Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit Reviews

• Thanks MS

  
  By A2Y6UU2O0N1V3J on 2006-05-12
  I bought the Play and Charge kit (which converts your wireless controller into a wired one while the battery is being charged up) when the X360 launched last year. It does the job, but it takes way too long to recharge the batteries and, while it gave the appearance of charging the batteries while the X360 was in standby mode, that didn't seem to speed the process up all that much. So, I was hyped when I saw that the Quick Charge kit was coming out and I'm glad I picked one up.
  
  Not only can the Quick Charge kit charge up more than one battery at a time, it charges the batteries (at least ) 10 x's faster than the Play and Charge kit. I've had this kit for two weeks now and I can confirm that it does charge up a spent X360 controller battery in about 2 hours and two in about four. Most of mine have charged fast than those times, but I've never let one of the batteries totally die before switching it out (the ring of light flashing that the current battery is dying drives me nuts). The Quick Charge kit comes with one rechargeable battery, so be sure to pick up an extra if you don't already have one. With at least one extra charged battery @ all times, you should be set.
  
  There's not really much else to say about this kit. It works and it works well. I would definitely recommend this kit over the Play and Charge kit b/c A) the Quick Charge kit is SO much faster, B) you won't have a recharging controller plugged into the front of your X360 as you would with the Play and Charge kit, and C) I've had some tech issues with the Play and Charge kit. (Sometimes it says the battery is charged, but when I use the battery and check its strength, the X360 dashboard says the battery is only 1/2 charged. Sure enough, in just a few hours, the ring of light will start to flash again, indicating that the supposedly charged battery is not so charged now. It doesn't happen every time, but often enough to be annoying. The Play and Charge kit also seems to take different lengths of time to charge the batteries. And sometimes, if I leave the controller plugged in, the recharge light will turn back to red after having been green for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Not so good.)
  
  If you own wireless X360 controllers and game a lot, the Quick Charge kit will be worth more to you than 100,000 achievement points. Check it out! wb
  
  

• Must Have for Wireless Controllers

  
  By A1143YEAZYMYHJ on 2006-06-24
  If you have an Xbox 360, and have wireless controllers, then the Quick Charge Kit will really impress you. First, it comes with another rechargable battery, so that's nice. Second, it allows you to charge the batteries without using your Xbox 360! I know many of the complaints about the first play-n-charge kit was that it used a controller port to charge! No more. This kit plugs into the wall and can charge 2 batteries at once. If you have not yet purchased a rechargable battery for the wireless controller, just get this kit which includes one battery. You will save tons on regular batteries, and it really is a great addition to the Xbox 360 family of products.
  
  

• A luxury item for your console

  
  By A304GUEPCPYM3Z on 2007-03-11
  This is an excellent option for people who own the wireless controllers. It will save you money over time. The wireless controller of the XB360 can go through a set (2) of AA batteries in about two week's time, if you play heavily.
  
  This is a well-designed and attractive product. The color of the unit matches the color of the 360 perfectly. It is an excellent addition to your collection of accessories for your 360.
  
  I bought one of these units and tested it. It worked as advertised. The performance of the battery pack is better than a set of rechargeable NiMH (1600 mAH) from Rayovac. However, the battery pack did not perform as well as a set of Energizer Alkalines. The Alkalines lasted slightly longer than the Microsoft battery pack.
  
  I was not surprised that the pack lasted longer than the rechargeable AA. Microsoft even stated that rechargeable batteries should not be used in the controllers. I suspect this is due to the fact that typical nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries are 1.2 volts. Whereas disposable alkaline batteries are 1.5 volts. Even in my Logitech wireless controller, for my PS2, the rechargeables do not last nearly as long as disposable alkalines.
  
  Should you buy this Microsoft Quick Charge kit? Would you be better off buying a set of regular AA rechargeable batteries and a good charger?
  
