DCEmu Homebrew Emulation & Theme Park News
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by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:52- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
XCM XFPS 360 PRO
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $85.00
PRO
Overview : Let’s be honest, first person shooters just weren’t pioneered to be played on a bog standard Xbox 360 controller. Ask any First-Person-Shooter (FPS) fan out there what method of control they find optimal, and you will find the resounding majority shout out mouse and keyboard! The days of getting your fingers in a twist while trying to grapple with those un-friendly analog sticks are over. The XFPS 360 is here to present Xbox 360 gamers with the ultimate way to play FPS titles – with a Mouse & Keyboard! That’s right one technologically advanced converting device which intelligently re-maps controls onto either a standard PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse. Its pure plug and play heaven from the word ‘go’, the transition from PC FPS guru to Xbox 360 FPS champ is virtually seamless. The XFPS 360 is suitable for gamers of any skill level, ‘newbie’s’ can at last score their first frag and ‘pro’s’ can fire out those virtual bullets in a style Rambo himself would admire.
The PRO version comes with 2 extra wheels with 16 levels of adjustment for X and Y sensitivity to adapt perfectly to every mice on the market.
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 : As we have already reviewed the original XCM XFPS 360, this will just talk about the new feature that was added to the XFPS.
If you have not read our review on the XFPS 360 or know what it does exactly, it allows the use of a keyboard and mouse on the Microsoft Xbox 360. Some gamers who have purchased the XFPS 360 had complained about certain things and XCM listened to their customers and decided to fix these problems.
The original XFPS was black and the PRO version is white. This makes the XFPS' easy to identify which one is which. But the color change wasnt the main reason. The reason for the change was some compatibility issues with some mouses that were available. Not everyone has the same mouse and all mouses are manufactured differently. There was no way to adjust the sensitivity on the original XFPS. So some gamers complained that it was either too sensitive or not sensitive at all.
With that said, XCM has added a X and Y sensitivity dials to help adjust the sensitivity. All buttons and switches are the same, just that the dials are located on the top of the XFPS PRO. The X dial is on the left and the Y is on the right. With this, you can now use any mouse and be able to configure to perfection to use with any FPS game you play. You can also make adjustments even during game play.
All other features that were featured on the original XFPS 360 still remains on the XFPS 360 PRO. So you wont be losing anything...just gaining.
You can view the list of recommended mouses at XCM's site.
Conclusion : Overall, the XFPS 360 PRO is just a improved version of the XFPS 360. With the release of the PRO, the original XFPS dropped in price. The original XFPS released with a retail price of $80. The XFPS PRO has a retail price of $85, which is $5 more. Bad thing for those who ordered the original XFPS will have to shell out an additional $85 just to get the PRO version.
DIGG THIS
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:52- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Talismoon PSU Energyser
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $20.99
Overview : Replace your original power supply with a standard ATX Computer power supply of your choice. Now you can have an inexpensive replacement, or, opt for more power, less noise, or both! The PSU Energyzer requires no assembly or wiring - just plug it in, turn on your PC power supply, and turn on your Xbox 360.
The PSU Energyzer is a special cable with an OEM Xbox 360 power plug on one end, and a 20 pin ATX connector on the other.
Please note that the original Xbox 360 Power Supply provides 203 watts, and 12v DC current at 16.5 amps, and 5v DC at 1 Amp. For the PSU energyzer to work, your PC power supply must provide this much SUSTAINED power at a minimum. Many PC power supplies are rated for PEAK power instead of sustained power, so you must check the label of your power supply to see if it provides enough sustained power.
Quality/Usability : Talismoon PSU Energyser is an alternative to the brick sized power supply for the Xbox 360. The Energyser is a cable that connects directly to your PC. Once its connected to your PC and turned on, it draws its power from the PC to power your Xbox 360.
This eliminates having to use the power supply that came with the console and frees up a wall outlet for other devices. There was no slow down, lags or any problems running the Xbox 360 through the cable. The console acted normal and ran fine just as if it was plugged powered through the original AC adapter. But you have to make sure that the power supply on your PC is able to handle the power to be able to run your console.
Of course, this only works if your Xbox 360 and PC are near each other as the cable isnt that long. But long enough.
Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon PSU Energyser cable is a great spare power supply or replacement to have. Only drawbacks would be is if your PC is either far away or in a different room from the Xbox 360 and if in order to play with the Xbox 360, you have to have computer turned on. I know some like to turn off their computers and some leave it on for days/weeks. But it does free up a wall outlet.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:52- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Nyko Intelligent Remote 360
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Nyko
Price: $19.99
Overview : Control your Xbox 360 and TV with 1 remote. Never be burdened with programming remotes again. The Intelligent Remote 360 is a self programming remote for the Xbox 360 that learns the functions for other remotes without the hassle of universal codes or software. Simply select the function on the remote that you would like the Intelligent Remote to learn, point the remotes toward each other, and with the press of a button the data is transferred instantly. This allows for convenient access to the 360’s functions while using other common devices like the TV, Stereo, etc, all from the same remote. The Intelligent Remote eliminates the need for switching between remotes and takes the hassle out of the setup.
Features :
- Control your Xbox 360 and other devices like the TV, stereo, etc, with one remote
- Built-in "Smart" function learns from existing remotes, no codes or software required
- Back-lit buttons are clearly marked and simple to use
- The remote turns on and off automatically to maximize battery life
- Runs on 2 AAA batteries (included)
Quality/Usability : Nyko's Intelligent Remote 360 covers majority of the basic features of media playback. What is nice about the remote is that you can have it "learn" commands from other infrared remotes allowing the remote to control your Xbox 360 and TV.
Although Nyko's Intelligent Remote is similar to Microsoft's Universal Media Remote, there are some slight differences. IR is wider (measures approximately 1 inch deep, 8.25 inches long and 2 inches wide), two buttons have been added under the mute control (AV and SET) and the START button replaces the Media Center button that would have been on the Universal Media Remote. The backlight lights up green when a button is pressed but is not as bright. The remote also weighs approximately 5 ounces with two AAA batteries installed (batteries included with Intelligent Remote).
What makes the Intelligent Remote unique and different is the "smart" feature. This allows you to map functions from other remotes onto 22 buttons. In order for the remote to learn these functions, you have to face the Intelligent Remotes infrared sensor and the other remotes infrared sensor at each other. Although this is a great feature its not always 100% accurate. Its a hit or miss and only way to find out if the Intelligent Remote has "learned" the function is by trying it out. So it can get annoying.
What can also get annoying sometimes is that the START button can be misleading. Pressing the button brings the Xbox 360 into the dashboard directly rather than pausing like it would on a controller.
Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko Intelligent Remote 360 is a great alternative to Microsoft's Universal Remote. With a cheap price tag of $19.99, its affordable. Although, certain buttons and functions can get annoying. The two AAA batteries last a good before you have to replace them.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:52- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Nyko Charge Station 360
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Nyko
Price: $29.99
Overview : Always have an ample supply of battery power when you need it most. The Charge Station 360 gives gamers the power to always keep two Xbox 360 wireless controller battery packs charging at all times. The Charge Station includes the dual port charging base and two rechargeable battery packs. Easily plug the Charge Station into the wall to keep battery packs charged. It takes just 4 hours to fully charge 2 battery packs. LED charge indicator lights designate when each battery is fully charged. The high quality NiMH batteries are designed to work with Microsoft wireless controllers and each provide an average of 25 hours of additional play time. They can be recharged repeatedly eliminating the need for costly AA batteries.
Features :
- Dual port rapid battery pack recharge station
- Fully charges two battery packs in about four hours
- Includes two high quality NiMH rechargeable battery packs
- CE approved for safety and quality
- Each battery pack provides up to 25 hours of play
- Dual color charge status indicators
- Plugs directly to home power socket, no USB port or long wires required
Quality/Usability : Not having to tied to the Xbox 360 by using the wireless controller is a great product. You can roam around freely without even tripping over wires or tripping other people. But the battery is taking a toll. Nyko has released the Charge Station 360. The kit includes two NiMH battery packs and a plug-in-the-wall base station. Unlike the Microsoft Play & Charge Kit and Nyko Power Kit, both require the Xbox 360 to be on in order to charge the batteries. With the Charge Station 360, it can charge two dead battery packs within 4 hours. Charging one battery takes only 2 hours. On the plug-in-the-wall base station, there are LEDs that alert you when the charging is in progress or when it is complete.
During our testings, charging was on par to that of what Nyko claims (2 hours for one battery and 4 hours for both batteries at the same time). During gameplay, although we havent officially timed how long it lasted but Nyko claims to hold charge for 25 hours. Now, keep in mind, this is probably from non-stop playing. For us, the controller can last us a good 2-3 weeks if not more (1-2 hours of game play each week).
