XBox 360 Quick Charge Kit Coming Soon

[bapenguin]

I came home today to find a nice surprise from Microsoft. One of the peripherals that was missing since launch, The Quick Charge Kit, was sitting on my doorstep. No word yet on when this will be out, but my guess is soon since it's the full retail packaging. Here's the specs:

less than 2 hour charge for one battery
less than 4 hour charge for two batteries
25 Hour playtime



http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/battery/thumb.bat0.jpg (http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/image.php?image=www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/battery/bat0.jpg)

Update Gamestop (http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1&product%5Fid=802270) lists this for $29.99 with a 4/18/06 release date.

I'll do some testing this weekend and let you know how it performs. I'm just happy I won't have to do the battery swap anymore like I was with the play and charge kit.

[bapenguin]

Few more pics
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/battery/thumb.bat1.jpg (http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/image.php?image=www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/battery/bat1.jpg)

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/battery/thumb.bat2.jpg (http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/image.php?image=www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/battery/bat2.jpg)

[UglyPimp]

Where's the tip? I kid, seems useful but I wish they would have released this earlier, so, ya know, I wouldn't have bought the inferior play & charge kit. Oh well, at least it's out.

[Zanzibar]

How the hell do *I* get on that goddamned list? I'm a freakin' DEVELOPER, who's been touting the values of the Xbox and X360 from the very beginning, I'll gladly give reviews of new MS peripherals and games.

Yes, I'm bitter.

[Double T]

Wait, how is this BETTER than play and charge? I mean, i can play.............and charge at the same time. Why would I want to put it in this thing (yet another cable my gf will complain about) and be without anything while it charges?

[Roc Ingersol]

The idea is that you have an extra battery pack or two.
If one goes low, you swap it out with one from the widget here.

looks like it comes with an extra as well.

[Double T]

I still don't see the point. I can play WHILE I charge right now.

Oh well, if someone see's value in it, then so be it.

[bapenguin]

The way I've been doing it right now is I have one controller hooked up via the play and charge kit in the back. It basically acts as my battery charger for my wireless controller. When the controller I'm using dies, I basically just swap controllers off the play and charge kit. NOw I can just yank another battery off the stack instead and let it charge. The problem with having one controller constantly connected is if you turn the system on with the power button that controller defaults to the first controller. So unless I planned on using that controller, I'd have to turn it on via the one laying around.

[Ozymandias]

I've had one of these for a few weeks now, and I find it a lot more useful than the Play and Charge. Frankly, once wireless, always wireless. Now that I've gotten the whole gaming set up nice and cleaned up, I hate pulling out the charging cable and putting it away. Having two fresh batteries ready to go whenever you want has been a godsend for me.

It's also a rapid charger - batteries recharge much more quickly.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

So how much will this cost? $50? $60? :p

[Tyrant]

Why not buy one of those AA 15 minute recharge kits instead? I bought an Energizer 15 minute recharge kit with 4 2200mah AA batteries for ~$30 on eBay and each pair has lasted about 20 hours, not to mention that I can use them in my portable CD player as well.

[johnperkins21]

Why not buy one of those AA 15 minute recharge kits instead? I bought an Energizer 15 minute recharge kit with 4 2200mah AA batteries for ~$30 on eBay and each pair has lasted about 20 hours, not to mention that I can use them in my portable CD player as well.

Here here. Jolly good show.

I have done the same thing, sans the whole evil eBay experience, and thoroughly recommend the practice. I can use my batteries in all of my TV remotes as well. Much, much better idea.

[bapenguin]

So how much will this cost? $50? $60? :p

No word on pricing. My guess is it'll be $29.99

Also...I do agree with the AA rapid charge things...I'd be curious to compare the battery life of it compared to these lithium ion ones.

[Bubby]

Why not buy one of those AA 15 minute recharge kits instead? I bought an Energizer 15 minute recharge kit with 4 2200mah AA batteries for ~$30 on eBay and each pair has lasted about 20 hours, not to mention that I can use them in my portable CD player as well.

Much too simple and no geek factor. That's how I do it.

[Montolio]

I'll be glad to add this to my 360 782 gear.

[Dr Quincy]

Ridiculous. Surely the Xbox 360 should just charge its controllers through induction. Or by focussed microwave beam. I was interested in the console, but this has PUT ME RIGHT OFF.

[Kelegacy]

I bought a Play and Charge kit last weekend. If this ends up coming out for 19.99 I'll shit on Redmond.

Or not. I usually just charge overnight, if I need it. No biggie. If you play for one sitting from fresh charge to battery dry, you have a problem.

[Megalith]

Looks like some shit from the dollar store.

[thecrazyd]

Looks like some shit from the dollar store.
You look like some shit from the dollar store!

It's on now!

[fitbabits]

You look like some shit from the dollar store!

It's on now!
FTW! Absolute gem... :D

[Pumped'Up]

LOL, looks absolutely HIDEOUS.

Bulky, like all XBOX/360 components. How can MS screwup something so simple in design?

MS's best showcase of garbage.

[fitbabits]

LOL, looks absolutely HIDEOUS.

Bulky, like all XBOX/360 components. How can MS screwup something so simple in design?

MS's best showcase of garbage.
If only your name was Walter (and you were right). (http://www.moviesoundscentral.com/sounds/big_lebowski/asshole.wav)

[Pumped'Up]

Woah, step back....chill out fits eh? sheesh.

[Megalith]

I like how I was in the bathroom and the recharger for my blowdryer was somehow more stylish.

[fitbabits]

Woah, step back....chill out fits eh? sheesh.
Sorry. I simply couldn't resist, though. :)

[Zeal]

I must admit, the design is rather idiotic.

[92miata]

this seems stupid. i was hoping for a charging kit where you could just place the controller on, rather that take the battery out.

my giveafuckometer is really low on this one.....:)

[Heretic Machine]

I can see how some people might have a use for this, but I don't, personally... I mean, my battery rarely dies, and it's not a hassle to just hook up the play-n-charge kit every now and then.

But, if I had been able to buy one at launch, I probably would of gotten one instead of the cable.

[Run3skap3]

:D :cool: Ive seen theese for sale at Shopko K-mart and Walmart where I live and that was a week ago! its april 2nd

[Serapth]

I bought a Play and Charge kit last weekend. If this ends up coming out for 19.99 I'll shit on Redmond.

Or not. I usually just charge overnight, if I need it. No biggie. If you play for one sitting from fresh charge to battery dry, you have a problem.

And I thought you said you bought Oblivion?

[dr_wily]

how long does the charge on these last for? i forget that my wavebird even has fucking batteries.. after about 6 months and 100 hrs of play itll start tweaking and i go oh yeah..