E3 '07: $30 360 Messenger keyboard coming 9/6

Microsoft prices, dates gamepad attachment to accompany Windows Live Messenger.

Stay sane with the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit.

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--In April, Microsoft announced it would be updating its popular Xbox Live online service with increased instant-messaging capabilities as part of its Spring Update. Since chatting with Xbox Live's existing digital keyboard would be painfully tedious at best, the publisher at that time also announced a QWERTY-style miniature keyboard attachment, which would affix itself to the Xbox 360's gamepad through the same port as the wired Xbox Live headset.

Today the publisher updated its official site to reflect a price and release date for the add-on. Now dubbed the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit, the accessory will be available September 6 for $29.99. As advertised, the attachment plugs in to the headset jack, and as a courtesy to those who bought the Xbox 360 Core console, it will come with a wired headset. And, in a nod to gamers' optimal game-playing environment, the 47-key layout will feature backlit buttons.

142 Comments

  • Thorpe89 Site moderator

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 5:05 pm PT

    Can't wait to try this out.

  • The_Weekend

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 9:18 am PT

    Well, a usb keyboard would still be cheaper and faster ....

  • MidEvilMayHam

    Posted Aug 31, 2007 7:28 pm PT

    There r better key pads out there but i dont care im getting this one. Its not a bad price either i thought it was going to be more.

  • GamingThief

    Posted Aug 31, 2007 2:29 pm PT

    Cool

  • KnightwingX7

    Posted Jul 13, 2007 1:31 am PT

    To All the Uninformed, YES = You absolutely CAN use a USB keyboard on the 360!!! But then it wouldnt be wireless. This is a solution for people that dont want a keyboard on their lap, and to have to get up to plug it in when their friends message them. Microsoft isnt "milking" people for money, they are offering a choice. If you dont want it, get a USB Keyboard and be happy!

  • gamer_girl15

    Posted Jul 12, 2007 12:16 pm PT

    Not a bad price tag I must say.

  • Joe_Combat

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 3:48 pm PT

    cool

  • Telekenesis123

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 1:24 pm PT

    Yes, the plug in for the headset is just transfered to the bottom on the keypad.

  • crazy_boy166

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 8:38 am PT

    i still think the way they did messenger on 360 is terrible.......ic ant believe you have to be an adult to use the dam thing

  • markBRENTowitz

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 7:17 am PT

    can u still use your headset if this is plugged in?

  • thorbjorn_b3

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 7:09 am PT

    looking good

  • whgresiak

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 7:00 am PT

    Seems like a waste, if you want to instant message someone, use a computer

  • blacktorn

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 5:46 am PT

    Might be interested if i could actually use msn on my 360 :S

  • Telekenesis123

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 4:20 am PT

    Definitely should have the option to buy it without the headset and save the many people money who already own one. If thats the case the keyboard should drop to a reasonable level and it would look quite attractive indeed. If they haven't even thought of this thats pretty lame...i'm sure they will get it sooner or later.

  • jediknight00

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 12:55 am PT

    if the 360 had a web browser this would be the ultimate keypad

  • jakeboudville

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 12:51 am PT

    Don't think I'll get this one anytime soon..

  • _koolgirl_

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 12:40 am PT

    The device itself is cool, I guess. I just don't see the point of having messenger on XBL. I already appear offline most of the time because if I don't, I get constant chat invites/messages etc while I'm trying to play a game. I don't need MSN messenger added into that , with people not even on XBL distracting me further from the game I'm trying to play. I purposely chose NOT to enable messenger functionality. I send text messages from my PC (xbox.com), if I'm on 360, I send voice messages.

  • VolcanoMan001

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 12:05 am PT

    Yeah the 360 works with a USB keyboard but it is too big and bulky and a pain in the arse for me to unhook from my PC every time I want to text. I think I will get this.

  • Tuco_Ramires

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 11:06 pm PT

    Ok,add a mouse and u got a cheap gaming PC..

  • jayCLAYM0RE

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 11:00 pm PT

    i use my wireless USB keyboard but this is more convenient... just $10 too much.

  • OO7OO7

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:53 pm PT

    Can't 360 owners use a normal USB keybord?

  • skrat_01

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:47 pm PT

    Hmmm.

    I still think they should simply allow USB keyboard support, instead of milking the consumer.

  • Zoldaire

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:30 pm PT

    This is actually a very good accessory to Xbox360 since I have almost 20 friends who use the Messenger via Xbox360 while playing at they just have how long it takes for them to type a single messange. I think I'm gonna buy this.