The battery packs color is identical to that of the controllers color. So it will blend right in with the controller.
Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko Charge Station 360 is a must own for anyone who uses the wireless controller and plays frequently. Not only will you get more play time, but you also wont have to worry about your battery dying on you. For a price tag of $29.99, you cant pass this up.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:52- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Nyko GameFace 360
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Nyko
Price: $20-28
Overview : Get your Game Face on! Personalize your Xbox 360 with the GameFace customizable faceplate and skin kit. This two piece faceplate houses personalized templates placed between a high-grade clear polycarbonate front plate and a stylized base plate. Download the easy to use design software at www.nyko.com and instantly create faceplates using your favorite game characters, images, photos, patterns and more. Print the final creations on the 15 blank templates using any home printer or try one of the 6 pre-printed designs also included in the kit. The templates fit snugly between the faceplate pieces and snap into place on the front of the Xbox 360. With the GameFace 360, you get everything you need to make up to 16 custom faceplates right away all from the comfort of home.
Features :
- Personalize your Xbox 360 with your favorite game characters, bands, photos, drawings and designs
- Includes base plate and clear front plate, 15 blank templates and 6 pre-printed designs
- Includes easy-to-use Game Face software. Create and print your own designs
- High quality construction, designed for easy installation and removal
- Software downloadable here. Requirements: PC or Mac computer, internet connection, home printer
Minimum System Requirements :
- PC with Windows XP/2000 or Macintosh with OS 10.2 or higher
- Dial up/broadband internet connection and compatible browser
- Home Printer (with 8 1/2" x 14" compatible tray)
Quality/Usability : One of the nice unique features of the Xbox 360 was the ability to customize your console faceplate. With that, Nyko released the GameFace 360 which retails for $20, to help those with a sense of creativity and those who want a unique system that is different from the rest.
The Nyko GameFace 360 consists of a silver back plate and a clear front plate. In between the two plates, you place one of six preprinted paper templates or a custom design printed on one of the 15 included blank sheets. Each paper template has punch-out holes for the Xbox 360's disc tray, memory card and all face ports.
Although the included preprinted templates are nice, they arent the best looking things. If you're looking to pick up the GameFace 360, you're not looking to get it for its preprinted templates but to customize it with your own style and image.
In order to print your own design to be used with the GameFace you must download the GameFace software from Nyko's Web site. The software is compatible with Windows PCs and Macs. The software itself is fairly simple. Just download the program, extract it and start the application. Once the program has launched, a blank document in a shape of a faceplate is shown with a few editing options for you to choose from. The software allows you to import JPEG, GIF, Bitmap or TIFF files. Once you have loaded an image, you have the ability to rotate the image, scale the image, increase or decrease the contrast and brightness, inverting colors, adding grayscale and blurring images. The application is like a mini-Photoshop.
Speaking of Photoshop, if you happen to have the program on your computer, Nyko offers a downloadable PSD template for you to use for you more advanced Photoshop users.
Printing the templates are easy. Removing the template off the template can take a little patience as they can tear easily. Once you have removed the template, placing the paper template on the clear faceplate may be difficult as it doesnt line up with perfectly and may result in the paper being creased. Removing dual faceplate/sheet combos is a little difficult as well since you wont be able to remove all three at the same time. Be sure to take your time as you only have a limited amount of templates (15) to play with.
Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko GameFace 360 is a great product for those who would like to give their Xbox 360 a unique and stylish look. Nyko offers a great range of flexibility when it comes to customizing the faceplate by either using their software or using Photoshop. Although you are limited to 15 blank templates, Nyko will be releasing replacement templates for those who have run out of the allotted 15.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:52- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Evolve360 Chrome Controller Faceplate
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo China
Price: $16.95
Overview : Thanks to the Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplate range, you can now take the customization of Microsoft's next generation gaming machine to a new level! The Evolve 360 controller faceplate features everything you need for some serious fine tuning of your controller in one complete package. Talismoon Evolve 360 plates do not only shine with vibrancy but also through a unique combination of plastic construction provide a reinforced shell for increased resistance and a longer life.
Ultra-gloss finish is the result of meticulous handling throughout the production process, to the point where the final customer is the first person to actually touch the finished product.
Right from the beginning the Xbox 360 is all about customization; now it's time do this prophecy justice with Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplates!
