XFPS
Latest
XFPS adaptor for keyboards allows Sixaxis button mapping
One of the things that separates PC gamers from console gamers is the notion that using a mouse and keyboard is far cooler or more precise or more complicated (sort of a tongue-in-cheek way of saying "cooler") than a clunky controller. What if that wall were to be destroyed? What if a console, say the PS3, supported mouse and keyboard? What if a third-party peripheral company created an adaptor called the XFPS that allowed you to map your controller buttons onto the keyboard? That's exactly what has happened. The button-mapping is the big draw, but at nearly $100, we'd definitely need to see it in action first. A great idea, though, except for those pesky Sixaxis controls. But for FPS games, you're probably fine.[via UberReview]
XFPS RateUp emerges for PlayStation 3, includes sensitivity adjustments
Believe it or not, it's been over a year since Team Xtender's XFPS for Xbox 360 was released and lambasted for its sketchy handling of mice inputs. Thankfully, it seems the crew got the message, and has attempted to remedy the issue on its latest contraption, the XFPS RateUp for PS3. According to IGN, this device includes the same keyboard / mouse-to-console capabilities, but throws in a pair of much needed adjustment wheels that "add an additional 16-levels of X and Y axis sensitivity for dialing in mouse movement." Still, it remains to be seen if PlayStation 3 owners will be willing to fork over a C-note to pick one of these up -- especially considering the unit's native KB / mouse support in some titles -- but on the real, we'd hold off for a review even if you're currently tempted.[Via IGN]
Playing Xbox 360 with your Wii remote
An adventurous and skillful modder has managed to turn a Wii remote into an Xbox 360 controller with middleware help from the PS2 control scheme -- it's as if all the console makers are working in harmony for this one hack. Try humming this to the tune of "Dem Bones" (actually, don't, because we're not even going to try to fit the rhyme scheme): The Xbox 360 is connected to the XFPS PS2 to 360 adapter ... which is connected to a big black box Microcontroller "with custom firmware emulating a PS2 controller" ... which is connected to a Samsung Q1 PC with custom Wii remote firmware ... which is connected via Bluetooth to the Wii remote itself. Full details of the process can be found here. A video demonstration is embedded after the break that not only shows the control scheme work with Halo 2 but also the thought put into making it a comfortable and viable control scheme (such as anti-acceleration and smoothing algorithms).[Via Engadget; thanks, Chris]
Team Xtender's XFPS reviewed
You're fairly aware by now of how Team Xtender's XFPS was all set to shake up the FPS realm on the Xbox 360 by giving gamers the ability to use the undisputed king of controls (that'd be the keyboard / mouse tandem) -- or Sony's widely adored Dual Shock controller -- instead of Microsoft's own rendition, but according to Xbox360Fanboy's review, it's not quite the post-Christmas miracle we were all hoping for. While expectations were admittedly set rather high, it seems the unit simply underperforms where it mattered most, and excelled in a somewhat less important department. Using Gears of War, Halo 2, and Rainbow Six 3: Vegas Demo as tests, reviewers found the keyboard / mouse setup to be a breeze, but actual in-game results were not only poor, but relatively unacceptable. If the "slight button delays" weren't enough to turn your nose up, the simply inability for a keyboard to emulate the "analog support of the Xbox 360 controller" made critical run / crouch movements next to impossible to pull off, and the mouse aiming was purportedly dreadful as well. It was stated, however, that it worked perfectly with a Dual Shock (PS1 or PS2 flavor) controller, so folks digging the Sony design but unable to locate (or afford) a PS3 should take note. Overall, the XFPS reportedly fails fairly miserably at giving Xbox 360 owners the chance to use their keyboard / mouse combo to shoot it up on a console, and just seems relatively expensive for a simple Dual Shock-to-Xbox 360 liaison, so unless you just have to learn things the hard way, we'd suggest holding off.
XFPS reviewed: Not ready for prime time
Our lovably biased cousins at Xbox 360 Fanboy tried the XFPS keyboard-and-mouse adapter in a few Xbox 360 games. The verdict: the $80 device works well as a PS2 gamepad adapter, but its keyboard-and-mouse input played worse than a standard Xbox controller. The review reminds us that Xbox games were designed for the Xbox controller -- simple enough, but something we began to forget while hoping for a PC-like experience -- so a game like Gears of War just doesn't map properly.For other games, like Halo 2, apparently the adapter is glitchy; key presses lag, and the mouse control isn't as good as a PC. Games that offer many analog sensitivity options work best, but the XFPS is far from a universal solution.At least we'll always be able to use the XFPS as an excuse. Even with this mediocre review, we can claim that opponents with mouse control are the cause of our frequent Xbox Live losses.
