Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller

While Microsoft's Xbox 360 Spring Update will integrate Windows Live Messenger into the system's dashboard for cross-platform chatting, the machine's text-window interface for standard control pads makes lengthy conversations a chore.

To ease the task of typing in messages without the aid of a full-sized keyboard, Microsoft today announced a new text input device for the Xbox 360 controller. The attachment snaps onto the bottom of the controller through the headset jack and features a QWERTY-style key layout with 47 keys.

The keyboard attachment has not been priced or even named yet, but it is expected to see release this summer.

[2tired2day2hate]

does anybody know what the deal is with being able to use usb keyboards? i've heard that but i never knew if it was true.

[God of Gaming]

I use a USB keyboard every day with my 360, in fact its a wireless keyboard. Works great for messaging.

[Deafman420]

Been using a usb keyboard for text msgs since day 1

[BIadestarX]

YES! I was looking forward to this. This will be great for MMO and for games where voip does not make sense. When Sony fanboys heard the rumor that microsoft was going to integrate MSN to xbox live this was the first thing they were flaming... Now tell me, which one is better this or a usb keyboard?

Anyways.. I am sure fanboys will find something negative to say about this.

[Annihilator]

Well, since 360 don't have blue-tooth I can only dream...

[BIadestarX]

You are just a hater. You very well know.. when you are playing a shooter or an MMO using your Controller, the last thing you would do is drop your control, grap your keyboard, look down, type what you need to write... ohh look you just got killed.
Here is a good point... you are read? Only on XBOX 360!... how you like them apples?

[Bathyj]

You only did it so someone would respond and then you can flame them back and call them names.

To the controller, it looks cool, but it might be to small for me I think. Holding a controller in my hand and looking at the pic, the keys must be tiny, to the point some might even need a stylus to type with it. Also seems uncomfortable (to me) since you cant wrap you fingers right around the grip parts where your ring and pinky fingers go.

Like I said, cool idea but maybe a bit impractical. I dont see any problems with just having a bluetooth keyboard sitting besides you. Its a lot quicker to just type one handed on a full size keyboard sitting on the counch next to you, then it would be trying to type (most likely one handed as you have to hold it) on this thing.

[Boink]

then how does the wireless headset also function as an earpiece for cell phones with bluetooth?

[Thugbot187]

I don't see any advantage bluetooth is going to give my 360. We have a wireless headset and now they are giving us a keypad. If anything the xbox needs is a mouse for RTS.

[Adriokor]

Don't call people fanboys you are one...

And if you make an argument that while playing fps you won't have time to grab a keyboard for typing, do you really have time to write a sentence on that little keyboard IN FPS?

If anything you should play FPS with a keyboard and a mouse lol.

Thugbot187
Bluetooth is usefull if you want a wireless keyboard and mouse (to sit far away from the tv or...) to play your "RTS" which isnt even made for the consoles expect Halo Wars as most people don't use the combo.

On topic: Neat idea for people who don't use a keyboard with their xbox.

[GameJunkieJim]

I use a Logitech Wireless keyboard that works just fine. I even have a useless mouse that came with it.

[Trickedbullet]

Halo Wars is not the only RTS for consoles. Xbox 360 has that Lord of the Rings RTS game BFME2, Halo wars eventually and the new Command and Conquer 3 game, all RTs games. I believe that the mouse/keyboard combo is great for fps games, but should not be allowed for FPS games. A mouse/keyboard would be great for the RTS games as it just is way easier to click on your units. This is made even easier because many rts games are starting to get rid of building individual units in favor of building groups of units at a time. So, unlike Age of Empires, Empire Earth, C&C, Starcraft, Warcraft, and so on, you build groups of men at a time like in Starwars:Empire at war, or Battle for Middle Earth 2.

Anyway, While I do prefer the mouse/keyboard for FPS games, I think it is far easier for a new player to use a gamepad and makes it much more even. I mean, if an experienced FPS fan can own people with the mouse, then why does the said FPS fan have trouble with the gamepad that has some auto aim features making aiming even easier?

[nice_cuppa]

voice message ftw.

[ChefDejon]

i think its really equal cause either way ur goign to have to pause what ur doing to type but now you dont have to let go of your controller and this contoller jeyboard is goign to be a lil slower to type on.

[InMyOpinion]

This is excellent!

[Hooded Vendetta]

Just added a alternative source, As the OP's dont work.

