Microsoft confirms Xbox 360 802.11n adapter

by Richard Mitchell

Late last week, we reported that Italian site MondoXbox had spotted an ad for an Xbox 360 802.11n adapter in the Gears of War 2 Game of the Year Edition box. Prior to that, the device was reviewed by the FCC. Speaking to Joystiq, Microsoft has confirmed that there is indeed such an adapter in the works. Unfortunately, the confirmation was accompanied by few actual details. Other than the fact that the adapter will allow gamers to "seamlessly connect with their home network with the highest wireless 'N' technology," we don't know anything about when it will release or, more importantly, how much it will cost.

Microsoft did refer to the device as "another choice to consumers," which lends credence to the belief that it will be marketed alongside the current Wi-Fi adapter, as opposed to replacing it altogether. Microsoft stated that more details will be available "soon" and advised us all to "stay tuned."

I just wish that MS would have built in wi-fi from the start... I mean i completely refuse to pay an additional £60 for just an adapter... I mean the Wii even has built-in wi-fi... i mean it isn't expensive!!

Damn you MS!!

Good hopefully can learn more from there mistakes.

This is one reason why its a good choice to not build in the wireless tech. I would definitely upgrade and then set my wireless to only N since my Wii is the only thing running G.

If its cheap i'll be on XBL soon.

It just makes things more complicated, and is a scheme to make money by having all kinds of adapters for sale. Wireless G is plenty fast for all your gaming needs this generation, and is still the most common home connection. Wireless N isn't all that common, and probably still won't be the majority by the time the next set of consoles come around.

ugh well i wish they had released this a year ago cause i already bought the g one. but whatever im not buying this N one too

May be fine for gaming, but the biggest reason my 360s are wired is because G is not suitable for streaming HD media across a network unless source is very close to 360.

Id just hope it inst so overpriced.

Yeah, I agree with thx1139.

N is by far the better solution for all that the 360 offers. As an example, my Wii routinely buffers while playing larger Youtube videos or the high quality Wii videos in the Nintendo Channel. This leads me to believe that even if Wii does eventually add the streaming video support, its gonna suck on a wireless connection.

However, my upstairs computer on N works flawlessly in every scenario.

This is the same reason I prefer Wii's decision to do SD vs an HDD. Much more flexibility is always better.

Sure it might have cost a little more, especially sense in the long run I would have purchased two adapters. However, that is my choice as a consumer and I would rather have that choice.

I certainly hope the next gen of items come N standard since it will be in full affect by then and isn't' much of a cost raising component. On top of that they are backwards compatible, so if you still have a G router, it will be fine.

Idk, maybe if Wii gets the streaming video in CD or near CD quality, I'll just run a damn line. :(