Microsoft Wireless-G Xbox Adapter Reviews

• This Thing is Ridiculous....

  
  By A2TQA9HR8K9PA9 on 2004-01-28
  ....Ridiculously easy to set up. Actually ,the XBOX system did most of the work for me. It detected and configured most of the network info itself from my existing 802.11g wireless network. The hardest thing was typing the 26 digit WEP code for my wireless network.I just followed the step-by-step instructions and was online within minutes. Piece of cake.
  I was a little concerned about the signal strength with my Base Station being two rooms over , about 35 feet away with multiple electronic devices along the way, and no real line of sight, but my fears quickly disappeared when I checked my network speed on the XBOX and found it steady at 54 Mbps with a Very Good to Excellent signal.Fantastic.
  Online gaming on the XBOX is phenomenal with the Microsoft Wireless-G Xbox Adapter.The game play is flawless. It's as if your playing with that person in your living room right next to you. There was no laggy or choppy gameplay, just really really smooth. I love this thing!!
  Just take the time to read the instructions one step at a time and you'll be playing before you know it. I look forward to playing you on XBOX Live.
  
  

• Almost Great! But, Still Easy.

  
  By A12EHHENQX9ZC9 on 2004-10-13
  **READ THIS IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE CONNECTING TO XBOX LIVE**
  
  Well, I read everything I could find on the Microsoft MN-740 Xbox Adapter and the Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router w/ SpeedBooster to prepare for installation. Hours reading before I even had the units in my hands. I was a bit worried after reading this review list. So, I did what I could.
  
  The setup of both units was near automatic and needed little in the way of help from me. I got everything in order following the instructions the Xbox adapter and the Linksys Router were talking to each other. But, when I tried to get into Xbox LIVE...'bummer' the Xbox Adapter would not connect to LIVE. I thought it might have been an SSID problem, channel junk, or ISP information missing... So, I sat and tried to find out the problem for about 4 hours. Opting not to call customer services (feeling it to be jokeful). Frustrated and sleepy, I got online and re-read something tucked away at the Xbox site that I knew was not in any of the manuals. One setting change (see excerpt below) and it was running fast and the games began to fly with no lag what-so-ever!
  
  If you have a Linksys router try this link and fix your Xbox LIVE connection problem.(...)
  
  Excerpt: "Note: The UPnP implementation on the Linksys WRT54g with firmware 2.02.7 has been discovered to prevent users from being able to connect to Xbox Live. If a user is unable to connect to Xbox Live with this specific router model/firmware, they may get connected by turning off UPnP in the router's settings. Microsoft is working hard with Linksys to repair this issue as soon as possible."
  
  Other than the one setting problem that they are working to correct... I am a bit disappointed with the weaker WEP security the Microsoft Xbox Adapter needs. Not cutting edge. But, for the ease of use this unit offers I'll take what I can get to get LIVE while my wife is online.
  
  I hope this helps. If it did help you please click the "YES" button below.
  
  

• Buy this network adapter!!Stay away from Linksys garbage!

  
  By ACIEN2K8SJ3EL on 2004-01-14
  Ridiculously quick and easy setup with the mn-740!!After having used the Linksys wgallb game adapter, this things connects and configures like a dream! It took hrs to get the linksys to work right with 128bit encrytion even though I was using a Linksys router. Linksys support is a joke! Absolutely terrible. They told me my game adapter was defective and that I need to return it. It wasn't, they just have poor troubleshooting ability. I would like to know how many thousands of non-defective linksys products have been returned because of poor tech support? I had the mn-740 Xbox adapter up and running in 2 minutes! With 128bit encrytion, I am seeing 48MBPS through 3 rooms and 80ft. My Xbox adapter is running beautifully with a D-link DI-624 with the 108G firmware upgrade. With rebates, the router and mn-740 Xbox adapter together is around 100.00. That's incredibly cheap for the quality and performance with this setup. Buy the MN-740! Stay away from Linksys, you'll thank me. Also, I have read from other reviewers that you can use the mn-740 as a wireless network adapter for any device with a ethernet jack after the initial setup. Hope this helps.
  
  

• works great with modded XBox

  
  By A32LR27V9CW2IA on 2004-07-14
  This works wonderfully right out of the box with a modded (evoX) XBox, linked to a Linksys WRT54G. I originally tried to use the Linksys Wireless Game Adapter, which really sucked and never worked. Took a chance on this thing, worried that it would not be configurable enough with the network. Piece of cake. And 30-50 dollars cheaper than the Game Adapter. It found the network just fine and can now transfer files back and forth from the XBox from both the wireless PC and the Mac on our network via FTP. Hate to say it, but a really nice experience from MS.
  