Quality/Usability : With the inclusion of an installation guide, torx wrench and screwdriver, installation would be very easy. The quality of build is top-notch. Talismoon has never disappointed anyone with their line of products. Unfortunately, no buttons or joysticks included so you'll have to use the original. The faceplate fits perfectly on the controller without any problems. If you're loosing in a game against your friend, just turn the controller a certain way and blind them =).
Included:
- 1x complete Xbox 360 controller faceplate
- 1x screwdriver
- 1x tamper resistant torx t8 wrench
- 1x installation guide
Conclusion : Overall, the Evolve360 Chrome Controller Faceplate is a great product. The chrome will give the controller a unique and different look. Only problem with chrome is the potential fingerprints and smudge marks appearing. If you're anal and dont like marks, you might want to avoid this.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:52- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Evolve360 Wild Jungle Edition Controller Faceplate
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo China (Cow Fur) / Buy from Divineo China (Leopard Fur)
Price: $14.95
Overview : With Talismoon range of Evolve 'Wild Jungle' edition for the Xbox 360, gamers are treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft 'like fur' finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look. Xbox 360 controller come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique. Styles consist of a 'cow' or striking 'leopard' fur finish. Jungle Edition is also available for PSP.
Quality/Usability : Packaging design is very thought out and cleaver. With the inclusion of an installation guide, torx wrench and screwdriver, installation would be very easy. The quality of build is top-notch. Talismoon has never disappointed anyone with their line of products. The face of the faceplate of the controller feels really nice. I guess its similar to like a fur coat but not as long. Not to mention, you dont have to worry about it shedding. Unfortunately, no buttons or joysticks included so you'll have to use the original. The faceplate fits perfectly on the controller without any problems.
Included:
- 1x complete Xbox 360 controller faceplate
- 1x screwdriver
- 1x tamper resistant torx t8 wrench
- 1x installation guide
Conclusion : Overall, the Evolve360 Wild Jungle Edition is a great product and unique as well. It has a nice feel to it so its not bothersome. Since its made of "fur", the only problem would be for those with sweaty palms. Would it smell? Getting stains on it and removing it would be hard as well. Besides that, this is a great product. I wonder if they would come out with a product with snake skin or something like that.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:52- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Xbox 360 Slim Hard Drive Case Shell
Manufacturer: N/A
Site: Buy from LighTake (black) / Buy from LighTake (red) / Buy from LighTake (pink) / Buy from LighTake (white) / Buy from LighTake (teal) / Buy from LighTake (green) / Buy from LighTake (blue)
Price: $10.28 (black) / $7.40 (all other colors)
Pre-installed HDDs with Shell Case
Site: Buy from LightTake (250GB)
Price: $57.20
Overview :
Features :
- Compatible only with Xbox 360 Slim consoles
- Replacing your old, damaged, broken hard drive or case
- Ability to use your own HDD or old Xbox 360 HDDs
- More room to grow your entertainment
- Play, watch, save, store – expand your entertainment possibilities
- Plenty of room to store all of your favorites from Live!
- It’s the easiest way to get the most from your Xbox 360
Quality/Usability : For those who purchased or received an Xbox 360 Slim 4GB version, will sooner or later find out that they will probably need more HDD space, once you factor in downloading content, movies and game saves. You can go out and spend $130USD on Microsoft's own 250GB HDD but like all OEM products, they are overpriced. You can even use your own HDD but this requires some precision aiming to get the HDD to land correctly onto the connections, as seen below:
Just dropping in the HDD into the Xbox 360 Slim is not stable as the HDD can wobble around inside the bay and may even damage the connections. If there is a way, there are accessories. Never count out 3rd party manufacturers. To help gamers fix the wobble issue and to provide a cheaper solution and alternative, there is the Xbox 360 Slim Hard Drive Case Shell. This allows you to use your own HDD or from an old Xbox 360 without the risk of damaging the HDD or Xbox 360 Slim console. The case is made of plastic. There are no screws to hold hard drive in place and no screws to hold case together.
If you're using your own hard drive that you bought from a store or had laying around (it must be Western Digital 2.5"), you'll need to do more than just dropping the HDD into the Xbox 360 Slim. The new HDD will need to be formatted to work with the Xbox 360 Slim console using HDDHackr and a PC.
