Xbox 360 Communicator

Good Gear Guide

  • Review
  • Specs
  • Images
  • User Reviews
  • Buy Online

Among the many secrets Microsoft tried to keep before launching the Xbox 360 was the redesigned communicator headset. The original Xbox headset was a unique design but was notorious for breaking easily. It would clip onto a headband worn behind the head and was very comfortable but the clip itself was fairly flimsy. Gamers everywhere hoped that Microsoft would come to the party with a new headset that would not only be comfortable but also durable. Unfortunately, they didn't achieve this.

Pros

  • Excellent microphone, Low price

Cons

  • Flimsy and fragile, Volume not loud enough

Bottom Line

The official Xbox 360 communicator isn’t as good as it could have been but at this price, it might be good enough for most.

Would you buy this?

  • Price

    $ 29.95 (AUD)

The official Xbox 360 communicator is generically designed and no different from any other USB headset on the market. It has one foam covered earpiece and an adjustable microphone but the band is thin and flimsy. The peripheral feels fragile and needs to be handled with care just like its predecessor. The volume and mute buttons work well but the mute has been changed into a slide switch rather than a button like its predecessor. The switch is consistent with the build quality of the entire headset and could have been implemented a little better. The headset is connected at the rear of the controller and fits quite nicely, continuing the attractive aesthetic, but it can easily be bumped and dislodged.

The sound quality of the single earpiece is a little muted and even at high volume, it is difficult to hear other gamers over the volume of the television. At the other end of the spectrum, the microphone is top notch and picks up voice well while cutting out a good amount of background noise.

Unfortunately, Microsoft's Xbox 360 Communicator isn't the headset we were hoping for and seems fairly low grade when compared with the rest of the system. Next generation gaming demanded a next generation communicator and Microsoft didn't step up as we thought they would. At this price, the device isn't too expensive but we still expected something that looks and feels far more sturdy, with performance to match.

Keep up with the latest tech news, reviews and previews by subscribing to the PC World newsletter.

Be the first to comment.

Post new comment

Users posting comments agree to the PC World comments policy.

Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.

Most Popular

What's the difference between an Intel Core i3, i5 and i7?
Samsung’s 2013 Smart TVs: everything you need to know
How do I connect my TV to the Internet?
Laser vs. inkjet printers: which is better?
Windows 7 Home Premium vs. Windows 7 Professional

Best Deals on PCWorld

GamesView all »
Software and ServicesView all »
PC ComponentsView all »
Desktop PCsView all »
NotebooksView all »

Compare & Save

« 1 of 14 »
Deals powered by WhistleOut
Use WhistleOut's technology to compare:
Mobile phone plans & deals
Mobile phone models
Mobile phone carriers
Broadband plans & deals
Broadband providers
Deals powered by WhistleOut
Guides and Articles
National Broadband Network NBN 100Mbps Plans
Visualising Mobile Phone Plans
SIM Only Mobile Phone Plans
National Broadband Network NBN 25Mbps Plans
iPhone 5, 4S & iPhone 4 Plans - Compare Deals &...
Deals powered by WhistleOut
WhistleOut