Xbox 360 Accessories are a Game-Changer in Online Fun and Competition
April 20, 2009
By Toby Johns
Introducing the world of Xbox 360, which in the world of gaming is arguably one of the most innovative, advanced and mind-blowing platforms ever created. Since its introduction on May 12, 2005 on MTV, the Xbox 360 platform has taken the world by storm.
In cooperation and coordination with IBM, ATI and SIS, the Xbox 360 platform was developed jointly and, according to Microsoft, has sold (as of September 30, 20008) over 22 million units across the globe. Three console configurations are available for the Xbox 360: a) The 'Arcade', b) The 'Pro' or 'Premium', and; c) the 'Elite'. Each console includes its own game-enhancing collection of accessories such as three different hard drive sizes (120GB, 60GB, and 20GB; each of which matches the console), three different sizes of memory cards, webcams for videochatting, Gamercize and dance mats, head sets for chatting, faceplates, allowing you to customize the look of your hardware, and wired or wireless controllers.
With a myriad of Xbox 360 peripherals available on the market, and in a wide variety of styles colors and configurations, Xbox gamers will have their hands full, building the perfect gaming system. Here are just a few of the top categories of Xbox 360 accessories along with their descriptions:
* Consoles
The heart, soul and brains of the Xbox 360 gaming system is, of course, the console. Placed either vertically or horizontally, the Xbox 360 console, with its sleek, ergonomic design, looks great. Nearly all Xbox gaming accessories are attached to the platform via the console. Measuring 3.3" x 12.2" x 10.2" the unit weighs just over 7-and-a-half pounds. The console gets its power via a custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU (three symmetrical cores each operating at 3.2 GHz.) The Xbox 360 console includes a custom ATI graphics processor (10MB of embedded DRAM), a 48-way parallel floating-point dynamically-scheduled shader pipelines, and unified shader architecture. This, by the way, is enough power to enable the system to draw five-hundred million triangles per second--easily enough horsepower to provide for amazing-looking games in standard TV definition, and made even more phenomenal with support for HDTV 1080i TVs. And, as you'd come to expect, the xbox 360 console also supports widescreen 16:9 format. The Xbox 360 console, out-of-the-box, uses a 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM drive, playing games and progressive-scan DVD movies equally well. Users can access media storage and game saving through either the detachable and upgradeable 20GB hard drive, or a 64MB flash Memory Unit (sold separately). More than simply storing files, the hard drive allows the Xbox 360 backward-compatibility with many of the existing Xbox game library titles.
* Controllers
As the name implies, the xBox 360 Controller is the hand-held device used for navigating and accessing all on-screen activities. It's boomerang-shape--reminiscent of Batman's iconic symbol--fits comfortably in the palm of both hands. The ergonomic design includes left and right shoulder buttons, two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and an eight-way directional pad. Controllers come in wired and wireless models. The wired model includes a nine-foot break-away controller cable. The glowing Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller provides quick access to digital movies, music, and your game libraries. You can even contact your friends on Xbox live as well as customize your gaming experiences. The controller even includes a port for your Xbox 360 headset. Many users consider the standard Xbox 360 controller to be the best gaming controller ever made.
* Adapters
Wireless network adapters let you set up your Xbox 360 system to your wireless network at home to help you get online and into the game. Easily configured, these adapters synchronize with your Xbox 360 system seamlessly and in no time at all. You can then quickly transfer music and videos via your Media Center PC to your system. You can also chat with friends, go online via Xbox Live, play games and much more, all without the disorganization of wires.
* Batteries & Charge Kits
It is highly recommended that you use rechargeable battery packs and charge kits with your wireless controllers. These battery packs will eliminate your need to buy disposable batteries. The packs last over a year with its normal rechargeable life, and will recharge your batteries even while you're using your system. When your Xbox 360 system is shut off, the unit can still be recharged by connecting it to the USB port on your computer.
* Hard Drives
With the Xbox 360 Hard Drive, you can expand your Xbox 360 experience with downloadable content. These devices let you save your games, Xbox Live gamer profile, game demos, and custom soundtracks from your own music collection. The device also lets you play an assortment of original Xbox games and even comes preloaded with an Xbox Live Arcade game, music, and videos.