  I can tell you that a typical Rayovac battery charger will recharge a set of AA batteries faster than this kit can recharge its battery pack. And if you shop around, it will also become obvious that two rechargeable AAs and a recharger will cost you slightly less than the purchase price of this Quick Charge kit. And, as C. Johnson stated in his review further down, you can use your rechargeables for other devices, like a digital camera. So, in terms of versatility and applicability to various applications, you cannot beat a set of rechargeable AAs. However, a set of NiMH AAs will not give you the same performance as this battery pack. And, if you are like me, I want to keep all of my video gaming equipment together, in one place. I prefer not to share my video game console's accessories with other devices.
  
  I make part of my living as a computer technician. Because I own a lot of equipment that require AA batteries, I buy my alkaline batteries in bulk. And I only own one controller for my 360. I am also a solitary gamer. Because of that situation, I gave my Quick Charge kit to my best friend, who is also a technician. He has three controllers. He is also a social gamer. Therefore, he has a greater need for this product. At this point, I am back to using disposable alkalines for my controller.
  
  I consider the Microsoft Quick Charge kit to be a luxury accessory for your XBox 360. It is not necessary, for most people. And there are cheaper ways of avoiding the cost of disposable alkalines. However, this is a very neat and tidy solution. And, if you are one of those gamers who somehow managed to break your controller's original battery holder, then this is a very, very good option for you.
  
  I can also recommend this Quick Charge kit for parents. This will save you from having to make a trip to the convenience store on a Saturday afternoon. Picture this scenario. Your child has company over, and they are playing a game on the XBox. All of a sudden, the controllers stop responding. The next thing you know, the children are begging you to go to the store and get them some batteries. This kit, along with extra battery packs, can help prevent these inconveniences. And, because the battery pack is unique, there is no danger that another member of your household will take it and use it for their digital camera. You are guaranteed to have available a fully charged battery pack for your gaming needs.
  
  

• Dont waste money

  
  By A3E6B5JCHV6KR3 on 2006-12-02
  Why spend $30 dollars on this battery charger that can only charge batteries for one purpose, the 360 controller. For half the price you can buy a charger and 4 AA rechargable batteries at walmart or amazon. Its half the price, you get two sets of batteries for the remote if thats all you will use them for, or you can also use the batteries in anything in your home like remotes or mp3 players. So spend half the price, get twice the functionality and be a smarter person.
  
  

• Get Generic Rechargeable AA's!

  
  By A3BX9KSXO7Y15J on 2007-02-22
  Many have misleadingly reviewed this product as "essential." You DO need rechargeable batteries if you're using a wireless controller. You DO NOT need this expensive unit.
  
  The 360 Wireless Controller accepts STANDARD AA rechargeable batteries. You are paying a premium for the branding.
  
  Also, while this charger is described as "quick," the product description says it takes "under 2 hours." Energizer "quick charge" batteries charge in under 15 minutes.
  
  
• Worst blister pack I've ever encountered.
  By A4CT4I3WFTYY on 2008-09-15
  I am slouched in my computer chair as I type this... bloody, winded, and defeated. A mere shadow of my former, confident self. I have long known that it is folly to wrestle with a blister pack without the benefit of scissors, but just as I always feared... they've finally built a better blister pack.
  
  I cut the top edge. Thinking the fell packaging bested like so many that preceded it, I laid down my scissors, placed my fingers into its open wound, and pulled apart with great force, barely suppressing an animalistic victory cry...
  
  It is a good thing I supressed that victory cry, friends, for had I not I would have looked very foolish (in addition to stressing my intercostal cartilage) when the package refused to yield, and laughed off my efforts.
  
  "Alright", I thought. "I've some more tricks up my sleeve." I reclaimed the scissors and set to work removing the left seam of the package. An unholy snap! My scissors lay broken, and my arm (not my hand, ladies and gentlemen, but my ARM) was slowly welling up dark, rich blood in the deep gouge left, presumably, by the flying bit of brittle plastic which the package had flung at me, to protect itself against my insistent slicing.
  