The following Western Digital (WD) HDD's work on the Xbox 360 with HDDHackr (20GB, 60GB, 120GB or 250GB):
- WD Scorpio Series BEVS/BEAS
- WD Scorpio Blue Series BEVS/BEVT/BPVT
- WD Scorpio Black Series BEKT/BJKT
- WD VelociRaptor Series
- WD AV-25 Series BUDT
How to use HDDHackr : (file attached and does not contain any copyrighted files)
- HDDHackr is made only for real MS-DOS, not for Windows Command Prompt or even Windows XP/Vista/7!
HddHacker supports two flashing modes, Auto and Manual. Typing HddHackr at a DOS prompt will start auto mode. In auto mode all hard drives will be detected automatically. In manual mode you can enter all the parameters used for flashing by hand.
The following help screen is displayed if you start HddHacker with a wrong number of arguments:
HDDHACKR [C|D|F|R] [PORT] [DRIVE POS] [SECTOR FILE] [RESTORE FILE]
C: Create Partitions 0/2/3
D: Dump sector 16-22 from XBOX360 HDD to file
F: Flash Western Digital firmware
R: Restore Western Digital firmware
PORT: Port to send command to e.g. 09F0
DRIVE POS: A0 for Master, B0 for Slave
SECTOR FILE: Sector dump file e.g. HDDSS.BIN
RESTORE FILE: Firmware restore file e.g. UNDO.BIN
Example for create, dump, flash and restore:
HDDHACKR C 09F0 A0
HDDHACKR D 09F0 A0 HDDSS.BIN
HDDHACKR F 09F0 A0 HDDSS.BIN UNDO.BIN
HDDHACKR R 09F0 A0 UNDO.BIN
Explanation of the Parameters
[C|D|F|R]
- this will set the mode of operation, it is recommended to first try to dump the XBOX360 hard drive data, if the dump will fail, it is highly unlikely that a flash or restore will succeed on the Western Digital drive
[PORT]
- the port to which the Hard Drive is connected, a port number should always be entered in hexadecimal and have 4 hex digits, valid ports are: 01F0, 09F0, .....
- this option can be used if your PCI adapter card or on board SATA ports are not identified by the auto mode
[DRIVE POS]
- on SATA ports this value is always A0, cause you can only connect a master drive to a SATA port, so for SATA you will always type A0 here
[SECTOR FILE]
- name of the sector 16-22 dump file better known as HDDSS.BIN
[RESTORE FILE]
- name of the firmware restore file e.g. UNDO.BIN
Using HddHacker in manual mode
* Dumping the HDDSS.BIN file *
Boot to MS-DOS from a writeable medium (like a floppy or UBS Stick).
Connect an *original* Xbox360 HDD to your SATA controller. Make sure it is the only SATA device that is connected. Now run 'HDDHACKR D [PORT] A0 HDDSS.BIN' and it will create the file 'HDDSS.BIN' and save it to the path you've started HddHacker from.
* Creating Partitions 0/2/3 *
In auto-mode the Partition 0/2/3 will be created automaticly to make the drive compatible with "Xplorer360" and XBOX360 Console. In manual-mode you have to type 'HDDHACKR C [PORT] A0'.
* Flashing your Western Digital *
Turn off your PC and connect the Western Digital hard drive. Boot to MS-DOS again.
Type 'HDDHACKR F [PORT] A0 HDDSS.BIN UNDO.BIN' from the same path you have saved the HDDSS.BIN file to. This will create an 'UNDO.BIN' file that you need if you want to undo the hack and flash your firmware back to the original state.
* Restoring your WD to original state *
If you don't want to use your modded WD HDD in your XBOX360 anymore and you want to flash it back to its original size/state, then you can now do so. Boot to MS-DOS and run 'HDDHACKR R [PORT] A0 UNDO.BIN'. This will use the UNDO.BIN file you created before to restore the drive to its original state.
* Vendor Intro Power Brute for misflashed drives *
To enter the recovery mode you should boot to MS-DOS, connect your hard drive to PC and type 'HDDHACKR R [PORT] A0 UNDO.BIN'. If the hard drive is misflashed you will be prompted with:
"Western Digital Vendor Intro failed on port [PORT]"
"Do you want to resend the command until the drive responds (Y/N)?"
Press YES, disconnect the hard drive from power and connect it again.
You should get Status 0x50 and the drive will be reflashed.