  

• BEWARE MACINTOSH USERS

  
  By on 2004-01-18
  Macintosh? Huh? I thought this was for the Xbox?.... well, it is... but if you have a macintosh computer like I do... you might be in for some problems. I use this with my wireless airport extreme system and it does work great most of the time. It was also easy to set up (through the Xbox dashboard) and for the most part it's a good purchase and worth the money...... BUT..... I was getting a little lag (not bad... and only occasionally)... I checked online on the Xbox live site and dug deep into the support pages to find that this unit has firmware updates to get rid of some bugs. "Cool!" I though... "Can't wait to update and get rid of the lag". The update is only available by downloading to a home computer and sending the update via your wireless router to the unit... and guess what? It's an exe. file and you have to have an IBM, PC to download and run it. So Macintosh users are screwed on updating this things firmware. I called the company and spoke to them about it... hoping I could get a CD or something or someone could email me a MAC friendly update of the firmware, but the support team had no answer or help. They looked around for an answer, called their senior support person, and finally just handed me the..."um, try calling Apple". Of course, Apple isn't going to have any info on a microsoft wireless router, so it was pretty lame. This is a good unit. Don't get me wrong, but I'm sure there are at least a couple people out there that have an Xbox and use Macintosh computers. If you get this, it will work with your wireless airport (or other brand) wireless system really well... but if you want to make it even better and update this this to it's present firmware you're out of luck.
  
  
• I just saved $90!
  By A1IBQZ2C3YB3M2 on 2004-04-04
  You can, too!!! This product is totally not needed if you have a laptop (which is why most people have wireless in the firstplace). From my Mac, all I did was go into system preferences > sharing > internet > and click "start" to share the internet access. Then I used ethernet cable (cat-5) and connected my laptop to the back of my xbox. Im sure you can do the same if you're running windows. Im sure this product is great, and it works right out of the box, but why spend the money if you don't have to? Hope this helps save some of you some cash.
  
  
• Wireless XBOX Gaming With A Lag Free Setup and Play
  By A25AK0POKXJJY0 on 2004-01-24
  By far the best Wireless Network Adapter for the XBOX. Microsoft is starting to release more peripherals for their beloved console and this rates at the top of the list. Utilizing the 802.11G standard, it provides the most bang for the buck. Yes, it is more expensive, if you have to invest in the Router and the N.I.C., it could get more expensive then the XBOX itself. Truth be told, quality wireless isn't cheap, but it is worth it. Now if they could only release a Wireless Controller that supports the LIVE Headset.
  
  
• Wireless gameplay made easy
  By A423XLYS1Q1D6 on 2004-05-01
  If you want wireless online gameplay on your XBox, and have an existing wireless 802.11-G or -B network, this little baby is the perfect ticket. As an avid gamer and a games retailer, I've seen my fair share of wireless networking problems, with few solutions offered that made sense. There are other wireless game adapters out there, but none of them perform as well as this one. Not only does it solve problems, it doesn't CREATE any! (A show of hands: How many of you have found the cure to be as bad as the problem when it comes to wireless networking?) This thing is simplicity itself when it comes to setup and orientation. Your XBox will take care of most of the setup process on its own. The Adapter has an auto-sensing feature that detects your existing network and then configures and aligns itself. Just follow the instructions and let your system take care of the rest.

  How good is the signal strength? At home, it maintains a perfect signal, with no stalling or lagging, of 54 mbps across three rooms separated by two floors. At work, we moved one fifty feet away, with some large wired hubs and three solid walls in between. Still no lag or disruption. The adapter features both internal and external antennae that allow for extensive range and maximum signal strength. There's even an upgrade option that will allow for increased security. This adapter takes the worry and aggravation out of setting up wireless gameplay, leaving you more time for games...which is always good. Highly recommended.
  
  

• Painless setup, excellent device
  By ANRS46UY9EMKD on 2003-11-03
  This is an excellent wireless adapter for xbox owners. Setup is very easy. I have WEP and MAC filtering configured on my router and I was able to add this device to my network. A couple things people should be aware of:

  1. You will need to turn SSID broadcasting on for it to work.
  2. If you have a D-Link DI-614+ wireless router you will need to disable the special d-link 22mpbs mode and use 11mpbs instead (this is only a problem if you use the d-link 22mpbs speed)

  Being able to configure the settings from the xbox is very convenient for system link play. Haven't had any problems at all.
  
