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Xbox 360 wireless N adapter priced, released

$100 high-speed 802.11n network adapter will complement XBL's soon-to-debut 1080p high-def video content, improve connectivity.

Microsoft has a whole host of features it plans on jamming into its fall Xbox Live dashboard update. The firmware revision will introduce to the Xbox 360's online platform such features as Twitter and Facebook integration, a Music Marketplace for listening to recommendation-radio service Last.fm (which is owned by GameSpot parent CBS Interactive), and a News section offering information from Microsoft and NBC Universal's joint venture, MSNBC.com.

The Xbox 360's newest add-on.

The Xbox 360's newest add-on.

The Xbox 360 update will also introduce 1080p high-def video content through Xbox Live Marketplace. To facilitate that new offering, Microsoft this week released the Wireless N Networking Adapter, which it confirmed as existing in September following widespread rumors. Microsoft notes that the new wireless add-on will improve the performance of other online functionality in games and content downloads.

The $99.99 add-on uses the higher-speed 802.11n wireless standard, which Microsoft says allows for "increased speed, coverage, and reliability." The add-on also boasts two external antennas and integrates with 802.11a/b/g and n outputs. The single-antenna Xbox 360 wireless adapter supports only 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a wireless standards. Retailers such as GameStop and Amazon have marked down the old model to $69.99 and $76.49, respectively.

For a closer look at the Xbox Live Update, check out GameSpot Hardware's in-depth preview of its new features.

242 Comments

  • dkjjabs

    Posted Nov 28, 2009 3:17 am GMT

    playing wireless is crap it the reason ps3 lags so much and some games on xb, there is no way ppl with up to 16mg more like 2mg can play such fast moving detailed games like mod 2 with out giving every one lag.

  • schizo_sniper

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 2:12 pm GMT

    this new one looks nice, would suit my elite better than my current one, and i hope it is faster at downloading hd movies cos the time spent downloading them is a bit of a stretch.
    personally, i am gonna trade mine in at work, and get my staff discount and it'll work out at about £35 - £40 for the new one, and besides, the new one has "n" grade built in, should be better signal and connection and hopefully lag free too, i would be very disapointed if it had the same connection problems as the current adaptor.

    and by the way i have a wii, ps3 and an xbox360 so i dont want no1 starting on me about how one is better than the other!

  • moe725

    Posted Nov 15, 2009 7:38 pm GMT

    this is kinda stupid people buy old adapter for $100 and now they make a better one for a $100,just saying the great thing about ps3 is that they get a build in adapter, i personaly like both 360 and ps3 but i got a ps3


    but if i were you i wouldn't get this if you have a laptop get the internet come from there or whatever.

  • jtthegame316

    Posted Nov 13, 2009 4:45 am GMT

    i use ethernet for my xbox i only really use wireless on my lap top everything else i have wired.

  • RedToFire

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 3:58 pm GMT

    $99.99?! Fortunately my Xbox 360 is right next to my computer setup (I use the VGA HD AV cable from Microsoft to hook up my Xbox 360 with the PC monitor), so all I have to do is hook up my Xbox 360 to my router with a standard ethernet cable.

  • SalarianChemist

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 2:23 pm GMT

    Dear Microsoft:

    Please grow a brain and lower the price on this accessory! Everyone here agrees that this price is significantly overpriced. Everyone also agrees that the hard drive accessory is also significantly overpriced. A fair price would be $29.99 for the Wireless N Adapter. Thank you for listening to us.

    Sincerely,
    Salarian Chemist

    P.S. The Salarians are a race of aliens from Mass Effect who are considered the most intelligent species in the entire universe. Therefore, it would be a good idea to listen to me and other people who are saying what I am saying! Please lower the price!

  • norabbitnofun

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 2:09 pm GMT

    Ridiculous... A Dell Wifi a/b/g/n card costs $24. I am glad I do not have a 360 right now (though I have not heard of other consoles supporting Wifi n).

  • sturd880

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 1:11 pm GMT

    Too bad they can't release internal component replacements, like a gigabit lan adapter.

  • CaptainHerlock

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 10:53 am GMT

    That's Microsoft for you. Take the same business model developed for the PC and apply it to consoles. Nickel and diming you for EVERYTHING that should be included.

