Xbox Accessories

Xbox Live Kits

Online games used to be exclusively for the PC. Not anymore. The Xbox has broadened the horizon of gaming by offering Xbox Live, a service that allows gamers to play certain Xbox titles online with players around the globe. The kits vary by the amount of time you subscribe to the service. Most come with a headset which has a microphone built in that enables you to communicate with other players, and even mask or block other voices while the action takes place. You can create your own user identity and keep track of your high scores. How much is it? The cheapest kit you can buy costs around $30 dollars and gives you three months of service. A starter kit, which gives you 6 months of Xbox Live service will cost you about $60.

Windows Media Center Extender

Turn your Xbox into an entertainment center with this accessory. You can watch and record TV shows, listen to FM or Internet radio, view images, video and DVD movies. It attaches to your Xbox and computer with a wired or wireless connection. It can also be hooked up to a home network (with an optional Ethernet adapter) so you can use it on multiple TVs. How cool is that? If you are an Xbox Live subscriber, it keeps you updated on any current activities and invitations. If you are interested in buying it, get ready to cough up about $80 bucks to get yourself hooked up.

Xbox Skins

Dress up your Xbox with a variety of different skin designs. From bright colors to interesting images, you can personalize your system the way you want. You can even get skins for your controller to match, if you are into that. Many websites like Designer Skins and Decal Girl offer a wide selection of choices. Cost for these average around $7.00 to $30 dollars.

Controller Choices

The controller. A gamer’s crucial accessory to play those addicting, action-packed games. There are a few choices available, depending on your preferences or type of games you play. The standard black wired Xbox Controller S is the popular choice, with its 2 analog controls, directional button pad, 4 action buttons, 2 trigger buttons, black and white buttons, and vibration feedback motors. This controller also comes in a wireless form, which will need batteries to function properly. The Xbox controller comes in different colors and themes (like superheroes or monsters). Prices vary in range from $10 dollars to around $50 depending on the brand and whether or not it is wireless.

Other types of controllers available are:

• Steering wheel controller for racing games

• Wireless Dance Pad (to try and make all those slick moves)

• Arcade sticks for fighting games, flight simulators, air combat or classic arcade style games.

So many Xbox accessories, so little time…

Playing on the Xbox console is a lot of fun. Depending on your gaming style, whether you are a casual player or a psycho obsessive (like me), different kinds of accessories can enhance your play. Try your hand at online play, dress up your Xbox with a designer skin, experiment with different controllers, or turn your console into an elaborate entertainment center, it is all up to you.

By Sheila Robinson (CA-gamer)