Review: XCM XFPS 360

XCM XFPS 360
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $59.99


Overview : The XFPS 360 is an innovative keyboard and mouse adapter for the Xbox 360 which begins an unrivalled First Person Shooter (FPS) experience to the next-generation gaming console. Not only is the XFPS 360 compatible with all standard PS/2 input devices but also modern USB keyboards and mice. But wait, there's more! The XFPS 360 even makes traditional PS2 DualShock2 controllers compatible on the Xbox 360, as well as a plethora of peripherals. This exquiste device even manages to bring auto fire functionality to the Xbox 360, now that tops off what promises to be the must have peripheral for years to come!

Features :

• Compatible with most PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse combinations, those expensive FPS set-ups have not gone to waste!
• Instant plug and play technology
• Ideal for use with all FPS titles such as Call of Duty and Halo series
• Highly durable modern ‘black’ coloured shell
• Brings all new auto fire functionality to the Xbox 360
• Allows gamers to use PS2’s Dual-Shock 2™ controller on the Xbox 360 ™
• Enjoy enhanced performance on titles such as Pro Evolution Soccer 6, which originally debuted on the Playstation™.

XFPS 360 is also compatible with:

• PS 2 Light Gun
• PS 2 Racing Wheel - The XBOX 360 steering controller is very expensive, but you can use the PS 2 steering wheel for it now
• PS 2 Dancing mat
• PS 2 Guitar
  etc.

Quality/Usability : The XFPS 360 is fairly small shelled in a black hard plastic. On the front, there are two USB ports, two PS/2 ports for older mouses and keyboards that dont use USB and the center is where you plug your PlayStation peripherals into.

Setting it up is fairly easy. Take the cord that is attached to the XFPS and plug it into the USB port on the Xbox360. The XFPS requires a wired controller connected in one of the USB ports on the adapter along with mouse and keyboard in order for the adapter to be recognized. Once the Xbox360 recognizes the XFPS, you can remove the wired controller as it is no longer needed unless you are going to re-map the mouse/keyboard buttons. The cable on the adapter is not long and does not have a quick disconnect.

Once you're all connected, it should be smooth sailing. Using the mouse and keyboard is like using a PC. Its easy. If you're playing a first person shooter, its just a matter of point and click. Unfortunately, the XFPS sometimes does not recognize small movements but in some games, you can adjust the sensitivity but even sometimes that doesnt work and the mouse can be finicky especially during those crucial moments when you're going for that headshot! So its pretty much a hit or miss. There were no problems with the use of the keyboard.

What's great about the XFPS 360 is that it is programmable which allows you to re-map buttons to your likings. To re-map the buttons you simply set the switch to SET, push the "P" button, select the buttons on the wired controller you wish to re-map and select the keyboard/mouse button you with to re-assign. An example would be using the left mouse button to shoot: press the "P" button, pull the right trigger on your controller, and click the left mouse button. Now, your left mouse button will do the shooting.

Plugging a PlayStation controller is simple as well. Once it is plugged it, the PlayStation controller mimics the Xbox360 controller without the function of the jewel.

Conclusion : Overall, the XFPS 360 is great for gamers who are use to PC FPS games. The downsides of the adapter is the mouse aiming can be screwy especially during those crucial gameplay moments, MUST need a wired controller in order for the Xbox360 to recognize the adapter and lack of support for headset. Although this may improve gameplay some look down on it. Why? While someone is using a controller to play, someone on the other ends is using a point and click which to some is considered cheating. For the price tag of $80 , its a bit steep if you're a hardcore FPS gamer or on play on a team.

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