Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit Reviews

• Not true....

  
  By A2JHY9ENU1XLM7 on 2005-11-30
  You DO NOT have to have the Xbox 360 powered up to charge your controller. Simply plug the cable in while the console is on, and then shut down the machine. It will charge using a trickle charge concept. However, you MUST connect the cable to the console before powering down the system.
  
  

• A Must-Have for Every XBox Owner

  
  By A3V6Z4RCDGRC44 on 2005-11-26
  If you have a wireless controller for your XBox 360, then you MUST get a play and charge unit. This unit lets you recharge your wireless controller - and you can even play while you do it!
  
  In essence, this unit is both a USB power supply for your wireless controller as well as a fully functional cable to connect your wireless controller to your XBox. This means that any time you need your wireless controller to be wired - for example because your batteries ran out - you simply use this cable to plug it into the XBox's USB port and it now has power. It even charges while you play.
  
  On the other hand, let's say you want to charge up the wireless controller and you do NOT want to play. You simply plug it into any USB port in your house, and the USB port sends power to charge it up! Yes, this can be your XBox, if you're the type to leave it on. Maybe you're watching a movie or listening to music with it. It doesn't HAVE to be your XBox, though. You can plug it into your computer. Heck, when I got my iPod it came with a power box that plugs into an outlet, that has a USB hole in it. That's how I charge up my iPod. It works just as well for this charging use.
  
  So I find this to be a perfect solution. If your wireless controller is low on batteries and you want to keep playing, then keep playing! You plug in the cable and are set, and the controller recharges while you play. If your wireless controller is low on batteries and you do NOT want to keep playing, then you plug the play-and-charge cable into any USB port for an ON SYSTEM and it powers up.
  
  I put the emphasis on the "on system" because a few people complain that the XBox has to be on in order for the wireless controller to charge. Simply put, an OFF system can't charge. That's a fact of electronics. Really, most homes should have some USB device turned on pretty much 24 hours a day - whether it's your XBox, your computer, or the plug-in-the-wall iPod type power unit. It's about as basic a charger as you could want to have, and I find it perfect!
  
  

• Excellent product: bad reviews are from misinformed people.

  
  By A2ENSYZ7QX722I on 2006-03-14
  Simply put, this is an excellent product.
  ===============================================
  
  Those who put up bad reviews don't know anything about the product.
  
  
  Myth #1: You can only play while charging.
  ===============================================
  This is WRONG. Once charged, you can play wirelessly.
  
  
  
  Myth #2: Your Xbox360 has to be on, to charge it.
  ===============================================
  This is WRONG. Connect your controller via charge kit, turn off the console using the console's on/off button (NOT the controller's off feature). Your charge kit should have a red light while charging, green when done. If it doesn't, go exchange it, or try reconnecting it.
  
  
  Myth #3: You need to connect to an Xbox360 to charge it.
  ===============================================
  This is WRONG. This isn't the only way. You can also charge via any USB port, such as your PC or laptop USB port that provides some power.
  
  
  ************************************************************
  
  

• Essential component and does NOT require the Xbox 360 to be on to recharge

  
  By A2LPY0UM9WYFPX on 2005-11-26
  This component is essential for the Xbox 360 to save on batteries.
  
  However, you do not need to keep the Xbox 360 on while it is recharging. Simply plug your charger into the controller and into the Xbox 360 while the Xbox is on, and then turn it off.
  
  Microsoft's directions can be found here:
  
  Charge the battery pack
  Charge your Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack before the first use and when it is depleted.
  To charge the battery pack using the charge cable
  1. Press the tab on the top of the AA battery pack and pull down to detach it from the controller.
  2. Insert the rechargeable battery pack into the battery compartment on the controller and push in to lock.
  Note To avoid pinching your fingers when you insert the battery pack, push only on the flat surface of the battery pack.
  3. Turn on the Xbox 360 console.
  Note If you try the below steps without turning the console on, the battery pack will not charge.
  4. Connect the charge cable to the charge port on the front of the controller.
  Important Do not connect the charge cable without a rechargeable battery pack or AA battery pack installed. This can damage the controller.
  5. Connect the charge cable to a controller port.
  6. You can now leave the console on or turn it off. In both instances, the light on the charge cable will glow red to indicate the battery is charging. When the light switches to green or off, the battery pack is fully charged.
  
  
  Enjoy!
  
  

• I can't recommend this.

