Microsoft details 360 accessories

Company announces pricing, release dates for camera, wireless steering wheel, wireless headset for Xbox 360s, gaming receiver for PCs.

It's not just divas and fashionistas who like to accessorize. Peripherals and accessories are becoming big business for gaming companies, and new technology is letting even more high-tech gadgets to hang on the arms of next-generation systems.

Microsoft today dropped the final details of its fall lineup of Xbox 360 peripherals (and one PC accessory), including the pricing and release dates for the console's Web cam, wireless steering wheel, and wireless headset.

As previously stated (but not officially announced), the Xbox Live Vision camera will be released in the United States on September 19, though some stores have apparently already begun selling them. Rumors circulating that the camera would be available in a bundle for $39.99 were right but didn't tell the whole story--an additional $79.99 bundle will also be offered.

The $39.99 package will include the camera, a one-month subscription to Xbox Live Gold, an Xbox 360 headset, and two Xbox Live Arcade games that support the camera--Uno and TotemBall. For two more $20s, gamers get everything in the previous bundle plus an upgrade to a full-year subscription to Xbox Live Gold, a third Xbox Live Arcade game (Robotron: 2084), and 200 Marketplace points.

Microsoft also announced the previously released Xbox Live Arcade games that would support the camera. Bankshot Billiards 2, Texas Hold 'Em, Hardwood Hearts, and Hardwood Spades will all incorporate video chat.

The Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel will rev up cyber drivers in November for $149.99. As a bonus, Microsoft will also include a copy of a force-feedback version of Bizarre Creations' Project Gotham Racing 3 (while supplies last).

Those irked by the confinement of a wired Xbox Live headset will be able to free themselves up later this year. The Xbox 360 Wireless Headset will retail for $59.99 in November.

PC gamers won't be left out in the cold on these new wireless accessories. Microsoft is also releasing the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows which let wireless peripherals designed for the next-gen console be used with PCs. The receiver will be available in late December for $19.99.

While the above items focus on the gameplay, they don't do a whole lot for the Xbox 360's aesthetics. Microsoft will also give Xbox 360s a makeover with some new faceplates. In early November, gamers can add Viva Piñata and Forza Motorsport 2 faceplates to their consoles for $19.99 each.

100 Comments

  • s3lFc0nTr0l

    Posted Oct 19, 2006 2:32 pm PT

    no bigger hard drive

  • peeweeshift

    Posted Oct 4, 2006 7:43 am PT

    lhardwick692 microsoft doesn't creat games. there is a seperate studio for games and a seperate studio for their accesories. The majority of the games have to come from other publishers anyways. On original xbox there probably was only 7 microfst studio games anyways.

  • lhardwick692

    Posted Sep 15, 2006 8:46 am PT

    instead of worrying so much about peripherals(also known as accessories)-whyisnt microsoft concentrating on games---you can have a gazillion accessories but they dont serve any purpose unless games are there to play----one game a month isntpleasing the masses--

  • Spartan1017

    Posted Sep 7, 2006 8:27 pm PT

    cool,
    i dunno what else to say,
    sounds good.

  • nikefreak

    Posted Aug 28, 2006 6:44 pm PT

    Even WITH the Media features, you dont need harddrive space... Its streamed from the PC (I know, I use it frequently)... The wheel is NOT all that expensive, considering its not just RUMBLE, its rumble AND true force-feedback... And, its wireless unless you want the force-feedback enabled, then you use a power cord (Of course, those are big motors to provide the force feedback on the steering wheel, and with batteries they would be dead in NO time)... The wireless headset isnt really expensive either, considering what you are getting, and the fact it is totally integrated into the consoles wireless abilities, and doesnt need a reciever, adaptor, etc. Faceplates are no more expensive than cellphone faceplates, and people buy those is droves... So yeah, I like all of the above

    You guys keep ranting about the price of the wheel... Do you even know how much a TRUE force-feedback (Where you feel it pull you when you go through turns, or bump the wheel around when you go offroad, etc, not just rumble) wheel goes for? Apparently not, as this price is about what you would pay (or maybe a tad more) for a similar wheel on the PC, PS3, etc.

