Xbox 360 Controller Accessories

While the Xbox 360 controller is one of the most highly regarded console controllers, there are still numerous accessories that can be purchased to increase your comfort. The controllers are available in both wired and wireless models. The wireless versions require either two AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. Several different colors have been released, and a few of the accessories have color options to fit with the theme you have chosen. Some of the most common controller accessories include:

Battery Pack - This replaces the AA battery pack in the back of the controller with a rechargeable battery capable of providing up to 25 hours of uninterrupted play time. It can be bought alone, but both the Charge Cable Kit and the Quick Charge Kit come bundled with one.

Play and Charge Cable Kit - This kit comes with one Battery Pack and a cable that plugs into one of the USB slots on either the face or rear of the Xbox 360. As the name suggests, the cable can be plugged into the controller during play, recharging the Battery Pack at the same time. If the Xbox 360 is powered down, and a controller is plugged in with a less-than-full battery, the 360 goes into a low-power mode until the Battery Pack is fully charged.

Quick Charge Kit - The Quick Charge Kit is able to recharge up to two Battery Packs at the same time, and at a much faster rate than the Play and Charge Cable. It comes packed with a Battery Pack. This is useful if you have at least one extra Battery Pack that can be swapped out with the one needing recharging, providing uninterrupted gaming.

Xbox 360 Messenger Kit - The Messenger Kit includes a small, ergonomic keyboard called the Chatpad that plugs into the bottom of a 360 controller and an updated Xbox Live Headset. The Chatpad has a full QWERTY setup and numerous symbols not readily available on a standard computer keyboard. It must be mentioned that the original Xbox Live Headsets will not plug into the bottom of the Chatpad, hence the inclusion of the newer model with every one. The Chatpad also features illuminated keys, for use in low-light conditions.

Controller Skins - Many different vinyl Controller Skins are available in various colors and designs. Most are purely aesthetic, but some serve as protection for the control against bumps and damage. Skins usually come in the form of soft vinyl transfer stickers or heavier rubber grip guards. While not a necessary accessory, many gamers enjoy the customization aspect.

Analog Replacement Cap - This is used to cover worn or damaged analog nubs. Due to heavy use, the rubber used on the factory model analog sticks will erode and lose traction. These replacements reinvigorate the grip on the analog sticks

Nyko Charge Base 360 - Nyko's recharging solution for your Xbox controller batteries requires you to use the batteries provided in the package in lieu of the traditional Microsoft ones. These batteries have contacts on the outside that allow you to place your controller in the docking cradle for recharging. The downside is that the entire controller must be docked along with the battery, removing the option for playing while recharging.

Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows - This is a device that plugs into any powered USB slot on your personal computer. It allows you to use a wireless 360 controller as a gamepad for your PC games. Since the Xbox 360 is a Microsoft product, the controller runs seamlessly from a Windows-based PC.

Controller Cradles - While these cradles do not recharge your controller's batteries, they do serve as a rack to keep them on, as opposed to laying them in random places or cramming them in a drawer. This accessory is mostly for those concerned with the aesthetic value of their gaming space.

Accessories such as these from Microsoft and other third-party developers continue to ensure that the Xbox 360 controller remains one of the finest console controllers available. Priority is given to helping you game as comfortably and easily as possible, with options for even the most style-conscious player.