  
  By A1MMT81GKL43LV on 2006-04-15
  It works how it should. It lets you play games while recharging. However I can't really recommend it because for about the same amount of money you can get a rechargable battery kit where you can always keep back up batteries in case your controller dies on you during gameplay. Just seems to me that, if I wanted to be corded to the console at all, I would have gone with a corded controller to begin with. I gave a couple stars for the fact that this kit does work, and possibly is slightly more convienient than just getting rechargable AA's.
  
  
• Alternatives to Disposable Batteries.
  By A3GRMLAMOQBY2Y on 2007-04-07
  This product does what it says it does rather well, and this is a great option for those who don't mind having to turn their wireless controller into a wired controller every so often. However, I would humbly suggest an alternative to this product for those of you who want to always play wirelessly.
  
  Buy a pack of NiMH rechargeable batteries. They have a couple of advantages over the Play & Charge Kit.
  
  ALWAYS WIRELESS: No more having to connect your controller to your console whenever your controller runs out of juice.
  
  LONGER BATTERY LIFE: Please excuse the technical jargon ahead. Strictly speaking, Microsoft's first-party battery packs have a relatively low energy capacity of 1800mAh. You can buy rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 2500mAh, which will last up to 50% longer than the Play & Charge battery pack. There are also some 2700mAh batteries out there if you must have the maximum battery life possible. So in the end you get more play time, less charging time, and, ultimately, your batteries will serve you longer.
  
  CHEAPER PRICE: You can buy a pack of 4 rechargeable batteries (enough for 2 controllers) for the same price as one official Xbox 360 battery pack. You can also get 4 batteries plus a charger for a price comparable to that of a Play & Charge kit (I paid $20 for my charger and 4 batteries).
  
  The only real trade-off between using the Play & Charge kit and using rechargeable batteries is that instead of plugging the controller into the Xbox 360 you have to physically replace the batteries by hand. But that takes, what, 30 seconds to do? I'd rather do that than turn my wireless controller into a wired controller for the next couple of hours.
  
  HELPFUL TIP: I suggest you buy 4 rechargeable batteries for every one wireless controller you own, and keep the additional batteries charged. That way when your controller runs out of juice you will ALWAYS have a fresh pair of batteries ready to use, and your drained batteries can be put in the charger while you continue to enjoy your wireless gaming goodness.
  
  
• INCLUDES BATTERY
  By A2J9ZX6HRSK1C3 on 2007-04-11
  one thing that took me a while to find out, it does include a battery
  
  
• no...
  By AZVIRLV4GVT9L on 2006-06-16
  The only reason i gave this product 2 stars is that it is more cost effective than replacing disposable batteries. This basically changes a wireless controller into a wired one, while yes you can play and charge, but it takes way too long. Rechargeable batteries isnt bad idea, but i'd get the quick charge kit basically same thing as rechargeable batteries only it is made for charging 360 battery packs (comes with one rechargeable battery pack) and is capable of charging two at the same time... extremely quickly... about hour and a half for 1 battery pack and around 3 and a half to 4 hours for 2 battery packs
  
  
• It does the job.
  By A368EJ0XEL1PRV on 2006-12-05
  The next-gen (or should I say current-gen, now?) is all about wireless controllers. Unfortunately, wireless controllers need batteries. 360 owners can approach the battery problem in three ways:
  
  1) Keep a healthy stock of AAs around.
  
  2) Buy the Quick Charge kit.
  
  3) Get the Play & Charge kit.
  
  I chose option number three, and it's worked out nicely for me so far.
  
  The Play & Charge kit comes with a rechargeable battery pack, so that saves you $11 right there. The way the thing works is simple: you insert the battery pack into the compartment on the back of your gamepad, plug the charger into the slot on top of it, and then plug the other side of the charger into any old USB port. It can be your 360, your PC, or anything else that's USB-compatible. As the name implies, you can charge the battery while playing on your 360.
  
  While not quite the solution the Quick Charge Kit is, Play & Charge should do fine for any gamer-on-a-budget.
  
  
• great charging tool.
  By A15LH0ZNB79DLT on 2008-04-20
  This is a must have with your 360 and a controller.
  
  You can plug it in via USB to your Xbox 360 and charge the included battery pack while you play your game.
  
  You can also remove your battery pack, and plug the cable directly to your 360 for wired gaming (so your controller won't shut off while you are in the middle of that hired driver Forza race.
  
  This charges via any USB port on your 360, your computer, your cable box, or your dog (if he has included USB hub).
  
