Customer Reviews

XFPS 3.0 Sniper - Keyboard & Mouse Adapter for Xbox 360

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

Trust me; not only is it NOT compatible with the advertised mice, it also doesn't work with any of the games they list it works well with. It's like they didn't even test the damn thing! I've tried four of the mice they claim will work; three USB, one PS2, and none of them work. Either it won't respond at all, or the slightest mouse movement will cause the dashboard menu or pause menu to come up in game. The thing literally goes nuts and does everything BUT what you want it to, which is basically mimicing R-Analog Stick. MEH!

The keyboard is just dandy, but it's not at all important if the mouse doesn't work... I haven't tried it for anything other than using a keyboard and mouse on the X360. Anything else you would want to use it for has a MUCH cheaper alternative. This thing is so useless now, I feel like I've been scammed! It'd be an amazing product if it did ANYTHING it advertised... which it doesn't. This product gets -100 stars (Yes, -100!)and is for me (and you) to poop on. Please do not give these horrible periphial designers any of your money.

They most certainly don't deserve it; not with this product anyway.

Also, there is rarely ANY return policy on this item from resellers, as they too know this thing doesn't work anything near what it's maker claim. Just check the net for other reviews...what a disappointment. BEWARE: If you're going to be screwed out of $80, at least get an STD out of it; it'd be more thab what you'd get out of this useless thing!

The XFPS 3.0 works. You can play 360 games using a mouse and gain all of the advantages it provides: transition quickly between fast movements and slow, stop fast movements on a dime and make really precise small adjustments. Overall, FPS games like Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4 feel much more natural and precise with a mouse and the XFPS.

But there are some caveats:
1) The device requires that you own an older model of the wired 360 controller. It doesn't work with newer controllers that are revision X811616-005 and above. If you're buying a wired controller specifically to work with this device, buy a used controller with a lower revision number.
2) Don't expect gameplay to be identical to playing on the PC! Something gets lost in the translation when faking mouse commands with controller commands. It feels slightly sluggish at times, even with the sensitivity set really high. At other times, it feels slightly laggy.
3) Playing in the living room, it's hard to find a place to comfortably put the mouse and keyboard. The mouse cable plus the tiny cable on the XFPS don't exactly stretch across the room.
4) You have to own an older mouse that doesn't require special drivers. I use an old Logitech MX518, but I've heard good things about the Logitech G5 in conjunction with this device.
5) You have to own a keyboard.

Overall, my COD4 scores improved dramatically by using the XFPS. It might be that I'm just used to playing on mouse and keyboard. But more likely, mouse and keyboard are simply a superior aiming device over controllers. After all, FPS games are like modern browsers: You point at something and click. Who in their right mind would choose a 360 controller over mouse to surf the web?

First and foremost, the XFPS is a Keyboard and Mouse adapter for the Xbox 360. There's been a long trend of mouse/keyboard adapters for consoles, starting with the Xbox and Playstation 2, as transitional players who grew up wielding mice and keyboards easily recognized the deficiencies of joypad gaming for First Person Shooters. Game consoles can't, or better yet, won't support simply plugging in USB mice and keyboards as it'd create a bit of an imbalance in gameplay. There's an inherent reason why console FPSes use tricks light minor auto aiming to make up for the inaccuracies of analog sticks. A few companies recognized this issue and decided to make try and tackle the problem head on. Probably the most famous and successful of these devices, was the SmartJoy FRAG. Its a beautiful little device that allowed the mouse to emulate the right thumbstick and the ability gamepad functions to the keyboard. However, the device wasn't complete magic, as gamepads have "acceleration" as the longer you hold a direction with your thumbstick, the faster the tracking on the screen which translated to less accurate long mouse movements. Also console games are not as straightforward when it comes to control configurations. Often buttons are used for multiple functions, such as in Halo, to drop a secondary weapon is also the melee attack so it requires a mild learning curve, learning to think in terms of the console when playing a game. Despite these setbacks, the SmartJoy Frag was a major improvement.