  • tsunami2311

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 10:32 am GMT

    wow that is expensive, glad I dont do any sorta gaming on Wireless, Let alone Microsoft Hardware that is crap to begin with.

    And I not talking about just there console's using shotty hardware, I talking about every piece of hardware they make

  • Megamanx266

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 10:26 am GMT

    Forgot to mention,

    At least those with an Xbox 360 (not saying I have one) are able to upgrade to something better, unlike you PS3 "fanboys"

    Personally I'm a PC guy

  • Megamanx266

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 10:23 am GMT

    @The_Tank103

    Lol you think I'm a fanboy?

    Taken straight from http://playstation.about.com/od/ps3/a/PS3SpecsDetails_3.htm

    Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g

    And yes that's built in, its sad that the fanboy in you didn't realize it

  • Its_a_me_luigi

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 9:06 am GMT

    Yay paying an extra hundred bucks for something that all other consoles have! Especially if that thing is almost neccessary for online gaming.

  • The_Tank103

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 9:01 am GMT

    @Vasot

    "@izmickey the PS3bot speaks about fanboyism...
    You are a very funny guy izmickey maybe you should stick to news that concerns your favorite console next time

    Wireless N being better from Wireless G is a FACT and not fanboyism by the way"

    That may be fact but, you can't just say it's better and it just came out last week. Last week the PS3 and Xbox 360's wireless would have been on par except for the fact that Xbox owners had to drop 100$ for the wireless. And now if you want it you have to drop another 100$ on it. So really the JOKE is on YOU. You could have just bought a PS3 and got everything in the pakage for the one price (no surcharges to make the system seem cheap when you have to still buy al the add-ons). You get built-in wireless, free online, built-in blu-ray and better grapics. And best of all its cheaper than an Xbox

  • joelgau

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 8:07 am GMT

    Why are PS3 fanboys even reading this article and flaming? This has nothing to do with the PS3. Go to the console wars forums and troll away all you want there. I have all the consoles and am happy with each. The PS3 does not have Wireless N integrated. It has wireless but is not the newest iteration. I have my entertainment room in the basement which hampers my connection somewhat. Therefore I am happy to see that MS is releasing a Wireless N adapter. Hopefully it will help my connection and download speeds. Before anyone says anything, I have a 10 megabyte and faster download speed.

  • traykey1

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 2:03 am GMT

    Oh great yet another device with twitter and facebook integration,Cause we really need this in our lives.

  • Vasot

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 2:00 am GMT

    @izmickey the PS3bot speaks about fanboyism...
    You are a very funny guy izmickey maybe you should stick to news that concerns your favorite console next time

    Wireless N being better from Wireless G is a FACT and not fanboyism by the way

  • fooltoast

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 1:24 am GMT

    All hail Ebay.

  • benboz

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 10:59 pm GMT

    Stop with this stupid fanboyism. I own a Xbox 360 and I really do like it and I have played a PS3 before and its a great console. Both consoles are the same thing. They play games, play movies, play music, play games online etc. I don't know why you PS3 and Xbox 360 fanboys do this. It's so stupid!!

  • inaka_rob

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 10:58 pm GMT

    1st. fanboyism is stupid. it stopped me from buying a ps3 even when I could afford it. and now I love my ps3 (in addiation to every other system ever made)
    2. I love my 360!!!!! hate microsoft. BRAND NEW NET BOOK with built in N-adapter:200 bucks. MICROSOFT: N-adapter: 100 bucks. REALLY?!??! thats expensive. I dont care if you are a 360 fanboy, if you don't think that is expensive, then you are out of your mind.

  • izmickey

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 10:27 pm GMT

    @Vasot
    Your fanboyism is clearly getting old.

  • The_Tank103

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 9:22 pm GMT

    @Megamanx266

    Good thing the fanboy in you is already reaping that the Xbox 360 has a better wireless router already and its not even OUT. and the funny thing is that if you have the wireless N router thats currently out how much did u pay 85$-100$ when PS3 had it intergrated with no surcharges. And if you bought the first one and are planing to buy this one you'll probally be paying 100$ plus for it so pleas shut up. And next time you want to talk up to the PS3 get ur facts straight please. Thank you. Xbox fanboys just make my day always trying to out due the PS3 and then just get shot down when people bring up their faults.

