360 Mouse and KB control available today
You may recall us telling you about TeamXtender's XFPS 360 last month. The XFPS 360 is an adapter that allows you to use mouse and keyboard controls on the Xbox 360. For those of you who've been longing to get one for yourself (or that special someone as a present) look no further. The XFPS is now available for purchase from Video Game Advantage -- TeamXtender's official reseller. The adapter allows you to use more than a mouse and keyboard, too. It's also compatible with pretty much all Playstation 2 controls. Sure, you could plug your DualShock 2 in there, but you could also use all those other PS2 peripherals you have lying around. Light guns, steering wheels, dance mats: if you've got it, it should work. At $79.99, the device isn't cheap, but we're sure the device will be worth it for dedicated FPS players and those with substantial PS2 peripheral collections. Quick, somebody buy one of these and see what happens when you play Gears of War with a guitar.
[Via 360-HQ]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
762x51 @ Dec 19th 2006 3:40PM
Not quite available now.
"--Ships 1st week of January--"
I'll believe it when I see it.
Sjohn @ Dec 19th 2006 3:41PM
I should be getting one soon, depends on how long the shipping will take. I'll have a full review of it along with trying some Gears with a Guitar just for you guys. Thanks for linking to our site also, this story really got some action over the past day or so. I'll be sure to send in the tip as soon as I finish with the review.
modeps @ Dec 19th 2006 3:58PM
Like I said before, I hope MS updates their firmware and blocks usage of these.
un1qu3 n3wy0rk @ Dec 19th 2006 4:19PM
It just makes me sad to see the good old game pad getting replaced by the keyboard and mouse. I too hope an update will block this.
DeadPlasmaCell @ Dec 19th 2006 4:39PM
"Like I said before, I hope MS updates their firmware and blocks usage of these."
I hate to sound like a square, but I'm feelin the same way.. It would be cool and all to use, but KB & Mouse on the shooter games is going to be really unfair. Then again, it would be a great help on C&C 3, and stuff like that.
Krazy Koala @ Dec 19th 2006 4:51PM
I agree, maybe its not as precise as a keyboard and mouse, but controllers make a lot more sense for shooters. I'm sorry, there are no real soldiers that are nearly as accurate and fast as some of those sickos in PC gaming. In fact I'd say that a controller is more accurate...relative to how a real gun would be in precision. Mice take the fun out of gaming and introduces hardcore bs.
Tucker @ Dec 19th 2006 4:55PM
Oh, heavens no! Don't provide people with alternative control options! You guys sound *absolutely* ridiculous. I mean seriously, refresh the page and read your own comments again.
If you don't like it, don't buy it. If you think it's going to make you less competitive, go ahead and buy one. It's as simple as that.
Why not say, "oh, gee, I hope MS releases a patch that only lets you use THEIR wheel and pedals" or "when will MS release the patch blocking all third-party controllers?"
Hell, while we're at it, why not allow the console only to play MS titles, exclusively? After all, another developer might release a game that other people play better than you - we don't want that, now do we? That'd be TOTALLY unfair.
DJFMA @ Dec 19th 2006 4:57PM
On the plus side... something like this just may attract die-hard PC users to getting an Xbox 360.
There was a time when I refused to play FPSs on a console. That was until I caved in and bought a 360. I haven't regretted it once.
s2h @ Dec 19th 2006 5:29PM
tucker go back to your pc you homo
s2h @ Dec 19th 2006 5:33PM
let me explain my last comment, if i wanna play hunched over a keyboard using a mouse... ill play on a pc
if i wanna kick back relaxed on a couch with a nice plasma tv ill use a console
Tiberius Jones @ Dec 19th 2006 5:42PM
Those of you worried about an unfair advantage being gained from the use of a mouse and keyboard don't understand hardware vs software in control schemes.
Axis sensitivity is still determined by software, NOT hardware. Therefore, a specific games controls are going to be limited in turning speed etc. by the games programming. A keyboard isn't going to be anything other than an emotional advantage. It's basically just away to appease PC gamers and attract them to the 360. It won't affect your game in anyway, so relax and keep on playing free of fear.