[Neutral Gamer]

Nice one mate, I'm glad SOMEONE decided to fix the missing link problem on this article. Well done! :)

[ASSASSYN 36o]

I use the logitech keyboard that was made for the ps2. To type on my 360. Works perfectly fine.

[CAPS LOCK]

i think all these new console are trying to be too much and not concentrate on what they are made to do. i don't mind my console playing my favorite film or playing against people online and maybe downloading content, but they trying to be too much i mean like the 360 being able to watch tv and dowload episodes and movies, i can do that with apple tv or Tivo. all i am saying is just do what you do well. like the nintendo wii just plays games and maybe u can view the weather and browse the web but it mostly concentrated on doing what it does. i mean if we didnt have all these other features then it would be bad for some but not alot of people would buy a 360 for downloading episodes vs them playing great online games or not alot of people will buy a ps3 for playing blu ray its just an extra.
now back to the post, why would you want to go on msn and play games? you can do that on your pc then play games on your 360. i think that if less of this extra facilities were not made there would be more games on the shelf for the 360 and ps3 and before you all Flame me i know that thrid part developers do develop games, i am just saying there should be more first party games. Now you may flame me.

[ImTheNumber12]

Don't you think your comment is a little contradicting. You said that consoles are getting away from their main focus to doing something irrelevant to gaming but then you use the Wii to defend your statement. You even said yourself it has a weather browser and a web browser. I have no idea what the weather has to do with gaming. Oh, man it's raining outside, now I can't play the wii??? I thought Sony and MS had already stated before the consoles were released that they were not just trying to make a game console but were trying to make their machines do much more. I guess i'm just trying to justify the little add-ons to the PS3 and 360. I actually care about some of the things they put on them. Unlike the weather browser.

[Pathetic N4G Website]

http://image.com.com/gamesp...

Yum. Will save me having to leave my PC on in case someone messages me :)

[techie]

Good idea...I wonder why gamespot has taken it down...Microsoft you are watching us...

Yuh sorry dude. I agree. I know both of those exclusive lists were fun, but they weren't news...they were from forums. So that led me to report them both, but I guess everyone was interested for bragging purposes. I for one also had a news story for gamespot, but it was pulled...so I did the right thing and pulled my story as well. If there's 11 reports please read why they are there.

[Neutral Gamer]

** UPDATE: deepbrown has just changed his comment so this reply may not make as much sense anymore! **

This article is very interesting, don't get me wrong about that, but why did so many contributors feel the need to ignore all the reports that this generated?!

It was only thanks to Hooded Vendetta that this story has a valid link. No doubt cos it's the weekend that no admin were able to correct or fail the story like they normally would have done.

What is the point of the reporting system if we all just try and get as many gamer points as possible by approving every story we see? Do many contributors now actually read the N4G guidelines or did they just glance over them for the test and forget about them as soon as they passed?

I've seen countless stories now that have been approved despite multiple reports for them, destroying any credibility in our ability to function independently without admin.

Remember this comment has nothing to do with the CONTENT of this story, that (positive) comment I'm gonna add further below, just that, in MY OPINION, it shouldn't have been approved until TheELJuggernaut fixed the link.

[Ps3Fanboy777]

The design of its genious, if this came out like 4 years ago it would have been the thing.

Now that you have voice whats the point of this?

Still a nice design though. Web Browser?

[BIadestarX]

You are right... Adding a browser would make lot of sense now that typing url is not as painful.

[Amplifier]

How much is MS going to ask us for another add-on to the console?

Just wished that somethings like the play & charge and rechargable battery was included in the Prem and Elite systems.

@mp

[ASSASSYN 36o]

Thats why it is called marketing turbo.

[zonetrooper5]

Its not like they are pointing a gun to your head and forcing you to buy it. Jeez i swear some people will complain about anything and everything.

[Amplifier]

No one forcing you to read what I write either. Don't like it don't read.

Your statement on your behalf is pointless.

It's my prerogative as a consumer to question about pricing and make a statement.

@mp

[ThaGeNeCySt]

as long as it's REASONABLY PRICED (under $29.99 lol) and i find myself chatting a lot with Windows Live users... then MAYBE just MAYBE i'll consider it.. other than that, i'll continue sending voice clips lol

and i think gamespot broke NDA and was forced to take it down.

