Use A Mouse and Keyboard On Your Xbox 360

While most Xbox 360 games make using a control pad enjoyable, there are still a lot of people who prefer using a mouse and keyboard, especially on shooters. This peripheral lets you combine the best of both worlds.


The XIM series of controller adapters for the Xbox 360 have been around for a while now, but they've been tricky to use and expensive. The new XIM3, however, seems to have a fix for both those problems.

For one, while previous models were a little...ghetto, the XIM3 is housed in a classy LCD box, which hopefully makes connection and configuration a cinch.
It'll also be cheaper than the last version, which came in at USD$200, because it no longer needs to use specific forms of wired controller to connect to the Xbox 360 (instead just using the standard, official wired controller).

The XIM3 works by acting as a "translator" or "bridge" between your Xbox 360 and PC peripherals. You plug your PC's keyboard and mouse into the XIM3, then plug it into the Xbox 360, and it's good to go.

It of course won't appeal to everybody, especially since so many big shooters get their own PC versions anyway, but if you want to play something like Halo Reach with some more precise controls, this looks like a good way to do it.



The Benefits of XIM

    Next-generation console input adapter
    Game on your Xbox 360 using your favorite PC gaming-grade hardware
    Mice, Keyboards, Joysticks, and Gameboard compatibility
    Unsurpassed in-game 1-to-1 feel thanks to advanced Smart Translator technology
    Simple configuration through an on-board full-color LCD screen
    Real-time feedback through the LCD to guide you to your optimal settings
    Supports your existing Xbox headsets and chatpads
    Firmware upgradable
    Active community forum

The Technology of XIM

There are many “mouse and keyboard” console adapters on the market today, so, what makes XIM3 so different? The answer is simple: precision. Making a high precision device (like a mouse) work well in a game that was designed for controller thumbsticks is a very hard problem. All console shooters have different levels of “aim-assist” that makes them playable using a controller. If done incorrectly, adapting a mouse to these games will result in aiming that feels jerky, unresponsive, and detached. XIM3 is the only device that takes this mouse “translation” to the next level using its unique “Smart Translator” technology.

Through Smart Translators, XIM3 is able to provide unparalleled mouse precision unachievable by any other gaming adapter available. The problem is simple: when the mouse moves, equivalent reticle movement on the screen should occur (i.e. 1-to-1 movement). This is the obvious result that all PC-gamers expect. But, before the creation of Smart Translators, was not possible on consoles. Every console shooter has its own unique look mechanic that governs how the game controls and feels to the gamer. Every game is different as they all have different stick dead-zones and geometries, variable sensitivity and acceleration regions, asymmetric sensitivity, non-linear movement, and more. Be cautious of any console mouse adapter that claims “PC-feel” without talking about how it solves all these challenges. XIM3’s Smart Translators is the only comprehensive solution for the entire look mechanic problem. Click here to see the expanding list of games with Smart Translator support.

XIM3’s simplicity and flexibility is also second-to-none. Its philosophy is to empower the gamer without bombarding them with unneeded complexity. Through XIM3’s on-screen user-interface, its quick and easy to set up your optimal gaming environment without requiring a PC or memorizing buttons to press. Even more, XIM3 will actually give you real-time feedback through the screen to help you find your optimal settings. For the most hard core gamer, XIM3 offers additional advanced options for further intricate refinement.

XIM3 enables a gamer to choose input devices that suits them best. Its hardware compatibility doesn’t stop at just mice and keyboards. Support is also included for unique devices such as the Logitech G13 (small gaming keyboards with a built-in thumbstick for analog player movement). Mix and match different devices for your optimal playing style. Click here for XIM3′s current hardware compatibility list.