  • boocreepyfootdr

    Posted Aug 26, 2006 6:20 am PT

    Tons of new stuff. First of all, the wheel is just a bit too expensive, and as a PGR3 owner it saddens me that it is the freebie rather than Forza 2 being bundled in. The camera is packed with stuff, although I already own Uno and a headset, and would have no need for a free month of gold, it still will be a good deal for some people. The wireless headset is needed, and it will be quite expensive. Faceplates are cool, also too expensive, except for the Forza one which is just plain aweseome and worth it at any dumb cost!

    Finally, the big thing missing from all this is the new bigger hard drive. Its already needed, trust me, even without TiVo media center fetaures, just with the basic demos and custom soundtracks I'm running out of space. Now another holiday season with tons of new games comes by and that twenty gigs are going to crumble.

  • grandor

    Posted Aug 25, 2006 9:27 am PT

    I like the webcam, but what's the deal with only bundling it with a headset? I already have a headset and gold subscription, so would prefer to just pay a bit less for just the camera.

  • valiendocheese

    Posted Aug 25, 2006 1:39 am PT

    just add 20 more bucks to the price of the steering wheel and u get a Wii, STOP MILKING YOUR FANBOYS MICROSOFT!!

  • _Sam_

    Posted Aug 24, 2006 9:21 pm PT

    sounds cool

  • jattpunjabdaa

    Posted Aug 24, 2006 2:20 pm PT

    lol ill get the reciever to play halo online.. maybe steering wheel.. or ill just get a brand spankin new fully loadded Playstation 3!!!!!!!!! LOllll i have a 360 already though lolllllllllllllll

  • fordies

    Posted Aug 24, 2006 1:07 pm PT

    I was looking at buying the cam and steering wheel but im not paying £35 for a glorified webcam and about £90 for a steering wheel when i can be spending that on 3-4 extra games.

  • thomanji

    Posted Aug 24, 2006 10:59 am PT

    What is this about "force-feedback version of Bizarre Creations' Project Gotham Racing 3". Does this mean the copy of PGR I bought at the launch does not support this force-feedback Steering? Man, that would really mess me up, since I am still not over that they changed the 360 twice since I bought it. Now if I read this right, even some of the launch games (PGR) do not work with the new accessories? Microsoft please stop screwing be for being a early adapter.

  • OPOLO

    Posted Aug 24, 2006 10:30 am PT

    I'll get the Cam & Headset - the headset should have been there for launch

  • jcloverboy

    Posted Aug 24, 2006 9:31 am PT

    Can't wait for everything.

    Especially a nice new headset.

  • jakeboudville

    Posted Aug 24, 2006 1:11 am PT

    I have my christmas wishlist soon for the racing wheel

  • raidenseven

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 11:12 pm PT

    i wished they announced a bigger HDD thats all i want from M$ i only see one problem with M$ making a bigger HDD how are u going to transfer all ur game data music profiles saves videos etc etc to the new HDD i hope they include something with the new HDD that allows u to take info from one HDD and put it into the bigger one

  • NEO_FOLLOWER

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 9:24 pm PT

    ok...microsoft is doing a bad job of "letting us the consumers choose" as they put it last year...

    I ALREADY HAVE 3 WIRED HEADSETS ALL I WANT IS ONE MORE WIRELESS I DONT NEED ANOTHER HEADSET WITH THE CAMERA ALL I WANT IS THE CAMERA!U CANT TRADE IN THE 360 HEADSETS ANYWHERE AND SELLING THEM ON EBAY IS POINTLESS

    I DONT WANT A GAME WITH MY RACING WHEEL I JUST WANT A RACING WHEEL....

    THEY BETTER NOT INCLUDE SUMIN WITH THE PC CONTROLLER RECIEVER!