[power of Green]

Agreed! for the most part. 360 users need to type things believe it or not.(choosing to to communicate with out talking or to purchses stuff etc).

[Neutral Gamer]

I think this is a great idea cos the other option, a traditional full size wireless keyboard, would just have been too cumbersome to keep with you all the time.

This is a good compromise and I love the way it neatly fits into your exisiting controller. I do like chatting away on the headset but for some occasions, such as when you want to send a message to someone, this provides a far more intuitive input method.

I wonder if this will open the door for new features such a web browser (hint, hint, Microsoft!) or the rumoured MSN Messenger program. Count me in on that! On a final note I wonder if any games will make use of it?

[Covenant]

I send text far more often than voice, primarily due to the occasional bugginess of the MS headsets. This IS a good compromise, and if reasonably priced, I will buy it.

And although I don't need or want a browser on my 360, it could potentially be useful for me, since my main computer and 360 are on different floors, and the occasional web search might be handy. (Or, I could just move my second PC upstairs).

[techie]

Windows live messenger is confirmed to be coming to the 360. You can chat to anyone on messenger even while playing games...I had the info, but gamespot also took that down as well...

[Neutral Gamer]

COVENANT:
Yeah mate, sometimes you do feel like checking a website for a second and it's a lot of hassle getting up (What? We're gamers, we're supposed to be lazy!). Plus it'd be sweet to check out N4G for the latest breaking stories while in the middle of p4wning someone on Gears.

What are other people's opinion on the web browser on the PS3 - do they use it a lot?

DEEPBROWN:
It looks like the Gamespot pro-Microsoft bias stories might be true after all, if they start to give away too much information or start to go against them, Microsoft soon rein them back in! Haha.

[ER1X]

I was waiting for them to bring back the mellon sized controllers from the original XBox days. ;-)

[TheExecutive]

What the hell is that thing?? kinda looks cool? How small are those keys? I got big hands...

[TheExecutive]

What the hell is that thing?? kinda looks cool? How small are those keys? I got big hands...

[ALIEN]

I have to get that s!@$#. Since i love the 360 controller and i love TXT, i will have to get that s!@#. DANM! that's all i have to say, DANM!

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

that`s the worst looking controller ever.
it`s funny cause the 360 controller was descent.

Lol

[fjtorres]

The keyboard attaches to the bottom, is all.

[th0r XV]

thats cool.....

or you could take a normal everyday USB keyboard and plug it in to your 360 and presto... your very own xbox 360 keyboard

[Genki]

Brilliant stroke here, much more convenient than having an entirely separate KB.

[THWIP]

There were spy photos of this thing back before E3 2005, which was 2 years ago. Now, 18 months after launch, MS FINALLY announces it.

[Boink]

to coincide with the launch of integrating with live messenger, and needing to type more and more.

do you even know what marketing is?

[WhEeLz]

got to admit....thats awesome...

[QuackPot]

Gotta admit its cool. Beats grabbing my wireless KB all the time for basic typing tasks. Have to wait for Sony or 3rd party manufactures to make their own version(with rumble & 6 axis) to use on my Ps3 set up with Linux. Well done Micro$oft but I still hate ur guts for trying to monopolize gaming as u have with OS on PCs. Winblow$ better look out if Sony moves from GameOS to its own optimized version of Linux for future Playstations. I predict they will eventually go full Linux as the future of consoles is as a PC alternative(media centre, gaming, internet, productivity). Only chumps buy PCs these days. Just need a laptop and Ps3, Ps4.....

[power of Green]

Cool as hell the buttons seem to be bigger than your average Cell Phone keys(almost as big as the controller buttons)hell it beats texting on a Cell and sures in the hell beats manually using the standard pad if you dont want to use the key board.

[Systematrix]

I wonder how long it will take before Sony rips THIS idea off of Microsoft?? It certainly will be more convenient than a separate keyboard. I just don't know if I can justify the cost (cause you know it's going to be $50 or $60 at first).

[Boink]

the will make a mini keyboard with motion control. then say they have been planning it for years. :)

[Neutral Gamer]

Haha, funny cos it's true Boink!

And to Prohibit, maybe Microsoft or retailers will do a special deal if you buy a controller and mini keyboard together as a pack?

[N4G_FANBOY_CRAP]

Is notorious for stealing ideas and lack of innovation, look at windows v mac & ie v firefox they need competition so they can copy and be forced to change, most of the NEW features of vist iv'e been doing on my mac for years.

