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Messenger Kit not delayed, we repeat, not delayed
There has been a half a dozen or so rumors floating around the internets as of late surrounding the release of the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit. The kit should have been available September 4th, but some are saying that they've received emails from online retailers stating the item has been pushed back into October while others say that they simply can't find them in stores. Well, it's our duty to find you answers and we went straight to the source ... Major Nelson.Major confirmed with the Messenger Kit product manager that the product is not delayed, has shipped to retailers and is readily available. So, the September 4th release still stands. Though, you should know that hardware is treated a little differently than its software counterpart as peripherals are usually only shipped on the release date. As a result, such items like the Messenger Kit may not make it onto store shelves until a few days later. Happy Messenger Kit hunting!
Xbox 360 Chatpad and headset hands-on, impressions
So we snagged ourselves an Xbox 360 Messenger Kit (aka Chatpad + Chatpad headset), unboxed the hell out of it, and here's what we think: Blister packs suck. Microsoft, we're sick of 'em. The Chatpad is a little difficult to get on and off, but once engaged it fits perfectly on the controller (duh), and feels like a seamless extension. Unfortunately there are two awkwardly placed screw holes on the underside, but you'll learn to ignore 'em. Players with longer fingers may be annoyed, this thing kind of prevents finger-wraparound. The keys are nice and tactile. And with the keyboard sounds the 360 makes in text entry you can be sure your typing is getting through. Still, thumb touch-typing on this is going to be almost out of the question for most, the thing is basically a straight up button grid. The shift / caps / alt green and amber buttons were kind of wonky and took some getting used to. No big deal though. It feels light at first, but after not too long it really starts to affect the balance of the controller, and could weigh you down a little. We suggest removing it when you don't need it. The headset now has an inline mute / volume switch (with clip), so now you have move your hand off the controller mid-play to adjust the audio. Super lame. The Chatpad headset can be used on the controller without the Chatpad, but why would you want to? The old style headset is more efficient (see above) and sounds just as good. In fact, while we're on the topic, the original headset doesn't use those two data paddles either -- so we have no idea why the Chatpad didn't just skip bundling a second headset and instead include a port that could accept the original kind. We suspect this was to raise the consumer price of the package without raising Microsoft's cost much more. Either way, it's sucky. Should you buy one? Well, $30 isn't really too crazy of a price for this thing, but we'd say if Microsoft releases a $20 version that doesn't come bundled with the new headset (and can use the old headset kind), yeah, plunk down. Otherwise, we have a feeling only completionists and heavy message senders will really need this thing.%Gallery-6830%
Messenger Kit gets unboxed and exposed
Gather around fanboys, it's time for an electronics unboxing! The scissor wielding crew over at Gear Live got their hands on the new chatpad included Messenger Kit, which releases this Tuesday, and decided to chronicle the ritualistic unboxing process. Click through their unboxing pictures, be amazed at how all the contents were carefully stuffed inside the packaging and how pretty the chatpad's backlight glows. Yes sir, electronics unboxings rock especially when they feature Xbox 360 products.
Microsoft chatpad and Halo 3 accessories next week
Next week Microsoft kicks off their month of Halo by finally releasing the chatpad messenger kit (includes chatpad and headset) and the Halo 3 wireless controllers with art designed by Todd McFarlane. The messenger kit will retail for $30 and the Halo 3 controllers will be $60. Microsoft will also start selling the Halo 3 wireless headset for $60 as well.Oh chatpad, you will bring joy to the thousands of people out there that just can't use their voice to send a message, because as we all know, typing is such a faster form of communication than a simple voicemail. Actually, it's a nice deal for someone who may be vocal cord impaired or has completely lost their mind trying to type a message with the analog stick -- or lost their mind insisting to only type messages with the analog stick. It serves a purpose in the grand scheme ... unlike those stupid Wiimote add-ons.%Gallery-3895%
Hands on with the Chatpad and Messenger Kit
The fellas over at GameSpot got their hands on the soon to be released Xbox 360 Messenger Kit and wrote up their impressions of the Chatpad add-on as well as the special headset. Overall, they feel that the Chatpad is a solid peripheral that is quite useful, won't get in the way of your gaming session and Messenger addicts will be required to pick this peripheral up ASAP. We're sold simply because of the back lite keyboard. Make the jump to read their full impressions as well as a few new products shots and a picture showing how awkward the white Chatpad looks on a black controller. Go ahead, jump already!