    A BETTER IDEA IS TO MAKE A PACKAGE OF SINGLE ACCESSORIES(camera only,wireless headset only,driving wheel only)SELL THEM A BIT CHEAPER THAN NOW, AND HAVE THE COMBO PACKAGES
    IF THEY WANT TO "LET US CHOOSE AND BUILD OUR OWN SETUP" THEY NEED TO DO THIS(or have some kind of tradein system for all their stuff)

  • NinjaSpunk

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 9:21 pm PT

    So if I already own Uno, can I trade in my "free game" for MS Points?

  • Igwababa

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 9:08 pm PT

    Cool Im picking the camera when it comes out, and maybe the headset, if it can be used say with my pc. However the reciever is defnianlty useful say when Halo 2 comes out on vista

  • Generic_Dude

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 6:11 pm PT

    lol, "which let wireless peripherals designed for the [360] be used with PCs". For what? Decoration? What games are going to support this? I got the 360 controller for Windows and it hasn't worked with a damned thing. Luckily, I have a 360, but still.

  • veracity024

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 5:22 pm PT

    I DONT AWANT A HEADSET!

  • prioritymail

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 3:51 pm PT

    What about the camera alone?
    I have uno and a subscription to xbox live and headset....

    So I have to waste extra money on getting duplicates of things I already have.

  • oldhott02

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 3:43 pm PT

    that is wierd that the 39.99 comes with a headset but then a solo headset cost 59.99...

  • moocow21

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 3:18 pm PT

    Wow.. that stuff is way too expensive; particularily the racing wheel and wireless headset.

  • supergod1

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 3:13 pm PT

    I might be gettin a 360 at xmas, so these will be cool stockin gifts.

  • Deagler_

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 3:02 pm PT

    oh sweet!
    Im getting it for sure now

  • Diamondbarrow

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 2:51 pm PT

    You know, they really could have thrown in some more points for the premium camera bundle. I mean, 200 points? Why even bother? You really can't get much with 200. Now, had it been 1000, i'd be sold on the premium deal.

  • coxmartin

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 2:41 pm PT

    I have the lot please and no need to gift wrap

    But when is the UK release planned? or do I need to call my Bro again for another special delivery

  • Travis281

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 2:35 pm PT

    Well this stuff all sounds great to me. Why not get another 360 headset, they break all the time anyway. As for the wireless headset being $59.99...if you remember, the MS wireless headset for the original Xbox originally retailed for $79.99. I'll be getting the $40 camera package as well as the wireless headset.

  • Pickles16

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 2:29 pm PT

    pssht i dont think the second package for teh camrea is worth it.

  • comthitnuong

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 2:13 pm PT

    i dont think im gonna buy any of them

  • Ravenlore_basic

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 1:54 pm PT

    WOW I this is just MILKING Xbox 360 fans like nothing else. I mean MS is already changing $$$ for 3rd party accessories and now I SEE WHY, they want people to buy theirs and make sure that others will not be too much cheaper. I thought MS had a patten for using 2 HD camers for use in 3D MOVEMENT recognition?? that's going to cost more $$$.

    Well, it is not like Sony is doing a lot less. Sure their Online is free, and their PS2 controlers cost less but lets see how much their controlers cost this time?? And thier 3D eye toy camers??

  • Batalskar

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 1:31 pm PT

    Its been said before....and its going to be said again....WHY cant they just have the camera by itself? I have uno, dont even know what the other game is, I have a headset and LIVE....all I need is the camera, thats it, why are "bundles" all the rave with Microsoft?

  • ice_radon

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 1:30 pm PT

    I am going to have to pass. This is a worthless feature that should have never been shown to the public.

  • Mechakucha

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 1:20 pm PT

    Wow, everything is a rip off on the 360, and the trend continues. 60 bucks for a wireless headset?! That's almost as crazy as the $100 wireless network adapter. Those who buy the wheel must really love the 360 to spend $450-550 on the thing (not including games). Not to mention how much the HD-DVD drive will be. The PS3 is looking cheaper and cheaper all the time (by comparison, of course).

