List of Xbox 360 accessories

The Xbox 360 game console, developed by Microsoft, features a number of first-party and third-party accessories. 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.

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.eceiver.JPG|thumb|200px|The Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows]] 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. This allows PC and Xbox 360 owners to use their wireless gamepads, racing wheels, and headset on their computer. The device acts similar 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.; wireless is still used for data communication and the Play and Charge kit therefore needs not to be plugged into the console itself to function, any USB port may be used for the players' convenience.

• Quick Charge Kit: Charges up to two rechargeable battery packs and does so in less time than the Play and Charge Kit. Comes with one new battery pack.

Xbox 360 Messenger Kit

File:Xbox 360 Text Input Device.jpg

The Chatpad for the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit

Microsoft released a small keyboard suitable for messaging in the Summer of 2007, coinciding with the launch of Xbox Live Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360.

Released on September 4, 2007, the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit sells for a retail price of $29.99 USD and £24.99 GBP and includes a wired headset. (It should be noted that standard Xbox 360 wired headsets cannot connect to the chatpad due to the lack of the side pins). Microsoft does not currently provide drivers to make the Chatpad work with a PC.

USB HID-compliant keyboards can be plugged directly into the console and will work in the same way.

Universal Media Remote

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The Universal Media Remote (left) and the short version (right)

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. 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. All of the remote control's interface with the Xbox 360 via infrared.

Steering wheel

Main article: Xbox 360 Wireless Racing 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.

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 go up in smoke 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.

Big Button Controller

Xbox 360 Big Button Controllers with the infrared receiver

The game Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action comes bundled with four special wireless controllers called Big Button Controllers, which resemble game show buzzers. Each controller has one large "buzzer" button at the top, which also doubles as a d-pad, and four smaller buttons for multiple choice answers. 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 Controllers.

The Big Button Controllers use an external IR transmitter which connects to the Xbox 360 via USB. When the IR transmitter 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 controllers can be used at the same time as the wired and wireless gamepads and the wireless headsets.

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.

Xbox 360 Guitar Hero Controller

The Xbox 360 Les Paul (black) and X-Plorer (white)

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).

Xbox 360 Ace Combat 6 Flight Stick

Flight Stick for Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

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 only officially released in North America and Japan.

Audio/Visual Peripherals

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.

HD DVD Player

Xbox 360 HD DVD Player

Main article: Xbox 360 HD DVD Player

The HD DVD Player for the Xbox 360 is a now discontinued accessory which allowed playback of HD DVDs. It was announced by Bill Gates during his 2006 keynote speech at CES. It was officially presented at E3 2006 and was launched on November 7, 2006 for a SRP of $199.99.

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.

Headset

• Headset: allows gamers to talk to each other when plugged into the controller's expansion port and connected to 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.
• Wireless headset:

Wireless headset

Main article: Xbox 360 Wireless Headset

The Headset can be used for in game voice chat, private chat, audio for video chat and in-game voice recognition. 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. The headset's suggested retail price is GB£34.99, US$59.99 or AU$69.95.

Live Vision camera

Xbox Live Vision Camera

Main article: Xbox Live Vision

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. At present there are 11 Live Arcade games which have camera functionality included, some of which are: UNO, TotemBall, 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.

Storage

Detachable hard drives

Hard drives, 20 GB (above) and 120 GB (below)

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 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. This leaves users with almost 14 GB of free space on the 20GB HDD or 114 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 two HDD sizes:

• 20 GB hard drive (US$99.99, GBP£69.99), available by itself or as part of the Premium package
• 120 GB hard drive (US$179.99, GBP£129.99), 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, while the separate drive comes in grey and includes a transfer cable.

The hard drive inside the casing of both 20GB and 120GB drives are standard 2.5" (laptop sized) SATA hard drives.

Memory units

Small portable, flash based memory devices which allow the transfer of saved games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles to other Xbox 360 consoles. Sizes available are:

• 64 MB memory card (US$29.99)
• 256 MB memory card (supplied only with the Xbox 360 'Arcade' Package)
• 512 MB memory card (US$49.99). Was pre-loaded with the Xbox Live Arcade game Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved for a limited time.

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 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
Viva Piñata	Saved game, and most other data
Forza Motorsport 2	Saved game (cannot be copied, but can be moved) Local Scoreboard Data	Ghosts, settings, photos, vinyl groups and replay
Ridge Racer 6	Downloaded content	Saved game
Perfect Dark Zero	Saved game (through the Xbox 360 Dashboard)	Saved game (through the in-game options)
Zuma	Saved game

Datel Xsata

The Datel Xsata is an unlicensed accessory is 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.

USB Storage Devices

The Xbox 360 can read USB storage devices such as thumb drives and hard drives. This can be used to play music, pictures and videos. The disk formats FAT 32 and HSF+ are supported but NTFS is not.

Miscellaneous

Faceplates

The default faceplate (black or white) can be replaced with a range of custom designs, each sold separately. The prices of these custom designs are typically around $20 with more to be released by third party manufacturers. Microsoft has also distributed three promotional faceplates, one for those present at the E3 2005 unveiling, one for those at the Zero Hour launch event and one for VIP X05 attendees. While faceplates exist mostly for aesthetic reasons, it still serves several other functional roles like airflow direction, dust and particle deterrence, and protection for the DVD-tray and memory slots. Note that only the faceplate on the Xbox 360 can be easily replaced and not the other parts of the casing.

Wireless Network Adapter

The Wi-Fi (802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g) adapter is sold separately for an MSRP of $99.99 or £59.99. There are also many third-party adapters which are connected through the ethernet port, and recognized by the Xbox 360 as a wired connection. Using an official or third-party wireless bridge the console will automatically detect and link up with other Xbox 360 consoles that are within range and form a mesh network. When setting up a connection to an unlisted access point, there is an option titled 'WPA2' that is currently greyed out on the 'Edit Wireless Security Settings' screen. [2] It is unknown whether or not Microsoft has plans to enable this feature through a future firmware or software update through Xbox Live.

It is also possible to connect an Xbox 360 to a Windows XP wireless-enabled laptop or PC via an ethernet cable. If Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is enabled on the laptop's or PC's wireless connection and the laptop's LAN connection is enabled, the Xbox 360 should be able to share the laptop's/PC's internet connection.

Exergaming

Two exergaming accessories are designed for the Xbox 360, Dance Dance Revolution Universe and Gamercize, are currently available. Through backward compatibility the Yourself!Fitness instructional game for the Xbox can also be used.

Cooling

One major issue with some of the cooling systems is that the fan motors are spinning faster than they should, since they are moving air from out of the console. This has often caused the console's internal fans to overspin and burn out.

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 ring of death. Yet Nyko 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.

Gamexpert Cooler King

The Cooler King is another external fan for the 360. It also features a built-in 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.

Pelican Fan Stand

The Pelican Fan Stand provides a different approach to cooling the Xbox 360. Instead of clipping on to the back like to 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 Intercooler.