  I retreated to the bathroom, treated and dressed my wound, and crept back, warily, to the field of battle. The package lay on my bed, looking quite battered, yet smug and very self-satisfied. I live alone. Today, there will be no reinforcements. Knowing that all the hopes of my discharged Xbox 360 controller batteries depended on my efforts and my efforts alone, I crawled to the scissors on the floor, and fell back immediately to a safe distance to plan my next attack.
  
  I decided that where guile had failed, boldness might succeed. I would cut directly down the center of the front side of the package: straight through the heart of the renegade guardian of my Quick Charge Kit. I did so, with speed and precision comparable to that of a feline ninja... or at least a fat guy with a serious grudge against a plastic shell. The gash was glorious. No fewer than 4 inches long, and terminating below the product within, so that even if the package proves unusually hardy, I will almost certainly pry the fault apart far enough to retrieve the device within. I placed one hand on the right seam, and the other near the bottom of the new gash, of which I'd made a gift to my adversary, and pull will all my strength. My ribs glow white hot, filling the room with excruciating brightness and my consciousness with a pain the likes of which I hope never to know again. I drop the package onto the bed, and stumble back to my chair, falling backward into it.
  
  As I lay here, maybe dying, I reflect on that final sequence of mistakes... which ONE, if any, could have saved my life and sanity, had I only not made it... Was it my choice to use scissors instead of fire? Was it my hubris-fueled insistence upon opening the package with my own efforts, just because I am 25 and an adult who should be able to fend for himself, where I might have simply left it aside until I next visited my parents four states away, and then, tail tucked firmly betwixt my thights, I could have asked mommy to do it. Was it my decision to buy this product in the first place? Who can say, for certain?
  
  My musing continues... if I recover from my injuries, how will I respond? Do I launch another assault on the dread unopenable package? Do I crown it the prince of my home, swear eternal fealty, and begin designing a new flag to represent the sheer dominance and magnificence of this mighty blister pack?
  
  But one thing, gentle reader, is certain: you can learn from my experience. Just say no to inaccessibly-packaged consumer goods! It's not too late. *cough* *cough*
  
  Avenge... me...
  
  
• good call M. Turner
  By A532941QXD8CB on 2006-12-14
  As M. Turner so nicely pointed out to all of you, why would you want to buy this when you could spend 1/2 the money on a regular charger, and more batteries, that don't just go in your 360 controller? I have a quick charger that charges 4 AA batteries in less then 1/2 hour. The quick charge kit takes 4 hours to do basically the same thing. But wait, I can also use my batteries in my Television Remote, or my digital camera flash. Just make sure you get one with a fan on it so the batteries don't swell up from overheating. If you want to give MS more money, get the play and charge kit, as that sort of serves a purpose. You can have a wireless and wired controller in one. It also does charge when the 360 is off, like most people don't know. You just have to have the controller plugged in when you turn off the power. You're also not limited to only using the 360. You can plug it into any USB port. Like your Ipod charging station.
  
  
• Must have for 360 owners.
  By A15LH0ZNB79DLT on 2008-04-17
  This item is a must have for the Xbox 360 gamer. You can charge two battery packs at the same time. You'll always have a couple charged up for when you have company come over to play games.
  
  It's easy to use, and it's small enough to be out of the way. The battery just snaps into place, and the lights let you know if it's charging or fully charged. Even if you have a play and charge kit, this comes in handy.
  
  It comes with one battery.
  
  Batteries will charge in just a few hours.
  
  Highly recommended.
  
