Xbox 360 Text Messaging Kit
Chat with friends and family through Xbox LIVE and Windows-based PCs with this Messenger Kit. This device lets you easily connect to any Xbox 360 controller. Get easy-to-use chat capabilities while maintaining gameplay functionality in one easy-to-hold device. The Messenger Kit includes a Chatpad and Xbox 360 Headset.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Imperfect but Invaluable for Communicating on your 360
The Xbox 360 Messaging Kit consists of a detachable keyboard for your controller and a wired headset. If you communicate frequently with your 360 via with private messages, MSN, and/or voice, then it’s an essential add-on.
The keyboard (a.k.a. “chatpad”) snaps into place at the bottom of any 360 controller between the two palm grips. It adds significant weight to the controller but doesn’t otherwise impede playability. I actually prefer the additional heft that it provides - the 360 controller feels a little insubstantial without it, in my opinion - so I leave it connected continuously. It’s very easy to put on/take off if you’d prefer to do so.
The keys themselves have tight feedback that feels great, but it’s far from 100% responsive - expect some dropped characters along the way. But since we’re not typing our graduate thesis on the thing, no big deal, right? Also, all of the keys light up momentarily when you initially press one, so it maintains functionality even in the dark. There are several pre-programmed hotkeys (e.g. launch MSN) and a full-bodied roster of symbols as well.
The headset seems like a toss-in since most Xbox bundles already come with a comparable-quality model. However, since the chatpad covers the controller’s native headset port, this model is included because its plug matches a pass-through port on the chatpad. It’s a decent headset, but if you’re this serious about communicating on the 360, you may just want to think about upgrading to the wireless earpiece.
With the recent release of the New Xbox Experience for online interaction, Microsoft seems serious about making its console the social/entertainment hub of your life. The Messaging Kit completes that aim by enabling text and voice communication in a well-made, affordable package.
3 Stars Very useful, but not game-breaking.
The messaging pad’s a huge upgrade from manually selecting letters from a console. It’s also great because when you snap it into your controller it doesn’t alter the way you hold it or really take up any amount of space.
The down-side is that if you’re used to blazing through text on a keyboard, you’re not going to be able to touch-type. So if you plan on playing with the lights off you’re probably going to be a little frustrated when you send messages.
When you get used to it your accuracy can go up (especially if you use a phone with a qwerty keyboard) but for the rest of us it can make it kind of clunky and situational. Still an overall upgrade, but not as awesome as I thought it’d be.
4 Stars Great if you message alot
This is a great accessory if you chat on your xbox alot. If you don’t use MSN or send a ton of messages to friends it probably isn’t worth it. It fits on the controller well, and feels good to use. The back lighting is pretty good, just wished it would stay on a bit longer. It does drain the battery of the controller a bit faster, but that can be expected. Very nice and easy to use. Just wished they made it in the colors of the controllers instead of just the white…It doesn’t look as awesome as it could with my black controller that came with my Xbox360 Elite.
5 Stars Quick and easy!
Everyone should get this device because it makes chatting and texting on the xbox so much easier. The seller was great, listed as I bought it.
5 Stars Excellent
This was shipped as soon as they got my payment and it got to my house a few days later. Awesome I’d buy from these guys again!
Filed under: Xbox 360 Reviews