Fast forward a console generation; Microsoft announces it will turn a profit on the 360. One of Microsoft's strategies is that ALL peripherals. This bold decision mimicks Apple Computer and its outrageously successful iPod, where all devices making use of the data port require an Apple licence. To prevent 3rd party gamepads from inundating the market Microsoft setup a device registration system to lock out unauthorized gamepads. Previously, devices could elect to be officially supported devices, where a company would pay to carry the Microsoft Xbox logo on its product and packaging. This meant companies who's will and intent wasn't that of Microsoft's could still make devices, such as the Smartjoy Frag. For a long time it looked as if Mouse and keyboard adapters were dead until a new player, XCM, who started with various 360 case mods, figured out a genius work around using a pass-through USB controller method. Victory! Or at least it'd seem...

The Sniper 3.0 is the 3rd iteration of the XFPS line of adapters, which have had a bit of a torrid past, most of which concerning the deadzones. On a joystick there's a small area where if the joystick is moved, the movements won't be registered. Anyone familiar with old PC analog sticks probably remembers the pain of trying to find the perfect deadzone. Too much, and your analog stick would be unresponsive. Too little, and it'd register 'non-movements'. With the XFPS line, the problem was they had too much deadzone. A mouse doesn't have a deadzone. Part of the appeal of using a mouse is the refined movements one can make by very slightly moving the mouse. Due to the deadzone issues, the XFPS was rendered almost useless. There were numerous hacks, such as using the FragJoy and wiring it to the XFPS Pro, but this process induced a bit of latency. As the saying goes, 3rd time is a charm. The XFPS Sniper, I can report has no deadzones after appropriate calibration. For my test, I used an old Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer, the granddaddy of optical mice which was my favorite mouse many years, sporting 5 buttons and USB. For my keyboard I used an old generic serial keyboard.

Configuring is a bit more intuitive than a Smartjoy Frag, simply press the program button, press the button you wish to configure on your gamepad, and press the key on the keyboard. However there's no way to delete an individual key, so if you screw up, you must revert back to the defaults. Also you can assign a single button to multiple keys, so a mouse button could be mirrored on the keyboard, or a combination of buttons on a single key. Once configured, the XFPS will save your configuration, even after you turn it off.

Also notable is that for whatever reason, the wired headset will NOT work on the gamepad, so one must use a wireless headset. The wireless headsets vary in price but generally cost in realm of $50. If you have any desire to communicate with other players (namely your friends or teammates) while using the XFPS, you'll need to fork out for the wireless headset.

The device works much like the SmartJoy Frag, and I found myself refamiliarizing with Halo 3's controls. Even out of the gate, I was already performing acts that would have been next to impossible on a controller; such as a clever sword dodge that lead to a beat down. Previously with Halo 2, I was able to almost double my rank by simply getting a Smartjoy Frag. Halo 3 ask me, is much improved for balance and controls as for whatever reason, I was able to attain a low 40s rank, something I'd never been able to do with a controller in in Halo 2. The question is how much of a better player will this device make me. If Halo 2 was any indication, it should make me about twice as good, but I sincerely doubt that. If anything, it'll alleviate a lot of my frustration that I have with the controller.

So how much is this worth? That's the $160 question for most gamers. The cost of a wired controller, wireless headset and a XFPS Sniper 3.0 (not counting a mouse and keyboard) puts this in a class for the hardcore, or those with deep pockets.

Ok, so here is the deal. I got this product hoping it would help me out with my xbox gaming since I came from a pc gamer background. By itself, it did not!

Firstly, you need to by a WIRED xbox controller. Ok, I thought, no big deal, I'll fork out the $30 for a wired controller (I only had wireless). However, after buying an OFFICIAL microsoft wired controller, I couldn't get the thing to sync up. Tried, tried, and tried again, but when the controller was connected through the xfps, my xbox wouldn't see it and thus I could not use it.

I then did a little research and found a forum of users with the same issue (lots of users with similar issue actually!). After weeks of everyone trying stuff out, they determined that the xfps doesn't work with a genuine microsoft controller, although the manual said you needed to use one. Per the forum, someone got it to work with a joytech controller. I promptly went to Walmart and got a joytech controller and low and behold it worked!! Now I am up to $130 (xfps + microsoft controller + joytech controller).

After getting it synced up, I found my wireless keyboard and mouse didn't work, although it was the microsoft model recommended. So back to Walmart for a new keyboard and mouse (now I am at $170). BTW, I would prefer to get this stuff from Amazon, but I needed to get this thing up and running.