  I recommend buying one of these, then buying the Quick Charge Kit. Then you'll have 2 battery packs, the quick charge dock, and a USB charge cable.
  
  
  
  
• Use Your Computer
  By A1G9DGSRLXNTWO on 2005-11-25
  While it's true that you have to have your Xbox turned on to charge the controller, you can also plug the kit into any computer with a USB port, and charge them that way
  
  
• A must need
  By A1TXL3DTLZ9R9H on 2006-04-17
  IF you are a hard core gamer like me then this is a must need. When i first bought the 360 i got suckered in to buying this for my controler by the store clerk and you know what iam glad i bought it. WIth out the play and charge kit you have to constantly change out batteries every few hours, but with the play and charge kit i just have to wait for the controler to die plug this thing in and bam iam back in the game with out having to look for new batteries for minutes on end and it will save you alot of money in the long run. YOU have to buy this in order to play 360 constantly and also if you have four controlers for if buddies come over buy it for those controlers too. yes i know the 360 only has two usb ports but if your like me i have a computer too so you can plug two more in those usb ports. but if you dont then you can always revert back to batteries until yall are done then you can recharge the controlers over night.
  
  
• A must have
  By A3KPA6JLHHE8IM on 2006-01-06
  Lets see what is it and if you need it or not.....
  
  Basically what they give you is a 'batery pack' and a cable, what you do is use the batteries in your control and when u need to recharge just plug the cable in, the control will still the wireless and the cable will only charge the batery pack, since the charge is made from an USB connector, you can even plug the cable into a standard USB port in your computer and play in your xbox it will work :)
  
  But what happen if you already have plenty of these rechargable bateries ?
  
  Well use them, ok it is easier to just plug a cable, but it is wiser to don't spend money in something you don't really need if you have an alternative.
  
  
• Great Idea, Bad Execution
  By A3DI0JGAGOW9CN on 2005-11-23
  The Play and Charge Kit is a rechargable battery pack for the XBox 360 wireless controller. The idea is a pretty good one -- when the battery is charged, you've got a wireless controller. When the battery runs dry, you just attach the charger cable to the console, and until it's charged up again you're playing with a wired controller. A shame, but at least there's no interruption in play, and you don't have to deal with an endless stream of AA batteries. The thing they don't mention is that the battery can't be charged unless the console is turned on. I suppose this makes sense, and it is called "Play and Charge" after all, but it ends up being such a huge flaw that I can't recommend this kit at all.
  
  Let's do some math. The manual quotes a charge-up time of 6 hours and a play time, when fully charged, of 25 hours. This means you have two choices -- leave your XBox 360 on overnight just so you can charge your controller batteries, or charge while you play. I'm guessing most people will go for the second option. This means your "wireless" controller becomes wired for 20% of the time. Personally, I'd rather deal with the AA batteries if it means I get a 100% wireless controller. Seriously, can you imagine if you could only charge your cordless phone while you were talking on it? It's absurd.
  
  The bottom line is that the Plug and Charge Kit makes your wireless controller less wireless. The charge-while-you-play feature is nice, certainly, but not as the ONLY means of charging. It should be an emergency measure only, in favor of having some way of charging while you're away from the console that doesn't involve leaving the console on for extended periods of time. Some people won't be too bothered by this, and to that end I should point out that the product is otherwise solid -- seems sturdily constructed, the cord is quite long (9'), and it just simply works. The fact that it partially defeats the purpose of having the wireless controller at all, though, is a dealbreaker for me.
  
  
• great idea..a must have for the 360
  By A4G51W9PC7TJL on 2005-12-31
  this idea is really a no brainer.. i got this when i bought my 360 on launch day..and this plug and charge kit id worth every penny..first off you get the unit that you can use to charge as you play or leave as a trickle charge unit and you also get a battery pack with it also..its a great deal if you have a wireless controller this is a requirement to say the least great job microsoft
  
  
• Bye Bye Batteries
  By A15GKMFE0D5Q5R on 2006-02-16
  It is nice not using batteries and being able to have a rechargable battery pack. Has excellent life and if for some reason you run out of juice, you can easily plug it right in!
  
  
• A MUST HAVE
  By A1ZB414H0Q1AHA on 2006-03-13
  an awsome acessorie for every 1 with a 360 and wireless controller.I never had to wory about batteries again after i got it and you dont even have to keep the console on while charging. Its also cheap only 20$ for the cord and the batery pack, and you dont even have to have the pack put in the controller as long as the cord is conected to it it will work. A must have acessorie for some 1 with a 360
  
  
• Its a waste of time, dont burn your money.
  By A37TVOSRIPWEF9 on 2006-11-18
  Do not purches this, its a good theary and all but your jist makeing a wireless controler wired and giveing your self a bigger pain to deal with. Purches the Quick Charge Kit, it comes with the rechargibal battery and is way less of a hassel.
  