  
• Always have a battery ready!
  By AOKXMEY6M1NQ4 on 2006-11-18
  I originally had the Play and Charge kit where you hook the wireless controller to the 360's controller port, but if your battery ran out, you either had to switch back to AA batteries and then charge the controller battery later, or play with the controller connected. What's the point of having a wireless controller if you have to have it connected while playing to charge it? It was kind of alkward, to say the least. So when I heard about the Quick Charge Kit, I bought one right away. Even if you don't own multiple controllers, this thing is great. It comes with an extra rechargable battery, and it stores two of your batteries so you always know where they are. It also tells you when the batteries are charging and when they're charged by means of a pair of color changing LEDs on the front. I begin every gaming session by swapping the batteries so I always have a fully charged battery. The only bad thing I can think of about it is if you have four controllers, you may have to buy two.
  
  
• Definite "Must Have"
  By A1AE8PNQ5RJK80 on 2006-06-06
  I bought this unit about a month ago and it's working like a champ. I am an avid gamer so keeping my batteries charged is mandatory. I usually throw the batteries on the charger at night so that by morning the batteries are fully charged. There is neat LED indicator on the front that's red when charging and green when finished. If you play games like me then buying this is a no brainer.
  
  
• A must for anyone who games a lot
  By APP45XD85ARYL on 2006-10-15
  If you use your 360 controller more than 10 hours a week then this is something you really shouldn't go without for too long.
  
  The play and charge kit is alright, but it really is too slow. What's the point of having a wireless controller if you're going to spend hours connected to the system trying to charge it?
  
  I highly suggest picking up the Quick Charge kit (which comes with one battery) and an additional battery.
  
  
• get AA charger
  By AH5FLKVQAG7F6 on 2007-09-14
  This is a joke, get AA charger and bunch of Rechargable AA batteries.
  I recommend 1600 MAh or more AA batteries.
  if the batteries died just replace with the charged ones.
  use your brain, you are smart person
  
  
• Well worth the money
  By A1ATEMSAKMPSR4 on 2006-07-25
  My husband and I got hooked on The Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion and play it constantly. I started bringing home bags full of batteries for our wireless controller. Finally I broke down and bought this quick charge kit and am still kicking myself for not doing it much sooner. I also purchased an extra battery (the charger only comes with one) so we always have a charged battery. If you have a wireless controller for your Xbox 360 and you play alot, this item is a MUST. It is well worth the money.
  
  
• How to save time and money.
  By A37TVOSRIPWEF9 on 2006-11-19
  This product will save you money, time, and is a quick fix. I do not play my 360 that offen and my batteries would be dead within 1 to 2 weeks in my wireless controlers. Now After I got the rechargeable battery backs and charger there is no more going to the store for batterys. When you first get it it will be in the price range of 20 to 30 dollars but it is worth it in the long run.
  
  
  
• This is one of the 360 accessories that actually works well.
  By A20Y4QKFFH7A2X on 2006-12-13
  It's just a simple battery charger but gets the job done. I'm a heavy gamer so my batteries run out in about a week or so. After spending $600+ on my 360 and games I refused to spend anymore money on my video gaming habit. Well 10 months later I realized that I spent approx $60 on AAs. (I go thru a package of 4 per month at around $6) I broke down and ordered the charger kit from Amazon. I've had it for about 2 months now and I love it. It charges quickly too. About 30 minutes.
  
  I did get caught though. The picture shows 2 rechargeable batteries. I only comes with one. My bad. I was in a rush. I ended up buying another one for $12. It's perfect for me, one is charging while I am using the other. So $42 total purchase (not so happy with that)
  
  My suggestion...if I had to do it all over again I would have just bought a regular battery charger with 4 rechargeable AA batteries. You will get 4 rechargeable AAs and a charger for around $25. You could use the batteries for something else as well if needed.
  
  Do yourself a favor and don't be a cheapo like I was. It only makes sense and will save you money in the next few years. Spend the $30 bucks!!!
  
  
  
• convenient, but certainly not a must have
  By A2X8KN82L07RSK on 2007-02-07
  I like many people failed to see the need for this if the wireless controller takes regular batteries too. I have a slew of rechargeable batteries that I lose, find, lose and find again for my digital camera. I also have three battery chargers for the same lose/find reason. I have had my 360 for about 3 months, and have been happy using the rechargeable battery solution for a while. There is a small inconvenience in remembering to charge the used up batteries as they go dead and there's the small task of keeping up with the good batteries.
  