Aside from the loudness my 360 is great, but I don't kid my self microsft is the enemy we don't want them to get control the market.

As or this meh, handy for some people

[Ugly American]

It looks like a Blackberry keyboard... which is a proven method for quick text chat. I would rather be dealing with that than a full sized keyboard.

And to whoever said: "Give me a bluetooth keyboard..." I don't need random letters being typed without me even touching the keyboard. I am SO sick of sneaking up behind somebody in Resistance just so my gun can go off randomly before I get to them. That is the greatness that is bluetooth.

[Whoooop]

It's a good idea, as long as it won't affect the freedom with your hands... It doesn't make the controller look ugly or anything.. If something maybe a little bit heavy,, The 360 control is a heavy as it is IMO..

Pardon my English..

PS: A friend of mine brought his 360 to ma house to play on my Visio 37" LCD and WOW!!! GOW looked BEAUTIFUL .. I love my PS3, but damn i almost wanted to exchange platforms for at least a week just to play the s@#t out of GOW on HDTV.. heh just wanted to share a little love with the 360 fanboys.. lol

[Dragonopolis]

I doubt I would want to use it for anything other than keyboard use. I would prefer to use the smaller Lighter controller on my xbox 360. So I would be switching add-ons anyway - much in the same way I would be switching a full keyboard anyway so the this doesn't solve my add-on issue. So know, do I buy a full size keyboard or a super shrunk add-on with a controller attached to it that isn't really going to be utilize that much?

For me I would go with the larger Keyboard. I can put a wireless full size keyboard on my TV tray which is adjustable. I prefer the larger keys and I don't have to worry about an awkward feeling controller.

[Dusk]

wanted to type and off when you don't. Like the headset.

[GameJunkieJim]

...as far as keeping clutter down, but I'll stick with the wireless USB all the same.

Unless....

some ingenius developer makes key functions in a RTS game or some other new use for the keypad.
But for text I'm using the Logitech.

[Ban Me]

I sit too far away from the TV to use a wired keyboard so this will be ideal for me.

Good to see it's an add-on too. Not sure how interested I'd be if we had to buy a whole new controller.

As long as the price is reasonable then I'll probaly get one of these.

[XboxOZ360]

Thi swas shown at Spanish Game Exhibition by MS Developers prior to the release of the Xbox360 last November state side. The origional concept drawing was somewhat smaller actually, an dthis looks 110% better than the first iteration.

Bigger keys, better layout and a definit eimprovement over the standard in dash typing as well. It fits in perfectly with the concept of the controller and looks the part. If you're a heavy user of Text-Messaging on your phone, then you'll pick up incredible speed with a little practise, and be scooting messages, making commands and moves within seconds once you've gotten to grips with it's layout.

It's good to see MS Xbox-Div putting more though into how the standard Xbox Controller can be used, an dhow the different optional controllers soon to come out can all work together. There's a new, FPS controller coming out in due course, as well as one that favours RTS's . . .

These have been under the watchful eye and developement of several game developers over the last several months, especially the makers of PES6 . . . Who have been testing said controllers for some time now. This is yet another string to MS Xbox-Div's bow that will allow the end user more verstile use of the 360, be they a bedroom-gamer, or a lounge-lizard-gamer . . .

We have to look outside our own personl ideas for a second, as the 360 is aimed at getting the whole family interested and involved with the 360 experience. And not a great deal of those individuals will be doing so from the bedroom. They'l be doing it from the comfort of their loungerooms, and the sofa . .several meters away from the entertainment unit which houses the 360.

Far too many gamers have what I call a "Me-Tracked-Mind" . . in that they really only think about themselves, not with regards to gaming as a whole . . . So if one doesn't like it personally, then it basically is doomed or a biig piece of junk, and a waste of time etc. MS Xbox-Div are trying to think outside the Box, no pun intended, but you can can take it if you like . . .

So try thinking big picture for a change . . . look at tthe long-term impact of where this is headed. In the end, it can only be good things for us all . . .

[schnodder]

this is the funniest controller i've ever seen.

[xfrgtr]

Next a bluray addon and wifi,it's a PS3 wanna be.360 fanboys are critisizing the ps3 for being multifonction and know microsoft is doing exactly the same thing;next,Microsoft will change the name of his console to Playstation 360

[Ban Me]

YAWN!

