Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter out this week in North America [update]

by JC Fletcher on Nov 10th 2009 1:30PM

After the item mysteriously appeared in a UK supermarket this weekend, Microsoft has finally offered a North American release date for the Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter -- and it's right now. Or, rather, "this week," as the announcement puts it. The new version of the official Wi-Fi adapter will retail for the same $99.99 that the first version commanded (though Amazon has it for $87.99 right now, and the old one at $76.49).

The Wireless Adapter N adds support for the 802.11n protocol, which should allow for higher-speed wireless connections. It also adds a second antenna, which allows for symmetry. Given its high price, it may cause buyers to suffer like the 802.11g did.

Update: We've confirmed with Microsoft that the original 802.11b/g adapter will only be available while supplies last -- at a new price of $80.

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Tags: microsoft, wireless-n, Xbox-360, xbox-360-wireless-n-networking-adapter

Reader Comments (90)

I want 1080p, I don't know what it is, but I want it? :)

$99.99

LOL.

I'd feel better about paying for XBOX Live if wireless were included, or even if the cord were still included.

I bought my girlfriend one of the new discounted elites for her birthday on Oct. 13. The ethernet cord is still included.

So I'm going to actually chime in and ask a question to do with the product. ::shocking::

What type of 802.11n connection does this support? 2.4GHz only? with a 20MHz wide spectrum? 5GHz? 40MHz spectrum for bandwidth? More? capped at 150, 300, 450? Having slow n clients on my (n only segmented) wireless network kills me and the speed of everything else on that network.

I know it's dual band as per a statement on MajorNelson.com, but I can't find detailed specs listed anywhere.

Wow, you must be a young kid or very immature because almost nothing you said makes any sense. I apologize, I'm not trying to be insulting, but your post seemed pretty random and presumptuous. Most people DO have an ethernet jack right next to their TV's nowadays. That's where they set up their modem/ router so they can be hardwired in the area of their home theater set up. Most new HDTV's as well as Blu-Ray players, cable boxes, A/V receivers and DVR's all have an ethernet port in them for online connectivity. Not to mention this is where most people are going to do the majority of their gaming unless they live with their parents in which case it would probably be their bedroom or basement. As for the rest of your post, well, that's pretty much all your opinion of which none seems to based on facts.

If you were referring to my post maybe you're the young kid and should learn how to reply

OK, while I personally do have a network port next to my TV (because I ran it myself from upstairs), I think you're delusional if you think most people have that set-up. In my experience this isn't even remotely true.

Hey Julian, maybe you should direct that comment towards Joystiq because I hit the reply button and even made sure it said I was replying to you, but joystiq has always had problems with their posts doing weird things. Like I said I wasn't trying to insult you for being young. Maybe you're not, but your comment made me think that you were.

@Vidikron

I'm not sure what your "experience" is, but my brother in law owns a high end electronics store and when they hire sub contractors to do installs they have only about a 30% charge rate on their invoices for running new ethernet cables. So from his experience (which is thousands of homes) about 70% do have ethernet available at their home theater location. Calling me delusional seems a bit harsh. As I said before most new electronics are ethernet ready so you can fully use all of their features so numbers are only going to increase in favor of having ethernet by your home theater set up.

But Vidikron, don't most people use cable internet, and don't cable connections come out of the wall next to where your TV is? Why not put your cable modem and wireless router there, and then hardwire into the router? I don't know of too many people that place their TVs away from their cable jacks.

@AirIntake

You could certainly set it up that way, I'm just saying that that's not the set-up I've seen most of the time.

@GhostofGrendel

Sure, it's great that new homes and remodeling work are starting to include network wiring, but there are still millions of existing homes without network wiring. Even many new homes still don't have it.

@AirIntake

That's exactly how my rig is set up. Cable modem goes right behind the TV and directly in to the wireless router. hardwired to the tv, 360, denon receiver, and DVR/ Cable box. Got the wireless card in my PC upstairs since I don't game on it at all. Paid $15 for a wireless card in my PC. No high dollar add on for my 360 and no lag when playing Halo because of the wireless. Life is good.

@Vidikron

I wouldn't argue your point at all. Of course older homes don't have CAT 5, but that wasn't my point. My original point was that if you have an HDTV, 360, PS3 ect. then you're probably at the forefront of technology and you probably should have an ethernet connection at that location. If you don't you're certainly going to want to. Since you've done some network wiring yourself then you know it's not really a big deal to do it. All you need is a fishtape and some cat5 cable. Even if you don't want to do it yourself a cable guy will drop a line for you for $30.

GO KURL

if my internet connection is only 10mbps, why would i even care about a faster wireless adapter?

Streaming media internally and greater range.

Symmetry eh? Hmm....

if your going to spew figures use real ones not made up bogus ones
btw a wireless dongle is only optional.... which would make it cheapr for those who dont need wifi

THANK YOU.
The 802.11 was throwing me way off. But now that I'm on track, I LOVE the references.

(Not sarcasm, I am, in fact, an idiot.)