  

• Works with Xbox 360 too
  By ACV9Z956ZOU51 on 2007-05-12
  This wireless adapter works great with the 360 as well.
  
  
• SETUP ISSUES
  By on 2003-11-27
  I spent about 6 hours getting it setup. I followed MS directions and everything went fine, but after it connected, it wouldn't stay connected for more than a minute, and then it would drop. After checking with my DSL Gateway manufacturer and getting a wrong answer, I kept messing with it and resetting it and I finally got it to connect and work right. The one possibility is that I didn't have my WEP key typed correctly, but I checked what I had written down and it was correct so I don't think that was the problem. Once connected, it runs great and I get a very strong signal.

  My recommendation for people that have problems is to reset the XBOX adapter using the reset button and then reconfigure it manually through the Xbox by typing in the network name (SSID)and letting it find the network again by itself. Once I had cleared all the settings, it seemed to find them and work fine.

  I am using it with an Actiontec Wireless Ready DSL Gateway R1520SU (Qwest) and the 802CI3 (HWC01170-01) wireless PC card. I also did a firmware upgrade on my DSL Gateway. The Xbox adapter already had the updated firmware on it.

  It seems to have a pretty strong antenna as I picked up some other wireless networks in my area.
  
  

• Easy to set up, works great!
  By A1KUA2WULOBJOU on 2004-01-02
  After having major headaches trying to setup the more economical Linksys game adapter B, I returned it for this product. Within 5 minutes I was online on my Xbox. For a more detailed account of what happened, check out my other review on the Linksys product. But the bottom line is this product is faster (up to 5 times)and has much better instructions.
  
  
• Customer support drops the ball and rude, returning adapter
  By on 2004-06-14
  After reading the rave reviews, I went to pick up a MN-740 to go with my wireless G setup.

  Needless to say, it fails to log into the router. I have setup 3 devices to hook up flawlessly to the router so I know the router configuration.

  I called Microsoft support hotline and the rep was very rude. She noted that the Netgear WGR614 router was not supported and I should have read the xbox online website for a list of compatible router. The tech rep requested I return the adapter to the merchant.

  Not putting a list of routers that do not work with the adapter is borderline advertising fraud.

  Do yourself a favor, check out the website before buying the adapter.

  http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live/connect/wireless_connect.htm
  
  

• Works GREAT Now...But...
  By A298TTGJ598XKA on 2003-12-30
  I suppose I should start off this review by stating absolutely that the XBox Wireless Adapter now works flawlessly (and speedily) on my system. In fact, I'm delighted with it, but that's after an entire day wasted on solving what should have been a very simple problem.

  Basically stated, though my XBox recognized my wireless network it would not connect to XBox Live. After several attempts at following Microsoft's online help features, I gave up and called their 800 tech support line. After waiting an HOUR for tech support I finally got someone who could tell me the problem - I had to enter a specific WEP security code in order for the two devices to communicate with one another. It was really that simple. So - my question is, why isn't that information in ANY of Microsoft's documentation (either in manuals or online)? I could have easily saved a day's worth of frustration had I known.

  Five stars for the hardware. Three stars for the lack of useful documentation. I'll settle for four stars altogether.
  
  

• Fast XBox Wireless Gaming quickly Up & Running!
  By on 2004-06-22
  The Microsoft XBox Wireless 802.11g adapter has been soooo easy to setup. Plug a patch cable (included) from the adapter into the network port in the back of your XBox, plug the AC adapter into the wall, and your XBox is connected to the Internet... Quick & easy to setup with no problems. You might have to orient the adapter and its adjustable antenna to optimize the speed of the wireless connection -- the XBox Network Setup Control Panel has a Wireless Connection Manager to help you see the speed of your connection & signal strength. My wireless router's downstairs signal goes through 50+ feet through one ceiling, and three solidly built walls, and the XBox adapter is still able to pick up and utilize an 18-54Mbps wireless signal (36Mbps most of the time). I have a 1.5Mbps DSL service, and setting up Wireless XBox Live gaming is a breeze. It beats stringing CAT 5 network cable between floors and rooms.
  
  
• It doesn't get any easier !
  By A23RDL5SR1GGAP on 2003-12-13
  All I can say is, I am impressed ! The only way it would be easier to set this bad boy up, would require the Microsoft team to come to your home and do it for you ! A child could do it. I am using it with the Microsoft MN-700 wireless router, and getting great results with this combo.
  