X360F Review: XFPS - KB & Mouse on 360
digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Mouse_and_KB_on_360_not_all_it_s_cracked_up_to_be'; Allowing the use of a keyboard and mouse (or a Dual Shock) on the Xbox 360, the XFPS has created quite a stir here at 360 Fanboy. Hailed by PC using FPS fans as a godsend and decried by proponents of an equal playing field, it's a potentially controversial piece of hardware. When it comes to first person shooters, the advantages of a mouse and keyboard over a control pad cannot be denied, but is it fair for certain 360 players to have a distinct advantage over others? It's an interesting question, but ultimately the answer lies in how well the XFPS actually performs. We put the unit through its paces and see what it's worth.
XFPS arrives at Fanboy Towers
The XFPS -- a nifty adapter that allows keyboard and mouse controls on 360 -- showed up on our front step today. We have to admit the UPS guy was crazy good at evading our automated Nerf turrets. Naturally we tore right into the package, revealing an ordinary cardboard box. Inside of that was the XFPS and some instructions. All in all, a fairly unexciting unboxing ritual. We'll be testing this sucker in short order to give you the lowdown on how well it works, so stay tuned. Oh, and If you've been eyeing one of these for yourself, pay attention, because the very unit you see pictured above could be yours. Once we put it through its paces, the XFPS will be hastily given away in a glee inducing contest. Until then, just dream of effortless head shots.
Today's hottest game video: XFPS demo
Today's most-watched YouTube game video showcases the XFPS adapter on the Xbox 360. This dongle lets you use USB or PS/2 mice and keyboards to control Xbox 360 games. (It also works with a PS2 controller, but we don't see the draw to use that gamepad over the standard Xbox 360 controller.) Many of us never made the jump to first-person shooters with a gamepad; console controls feel so clunky compared to gaming on a PC. So we play most of our FPS titles on computers, but maybe this will give us better control in Xbox exclusives.The XFPS is scheduled to be released in January for about $80. See the video after the break.See also: XFPS lets you use keyboard/mouse on the Xbox 360
Video of XFPS: KB and mouse on 360
We ran a story about Team Xtender's XFPS the other day and received some pretty strong reactions. People have mixed feelings about these adapters, which allow the use of a keyboard and mouse on the Xbox 360. On the one hand, you have PC faithful who would love to recreate their favorite control schemes on the 360. Others think that it provides an unfair advantage over control pad users -- some even suggesting that its use be blocked by a firmware update. We understand where both sides are coming from, but for the moment we're just going to say "game and let game." It's also worth noting that cross-platform gaming is going to become more and more common as the 360 and PC adopt Live Anywhere, so this issue isn't going away.Anywho, TeamXtender has released several videos of the XFPS in action. The first video, embedded at the top of this post, shows you exactly what the XFPS does, as the tester fights the good fight with a little Call of Duty. Two other videos, embedded after the break, show us how the adapter works and how to program commands into your keyboard or mouse. We'll have a review of the XFPS in the future. In the meantime, watch these videos and tell us what you think.
360 Mouse and KB control available today
You may recall us telling you about TeamXtender's XFPS 360 last month. The XFPS 360 is an adapter that allows you to use mouse and keyboard controls on the Xbox 360. For those of you who've been longing to get one for yourself (or that special someone as a present) look no further. The XFPS is now available for purchase from Video Game Advantage -- TeamXtender's official reseller. The adapter allows you to use more than a mouse and keyboard, too. It's also compatible with pretty much all Playstation 2 controls. Sure, you could plug your DualShock 2 in there, but you could also use all those other PS2 peripherals you have lying around. Light guns, steering wheels, dance mats: if you've got it, it should work. At $79.99, the device isn't cheap, but we're sure the device will be worth it for dedicated FPS players and those with substantial PS2 peripheral collections. Quick, somebody buy one of these and see what happens when you play Gears of War with a guitar.[Via 360-HQ]
XFPS lets you use keyboard/mouse on the 360
Despite the popularity of online-enabled console FPSs like Halo 2, some people have never been able to effectively make the jump from keyboard and mouse to gamepad; whatever 1337 skillz they once had are rendered inert in the smooth, ergonomic grips of a gamepad. 360 modders, XCM, recently unveiled the XFPS 360 adapter to connect either a USB or PS/2 mouse and keyboard to the Xbox 360 console. Just to make things confusing, the device also supports a PS2 (as in PlayStation 2) gamepad although we're not sure why anyone would want to substitute one gamepad for another. We'll just consider that a value-add. The device isn't available yet, so interested parties should keep an eye on XCM's site. But before you go plunking down your paycheck, we'd be wary that Microsoft will try to detect -- and disable -- devices like the XFPS in an effort to maintain a balanced playing field.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