Vilhelm @ Dec 19th 2006 5:52PM
-s2h-
Since when is playing PC games for homos? Tucker is absolutely right. I've avoided consoles for years because of the controller. I love FPS games and playing one without a mouse/keyboard is so handicaped.
I think you just got schooled one day playing Halo on the PC and as such you are bitter.
DeadPlasmaCell @ Dec 19th 2006 5:58PM
Damn Tucker.. how embarrassing. It totally went over your head there didn't it?
jfls @ Dec 19th 2006 6:31PM
I don't see what the problem is. If you think this thing gives other players an advantage, you're free to buy one yourself and level the playing field. This is no different than using a joystick instead of a control pad for a fighting game, or using a steering wheel instead of a pad for racing games. Different people play better using different input devices.
Besides, like TJ said, sensitivity is limited by the game. Even with this thing you're not going to be able to move any faster than with a controller.
Tucker @ Dec 19th 2006 6:36PM
Yes, I'm a "dumb homo" and will "run back to my PC." After all, clearly I despise the 360. I mean, I'm not a regular commenter on any XBOX360FANBOY sites or anything.
And damn deadplasma... how embarassing, you think you're the only person on the board there, don't you?
Zim @ Dec 19th 2006 6:43PM
Actually the whole control scheme thing should just go out the window, along with the "hunched-over-the-keyboard" stereotype. I play my games from my couch. Doesn't matter if they're PC or Xbox 360. I have both hooked up to my HDTV via the magic of these crazy "cable" things that work with more than one thing. I know it's crazy to some people, but using a "cable" you could even hook your computer up to a regular old SDTV! Holy crappers!
Anyone who says "computer games are for mouse and keyboard people" is an idiot. Anyone who says mice and keyboards dont belong on consoles is an idiot. Anyone who for some reason or another thinks that you can't play PC games from the couch is an idiot. Anyone who apparently thinks that PCs don't use controllers (I have a 360 controller attached to my computer RIGHT NOW) is a goddamn idiot.
So, let's sum up, s2h, you are stupid.
s2h @ Dec 19th 2006 6:53PM
i didnt say playing pc was for homos.. i said "tucker go back to your pc you homo" meaning tucker u are a homo
and zim.. most normal people dont sit on there couch and play their pc.. thats why they make consoles. i to have heard the wonder of cables and have my hdtv hooked up to my computer. i even have "wireless" mouse and keyboard so i could sit on the couch and play if i wanted. but the fact is its much more of a pain in the ass to sit on a couch holding a keyboard and mouse than it is a controller
am i the only one who feels this way? if so ill shut up
Jeremy @ Dec 19th 2006 8:23PM
WHen testing SHadow Run, the XBOX 360 beta testers, using game pades, wiped the floor with the mouse users- suggesting that the overall MOVEMENT control of console analog sticks could very well prove more useful than the inevitable higher accuracy of a mouse.
I mean, each to their own. I do not think mouse users will have a latge advantage.
Dirk @ Dec 19th 2006 8:56PM
Well if you have Halo 2 there is no need to get Vista now.
mmc @ Dec 19th 2006 9:06PM
Too bad it's so expensive, I'd love to be able to play Tony Hawk on the 360 with my dual shock. That's the one game where it really miss it.
Ryan @ Dec 19th 2006 9:38PM
you losers who say it is fair really believe your own shit, eh? It has nothing to do with sensitivity, it is about accuracy. I can hover over your head all day with a KB+M...BUT I DON"T. too cheap to afford a PC gaming rig, too shitty to use a controller. I hope they ban this thing and your 80 dollars is wasted.