  
• The Solution
  By A1X2WMLUF515TN on 2005-04-02
  We recently relocated my son's X-box paraphernellia to a kids-only area in our basement. This has been a great arrangement for everyone except we were unable to let him use the family Internet connection anymore to play his X-box games online. Well we could have strung ethernet cable from one end of the house to the other, but that wasn't an option.
  
  Enter the X-Box Wireless G Adapter.
  
  Well, actually, first came the the Lyksys Wireless B game adapter ($63.53, Wal Mart), which did not work after hours of goofing around with configuration, numerous calls to their outsourced tech support in New Delhi and a royal headache. Although I suspect that it could have worked with the right techno incantations, I finaly realized that saving a few bucks was not worth all the time. I took it back and ordered the Mirosoft adapter ($99.99, Game Spot, via Amazon, $7.49 S&H) and made myself at home in the age of wireless.
  
  As other reviewers have mentioned, this thing is ridiculously easy to set up. I just plugged it in, it detected my wireless network, IP adresses and all that rigamorole and TA DAH. My son says he experiences no lag and the connection is totally reliable and I've not noticed any problems using the Internet while my son is playing on line.
  
  For you gear heads here. My service provider (QWEST) offers a wireless broadcasting DSL modem (basically it acts as a wireles router would). All I had to do was get into the hood and turn the wireless mode on and set up a 64-bit (or 128-bit) WEP key, which already had done while I was futily trying to get the Linksys adapter to work. Security options on the X-box interface were easy to find and after I typed in the WEP key, the X-box (or the adapter) did all the rest.
  
  You'll save a lot of time and headaches just going with the Microsoft gear in this case.
  
  
  
• Works great including Netgear Router
  By AXXKF3E996H9H on 2005-02-06
  Some of the reviews state that this doesn't work with Netgear Routers. I have a Netgear WGR614v5 and it works with it no problems. Two floors away.
  
  I originally got the Linksys Game Adapter (WGA54G) to work with my son's XBox. However, two days and three hours on the phone with Linksys support failed to get it working. I have a lot of networking experience and knew what I was doing. It was clear that off-shore tech support was just reading a script. So I decided to take it back and get the Xbox Adapter instead.
  
  Setup was a breeze. Just pop in the CD-Rom and it detected my network. Originally, it saw but couldn't connect to my network. I have both WEP turned on and MAC Address filtering (one of the main reasons I went with the Netgear router). I had to initially turn off the MAC filtering and then it connected fine.
  
  Upon examining the attached devices, I noticed that the MAC address of the adpater showed up as the MAC address of the hardwire port on the XBox. Ahh, that was the clue I needed. The adapter clones the MAC address of the XBox. However, you can not just allow that MAC address. The key is you have to allow both the MAC address of the Adapter and the XBox. Then everything works fine even with MAC filtering turned on.
  
  In short, first hook up you XBox directly to the router and check the MAC address (or turn off MAC filtering to start if you need to connect with the wireless first). Then enter both the MAC Address of the Adpater (on the bottom of the adapter) and the MAC addess of the XBox. If you allow both addresses then you can turn on filtering on and it should work.
  
  In all, if all you want is a XBox game adpater, this is the one to go with.
  
  
• Good Product
  By A310RZTQ63WLU2 on 2003-11-21
  Easy set-up. I put the set-up disk in my X-BOX and the adapter was reconized right away. I had a little trouble connecting to X-BOX Live, but nothing I could not figure out. If you get poor signal stregnth try moving the antennaes around. I mounted my about 6 to 8 feet on my wall and it connects around 40 to 50 mbps.

  4 1/2 STARS
  
  

• Works Great - No Lag
  By A8EO864QVNMC2 on 2005-05-01
  I was skeptical at first about this, seeing as how I had never gone wireless before. However, this adapter really works and there is not a spot of lag. Actually, I was having more lag problems when I was directly connected to a modem.
  
  Linksys offers an alternative to this called a game adapter. It is the same price and I imagine that it works just as well. Don't make the mistake of trying to save money and buying another router or an access point, it won't work.
  
  
• Works as a network bridge too
  By A1SKHY7VTP16AP on 2006-08-12
  Please read all of the comments and then take these points into account as well:
  
  * This can function as a bridge for other devices (i.e. other computers), not just for the Xbox 360 or Xbox. Setup may require an Xbox though (not sure about that). I'm actually writing this review while connecting wirelessly with my laptop using this adaptor as a wireless bridge.
  
  * I've had this for about 3 years (if memory serves correctly), and I am happy with it. I used it on my Xbox for a couple of years and now I use it with my Xbox 360.
  