If you plan on using your hard drive from your old Xbox 360, you won't need to do any formatting to get it to work as its already formatted but you'll need tools to help you dismantle the old hard drive case. I suggest picking up the Shinobii Tool Kit to make things easier. This has all the tools needed and more, which can be used for other electronic devices. Below are instructions on how to dismantle your old Xbox 360 hard drive: (performing this will void your old Xbox 360's hard drive warranty)
Opening the Xbox 360 drive enclosure
To open your Xbox 360 hard drive, you will need a Torx T6 screwdriver. Remove the 3 screws and the 4th screw is behind the hologram sticker. You can either poke through the sticker or remove the sticker. Either one of these will void the warranty on the hard drive:
You can now remove the top cover. Next, you have to remove 4 screws from the metal plate. These require a Torx T10 screwdriver:
You can now remove the metal plate. All that is left is to slide the hard drive out.
To insert the new Xbox 360 Slim HDD Case, simple remove the bottom grille plate from the bottom of the Xbox 360. Pulling this plate back will reveal the hard drive bay. Simply insert the new hard drive case into the bay and push it in until you hear a click. This click will let you know that the HDD is in place and connected to the Xbox 360 Slim. Just make sure that he ribbon is facing out. This allows you to grab and pull out the hard drive when you need to.
Once you format a new hard drive using HDDHackr or removed the hard drive from your old Xbox 360 hard drive, you can insert it into the Xbox 360 Slim HDD case. Simply place the HDD inside the case and snap the cover to the case. Since there are no screws to hold the HDD in place, you can get some double sided mounting tape and cut off two small rectangle pieces and place it on the inside of the case to prevent the HDD from moving. Once the cover is snapped on, its fit snuggly and will not easily come off. When inserting the hard drive into the Xbox 360 Slim, the connector goes in first. Once inserted, push down on the hard drive until you here it click. The tab on the hard drive shell case allows you to easily remove the hard drive when needed.
Conclusion : Overall, the Xbox 360 Slim Hard Drive Case Shell is a must have for those planning to take their old Xbox 360 hard drive or their own and placing it into the Xbox 360 Slim. The case gives support for the HDD and fits perfectly into the Xbox 360 Slim. Even if you purchase a pre-installed aftermarket 250GB Xbox 360 Slim HDD, you're only paying $57. That's more than half the price of what Microsoft would charge you for their Official 250GB hard drive.
What I have noticed in our YouTube video was that a lot of people have asked if this would void your warranty and would you get banned. Lets start with the warranty concern. You will NOT void your warranty on your Xbox 360 Slim. If your Xbox 360 Slim fails and needs to be sent to MS to be repaired, simply remove the HDD. Nothing is permanent and MS won't know it was installed. The only warranty you will void however is your old Xbox 360 hard drive. There is a screw behind the warranty sticker so this would need to be removed or punctured to get to it. If you're going to use your old hard drive, you probably don't care by now as the warranty has probably expired.
As for being banned, you will NOT get banned. There is no hacking or cheating involved and no change the Xbox 360 firmware/dashboard. You're simply increasing storage space. The concept is the same as buying Microsoft's own 250GB hard drive just that you're using own you and more work is required. With the case of the old Xbox 360 hard drive, just think of it as putting it in a new case. So do not be afraid.
Images via commentsby Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:51- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Nyko Power Kit 360
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Nyko
Price: $16.99
Overview : Play and recharge the Xbox 360 wireless controller's battery pack simultaneously. The Power Kit includes a high quality NiMH rechargeable and an extra long USB charging cable. The battery provides up to 25 hours of play per charge while the extra long cable allows simultaneous play and charging up to 11 feet from the console. The extended cord makes it easy to kick back at a comfortable distance from the TV without accidentally disconnecting the controller. Never worry about running out of battery power for your controller during play again.
Features :
- High quality NiMH rechargeable battery for excellent performance and long life
- Longer charge and play cable for convenient battery recharge from the consoles USB ports
- Compatible with Microsoft's wireless controller for Xbox 360
- CE approved for safety and quality assurance
- Eliminates the need for expensive batteries
- Up to 25 hours of play per charge
- Battery gauge accessible through the Xbox Dashboard
Quality/Usability : The Power Kit 360 includes two items, a NiMH rechargeable battery pack and a USB charging cable which one end plugs into the Xbox 360 and the other end plugs into the top of the controller where a memory card would usually go which charges the battery. By plugging this cable to the wireless controller, it now makes the controller wired. The wire is approximately 11 feet long.