While this is clearly overpriced, it is just an option. There are worse schemes out there...

"Oh, you want to PRINT with your new PRINTER? Nope sorry, go find yourself a USB cable. How did you expect this thing to work? Magic?"

I've been waiting for this. Contrary to what people believe there are benefits to having a wireless N network. The price is high but money's no issue w/me.

Here's a typical wireless N adapter for your computer priced basically the same. http://www.shoplinksys.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=70015808&src1=linksys&src2=addtocart&extid=linksys_addt&lid=BuyNow_WMP600N

ever think of improved pc -> xbox 360 streaming...
just because your inet connection isnt fast doesnt mean it couldnt benefit from a faster connection between your other networked devices

This is that new shit not that old wifi built in the PS3 and Wii. They are stuck with the old standard in the PS3 and Wii while the Xbox 360 gets the latest and greatest wifi standard to date.

Please just stop it. You're making all of us 360 owners look bad.

Update: We've confirmed with Microsoft that the original 802.11b/g adapter will only be available while supplies last -- at a new price of $80.

Update #2: Microsoft also added a middle finger and a person note from Steve Balmer in each package reading, "HaHa".

So where is my option for a reduced price for upgrading and sending in my wireless G?

This is as far as you go... I'll finish you here!

I will be happy once microsoft catches up with 2007 and starts putting gig ports on the 360. Then my HD heart will be happy.

Can't see me spending money on an ad-on that's half the price of the console. oh and then buying a hard drive that's more than half the price of the console. Oh and then spending money on an online service that's 1/4 the price of that console. Oh and then spending the same amount as the console on a replacement console.

Again...

...and again..

...and again..

and

..again.

....

Thanks for the info.

Why does it cost more than a router?????

I have has a console wireless N adapter for months now, its called the Airport Express:

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/

Just plug it in, then run an ethernet cable from the unit to the Xbox. As posters have mentioned, you do NEED an N wireless router (I use and recommend the Airport Extreme) for N speed.

It's the same price, but the good part of this over the Xbox N adapter is you can use the Airport express with anything, even future devices, with an ethernet port.

I'm still wondering why you would really need this adapter. People say it is best for those who stream media and such, but my original Xbox Wireless adapter does just fine streaming content from my PC or Netflix in HD, and most importantly, no lag in games. I have a Wireless N router with three antennas, and though the 360 can't use the N signal, it works perfectly with the "old" standards

Netflix HD is not true HD it is not even 720p it is more like 420P
you need N in order to even think about streaming true FULL HD
And in best case it seems like if you really want to do it right you need N DUAL BAND
thing is why should i invest another $100 in an adpater when microsoft put so many limitations on media play back
rather spend the money on a popcorn hour or another NMT or the like, and use the original G adapter I already have for xbox live use.
MICROSOFT PLEASE LET US PLAY MKV FILES
with 5.1 sound
and not limited to 4gb
for the love of G-D then i will buy your NEW adapter!!!!

it may not be blu ray quality, but trust me, it is not "420p" since technically that doesn't even exist...even standard tv is 480. Anyway, switching between standard TV, upscaled dvds and Netflix HD, Netflix HD is by far the best, on par with my HD channels. Interestingly enough though, Netflix HD on a computer does not look as good on the 360, but I use my HDTV instead of my monitor in any case

actually the resolution for streaming Netflix HD is 1081i, see http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/debunk-xbox-360-streams-hd-netflix-over-component-just-fine/

If you don't think streaming HD over wireless works, I must say you haven't tried it yet...

I had bought the 802.11G adapter (with Xmas monies!) way back because I didnt want to run ethernet around my walls from my bedroom, through the living room, past the kitchen and into my gaming area. Made sense.

What doesnt make sense, is that now my 360 sits 3ft max from my wireless router, wirelessing.

Maybe Im just too lazy to connect it.

First the blocking of third party hard drives then $100 for a new wifi adapter and the old is still $80 and having to pay a monthly fee to play online? Wow I'm glad I bought the PS3. Of course it's still a choice on which first party games you prefer but financially I'll take my built in wi-fi, free online gaming and my blu-ray player plus PS3 to PSP transfers. You guys can bash the PS3 all you want but moneywise Sony has the better choice.

Why Is The F***king Adapter Is So Expansive it Should Cost The 70-50 $ Range

Previous 50 Comments

Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter out this week in North America [update]

Reader Comments (90)

Posted: Nov 27th 2009 1:10PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Nov 10th 2009 2:01PM 33PercentGod said

Posted: Nov 10th 2009 2:02PM Funkmaster General said

Posted: Nov 10th 2009 5:02PM R Planteer said

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Posted: Nov 10th 2009 2:18PM Vidikron said

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Posted: Nov 10th 2009 2:20PM Vidikron said

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Posted: Nov 10th 2009 2:44PM AirIntake said

Posted: Nov 10th 2009 2:50PM Vidikron said

Posted: Nov 10th 2009 2:52PM Foolkiller said

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Posted: Nov 10th 2009 2:31PM Vidikron said

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