  Since I like little gadgets to begin with and I had it to spend, so I went ahead and got the quick charge kit plus an extra battery pack for my 2 controllers. The first charge is kind of long, but afterwards its fairly quick. I have not had any problems using the battery pack vs. regular batteries, and I didn't expect to; It does what it is suppose to do. It claims a 25 hour play time, which I haven't verified with a stop watch, but I do notice that play time is pretty long, and also a fully charged battery pack shows up as such on the screen controller battery life indicator when you press the XBOX button on your controller. With "fully charged" rechargable batteries, I have noticed that the charge indicator is always one bar less than full.
  
  I definitely agree with both sides of the argument on whether or not to get this or stick to using rechargables. It all comes down to convenience. If you are tired of having to recharge batteries as they go dead and have a few extra bucks to spend, then this may be the route to go. However, if you have no problem recharging batteries as needed, then there is really no need for you to get this, because the only way it saves you any money is if you used to use non-rechargables in your controllers.
  
  In all honesty, if you want to save some money, stick with the rechargeable solution, because in reality the quick charge kit costs a bit more then a standard AA battery charger and the battery packs themselves cost about the same as 4 NiMh rechargeable batteries. Also with the with the standard battery charger and batteries you can use them for other things.
  
  Keep in mind it only comes with one battery pack which is better than nothing I guess, but if you want more battery packs for your other controller(s) you have to by them seperately, for the cost of about 4 NiMh rehargable AA batteries.
  
  
• It's a battery charger
  By AQAETZHMY9TDS on 2007-10-10
  It's a battery charger, it's white, so it doesn't match the black batteries, that makes it suck, but it charges the batteries, so that mostly makes up for it.
  
  
• Not satisfied
  By A36DIOXMKWBG1K on 2008-01-12
  Unfortunately, the quick charge kit I purchased does not work (defective). This is the only drawback to on-line purchases! It saves time at first, but if there is a problem, it becomes more of a problem!! I was advised to contact microsoft, which I did. The day I called I was at work and it was taking a VERY long time to try and resolve my situation with the Microsoft rep. I simply just wanted to return the defective item to be replaced by microsoft at no charge. I have not had the time to call back, but plan to still try and have microsoft replace.
  
  
• Excellent Product - A Must Have!
  By AOQP16CY972Z5 on 2006-10-16
  When it comes to must have add-ons for the Xbox 360 - the Quick Charger is #1.
  
  Not only does it give you another chargeable batter, and charge that battery at 10x the speed of the play and charge kit, it also gives you a place to store your batteries where time won't deplete them.
  
  A little known fact, if you leave the battery in the controller, even when it's off, the battery is being depleted. The controller for some reasons keeps sucking juice out of it when it's off. So you have to leave the battery sitting next to the controller, or similar. Not anymore, now you can rest assured that not only is your battery going to be fully charged the next time you play, but you'll always know exactly where to find it. :)
  
  If you have a wireless controller, this is a #1 must have. Period.
  
  
• Excellent
  By A2P0MUWTNLMLF6 on 2006-12-15
  I know everyone says go with the cheaper rechargeable AA batteries. You should buy the rechargeable packs instead because it is durable and is simple. Also, there is no point in making a wireless controller wired(the AA packs make a wireless controller wired). If you have a wireless controller buy this product and keep a wireless controller.
  I live on a campus where people can play Xbox 360 games on the local network. That means people who have Xbox 360s in their rooms have an average of 3 wireless controllers each. Every single person uses these rechargeable battery packs and there have been no problems at all.
  Finally, keep in mind that the people who don't approve of this product have all bought the AA packs, not the rechargeable packs. They just don't know what they are missing.
  
