Components and Accessories for the Xbox 360

There are a number of additional components and accessories available for the Xbox 360, which include:

Controllers

The Xbox 360 controller is significantly different from the original Xbox controllers, the large 'Duke' and the smaller 'S' models. The unit is very small and ergonomically built and the black and white buttons have been replaced by bumper buttons on the shoulder of the controller.

Up to four controllers can be used simultaneously with the Xbox 360, including wired and wireless gamepads. The wired gamepads may be connected to any of the three USB ports located on the console (one in the rear, two on the front) or a USB hub can be used to extend the maximum number of wired controllers.

As the wired version of the controller uses a USB connection, it can also be used as PC gamepad; however, this is not the case for the wireless controller as it uses a wireless signal. However, a wireless receiver is due to be released in 2007 that will plug into the PC, allowing wireless Xbox 360 accessories to be used on the PC.

Keyboard

USB keyboards are supported by the console, but only for navigating the dashboard and inputting text. The hotkeys and number pad do not function.

Steering Wheel

The force feedback Wireless Racing Wheel controller was released in November 2006, and includes the standard gamepad buttons and floor-mounted brake pedals and accelerator. Although the wheel can run from the rechargeable battery pack, use of the active resistance and force feedback features requires an external AC adapter.

Headset

Two types of headset are available for the console, both of which enable gamers who are connected to Xbox Live to talk to each other for in-game voice chat or private chat. Players may also use a headset for games that use and in-game voice recognition and commands.

Standard Headset

The standard headset plugs into the controller's expansion port and contains an in-line volume control and a mute switch. However, gamers can use standard 2.5 mm socket hands-free set (such as that used for a mobile phone), although they may not have volume control or mute functions.

Wireless Headset

Up to four wireless headsets can be used simultaneously on a single Xbox 360, with the unit fitting over either ear. The headset features a built-in rechargeable battery, which lasts up to 8 hours, along with a charger and an instruction manual. The unit uses the same 2.4 GHz wireless technology as the wireless controller and functions within a 30 foot range. It can be used with or without a controller connected to the console.

Universal Media Remote

Although the console can play music and DVD films without a remote, the Universal Media Remote assists in the playing of such media and offers controls for a Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005-based PC or a television. The universal media remote is a larger version of the media remote that was initially shipped with the Premium version of the console, and replaces the Xbox Live Headset in the New Zealand and Australian Premium Xbox 360 Systems. The remote also allows basic control of games and navigation of the dashboard. The remote control interfaces with the Xbox 360 via infrared.

Wireless Networking Adapter

The Xbox 360 can connect to Xbox Live through an optional wireless network adapter on a home network through a wireless router. The official Microsoft adaptor (802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g) or third-party adaptors may be connected through the Ethernet port, where there are recognised by the Xbox 360 as a wired connection. By using an official or third-party wireless bridge, the console can automatically detect and link up with other Xbox 360 consoles within range to form a mesh network.

Live Vision Camera

A webcam known as the Xbox Live Vision camera was released in Autumn 2006, which may be used with a number of games such as Hardwood Backgammon, Texas Hold'em, UNO and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas. The camera enables players to create an in-game representation of themselves. The dashboard software released in June 2006 added an option in the system tab to support its functions.

HD DVD Player

In November 2006, Microsoft released an external HD DVD drive that can play all films released on HD DVD. As the drive does not have an HDMI output, it connects to the Xbox 360 via USB. The unit may also act as a USB hub with two ports on the rear, along with a place for the Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter to clip on to.

The drive may also be connected to a normal PC or Mac with a USB 2.0 cable, where it is recognised as a Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive.