Microsoft Xbox 360 Microsoft Xbox 360 accessories
There's a whole range of accessories available for the Xbox 360, both official products made and supplied by Microsoft and those supplied by third parties.
There are far too many to list, but we've picked out the major official products that could enhance your console. They're all widely available.
Controllers and remotes
Xbox360 wireless controller
- Approx price £30
Microsoft's Xbox 360 can support four controllers, and a second wireless controller is a must, as it lets you play against your friends.
The Xbox guide button can be used to turn the console on and access the main menu.
If you're really keen, you can link up to four Xbox 360 consoles, each with four controllers – which means 16 players.
Kinect controller
- Approx price £130
The Kinect is the motion-sensing controller for the Xbox 360.
Players control the action on screen by moving their body. It does require quite a bit of space though, so it's not ideal for using in small rooms.
See our full video review of Kinect for Xbox 360.
Universal media remote
- Approx price £20
This remote control allows you to navigate videos, films and music stored on your Xbox 360. It's more convenient than using the wireless controller.
You can also control Windows Media Center using this remote.
Cables
Advanced Scart AV cable
- Approx price £15
This cable allows you to connect your Xbox 360 to your TV via a spare Scart socket.
This should give you better picture quality than the standard AV cable supplied with the Arcade Xbox 360.
Component HD AV cable
- Approx price £20
If you have an Elite version of the Xbox 360, then you'll already have this cable.
But if you own an Arcade version, upgrading to the component cable will improve your picture over the one you get with the composite cable.
If you have an HD TV you'll be able to get an HD picture, but even if you don’t, your picture quality will still improve.
VGA HD AV cable
- Approx price £20
The VGA HD AV cable allows you to connect your Xbox 360 to a computer monitor.
The cable also has standard analogue audio outputs.
Peripherals
Xbox360 wireless network adapter
- Approx price £45
Only required for older Xbox 360 models, as the 4GB and 250GB slim models come with wi-fi functionality built in.
An expensive but essential item for anyone who wants to connect an older Xbox 360 to the internet via wi-fi.
Read our guide to Playstation 3 peripherals
Xbox 360 headset
- Approx price £20
A fairly basic accessory, this wired headset comes bundled with the Elite version of the Xbox 360, but not with the Arcade version.
It plugs directly into your controller and allows internet chat for online games.
However, the wire coming out of the controller can get in the way. Luckily, there's a wireless version available (below).
Wireless headset
- Approx price £35
If you don't like trailing wires, it's worth upgrading your basic headset to this wireless version.
It has all the same functionality and clips neatly over the ear.
Make sure it's fully charged so you that don’t get cut off mid-conversation.
Wireless gaming receiver for Windows
- Approx price £15
The wireless gaming receiver is not strictly an accessory for the XBox 360.
It simply allows you to use your Xbox 360 wireless controllers with your Windows-based games, rather than using the standard joysticks or controllers you might have for your PC.
Live vision camera
- Approx price £35
The live vision camera has several uses. For example, it can be used to enhance gameplay on certain games.
It allows you to video chat with friends or send video messages via your Xbox 360. You can also take photos with it.
Storage
Hard drive
- Approx price £65
Only compatible with older Xbox 360s, these add-on hard drives are a useful way to store demos and install games on your console. However, it's worth remembering that the Xbox 360 can accept USB drives up to 16GB, so this may prove a cheaper option.
The biggest hard drive currently available is the 250GB version.
Batteries and charging
Play and charge kit
- Approx price £15
Replace your disposable batteries with this rechargeable battery pack.
If the power on your wireless controller runs low, you can plug the cable into the USB socket and charge the battery pack while you play.
Quick charge kit
- Approx price £20
This is simply a stand that holds and charges up to two battery packs.
It's handy as it means that you'll always have a spare battery available for those longer gaming sessions.
Read our reviews of the latest LCD, LED and Plasma TV's
