooler's small size will fit in tight spaces like entertainment centers with the 360 displayed in either horizontal or vertical format.
Many consumers, as well as the press, claim it scorches their consoles, "steals" power from the system and even cause the red rings of death.[21] However, Nyko has now created the Intercooler EX which has a new AC adaptor made of metal and therefore solves the problem with power "stealing" and the plug falling off.
At E3 2008, Nyko announced a new revised sleeker model of the Intercooler named the Intercooler TS, this new model is smaller than previous models and blends in with the console, it's main feature is called TempSmart, a temperature sensing technology which automatically powers on the Intercooler’s fans when needed, and continues to cool the console even after the console has been switched off till a proper ambient temperature has been reached and it's also powered by its own AC adaptor, so no batteries or USB cables to the console are necessary.[22]
[edit] Gamexpert Cooler King(UK)/Pelican Air Flo Cooler(US)
The Cooler King is another external fan for the 360. It also features a 4-port USB hub. Official Xbox 360 AV cables cannot be used with the Cooler King as it lacks the AV port usually on the Xbox 360. Players have to use third-party Component/Composite cables. This cooler also has VGA support so it can allow the Xbox 360 to be connected to some monitors and TV's using a VGA cable. This cooler will not work with the newer HDMI-compatible Xbox 360's and it seems to have been discontinued.
[edit] Pelican Fan Stand
The Pelican Fan Stand provides a different approach to cooling the Xbox 360. Instead of clipping on to the back like the Cooler King or Intercooler, the fan is situated in a base extension that the console can sit on only in the upright position. The placement of the fan allows it to draw cooler air from beneath the console and blow it through out the back. It uses a single USB plug to draw power from the Xbox. This makes a switch necessary to turn off the fan, allowing it to continue cooling after the console has been turned off unlike the Cooler King or the current Intercooler.
[edit] References
- ^ Military love affair with videogames intensifies | The Register
- ^ British Army use Xbox 360 controllers : Video
- ^ "Free60 Project: Gamepad". Retrieved on 2006-07-19.
- ^ "May 2006: Microsoft Press Release regarding coming year". Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
- ^ "Official Xbox.com Accessory Page". Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
- ^ Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit - xbox.com
- ^ Scenyx Entertainment Community > Play And Charge Kit Pc Support Anytime Soon?
- ^ Xbox.com product profile for the Chatpad: [1]
- ^ Xbox.com product profile for the Chatpad: [2]
- ^ Chatpad use via XNA hack: [3]
- ^ James Yu. "E3 06: Microsoft announces new Xbox 360 accessories". GameSpot. Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
- ^ Bergfeld, Carlos (2007-11-07). "Wireless 360 Guitar Hero III Controller Compatible with PC Version". Shacknews. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ Format War Over: Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Officially Discontinued
- ^ "Gates Outlines Vision for the Digital Lifestyle and Showcases New Products and Technologies From Microsoft, Microsoft, January 4, 2006
- ^ http://www.tomclancysendwar.com
- ^ Erratum: Xbox Live Vision Camera date - Xbox Lives Major Nelson
- ^ Engadget & Joystiq's live coverage of Microsoft's Xbox 360 E3 event - Joystiq
- ^ "Xbox 360: The hard drive capacity is listed as 13 gigabytes in the Dashboard". Retrieved on 2007-08-02.
- ^ "Microsoft Xbox 360 Data Migration Kit Order Form" (pdf). Retrieved on 2008-12-12.
- ^ Microsoft Announces 512MB Memory Unit for Xbox 360 and Increased Xbox LIVE Arcade Game Size Limit: 512MB Memory Unit enhances storage capabilities and choice for Xbox 360 game...
- ^ Darren Murph (October 27, 2006). "Nyko intercooler scorches Xbox 360 consoles?". Engadget. Retrieved on 2007-12-15.
- ^ Gerry Block (June 15, 2007). "Nyko Intercooler review". IGN. Retrieved on 2007-12-15.
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