  • Elkoman

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:07 pm PT

    backllit buttons ,cool

  • quickhhh

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 10:00 pm PT

    not bad

  • malmeid2

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 9:32 pm PT

    too bad I still had to pay almost double this amount for a gold plated hdmi cord that sony left out of my 60 gb package. at least my elite came with all the cables necessary to enjoy high def. gaming out of the box. anyways, I don't mind paying this for the keyboard because I can use it while gaming and it won't obstruct my entire lap, plus I, unlike alot of sony fans in this thread, have been unable to find a decent bluetooth wireless keyboard for less than this price. doing a product search on google.com/products, the cheapest *new bluetooth wireless keyboard I found was a junky Belkin keyboard ($31.20) that constantly disconnects and wears out of battery pretty fast. you guys that are finding these spectacular $15 wireless keyboards must really be some serious miracle workers...

  • ---Neil---15

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:27 pm PT

    hmm, if this thing works with Windows Live i may be enticed to buy it and use as a backup if my VERY old IBM Model-M keyboard decides to fail. and yes, im using a IBM Model-M keyboard with vista, take THAT microsoft!

  • fauljosh

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:20 pm PT

    I'm getting it for sure. Awesome.

  • LiQuidSword02

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:18 pm PT

    Im undecided on this product... Looks bulky is it going to get in the way?

  • EmperorSupreme

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:15 pm PT

    $30 seems kind've pricey for just a keypad. I don't have a X360, but I paid less than that for my wireless mouse and keyboard combo that I'm using on my PS3. I do like that it fits on the controller.

  • Kenaue

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:12 pm PT

    $30 for that? What a rip.

  • princeofgames90

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:09 pm PT

    wow id say it alot but i dont know i dont have one anyway

  • mark_unix

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:06 pm PT

    great price for a mini-keyboard???
    can't u just get a $12 wireless keyboard instead? works on the PS3.

  • s0njas0n

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:05 pm PT

    it's kinda ugly... hope it's worth it...

  • blackace

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:04 pm PT

    I think the headset is included in the cost. the keypad should only cost about $15. They should release it without the headset for that price as well. I think more people would probably get it then. I won't rush out and get one.

  • TVR_Fan

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:03 pm PT

    Costs a bit too much for something like that I reckon, however I reckon a better price is $15 and I also reckon the UK price should be about £15 or £20.

  • jazilla

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 8:02 pm PT

    I find it amusing they didnt come up with a USB version of this. I would have bought one if they had.

  • chaduma

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:58 pm PT

    How about NO crappy headset and lower the price $5-$10 and let people who want/need the headset have the "choice" to buy it when they want it instead of FORCING everyone to have to get the headset. It's in the pro and elite systems, it comes with both versions of the live vision cam... now this!! Sheez, give it a rest and just drop the price of the headset to $10, which is what it should be anyway for the poor voice quality it offers.

  • jcloverboy

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:58 pm PT

    definitely getting this....such a hassle to chat on msn with control pad

  • eliteman24

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:57 pm PT

    can i get this and use this for those private messages you type to your friends?

  • devtek

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:56 pm PT

    0011992288 Yes, Yes I do have the same problem lol

  • Pete5506

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:56 pm PT

    Cool, and cheap

  • ziggy87

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:54 pm PT

    oh yeah guy with numbers in his name
    my rabbit chewed my second headset so i just got the wireless

  • dmn_link

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:53 pm PT

    Looks cool, however, i don't use messengers that much, so no point on getting it.

  • 0011992288

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:11 pm PT

    Great price, looks like a great product. Will probably have to pick one up. I can use the extra headset when my dog chews my current one up (Anyone else have this problem?)

  • abw1977

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:06 pm PT

    Looks, and sounds, a lot better than I original thought it would be... I’m not the market for this contraption but color me intrigued.

  • Homsar13

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:04 pm PT

    nice. it won't take forever to message or to name songs

  • XlpranksterlX

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:03 pm PT

    Maybe. The price is right, but I'd rather they added group chat.

  • dragonbattousai

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:01 pm PT

    This gadget will be great for playing Final Fantasy XI, too bad I lost interest in that game, but I might get back into it whent he new expansion comes out.

  • JSharpe_187

    Posted Jul 10, 2007 7:00 pm PT

    @ Yuck_Too

    It would be great, but I think it's only there to move left and right in the message (like what RB and LB do)

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