  
• Really annoying, actually...
  By A1G73PWTRXMAN1 on 2005-12-19
  I have a really large living room, with my sofa on one side, and all my electronics on the other - 12 feet away. So whenever I play my Xbox or Gamecube, I have to be connected with an extension cord - one for the Xbox, two for the Gamecube. When I considered every wireless option for the two systems, none ever met with my criteria (i.e. controller comfort, fast responsiveness, and the option of having a rumble feature)...
  
  Needless to say, I was more than a little excited at the prospect of the Xbox 360 being available with wireless, rumble enabled controllers with the same basic layout and feel of their old S-Controllers, and the option of rechargeable batteries to boot! With Bluetooth even! And the Play & Charge Kit made the concept even sweeter! Until I got the kit home...
  
  Y' see, I thought this thing was gonna be able to plug into a wall socket while I played, and since I happen to HAVE such a socket conveniently placed behind my couch, this was pretty perfect. I also assumed that - like my Nintendo DS, or my Ipod - I would be able to charge the thing while I was asleep as well...
  
  First of all, there is NO MENTION whatsoever that you have to plug the thing into your XB360 in order for it to work on the packaging. NONE! It's as if Microsoft was afraid that that might make people think "Hmm, doesn't that suddenly make my Bluetooth controller 'wired'?" Bad, Microsoft, VERY bad! And while the packaging is one of those blister packs, the USB connector is hidden behind the cardboard backing. Totally uncool. Because I decided to display my game console on its own dias on the other side of the room (away from any other heat sources), the 9 foot length of the cord is pretty pointless for me. The fact that the console has to be ON to charge the battery is simply fallacy. It's just a bad execution all around...
  
  I recommend picking up the XB360 Quick Charge Kit, when it becomes available. It's supposed to be pretty much an old fashioned battery charger that you just plug into a wall, and let sit. The battery is fully charged in 2 hours, whether you're asleep or not, and you don't need your XB360 on to do it. Sure, this may mean having to pick up an extra battery or two to make sure your gaming is uninterrupted, but so what? You'd really have to do that with this contraption anyway...
  
  
• Great concept, great execution!
  By A1CHP7J477VJYM on 2005-12-26
  If you use wireless controllers, you MUST buy plug and play kits. They are not too expensive and if you're a hardcore gamer, you need this. Mike is incorrect, these kits DO re-charge with your 360 turned off, just plug them in before powering down the unit. Additionally, the charge time is not very long (I haven't measured the exact length of time, but it seems to be no more than 2 hours at the most, with the system powered down).
  
  
• Must have
  By A532941QXD8CB on 2006-12-14
  This thing is awesome, and cheap. Like you probably already know, it comes with the rechargeable battery. On Amazon It's only about 4 dollars more then the rechargeable battery, alone. The thing that's cool about this is you have a wired controller, and wireless controller in one. I don't understand why people get the quick charge kit. You can buy a regular battery charger, and 4 batteries for LESS then that thing costs, and they will charge faster, if you get a quick charger. I have a AA battery charger that fully charges 4 AA batteries in less then 1/2 hr. The quick charge kit takes 2 hrs, for 1 battery, 4 hours for if you have 2 in there. Plus, as someone already pointed out, the play and charge DOES charge when the 360 is off. You just have to turn your 360 off while the controller is plugged in. As someone else pointed out, you don't HAVE to use the 360. Any USB port will do. Sometimes I like having a Wired controller, this saves me from having to buy one. It doesn't make sense to buy the quick charge kit. Get regular rechargeables. Faster charging, less money.
  
  
• The Perfect Accessory!
  By A2OJYYKWWX6796 on 2007-02-19
  This is the perfect accessory for your Xbox 360 wireless controllers. I don't know how much money I spent in AA batteries before I bought this wonderful item. This nifty device charges the rechargeable battery pack (which is included with the Play & Charge Kit) in a very short time. The battery runs for a smooth 20 hours before another charge is needed. For only $15 it will save you loads!
  