  * It isn't future proof if you are looking for advanced security (beyond WEP) or looking to upgrade to 802.11n. That's the only reason that I dropped a star.
  
  * You might get a better price using a network bridge (i.e. a general networking product, not one explicitly labeled as a gaming bridge), but this adaptor has better compatibility that the bridges that I've tried. Setup is easy with this product compared to others.
  
  
• Works with Xbox 360 too!
  By A2M31V5PQ396TD on 2006-04-14
  This worked flawlessly with my Xbox when I bought it two years ago, and it was great to discover that this works with the Xbox 360 as well. If you already have this, instead of investing another $99 for the official 360 wireless gadget, just carry this over to your new system after you configure it to your wireless network through your Xbox. Heartily recommended for either system.
  
  
• This works with XBOX 360
  By A1QVWTHDTGDOM3 on 2006-03-29
  I hooked this up to my new 360 and it works perfect and required no setup. Don't waste your money on the 360 adapter if you own this. Once you migrate your xbox live account to a 360 you can't use it on your old xbox anyway. I couldn't find anything that said this was compatible, but it works just fine.
  
  
• Worked Right The First Time
  By on 2004-05-07
  This product does exactly what it is advertised to do. It was my first wireless device so I was a little worried. But I followed the instructions and it was up in running in under 10 minutes. My only problem was entering my WEP code wrong...so be careful and double check your entries. I just wish they would lower the price.
  
  
• Great addition to the Xbox
  By A1QJTCYRH2EIBO on 2003-12-12
  I didn't have any problems setting it up. I have a D-link wireless router with both b/g and bought the Xbox wireless adapter, took about 5 minutes to set up and I was playing my favorite games online. I haven't had any problems with lag times or any issues with this product.
  
  
• Great Device...WORKS FOR ALL SYSTEMS
  By on 2004-06-13
  Easy to set up adapter that works fantastic. It's great being able to play wirelessly without dragging cords! Fast connection, even without direct line of sight. Also after you program it using your XBOX all the connection info is saved to the adapter, which means that you can connect it to your PS2 (or other computer) and it will connect to the network. Only downside is that you can only program it using the XBOX dashboard, but do that once and you're all set for all of your systems. I use it with the MN-700 wireless base station so I had no problems with compatibility. Great buy for anyone looking for wireless fun!
  
  
• Worth every penny I spent
  By on 2004-02-03
  This thing works flawlessly. And with the price now being $85 intestead of $140 from last year, all I can say it was a good investment. If you have the wireless network and the money, you should buy it.
  
  
• Horrible Compatibility Problems
  By A1A8BZK0QXEK9N on 2004-07-08
  I just received my adapter in the mail today, and will be sending it back tomorrow. It turns out, the adapter is not compatible with ANY ROUTERS made by NetGear. In fact, Microsoft reccomends that you ONLY use a LinkSys or Microsoft router. Since I don't have the money to throw away my old router and buy a new one, this product is totally useless to me, and probably will be to you unless you have a LinkSys or Microsoft router.
  
  
• DOES Work With the XBOX 360
  By A1L5WZR82M0JWG on 2008-01-09
  After 2 years of flawless service with my original XBOX, I won a 360 for free. I got the 360, and looked online to see if there were wireless accessories for it, since I didn't believe this would work. I added the 360 one to my cart, but checked the original XBOX adapter first. To my surprise, it worked perfectly.
  Don't buy the XBOX 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. BUY THIS ONE. It works with both systems. Those who say otherwise are lying. This works with my 360 even though my wireless router is two floors above me. I play in the basement while my router is in the top floor, and I still get 3/4 bars of network strength.
  All in all, this is perfect for both the original XBOX as well as the XBOx 360. BUY IT!
  
  
• It works, but security is tricky
  By A10SSXF5ZLT038 on 2005-10-05
  This is the only product I know of that works with the X-Box. It's overpriced, but it does work well. I am all for less clutter so the price was worth it for me.
  
  The only issue with this device is you cannot change the security channel. What I mean is that I like to have my 128bit key on channels 2,3 or 4 but you MUST use channel 1 for this to work with your router (and your router must also have its 128bit key on channel 1).
  
  Other than that, this is another fine hardware product from Microsoft.
  
  

• HoMedics iCush-100 Immersive Audio Sync Massage Seat

• Xbox 360 Live 12 Month Gold Card plus 1 Month Bonus
• Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter A/B/G Networks Only
• Xbox Live 3 Month Starter Kit
• Xbox 360 Intercooler 360 - Black
• Xbox 360 Live 3 Month Gold Card