Xbox 360 Messenger Kit

Product Summary

Popzara Rating

The Xbox 360 Messenger Kit is actually a nice surprise for owners who’ll want to take advantage of every communication options that the console has to offer, which includes some impressive text-messaging features.  While I personally don't care much for the Windows Messenger service that Microsoft runs, its not required to use the kit for basic text-functions, but certainly worth looking into if you plan on getting the most out of the investment.  The chatpad certainly beats traditional hunt 'n pecking through the letters and symbols and I won't miss the virtual keyboard one bit.  At first I couldn't imagine who this addition would appeal to, as Xbox Live has full voice-chat built into the service, but then again I can't explain why people with perfectly good cell phones prefer to type their messages, either.  A solid purchase if you're looking to ditch the virtual keyboard, even with its curiously high price-tag. Manufacturer: Microsoft Model Number: 882224486088 Price: $29.99

Written by Herman Exum

The recent pastime of quality gaming with my Xbox 360 have been engaging and undoubtedly entertaining, and it’s also no secret that Xbox Live provides some intense moments where it really counts. Besides fragging lesser souls on a global scale, a major part of that joyful experience (unless you're a lesser soul) lays within the interactions with fellow friends and/or potential targets online.  Speaking directly with others might be more than adequate for most subscribers, but it's about time the able service got in touch with its roots and made more traditional communication methods available.  Good thing that Microsoft has all you text-lovers out there covered with the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit.

While the console has support for standard USB keyboards, extra cables are always a hassle, not to mention swapping between controller and yet another peripheral.  That's where Microsoft's integrated kit comes in handy - literally.  One-button access to onscreen chat boxes and Windows Live Messenger options are now on-demand, as is the traditional (and often naughty) voice-chat of the standard Xbox Live experience.  Although his type of functionality seems like something that should have been a standard feature, for now would-be chatters will have to settle for a small attachment that helps complete the online experience for Xbox 360 users.

The chatpad attachment itself fits snugly into the bottom-half of the Xbox 360 controller with a satisfying snap, and despite the added bulk never feels too heavy or awkward when thrashing others online.  They layout is standard QWERTY-style and immediately familiar, which as you might imagine makes quick typing much easier and fluid.  Speedy text conversations were never the Xbox 360's strong suit, but thanks to its sturdy and intuitive design those uncomfortable with voice-chat might feel more compelled to let the world know how they're doing.  Most of the keys have alternatives that can be activated by the green and amber buttons, which can even open a messenger window onscreen if needed.  There's even a nifty backlight to help illuminate the chatpad if playing in the dark, which considering my Xbox Live competition should mean quite a few of you.  None of these features interfere with the actual functionality of the unit, a feat unto itself.

The included headset is specifically made for the chatpad, as it passes through the unit itself and sports a special 2.5mm jack and volume controls.  Unfortunately, there's a reason for its existence, as the standard Xbox Live headset isn't compatible with the chatpad once its docked into place.  Those in love with their current headsets would do good to consider this one design flaw, but its also worth noting that older Xbox Live (from the original Xbox console) and standard mobile headsets can be used if push comes to shove.  Its worth mentioning that the included headset has a vastly improved volume/mute clip, which may not mean much to some of you reading this, but means the world to me.

The Xbox 360 Messenger Kit is actually a nice surprise for owners who’ll want to take advantage of every communication options that the console has to offer, which includes some impressive text-messaging features.  While I personally don't care much for the Windows Messenger service that Microsoft runs, its not required to use the kit for basic text-functions, but certainly worth looking into if you plan on getting the most out of the investment.  The chatpad certainly beats traditional hunt 'n pecking through the letters and symbols and I won't miss the virtual keyboard one bit.  At first I couldn't imagine who this addition would appeal to, as Xbox Live has full voice-chat built into the service, but then again I can't explain why people with perfectly good cell phones prefer to type their messages, either.  A solid purchase if you're looking to ditch the virtual keyboard, even with its curiously high price-tag.