What's nice is that if you're battery is near empty, you can plug the cable into the controller to charge the battery while you're playing so you dont have to put it down. Once its fully charged, you can unplug the cord and play wirelessly.
On the battery there is an LED. Red is for when the battery is about dead. Yellow is when its half charged and Green when its fully charged. During our tests, the battery life fell a little short of holding the supposed 25 hours of game play. Although this may not be accurate as we didnt officially time it, it probably only allowed about 20-22 hours of gaming.
Dont get this confused with Microsoft's own product, Play & Charge Kit. Although both have the same purpose, there is a difference...price and cord. Microsoft's Play & Charge Kit retails for $19.99 while Nyko's Power Kit retails for $16.99 and has a longer cord.
Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko Power Kit 360 is a nice alternative. Although the price is affordable at $16.99 and the cord is longer but for an additional $13.00, you can get the Nyko Charge Station 360 which has a charging base and two NiMH batteries. But you wont be able to charge and play at the same time.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:51- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News,
- DCEmu Reviews
3600mAh Rechargeable Battery Pack
Manufacturer: N/A
Site: Buy from BudgetGadgets
Price: $7.48 (use coupon code TM5OFF8 and get 5% off site wide)
Overview : Why spend more money on regular alkaline batteries that harm the environment when you can get a rechargeable battery pack for a fraction of the cost?
Features:
- Compatible with Xbox 360 wireless controller
- Extend your playing time
- Use USB port to charge using USB charging cable
- LED light indicator will light up when charging
- Rechargeable Cable: USB to DC 2.35* 0.7 DC cable with direct plug
- Battery Pack: output voltage = DC 2.4v
- Capacity: 3600mAh
Quality/Usability : Having used regular alkaline AA batteries for a while and going through them like no tomorrow, it was time to invest in a rechargeable battery pack for the Xbox 360 wireless controller. Not to mention to help the environment. This 3600mAh Rechargeable Battery Pack was from BudgetGadgets and came with no packaging. You may or may not receive packaging with any item you purchase from them. Even if you wanted packaging, you would have to pay an additional cost. I'll get into this more in the Conclusion at the bottom.
The battery pack will not match the color of your white Xbox 360 controller. The battery back has a little off-white or a bit of beige color to it. Fitment of the battery pack on the controller is a perfect fit.
The 3600mAh Battery Pack comes only with a USB cable. No instructions or anything. You can plug the USB cable into the USB port of your computer, monitor or Xbox 360 to charge the battery pack. When plugged in, a green LED on the battery pack will light up to show that its charging. I charged this for 5 hours and the green light was on. I decided to let it charge to see if it will turn off. Another 5 hours and the light was still on. I didnt want to charge any further and possibly damaging the battery so I decided to stop charging. I charged two ways...first being the battery pack connected to the controller and once the inital charge depleted, I disconnected the battery from the controller. I wanted to see if the battery would charge. The LED light lit up and after 5 hours, light was still on. I waited another 2 hours this time instead of 5 and light was still on, so I unplugged it and put the battery pack back onto the controller.
I was able to get a good 4 days of moderate to heavy play. In total, I would say I got about 10 hours of gameplay total before the battery needed to be recharged.
Conclusion : Overall, the 3600mAh Rechargeable Battery Pack for the Xbox 360 works as it should but the lack of notification that the battery is fully charged is a big downfall. I dont know if it takes 3 hours, 5 hours or 15 hours to fully charge. The color of the battery pack isnt a big deal but its worth mentioning for those potential buyers and it wouldnt be a surprise.
Now, back to BudgetGadgets packaging issue. Under their FAQ, this is what is stated about packaging:
For some of the products we offer the 'Package' option. By default, the package is not selected so that we can save shipping cost thus we can offer lower price to our dear customers like you. If you choose the 'No Package' option, we will NOT ship the package to you.
And, to avoid potential quality issue, we always test each item when we get them from suppliers, and then we test them again before we ship them, thus sometimes we need to open the packages. And some items come without the package when we get them from supplier, so sometimes you will also get the item without the package, but all items we sell are in BRAND NEW condition, please don't worry about that.
For those items that gives you the 'Package' option, I dont know if its worth it or not to pay extra when it should be included. Than again, its going to get thrown away when you receive it and bust open the package but I would like the satisfaction that it was from a sealed package and I'm the one that opened it. I can see how BudgetGadgets is offering free shipping by cutting back on including packaging. However, other online stores include the packaging and also offer free shipping.
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