Drop, charge, and lose the cords
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The peripherals
You can score an Xbox for $300, but that's just for the bare-bones system. Yes, you'll get a hard drive for storage, one controller, and a composite A/V connector, but there are lots more peripherals on the way that will help you get the most out of this powerful machine. Here's a look at what extras will be on store shelves at launch and a preview of a few add-ons that are coming soon.
You can score an Xbox for $300, but that's just for the bare-bones system. Yes, you'll get a hard drive for storage, one controller, and a composite A/V connector, but there are lots more peripherals on the way that will help you get the most out of this powerful machine. Here's a look at what extras will be on store shelves at launch and a preview of a few add-ons that are coming soon.
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At the movies
Locked within the Xbox is the potential to play DVDs. But in order for this feature to work, you need this $30 set. The IR receiver plugs into one of the controller ports, and the remote's large buttons guarantee that you'll never need to get off the couch when watching movies.
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In control
There are a number of third-party companies that are currently working on their own flavors of the Xbox gamepad. Some have rubberized grips and work wirelessly while others come in unusual shapes. We haven't had the opportunity to play with every one yet, but we can tell you that all of the controllers are rather meaty. That is, younger kids might have a tough time wrapping their hands around any of the Xbox controllers. Prices vary greatly depending on the extras but start at about $20.
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Media maven
Assuming that you want to get more punch out of your new system, we recommend picking up one of the A/V packs offered for the system. Both the S-Video ($15) and component ($20) versions will improve the video quality (as long as you have a decent TV), and the optical digital audio outputs allow you to hook the unit up to the digital connector on a A/V receiver for crisp, digital surround sound. We haven't recieved all of the A/V kits from third-party manufacturers for proper testing, but the Microsoft-branded models worked quite well.
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Be the wheelman
If you're ready to burn rubber, you have no less than four steering wheel sets to choose from: models made by Mad Catz, Thrustmaster, Pelican Accessories, and Interact Accessories. Mad Catz's MC2 racing wheel and pedals, though, looks the most promising of the bunch and even incudes a stick shift.
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Chairman of the board
Thrustmaster's Freestyler is unique all right--not to mention perfect for those playing skating or snowboarding games. Stand atop the deck, twisting and shifting, to make tight turns and pull off tricks. If you want to play Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2x or Amped with a little flair, check out this controller.
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Taking flight
Easy, Maverick--stop buzzing the tower. If you want to simulate pushing a couple of G's at mach speed, Thrustmaster's Top Gun Fox 2 flight stick looks like the only option at launch time. Other flight sticks from Thrustmaster, Mad Catz, and Interact are preparing for launch in the near future.
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Speak up
Why limit your insults to people sitting next to you on the couch? Microsoft's Game Commander won't be available until sometime next year, but when the Xbox's online service goes live, you'll be able to talk strategy--and trash--with other players.
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| • | Intro | • | The peripherals |
| • | Xbox console | • | The Top 10 Xbox games |
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