Havent you got anything better to do?

Like gorwing up or getting a life for example?

This is good news for 360 owners... if you think it sucks then keep it to yourself or at least post some constructive criticism instead of your blatant fanboy remarks.

[IPlayGames]

This is what im talking about put out something with MS creativity. Now depending on wut type of games you play this will be cool. You got to admit this would be sick for home on the 3.

[Havince]

does this update mean i can chat using MSN messenger thru my xbox ??????

[Booneral]

Well I don't think it will open a chat window like Windows Live Messenger, but you'll be able to send and receive messages from your Live Messenger contacts. It'll be connected.

[ACE]

im gona get one cant wait.

as for the sony fanboys the keyboard part at the bottom is what its all about u see it comes of lol . u see i had to say that cos it looks like u haters think its a new pad lol :) .

[kewlkat007]

It is still a 360 Controller your looking at, it is still a 360 Controller your looking at. Just keyboard attachment. Ya know like the Headset..

Hopefully this is not FAKE.

1. For all the people whining/hating on the size of the keys. I have a "TREO 650" for work and I find it very comfortable to write short text messages with to friends and such.(Plus I've used a lot of different types of Smart/Windows Mobile phones with QWERTY keyboards so this size would be absolutely no issue.

2. Why are people still trying to justify bluetooth?(YOU DON'T NEED IT)point blank.(sorry if you paid for it on other consoles).

3. NO! While I play Halo 3, besides talking on the headset, when people keep inviting me to join their games and such I wanna be able to text quickly back at them. I'm not going to put the controller down and type on a giant keyboard to input, a couple of words

Example:
XBOX360 - "You have been invited by Jane Doe to join this game."
ME - "I'll hit you up, when I'm done fragging this MOFO"

4.THWIP #25 good Call. If you have been on this forum long enough, I can't dig way back but there was an article about this keypad a while back.(if anybody can dig it up). I guess it is coming alive.

5. As long as it doesn't make the Controller so "heavy", keep your hands can still be naturally positioned and it doesn't get in the way, then I'm getting one.

(Yes it makes the Atari Jag controller looks like a concept, while this is the finished model)

[overrated]

Funny how every single peice of 360 news always turns into a bashing on the PS3 article. Just shows how imature people are on here.

[kewlkat007]

How every PS3 news, turns into why my PS3 is justified and why the 360 can't compare, don't you think?

Check out the "48 Exclusives 360 thread" All I see on there is "My PS3 favorites list" and how the 360 can't compare.

Atleast be fair, Fanboys on boths sides...

[Leo Atrox]

This keyboard attachment has been confirmed by Major Nelson (Larry Hryb).

http://www.majornelson.com/...

"In addition to Windows Live Messenger integration that you may have heard about, we also announced a new text input device coming this summer."

[Contra26]

This keyboard helps more of online play and online use than the stupid PS home.

Web browser is nothing important atleast not now.
But i'm already expecting microsoft to be pushing MySpace to the Live Experience....

watch how crazy X-Box live will become... evolving more and more...
1600 updates.... minor and major....

oh yeah... and the PS3 controller already sucks.... the L2+R2 aint really triggers.... and it feels cheap.

The miniKeyboard fits just right on the 360 controller... at the bottom of it so it doesnt weight the controller.

aahhh yes... 360 owns all

MSN IS NOT JUST ONLINE.... BUT ONLIVE

[RAM MAGNUMS]

Great for socom like taunts midgame. I love texting on phones and I got used to it fast. I just know there will be alot more girls playing games now! How easy will it be to never drop your controller and find the moments to text some HATE. People who use a keyboard with one hand think this is impractical. Thats a contradiction and a half!

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Why anyone would want text is beyond me, unless there afraid of there squeaky Ray Romano voice. One thing I was grateful of when I went from PC to 360 was the freedom of no more typing and being shot while typing (typing kill)

kewlkat007 all of the above. They can do so much more with this if they want.

[kewlkat007]

Now are you talking for in-game giving commands, or giving commands to your friends for what ever reason?

I don't see where voice activated commands come in when you wanna chat to someone or send a quick text message.

[ITR]

Looks like a rip off of the old Atari Jaguar controllers. MS just added letters this time around.