Tucker @ Dec 19th 2006 9:58PM
Main Entry: you
Function: pronoun
1: the one or ones being addressed -- used as the pronoun of the second person singular or plural in any grammatical relation except that of a possessive -- used formerly only as a plural pronoun of the second person in the dative or accusative case as direct or indirect object of a verb or as object of a preposition; compare THEE, THOU, YE, YOUR, YOURS
2: ONE
Main Entry: u
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized, often attributive
1: the 21st letter of the English alphabet b : a graphic representation of this letter c : a speech counterpart of orthographic u
2: a graphic device for reproducing the letter u
3: one designated u especially as the 21st in order or class
4 [abbreviation for 'unsatisfactory']: a grade rating a student's work as unsatisfactory
5: something shaped like the letter U
Main Entry: ill
Function: adjective
1: resulting from, accompanied by, or indicative of an evil or malevolent intention c : attributing evil or an objectionable quality
2: causing suffering or distress , not normal or sound , not in good health; also : NAUSEATED
Sorry, I had to pull out my retard translator to understand your post, sh2.
See, in the real world we have a thing called "personal preference." It's a beautiful code to live by - see, some of us believe that some people enjoy one thing while others enjoy another. In other words, some people enjoy controlling a game with a keyboard and mouse while others enjoy controlling a game with the xbox360 game pad.
As a matter of fact, my own personal preference is *not* to purchase this peripheral, since I find no difficulty controlling any games with the 360 controller. However, some people would like to input text using an actual keyboard, rather than scrolling through a list of letters on a screen. Some people prefer to use a keyboard and mouse to control a FPS. Damning anyone for a differing personal opinion, or asserting a ridiculous insult for no apparent reason, is just childish.
sh2, I really hope you're a much more open-minded individual than you let on, because if so then you're very much the type of intolerant, ignorant person who causes most of the problems in the world. Now, am I equating you directly with intolerant people in, say, northern Ireland or Darfur? Heavens, no, but you're headed down that path rather quickly if you feel the need to slam people on a silly fanboy site because they like a different control scheme.
Grow up, my friend, or else I'll be watching the news for headlines reading "proposed genocide against people who like inverted controls in first-person shooters" or "boy goes on murderous rampage after he finds out some people like control scheme B in Project Gotham."
Tucker @ Dec 19th 2006 10:01PM
Sorry for one more post, but lest it be interpreted that my frustration is directed solely at one ignorant poster, rest assured there are plenty of others in this thread - and, naturally, countless other threads - who can easily "insert name here"
Anthony @ Dec 19th 2006 10:26PM
s2h, please stop commenting. You're lowering the IQ of everyone who reads your posts.
lp @ Dec 20th 2006 12:56AM
The special people were out in force last night I see.
Is it school holidays already? You know, using homosexuality as an insult is so silly!
DeadPlasmaCell @ Dec 20th 2006 2:59AM
"It has nothing to do with sensitivity, it is about accuracy."
Amen.
welshbloke @ Dec 20th 2006 5:08AM
Keyboard and Mouse is in my opinion a natural progression. Why a consolely version has not been made available in the past by the vendors is beyond me. If you can get a driving wheel to improve your driving games why not a keyboard and mouse to improve your gaming experience for FPS.
What I would like to see is a real keyboard and mouse like controller for the console. When I say keyboard and mouse I actually mean something that would allow accurate freeview and WASD type control with shortkeys. I am really thinking of a compromise controller maybe a trackball and keypad.
Meanwhile while we wait for a sensible method of controlling a FPS it will always play second fiddle to the PC fraternity for online gaming. This is a shame as the console has a lot of offer.
The Wii has introduced a revolutionary controller although I use the word "revolutionary" in inverted commas. When all we probably needed was a tried and tested keyboard and mouse option. What happens when MS introduce the FPS games that run across both PC and Console what do you do then? Die a lot would be my answer.
There are so many benefits to bring the online experience closer to the PC world. Stable servers might be one of them (I hate this business of playing transient servers) hamstringing your method of controlling the game is not one of them.
GhostDoggy @ Dec 20th 2006 5:41AM
While I am sure some are upset because they fear keyboard and mouse players in some first-person shooter games, I've gotten too use to the traditional console controller to go back to the pc version of gaming.
But, I will say that a keyboard and mouse would be terrific for using while online in order to more easily type messages to friends via xbox live messaging. It would be a good compromise if an update is issued against the keyboard and mouse to only prohibit in-game and not in the Live lobby.
Then, Microsoft could sell their own adapter for $29.95 and undercut this otherwise grossly overprice accessory.
welshbloke @ Dec 20th 2006 6:37AM
I am pretty sure you can already plug a USB keyboard in for the purposes you suggest.
