Xbox 360 Headset

The 360 headset is bundled with both the standard Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Elite, but not the Arcade. It currently costs about £12.99, and is manufactured by Microsoft. As the below image shows, it's a wired headset. It features the standard over the head design, a classic structure for most headphones. It contains an adjustable boom, volume control and a switch to mute every sound. There has been criticism of the headsets reliability, with many players on their third or four set. Reports suggest the headset simply falls apart, or the sound quality becomes so distorted nothing can be heard clearly.

Microsoft also manufacture a wireless headset (pictured below), which attaches to an ear, and costs £29.99. This headset works at the same frequency as the wireless controller for the 360. It will also work up to thirty feet from the console. This headset features all the functions available on the bundled headset, but also produces a significantly higher volume. Some users have reported connectivity problem with the Xbox, and the possible incompatibility with early wireless controllers.

Either headset is essential to make the most of online gaming. They both allow players to chat with friends and teammates, and create strategies while playing games on Xbox Live. It just seems a shame so many owners are disgruntled about the reliability and flimsy build quality of both headsets. Alongside the reliability issues of the Xbox console, it could leave a sour taste in the mouth of many gamers, and push these players into the generally more reliable hands of Nintendo and Sony.