[NextGen24Gamer]

I love it. Right now I use a usb keyboard...But this is fantastic and innovative indeed. You can enter the text input just like you would on your sidekicks ect.... Xbox live ground breaking updates....HD dvd add ons....1080p support....HDMI, bigger hard drives....Its amazing how MS has been able to over deliever on every single aspect of the 360. When I purchased my 360's....I did so happily as did millions of other Gamers. But what we didn't expect is how the console we already loved and appreciated would improve after ONE year in so many ways that weren't expected. No one expected HD dvd as an option when the console launched. No one expect 1080p native support. No one expect Extensive Media Center capablilities and Movie, Video, TV Shows, ect downloads. No one expected IPTV. There are so many aspects of the 360 that exceeds "Gamers" initial impressions of the 360. Its really unbelievable if you think about it. The only ones griping about the costs of "xbox live" are the folks who don't have any intention on getting a 360 anyway. The only folks that complain about the Elite Model or the HD dvd add on...are the folks who "ONLY" want a Ps3 and "hate" the fact that all the months of console bashing as left them with an inferior Next Gen Console in the Ps3. Micorosft keeps improving the 360 beyond anyones expectations and Sony keeps telling "US" Gamers to wait till developers tap into the power of the Cell....WOW.....Well, in the meanwhile I use My Ps3 for Blu ray movies. Every 3rd party game "I have played" play and look better on the 360 in my opinion. Sure you can find a review here and there that state the ps3 version looks slightly upgraded...But for every ONE review that states that...YOu can find 4 that state the 360 version looks better. Its all opinions. And I know I represent Millions of Gaemrs who are Very Pleased with our "Next Gen Gaming Console". I haven't given up on the ps3. But, what ps3 owner can honestly say the ps3 has surpassed their expectations? Honestly folks. Fanboyism aside. Now how many feel it hasn't even touched what you expected when you paid 600 plus for it. I can say honestly....The ps3 has been a dissappointment thus far. Sure its early. But Sony over hyped it and it hasn't lived up to what they were claiming. Thats being honest. Lets all give props to MS for pushing the Gaming Industry. We all benefit from the role MS is playing this "next Generation".

[sajj316]

"The only folks that complain about the Elite Model or the HD dvd add on...are the folks who "ONLY" want a Ps3 and "hate" the fact that all the months of console bashing as left them with an inferior Next Gen Console in the Ps3."

and ...

"Honestly folks. Fanboyism aside. Now how many feel it hasn't even touched what you expected when you paid 600 plus for it. I can say honestly....The ps3 has been a dissappointment thus far."

Fanboyism aside?? Are you sure about that? Thank MS for the keyboard add-on. These PS3 jabs are getting quite old. I know you are a PS3 owner but all you are using the PS3 for is BluRay movies. I am leveraging the crap out of my PS3 and even exchanged my DS for a PSP so I could get Remote Play going (just to try it out).

Just a question, how much of the 360 dashboard does an average LIVE user leverage?

[NextGen24Gamer]

I wasn't taking Jabs at the Ps3. I was replying to many of the previous posts on this thread, as well as giving my opinion on the Keypad attatchment adding to the unbelievable Gaming/Entertainment experience that is the xbox 360. I was directing my response to "ps3" fans who commented on this downplaying the Keypad and MS's innovative gaming decisions.

StateofMind.....I never said that MS releasing the Elite is the reason the Ps3 is inferior. I'm talking "ONLY" about the "Games" out now and the "online" experience. The ps3 is inferior in both those areas. I'm sorry if that offends you. I own both consoles and I'm entitled to my opinion. Right?

You said that the Elite Model proves that HDMI and Stanard HDD is the way to go. Nope. You are wrong buddy. It proves that MS is flexible enough to give the less than 5% of the population the option they may want. But the key is...."only if they choose it". MS isn't pushing it on consumers. HD dvd....option for the small percent of people who want to play next gen movies. HDMI....an option for the small percent of gamers who want that connection option. Hard drive....Same thing....Its still not required for Games. Its just an option for Gamers who use Movie Downloads and other IPTV features. Its all about MS giving consumers options. Even if they are Consumers in the less than 5% catagory. Understand yet? Sony basically pushes Tech in the ps3 that less than 5% of the population will use as of now. Call it future proofing. Call it what you want. But it still forces "everyone" to buy the tech. The tech isn't free. Sony didn't just throw it in. There is a reason the ps3's cost 200 to 300 dollars more than the 360. And while its not a lot of money for me.....I know its a ton of money for the average Joe. Console don't take off in "Sales" until the price reaches the 200 dollar sweet spot. Nintendo is almost there from jump. And I can't imagine Sony ever getting to that price....All due to the attempt to standardize HDMI, Hard drive, and Blu ray. All the while those features only effect a small percentage of Gamers. Interesting indeed. Ms has options for "all" types of Gamers and Entertainment Enthusiast.

