Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 certainly has a wide variety of peripherals out on the market, but some of them offer better value than others. For example, while the HD-DVD Player may initially appear to be a solid buy for any HD TV owner with a 360, there are some important caveats that keep it out of this list of recommended gear: 1) at $180 it’s quite pricey,  2) The current library of HD-DVD titles is limited, 3) The playback quality is lower than standalone HD-DVD players, and 4) the HD content users want most ( e.g. 300 and Transformers)  are already available to rent over Xbox LIVE Marketplace without having to buy an expensive peripherals or discs.  Another seemingly nifty peripheral, the Xbox Vision Camera, hasn’t been supported very well by Microsoft, and as a result, simply isn’t worth the money at this point.    

Xbox 360 Messenger Kit - $30

Since the Xbox 360 now features Instant Messaging support, Microsoft recently released its Messenger Kit to allow users to enter quickly enter text without requiring a bulky USB keyboard.  Since the Chat Pad covers the slot needed to attach a traditional wired headset, the Messenger Kit also comes bundled with a new headset designed to connect to the base of the Pad, but in my experiences, this new headset only works sporadically.  Still, its great peripheral since it streamlines all text-based communication without being intrusive.  Many games also require a fair bit of text entry, allowing the Chat Pad to supplament your entertainment experiences as well.    

+ Lights up for use in the dark, feels great when attached to the controller, and greatly simplifies all text input.

- Chat Pad is difficult to attach to the controller, and the included headset isn’t as reliable as the original model. 

Conclusion: The Wireless Messenger kit works great, and greatly simplifies inputting text on your 360.  Weather naming an alchemical potion in Oblivion or having a quick IM session in-between gaming sessions, the Messenger Kit works great and feels good in your hands.   

Wireless Headset - $60

The Wireless Headset is solidly built, easy to setup and use, and offers better sound quality than the wired alternative.  It’s certainly pricey, but considering the amount of online activities available on the system, the Wireless Headset is one peripheral that is sure to see plenty of use.  It’s nice not being tethered to your controller, but since the range is about half that of the controller, if you wander to the kitchen to grab a snack while talking to someone, the controller will stay active while the headset will cut out.  Of course, you can just walk back into the room with your 360, and the headset will beep to let you know you’re connected again, but it is a bit obnoxious when you are in mid conversation to suddenly hear your friend’s voice coming out of the TV asking what happened.  Despite the range issue, the peripheral is a great addition to any online gamer’s collection.  At the very least, it’s nice to not look like Judy from the Time Life Books commercial.    

+ Great fidelity, reliability, and ease of use

- High price and somewhat limited range, but unless you plan to be making frequent trips to the kitchen while chatting, it’s not that big of a deal  

Conclusion: Given the 360s online emphasis, the wireless headset is a great peripheral that is both convenient and ergonomic.