* Headsets
A multitude of different headsets have been created to work in harmony with the Xbox 360 system, and are available for your gaming pleasure. Many styles, from over-the-ear headsets to headset earbuds to wireless headsets are available, and each style is flexible to meet the needs of the most discriminating Xbox 360 gamers. Whichever style works best for you, you're sure to get enhanced performance and clarity along with comfort and stylish, ergonomic design. You will also find state-of-the-art audio technology that provides for clear and crisp reception and audio delivery.
* Remotes
Remotes for the Xbox 360 range from the Universal Media Remote to the Light Up Wireless Remote to the Intelligent Report, among an assortment of others. The Universal Media Remote, for example, functions as an integrated control center for the entire Xbox 360 experience, all with the touch of a single button. You can play DVD movies and music, control your TV and Media Center PC, all with this single remote. The Intelligent Remote 360, on the other hand, is a self-programming remote that learns the functions for other remotes.
* Faceplates & Skins
Many Xbox 360 game owners like to personalize their system hardware with graphics and stickers that make the system their own. A myriad of faceplates and console skins are available that let the die-hard gamer express themselves creatively. Faceplate and console skin designs range from the psychedelic to favorite sports teams and, of course, graphic icons from favorite Xbox 360 games like Halo and Guitar Hero II.
* Cables & Wiring
Having the right cables and wiring enhances the Xbox 360 gaming experience. As users upgrade their TVs, they may also need to upgrade their cables in order to retain the sharp, crisp details they've come to expect from the Xbox 360. One user describes how he converted from a CRT television to a 60-inch plasma and lost a tremendous amount of resolution in the process. By upgrading to Xbox 360 VGA HD AV cables, he suddenly notices that game images became intense and crisp. The details seemed sharper and fonts displayed during character's conversations became clear and legible. In short, he was blown away at the quality difference he obtained through something as simple as an upgrade in wiring.
As you can see, the Xbox 360 system is hardly a generic, one-size-fits all platform. Rather, it is a highly sophisticated, multi-component gaming system allowing users to customize their game play based upon style, preferences, and performance needs. These features make the Xbox 360 one of the most advanced, unique, and customizable gaming systems on the market today.
In cooperation and coordination with IBM, ATI and SIS, the Xbox 360 platform was developed jointly and, according to Microsoft, has sold (as of September 30, 20008) over 22 million units across the globe. Three console configurations are available for the Xbox 360: a) The 'Arcade', b) The 'Pro' or 'Premium', and; c) the 'Elite'. Each console includes its own game-enhancing collection of accessories such as three different hard drive sizes (120GB, 60GB, and 20GB; each of which matches the console), three different sizes of memory cards, webcams for videochatting, Gamercize and dance mats, head sets for chatting, faceplates, allowing you to customize the look of your hardware, and wired or wireless controllers.
With a myriad of Xbox 360 peripherals available on the market, and in a wide variety of styles colors and configurations, Xbox gamers will have their hands full, building the perfect gaming system. Here are just a few of the top categories of Xbox 360 accessories along with their descriptions:
* Consoles
The heart, soul and brains of the Xbox 360 gaming system is, of course, the console. Placed either vertically or horizontally, the Xbox 360 console, with its sleek, ergonomic design, looks great. Nearly all Xbox gaming accessories are attached to the platform via the console. Measuring 3.3" x 12.2" x 10.2" the unit weighs just over 7-and-a-half pounds. The console gets its power via a custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU (three symmetrical cores each operating at 3.2 GHz.) The Xbox 360 console includes a custom ATI graphics processor (10MB of embedded DRAM), a 48-way parallel floating-point dynamically-scheduled shader pipelines, and unified shader architecture. This, by the way, is enough power to enable the system to draw five-hundred million triangles per second--easily enough horsepower to provide for amazing-looking games in standard TV definition, and made even more phenomenal with support for HDTV 1080i TVs. And, as you'd come to expect, the xbox 360 console also supports widescreen 16:9 format. The Xbox 360 console, out-of-the-box, uses a 12x dual-layer DVD-ROM drive, playing games and progressive-scan DVD movies equally well. Users can access media storage and game saving through either the detachable and upgradeable 20GB hard drive, or a 64MB flash Memory Unit (sold separately). More than simply storing files, the hard drive allows the Xbox 360 backward-compatibility with many of the existing Xbox game library titles.