  
• THE way to go
  By A3C2CPTCMB7S4N on 2007-01-05
  This should have come with the 360--it's the only way to go. Easy, smart and high quality, it will save lots of $$ in the long term.
  
  Note: I unplug the base when not charging since it makes a tiny whine--I think it may be sucking up serious juice. Regardless, highly recommended!
  
  
• I love this thing
  By AA9A4NC3D4X62 on 2007-01-09
  Play all day without changing batteries. Great, especially if you have two controllers.
  P.S. I guess amazon thinks this is a game because they made me rate how much fun it is.
  
  
• Fast Fast Fast.
  By ADLCOHXY04XE4 on 2007-02-27
  Bought the quick charger a few months back to cut down on my trips to Costco for AA batteries. I LOVE this charger. Will recharge a battery pack in under 2 hours. Had also purchased the charge and play kit but never use it anymore.. pales in comparison to the quick charge.
  
  
• flawless, should be $19.99
  By AMXE382DCAMQO on 2007-03-06
  It does what it is supposed to do but "quick" is relative. It can take an hour or so - okay that's still quick relative to cell phone batteries that used to take overnight to charge, but not really "quick" in the (5 minutes) sense of the word. It's a bit overpriced (but I am assuming they price it based on "what the market will bear" not cost-of-materials marked up, but what do I know)...
  
  
• It does what it is.
  By A1F13FRITFPBX6 on 2006-11-03
  This is well worth the money. It is a dual battery charger for your xbox360 wireless controller rechargable batteries and it COMES with a battery! It's so nice to always have a charged battery ready while playing.
  
  
• A must have for every 360 with wireless
  By AG1UJQEFD71J7 on 2006-12-20
  Ever notice your batteries drained after a few days of non usage, even when you powered your 360 off with them charging? I have this with 4 batteries, and never have to worry again about low battery warnings!
  
  
• Great product - space saving and easy to use
  By A3MHB71VCH657I on 2007-01-09
  I bought this item to go along with the Xbox 360 I got for my husband for Christmas. I bought just about all the accessories you can think of. Since i bought two controllers, I thought it would be nice to have this item with two rechargeable batteries. It charged the batteries pretty fast and doesn't overheat or anything like that. It has lights which let you know when the batteries are completely charged.
  
  I have to admit, though, we put in the regular alkalines which came with the controllers (on Christmas day) and have played the system almost relentlessly since then and the batteries have lasted surprisingly long, probably due to the fact that you can turn the controllers off very easily through the system's dashboard, and they also power down automatically when you turn the power to the console off. Pretty cool.
  
  
• Charger is a necessity for the Xbox 360
  By A38E4ULDT7B02C on 2007-01-10
  Having this charger and batteries was a life saver on Christmas and over the holidays. My son played non stop on the 360 for the week and we just keep the batteries in the charger over night and they were ready the next day.
  
  
• Fast charge
  By A2AV4ZLPPZ14UE on 2007-02-19
  This charger comes with a one battery and can charge two batteries at once. I have two wireless controllers so I now have a total of three batteries so I can pretty much play continuously. I have the plug and play charge cable but it took forever to charge and didn't handle charging when I was not playing very well - the 360 has to be on to charge the battery with the plug and play. So the Quick Charge kit is much better.
  
  
• Great, fast charger, and looks good too!
  By A1Y7EI6VGKWUD3 on 2007-02-21
  There's not a whole lot to say about this product. It has a simple function of charging XBox 360 controller battery packs. It does its job great. It is fast and is a "smart" charger, so it won't overcharge or undercharge and turns on or off automatically. As a nice bonus it is the best looking battery charger I've ever seen, and it looks just fine sitting near my XBox 360!
  
  

• The Official Xbox Magazine [1-year]
• Electronic Gaming Monthly
• Play
• Tips & Tricks Magazine

• Xbox 360 Rechargeable Controller Battery Pack White
• Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
• Xbox 360 Rechargeable Controller Battery Pack Black
• Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter
• Halo 3