  • The_Tank103

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 9:13 pm GMT

    And i also love (sarcasm intended) how people say that 1080p dosent matter and PS3 isnt good because it has it and the Xbox 360s 1080i is the same. Funny that their upgrading it to match the PS3s definition. Why you ask because my good people it is superior

  • dachase posted Nov 11, 2009 9:11 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    dachase

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 9:11 pm GMT (hide)

    LOL keep charging for features that shouldve been included from day one M$, even the Wii has wifi LMFAO

  • The_Tank103

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 9:00 pm GMT

    @Jaggermaster Well, for you my good fanboy. I'd rather have it there in stead of go out and my one for like 85$ on top of the other 60$ i'd have to through down to pay for online. That's why i bought a PS3 because its cheaper than an Xbox 360 and more quality than an Xbox 360 too. And your argument is seriously weak.

    @Jaggermaster "More options for who you ?! Just because it's there and you use it doesn't mean everyone will use it. Whatever floats your boats" said Jaggermaster. Is this a joke. Come on seriously alot of people use it, for those people that have a PS3 and use wireless thats 85$ in their pocket. Basically enough to buy two new games.

  • Pablo620

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 8:13 pm GMT

    Or you can buy it all and more with the purchase of a PS3. Enjoy.

  • aGiantSquirrel

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 7:25 pm GMT

    ALRIGHT!!! This is what I've been waiting for. Another overpriced periphial from microsoft! I will definately have to buy this because I'm a hardcore Xbox fan, and Xbox is cool. yeah go Xbox!

    seriously people, stick with what works and get what offers you more value for your dollar and has Built-In wireless, yes, a PS3. Great Games, Great Graphics, More Features, Cheaper Price.

  • Nkosistryder

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 6:56 pm GMT

    $100...... LMAO!!! F*cking hell Lets break it down
    xbox elite ($299) + wireless n adaptor ($100) + charge kit ($20) + 1yr xbox live ($50) =

    $469!!!!!! Bare in mind xbox live is an on going subscription. REMEMBER that microsoft's HD Drive lost the the hd format war and blu ray has become the new standard. Loads of people lost bigtime wen they bought that obsolete piece of junk. I wouldn't be surprised release an EXTERNAL hd drive with a $150 price tag. i have heard rumors.

    So we're possibly talkin about spending *******$619****** Now PS3 is $299 n it all comes built in, 3rd party assessories can be used such as keyboards, usb adaptors and cheap high capacity harddrive's etc. And yes it is wireless g but think about it hd streaming isn't quite as essential on ps3. mainly because they hav blu ray movies n series being made almost as much as normal dvd's whereas microsoft is tryin to compensate by streamin hd movies instead so that having an inferior hd drive isn't a major issue i guess. Either way, i like xbox 360 a lot but we hav to be honest ppl, wen u break down the figures we're being raped.

    I hate to say it i think ps3 in my personal opinion is a better CHEAPER option.

  • demonkingx5

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 6:33 pm GMT

    @baystatethrashr i don't care it still 2 high 4 something that should be built in like ps3 & wii

  • Tauu

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 5:12 pm GMT

    Microsoft is digging their own grave.

  • Normaral85

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 3:14 pm GMT

    Their just giving us users more reasons to hack things like hard drives and such with prices like these.

  • Normaral85

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 3:09 pm GMT

    Alright coo, a new faster adapter for 100 bucks whatever. But couldn't they have been coo and like hooked us up with the other model for like 50 bucks or less. I mean come on, this is some bull,

  • artson1966

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 3:05 pm GMT

    lol its cheaper to by a N wireless router and hook up hard wired greed greed this would cost MS 29 bucks to make 99 dollar pricepoint is 40 bucks to high

  • izmickey

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:29 pm GMT

    @ Draaagoon
    If your gonna put up an argument tell the whole story. Xbox360 has backward compatibility but not for all the original xbox games, which sucks because there are some games i would like to play on my xbox360 but cant. I agree its not a waste of money, but its very expensive, just like most of there accessories.

    @YepImHigh
    Genious dude, i do the same thing. I'm not wasting 100 dollars on that wifi adapter, i can buy a game or two if i buy on ebay.