[sajj316]

Maybe its business strategy, maybe its future-proofing, maybe its being two years ahead of the market.

Hypothetical situation --> What if Microsoft takes the Elite package and decides to make it the standard going forward? No more Premium. Now, this isn't confirmed yet but I have a 'good feeling' that this is the direction they are taking. You know what ... it would make sense. The gamer of today is not the gamer of tomorrow. We expect more out of the system. Finally, we are beginning to see a converge of technologies and a fight for your living room/entertainment hub.

Sony and MS are taking two different paths that ultimately lead to the same destination. Now, if you are spending $400.00 now but the cost of getting up to speed on technology will be more than $600.00 (hardware alone) through the course of the Xbox 360 lifecycle, guaranteed.

Would 360 fans be content if MS took a more traditionalist approach to console gaming? Why offer HDMI if it isn't relevant? Why offer HD DVD if it isn't relevant. Why offer a bigger HDD (or even one in the first place) if it isn't relevant?

Why is everyone thinking that Sony is pushing this technology on us poor gamers? Its easy to say this when MS doesn't have it. You (the gamer) needs to be pushed. That's right, I said it!! Technology needs to be pushed. Now, while I do strongely believe in this ... the price is tough to swallow. You and I could afford this TopGamer, gamer Joe can't. Well there is no other way than down when it comes to price.

I expect MS to also push the envelope ...

[StateofMind]

That's a really cool idea. I'm sure it would be great for some games, but others it may not be very good to have a keyboard attached to your controller. FFXI comes to mind as one game that this would be great for.

For the comment above, how the hell do you gather that Microsoft's plan for an "Elite" 360 makes the PS3 inferior? The Elite is catching up to the PS3, and it's doing so in a way that hits your wallet a lot harder than one $600 purchase for 6-10 years. The "Elite" 360 just proves that HDMI and standard HDD was the way to go, and the PS3 still has many advantages over it. As a matter of fact, the only thing that the black 360 has over the PS3 technically is the larger HDD...and in case you didn't know the Playstation 3 is open ended to the point that you don't have to spend $100 for an absurdly overpriced 20GB HDD from Microsoft. I could upgrade my HDD to the cheapest 200GB I can find if I wanted to (probably will eventually). Microsoft is blatantly murdering you guys through micro transactions. It takes effort not to realize it.

[LAWMAN]

Wow, is this realy the best design they could come up with?

[RAM MAGNUMS]

Nothing. Reading up on our lil update that constanly amazes us. Lol. the ps3 is a ghost. They keep on watching from the sidelines hoping to get in the game. Nothing forced down my throat, its all my choice to spend what I want whenever i want. You ps3 gamers can suc on that for a lil while and keep giving the its gonna be o.k. speeches. I wish you all the best in the gaming future. Hit me up on live we will play some gears and a lil ghost recon 2 later. PS3 one question... GOT GAMES?

[QuackPot]

Nyko iType2 Sony Licensed PS2 Controller (Was £19.99)

Okay it's only for the PS2 but it's all been done before. Again, micro$soft is showing how visionary and creative they r.....NOT. Who next r they going to copy off?

I found this controller when I was looking for images for a PSP and Sony controller that I was going to photoshop shop together(replace the Psp controllers with PS ones) to create a futuristic PS4 controller.

* same PSP sized display but better resolution and now, touch screen.

* will have the usual 6 axis, rumble, inbuilt stero speakers and jacks.

* touch screen keyboard is brought up on command - it will function very much like Apple's iphone.

* can display unique touch screen buttons and information that can be used when playing a particular game, as the controller and main console transmit and receive signals between each other.

* You can do everything (playing game, internet, tv, etc) using the controller without turning on your HDTV, so long as you remain within transmission range of the main console - mobility is the key.

Come on Sony! This can easily be done and will pawn all others.

Wow! We Sony fanboys are so visionary unlike some lesser known fanXies. I bet Micro$oft will copy my idea. That's what they are good at.

Let the XBots criticism begin.....fools.