Microsoft confirms new Xbox 360 802.11n wireless adapter

Last week, Microsoft declined to comment on a Federal Communications Commission filing, which indicated the company is readying a high-speed, dual-antenna, matte-black 802.11n wireless adapter for the Xbox 360.

Today, the company broke its silence. "We can confirm that Xbox 360 will offer a Wireless N Networking Adapter that will enable Xbox 360 owners to seamlessly connect with their home network with the highest wireless N technology," the company said in a statement.

Unfortunately, other than saying the adapter would offer an "easy way" for Xbox 360 owners to "fully enjoy the added benefits of Xbox Live," Microsoft was mum. "We have nothing further to announce at this time," was all a company rep would say to questions regarding price and release date. However, tech-blog Ars Technica's reliable retail mole says the new adapter will cost $100, with the old adapter's price dropping to $80. (Both the PlayStation 3 and Wii come with wireless connectivity built in.)

As indicated by Microsoft, the new Xbox 360 wireless add-on will be able to use the higher-speed 802.11n wireless standard, which also has "up to twice the range of previous-generation Wi-Fi gear" according to the Wi-Fi Alliance trade group. In testing since 2007, the technology was designed with high-definition video--like the 1080p video which Xbox Live Marketplace will offer later this year--and gaming in mind. The current Xbox 360 model only supports 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a wireless standards.