Marc @ Dec 20th 2006 10:34AM
This is a mouse emulator, if I'm not mistaken. I anticipate a percieved "turning lag" since it's just fooling the 360 into thinking it's a gamepad that's plugged in. I've heard this is the case w/ the original XBOX version of this.
Tucker @ Dec 20th 2006 12:34PM
Ahh, I love it when I hear people from the UK refer to quotation marks and apostrophes as 'inverted commas.' Cheers to dialect!
warpped655 @ Dec 20th 2006 4:43PM
Axis sensitivity is still determined by software, NOT hardware." this isn't the issue my friend, the sensitiveity could be anything on my PC and I could aim very precisely. I LOVE PC gaming becuase of mouse controls, but I think any mouse and keyboard setup Vs. controller and the PC would win. back when I played halo PC I was a sniper and with an average kill to death ratio of 7:1. on Halo on xbox I still have fun but I notice that my aiming is horrid compared to the mouse. its the ability to smoothly and easily CONTROL the speed, not to be able to turn faster.
"See, in the real world we have a thing called "personal preference." It's a beautiful code to live by - see, some of us believe that some people enjoy one thing while others enjoy another. In other words, some people enjoy controlling a game with a keyboard and mouse while others enjoy controlling a game with the xbox360 game pad."
you see, I understand that, BUT the fact of the matter is that mouses ARE easier to aim with then analogue sticks. SO if you are buying a $80 item that will in general, make it MUCH EASIER to aim then its like the poorer game will get stuck with less easy controls. again basicly some people don't want to play against some one with such an advantage but don't enjoy using a mouse and keyboard (I wouldn't be one of these people but still)
I guess if they made it much cheaper (like 30-50 dollars) I wouldn't see AS MUCH of a problem of it. but I'm sure people would like to play with controllers vs controllers with out worry of people taking the easy route of mouse and keyboard. they should almost have a separate area in online multiplayer for mouse&KB and controller if this continues to to future of console gaming...
Terry2Dix @ Dec 20th 2006 7:06PM
will be cool when gta arrives that game was made for a ps2 controller
welshbloke @ Dec 21st 2006 10:39AM
But this is all moot surely? When the cross platform games come out you will not be able to control what control mechanisms the end user has. Currently a PC guy could use either a controller, Joystick or a mouse and keyboard combo a 360 geezer really has only the option of the controller. If they do not address this I see little reason why a console dude would want to become canon fodder for a similarly matched but better controlled PC dude.
Son of Spam @ Dec 21st 2006 5:41PM
Welshbloke nailed it on the head.
Vista gaming is on a collision course with XBox Live, Microsoft has already come out and announced this.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/community/gaming.mspx
So all the crybabies out there that think they are isolated from keyboard and mouse gamers, enjoy it while you can. They are coming.
I suspect Microsoft will be offering one of their own branded Keyboard/Mouse control mechanisms (as per GhostDoggy's suggestion) for the 360 (for gaming, not just texting) when the time comes. I don't think they'd turn down an opportunity to make money on a peripheral, whether it makes the playing field uneven or not.
If they made their own, they would be able to flag PC or 360 Kybd users and build that into matchmaking, as warpped655 alluded to above. (ie. "console controller users only" or "include PC & 360 keyboard users")
trevgunter@hotmail.com @ Dec 27th 2006 10:29AM
hey everyone pls i need help with my xbox360, i have a wireless mouse and keyboard which do work on my xbox360 but when i start a game my keyboard doesnt work or my mouse?????????? could some one pls let me know whats goin on,pls e-mail me on trevgunter@hotmail.com.
Jay T @ Jan 4th 2007 1:11AM
This should be blocked via a firmware update on certain games i.e. GoW and Battle for Middle Earth 2, but accessible for other games.
And, sorry if you have problems in Gears of War shooting, moving, and aiming will dual analog sticks. Sorry it bothers you that every team you're on appears to lose due to your sorry playing skills. And sorry your ass is ranked 100,000 out of 160,000 players. You just suck.