  ***NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO CHARGE THE BATTERY THROUGH YOUR XBOX 360. YOU CAN PLUG IT RIGHT INTO YOUR COMPUTER WITH THE USB CABLE AND CHARGE IT THERE.***
  
  
• a must have
  By AUFUZ9QWZZ6XS on 2007-07-22
  When I saw the reviews on this product were less than 5 stars I felt like I just had to put in my two cents. We haven't tried the quick charge kit so I can't compare this product with that one. However, we have had this product on all 3 of our wireless conrollers for about 6 months now and are very happy with them. The wireless controllers eat regular batteries. This product paid for itself in about a week. We play LIVE matches all the time and being in a heavy firefight on Rainbow Six when your batteries go out is a disaster. This product plugs into one of the USB ports on the front of your 360 and if the charge goes out you just plug in the controller to the charger and keep playing! It charges while you play too. And, the charge lasts for what seems like longer than regular batteries. Got the guitar for guitar hero plugged into the USB in the back of the console and these rechargeable cords plugged into the front.
  The only frustration I've had with the rechargeable system is that if you start up the XBOX with a controller plugged in to the charger then it becomes player 1 and the controller that you don't have plugged in (that you just sat down on the couch with) becomes player 2 because it connects later. A very minor annoyance... you just have to get your butt off the couch and switch them.
  
  UPDATE: It has been over a year and these rechargables are still going strong. If you take these over to your friends' houses make sure to mark your controller somehow or you might come home with a controller with batteries.
  
  
• Great Product
  By A1143YEAZYMYHJ on 2005-11-23
  I think the Play n Charge kit is great. Yes, you have to plug in into the xbox to charge it and yes the xbox must be on. I don't see why it is a big deal to do this. For one thing, if you have an extra wireless controller, you can always use it to charge the battery whil you play with another battery. I would advise the person before to simply buy an extra controller and battery and the problem would be solved.
  
  
• Xbox 360 Play And Charge Kit
  By A2QQ5O2TFZPTIH on 2005-12-26
  A MUST HAVE, IF YOU HAVE A WIRELESS CONTROLLER. Why go out and spend money on batteries over and over when you can spend 20 bucks for this and never pay for batteries for an 360 controller again. This isnt a waste of money, you need it. I got it for christmas and its really good. Just plugs into the top of your controller along with the new battery, then the other side plugs into the front of your Xbox, thats it. Get it!
  
  
• read this before buying
  By A9WY9R6OP7O7X on 2006-01-16
  if you want to be truely wireless then dont buy this. you have to plug it into a usb port or your xbox 360 to charge which means you have to be wired to charge. better off getting batteries or rechargable batteries.
  
  
• MUST READ NOTE TO AVOID THE 360 FROM OVERHEATING!!!
  By ACB571FMAX2N6 on 2006-12-28
  BUT MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS PLUGGED IN! EVEN WHEN YOU TURN THE CONSOLE OFF, THE 360 CHARGES THE BATTERY PACK. IT WILL CONTINUE TO UNTIL YOU TURN ON AND OFF YOUR CONOLE WITH THE CHARGE KIT OUT. IF YOU DON'T, YOUR 360 WILL OVERHEAT FROM BEING ON SO LONG AND HAVING TO POWER YOUR BATTERY PACK.
  
  Now to the acutal review:
  The charge kit is great because there is no need to constantly replace batteries. The cord can be plugged into the xbox 360's USB port, and it has the length so that you can play it at the same time. No need for expendable batteries anymore! The battery in the controller can recharge totally off the Xbox 360.
  
  
• No Batteries Kit
  By A2MIK2YAPYJNNM on 2006-02-24
  Not sold in the Part of Japan I'm at. Thank you Amazon and all who supports it.
  
  
• Simple.
  By A22N4FISCSCVXI on 2006-11-24
  This is a solid choice for anyone with a wireless controller. It allows you to charge the controller when not in use, charge it while playing, or continue to play once the battery has died. The Quick Charge kit is a better decision if you have more than 2 or 3 controllers though. Right now I have 2 (one for the son and myself) and leave one plugged in to charge while I play with the other.
  
  
• Wow what a peice of junk
  By A3IMG6XQ99F50F on 2006-12-19
  I have had to return this twice already and the batteries that come in this kit keep on dying. I don't know if the battery that comes in the kit is junk or if the charger itself is the thing killing it. Anyways it isn't all it is cracked up to be... The only use of it is when you have no batteries lying around so you can just plug in your controller. Otherwise I suggest getting a set of Duracell fast charge batteries 1hr charger with a 8hr charge.
  
  

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