  • Somebody89

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:08 pm GMT

    $100? no thanks

  • derekscorp

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 2:01 pm GMT

    This is absolutely pathetic. Is Microshaft going to offer some kind of trade-in program for those that purchased the ridiculously-overpriced original adapter? The current one doesn't even support WPA (while the "primitive" Wii does, free of charge.) I actually had to DOWNgrade my wireless network from WPA to WEP when I got my Xbox.

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 1:41 pm GMT

    Finally the 802.11 a/b/g wireless adapter is going to be in a price range I may be willing to pay. I'd rather have the N adapter, but its not worth it to me since I currently don't use XBL Gold.

    They certainly were clever to release it along with the streaming 1080p service.
    _

  • TheProfileth

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 1:18 pm GMT

    $60 1TB External Hardrive ftw suck on that console gamers Sony is the only company not dragging its ass as slowly as the others when it comes to 3rd party memory attachments if Microsoft were to be undercut by 3rd party that have competitive prices and fair quality/cost ratios then Microsoft would lose money. Just image if you could buy a Xbox wireless adapter for $35 or a a 200GB hardrive for $50 , who would buy the Microsoft ones? So in order for them to maintain their unfair business practices of poor performance/high price they have to establish a monopoly and they do this by not allowing unmodified Xboxs to use cheaper better peripherals. So eventually they release a "better" hardrive people will have no choice but to giver up on the system (like i have but for different reasons, infact I have given up on all console gaming save the PS2 and dreamcast) or spend ridicules amounts of cash on an oversized usb drive and still not be able to buy all the nice content that they give you to buy. I guess they expect you to be able to store it in your mental cloud storage. This kind of behavior is typical so what ever. I love the Xbox and the PS3 not really the Wii but I am a full convert to PC so I get bad quality ports because of you console gamers (waves fist like old man angrily) so don't be complaining if you get crappy hardware.
    End Rant (takes a bow and leaves the stage while taking his soapbox with him, complains about the 1500 character limit and that this is 1499 so ha)

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 12:37 pm GMT

    thorleift
    its called england, have you heard of it?

  • FF_fan2004

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 12:34 pm GMT

    Now that's really heartbreaking.

  • XanderZane

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 12:27 pm GMT

    They should integrate this new network adapter into next years Xbox 360 Slim. That would make sense. The only one should be dropped to $50 or less. It should never have been $100 to begin with. If you already have the network adapter, there's really no need to get this new one.

  • DrKill09

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 12:25 pm GMT

    Why didn't you get it right the FIRST TIME? My friend had it, and was constantly dropped from matches. He has no connection problems with the PS3's wifi.

    You guys make more add ons than Sega did.

  • Avenger1324

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 12:14 pm GMT

    Or of course you could use the ethernet cable and get the maximum speed all the time without the connection dropping.

    MS really needs to rethink how it prices accessories - harddrives and wireless adaptors that cost half the price of the console - far too much

  • luc11044

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 11:28 am GMT

    It's ironic that they don't mention that the first 360 wireless adapter has received massive complaints from its users. Do you think we'll jump onboard that ride again with a "new and improved" wireless N adapter? uhm...I think NOT!

  • baystatethrashr

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 11:28 am GMT

    @demonkingx5

    they did lower the price it helps if you actually read the article sometimes

    "Retailers such as GameStop and Amazon have marked down the old model to $69.99 and $76.49, respectively."

  • demonkingx5

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 11:16 am GMT

    M$ nickling & diming us again watch as they discoutued the 1 they got out now instead of lowering the orice of the old one

  • destroyeur

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 11:13 am GMT

    still too expensive, like the HDs, even a power supply cost 100$, and for 50$ the controller doesn't have a battery pack

  • bigdaddygoon

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 11:00 am GMT

    look i have a ps3 hookup with wifi i also a n router and it has 802.11n and it works perfect most of the time and when it does not its because my stepmom move it

  • nintendokid

    Posted Nov 11, 2009 10:41 am GMT

    The old one (wireless G) just means that there is a limit of 54mbps data being sent back and forth between the router and the device(s). The router still sends and accepts data according to the max down/upload speed of your internet. It's all about a combination of router compatibility (with XBL), signal strength, ping, and traffic. You could be on DSL 1.5mbps internet speed hooked up to a regular a/b/g router and have lagless play if your ping is

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