  • Trigun1

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 12:46 pm PT

    What all does the racing wheel come with? for 150 it better have a gass, brake and clutch.

  • neverbesocial

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 12:40 pm PT

    Pricing seems fair to all of the above, except one. I still can't find the justification of selling a faceplate for $19.99. I think that's retarded.

  • fordies

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 12:07 pm PT

    Im will more than likely get the vision cam and the wheel because i bought a wheel a few years back and have only used it a few times because it didnt feel like you were driving the car but if this force feedback is as good as people are saying then i cant wait.

  • onthe_dl

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 11:42 am PT

    force feedback is not rumble. force feedback is something all steering wheels should have for systems which is the wheel will resist itself on turns so you have the feeling of driving a real car. so it's not just a crappy wheel that spins around effortless. it's to have the feeling of the road. not rumble

  • tonyleo01

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 11:41 am PT

    money money money

  • bike2live

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 11:34 am PT

    At GameFest I got a chance to use the wheel. The lap option does NOT have any kind of side stabilizers, like flaps to hold it in place. The underside is contoured for legs but thats it. Also, force feedback will be DISABLED in the lap configuration. You MUST have it clamped to get the force feedback.

  • PS-king-llV

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 11:32 am PT

    Copy of eyetoy,wanbes

  • rgsniper1

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 11:04 am PT

    Force feedback is rumble right? SO PGR3 didn't have force feedback when it came out?

    According to this video, rumble and force feedback are 2 different things.

    Rumble can be used with a battery pack, while force feedback requires you to be plugged into a wall outlet.
    -----
    Force Feedback - when your car goes around a corner you can feel your steering wheel fight you because of the friction. Rumble- when you are sitting still and rev your engine you can feel the controller rumbling to relay the power of your engine rev up. Also you'll feel rumble when you do things like crash.

  • Brutalus7

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 11:01 am PT

    that's nice, but what about Live for PC or Live Anywhere (or whatever it's called) and the HD-DVD player for 360?

  • kingassman

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 10:46 am PT

    Alright I wasent so sure about this Xbox live Vision thing, but now that ive seen the package deal im sold! My headset is broken and i was going to buy a new one but why not for 50 bucks get a webcam and a couple arcade games to go with it!

  • quigonjinn23

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 10:32 am PT

    I just wish i can use my msn and that cam on my xbox360

  • krakoon

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 10:25 am PT

    Force feedback is rumble right? SO PGR3 didn't have force feedback when it came out?

    According to this video, rumble and force feedback are 2 different things.

    Rumble can be used with a battery pack, while force feedback requires you to be plugged into a wall outlet.

    http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/08/23/peripherals-gone-wild-caught-on-video/

  • Grego64

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 10:10 am PT

    i wonder if you can get free marketplace points if you already have uno

  • balindos

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 10:01 am PT

    The gaming receiver is a good deal and I could use it to take breaks from work and play some sports games on my notebook.

  • StevenHawking

    Posted Aug 23, 2006 10:00 am PT

    finally I'm glad that microsoft is gettin' things right. I'm definately very glad I bought my 360 finally!

advertisement

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!

Related Game

Uno Boxshot
Uno

Game Stats

  • Rank:
    5,427 of 59,192
    (up by 1,017)
    X360 Rank:
    562 of 1,499
    Tracking:
    2,064 Track It»
    Wishlists:
    183 Wish It»
  • Users Now Playing:
    630
  • Number of Players:

    1 Player, 4 Online Online Modes: Competitive, Team Oriented

  • Top 5 User Tags:
    1. uno
    2. cards
    3. carbonated games
    4. board game
    5. xbox 360
  • Everyone Rating Description

    Titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language. Learn more

Full Game Details »Close

Related Games

Recent News

See All News »

Site Blogs