* Controllers
As the name implies, the xBox 360 Controller is the hand-held device used for navigating and accessing all on-screen activities. It's boomerang-shape--reminiscent of Batman's iconic symbol--fits comfortably in the palm of both hands. The ergonomic design includes left and right shoulder buttons, two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and an eight-way directional pad. Controllers come in wired and wireless models. The wired model includes a nine-foot break-away controller cable. The glowing Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller provides quick access to digital movies, music, and your game libraries. You can even contact your friends on Xbox live as well as customize your gaming experiences. The controller even includes a port for your Xbox 360 headset. Many users consider the standard Xbox 360 controller to be the best gaming controller ever made.
* Adapters
Wireless network adapters let you set up your Xbox 360 system to your wireless network at home to help you get online and into the game. Easily configured, these adapters synchronize with your Xbox 360 system seamlessly and in no time at all. You can then quickly transfer music and videos via your Media Center PC to your system. You can also chat with friends, go online via Xbox Live, play games and much more, all without the disorganization of wires.
* Batteries & Charge Kits
It is highly recommended that you use rechargeable battery packs and charge kits with your wireless controllers. These battery packs will eliminate your need to buy disposable batteries. The packs last over a year with its normal rechargeable life, and will recharge your batteries even while you're using your system. When your Xbox 360 system is shut off, the unit can still be recharged by connecting it to the USB port on your computer.
* Hard Drives
With the Xbox 360 Hard Drive, you can expand your Xbox 360 experience with downloadable content. These devices let you save your games, Xbox Live gamer profile, game demos, and custom soundtracks from your own music collection. The device also lets you play an assortment of original Xbox games and even comes preloaded with an Xbox Live Arcade game, music, and videos.
* Headsets
A multitude of different headsets have been created to work in harmony with the Xbox 360 system, and are available for your gaming pleasure. Many styles, from over-the-ear headsets to headset earbuds to wireless headsets are available, and each style is flexible to meet the needs of the most discriminating Xbox 360 gamers. Whichever style works best for you, you're sure to get enhanced performance and clarity along with comfort and stylish, ergonomic design. You will also find state-of-the-art audio technology that provides for clear and crisp reception and audio delivery.
* Remotes
Remotes for the Xbox 360 range from the Universal Media Remote to the Light Up Wireless Remote to the Intelligent Report, among an assortment of others. The Universal Media Remote, for example, functions as an integrated control center for the entire Xbox 360 experience, all with the touch of a single button. You can play DVD movies and music, control your TV and Media Center PC, all with this single remote. The Intelligent Remote 360, on the other hand, is a self-programming remote that learns the functions for other remotes.
* Faceplates & Skins
Many Xbox 360 game owners like to personalize their system hardware with graphics and stickers that make the system their own. A myriad of faceplates and console skins are available that let the die-hard gamer express themselves creatively. Faceplate and console skin designs range from the psychedelic to favorite sports teams and, of course, graphic icons from favorite Xbox 360 games like Halo and Guitar Hero II.
* Cables & Wiring
Having the right cables and wiring enhances the Xbox 360 gaming experience. As users upgrade their TVs, they may also need to upgrade their cables in order to retain the sharp, crisp details they've come to expect from the Xbox 360. One user describes how he converted from a CRT television to a 60-inch plasma and lost a tremendous amount of resolution in the process. By upgrading to Xbox 360 VGA HD AV cables, he suddenly notices that game images became intense and crisp. The details seemed sharper and fonts displayed during character's conversations became clear and legible. In short, he was blown away at the quality difference he obtained through something as simple as an upgrade in wiring.
As you can see, the Xbox 360 system is hardly a generic, one-size-fits all platform. Rather, it is a highly sophisticated, multi-component gaming system allowing users to customize their game play based upon style, preferences, and performance needs. These features make the Xbox 360 one of the most advanced, unique, and customizable gaming systems on the market today.
About the Author:
Contributing reporter, Toby Johns, provides Xbox 360 gaming news, industry analysis, and consumer product reviews to the xbox 360 Accessories Guide.Toby endorses Amazon affiliate store, xbox 360 accessories, for the largest and most comprehensive collection of Xbox 360 gaming accessories, peripherals, and components that support Microsoft's premiere gaming system.
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