So now I have the XFPS working. But, I was very dissapointed. The keyboard works fine, but the mouse control has something to be desired. The deadzone is horrible. The precision that you get with a mouse in a PC FPS just isn't obtained in the XFPS. But read on.

I looked around some more and found a site for a XIM, xbox iput manager. This device, along with a computer, the XFPS, and a hacked PS2 extension cable did the job. (do a google search for XIM xbox). It is a DIY thing and requires some soldering, so unless you are adventurous, STAY AWAY!!!!

Bottom line, what original started out as a $80 gizmo to add a keyboard and mouse to my xbox ended up costing me about $200 and A LOT OF TIME. Unless you plan on building a XIM to go with this thing, don't bother.

BTW, I also have seen on the forums that the manufacturer is just about as bad as you can get for support. No number to call and emails take days to answer. Additionaly, the answers they give are useless.

Having spent years and years playing FPS's on my PC I found using the Xbox 360 controller was clunky and very inaccurate. I really wanted to be able to use a mouse and keyboard to give the Xbox 360 a PC feel. After reading the reviews on the XPFS 360 I was unsure about it, but I decided to take the risk. I am SO glad I did. The setup was easy and it works like a charm. I am using an Dell PS/2 keyboard, a Microsoft 5 button mouse and an off brand USB Xbox 360 controller all at the same time. I can switch between the mouse and the controller at anytime. This comes in handy for Halo where I do find the controller preferable to the mouse when in vehicles.

The setup is VERY easy. Just plug in the Xbox controller, let it identify the controller, remove the controller, plug in the XFPS and then plug in the Xbox controller to the XFPS and you are done. It is that easy. Worked like a champ on Halo 3. It is super easy to create your custom config. Hit the program button, hit the button or stick on the xbox controller and then hit the mouse or keyboard key. That's it, it is that simple. Instantly my game improved and it was like playing Halo CE on the PC. I was able to hit mid air sniper shots in multiplayer mode that would not have been possible with the xbox controller.

Now, it does take some getting used to and it is not exactly 100% like playing on a PC. However, it is pretty darn close and 100% better than using the controller (IMO). Plus compared to the PC there are no drivers to download, not patches to apply, no new video cards to buy, etc. I have read some reviews where people complain about the cost of this device. However, this device is 1/2 the price of a decent video card for a PC that will have inferior performance to the Xbox 360. All things considered I am EXTREEMLY pleased with this product and would recommend it to anyone who wants to use a mouse & keyboard on any FPS to improve their accuracy. Be sure to get the 3.0 version, it is a yellow color, not green like the picture.

Enjoy!

I was very skeptical of the adapter. I read you need an older wired controller or a 3rd party one to get it to work. I read it doesn't work with most mouse and keyboards. I have read so many bad reviews about this and still bought it.

And I am glad i did. First thing is i was sent a Pro Sniper 3.0 it is tan not green. This is a good thing as i have read that the tan version has some compatibility fixes. Out of the box with a G15 Keyboard and a G5 mouse it worked perfectly. This is using a BRAND NEW M$ WIRED CONTROLLER that i purchased from Amazon the same day. While this is probably 90% PC experience it is a huge improvement. I have not really messed with tuning it yet or binding my keys, because i was to busy tripling my scores in COD 4. Is this a bit expensive i would agree but if you have the money it bridges that gap so us PC gamers can play online with our friends and actually be as good as we are on the PC.
I purchased the following :

Items Ordered Price
1 of: Xbox 360 Wireless Headset [Video Game]
Condition: New
Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
$47.99


1 of: Xbox 360 Controller [Video Game]
Condition: New
Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
$29.49


1 of: Xfps 360 - Keyboard & Mouse Adapter for Xbox 360 [Video Game]
Condition: New
Sold by: TOTALCONSOLE INC (seller profile)
$99.99



Item(s) Subtotal: $177.47
Shipping & Handling: $11.96
-----
Total Before Tax: $189.43
Sales tax: $0.00
-----
Total for this Shipment: $189.43

This has definitely made my Xbox 360 much more enjoyable. If you on the fence JUST BUY IT!

The "Sniper" doesn't seem to be an effective way to change from controller to mouse and keyboard. The keyboard is great its the mouse is where it fails I have tried several different mice all of which are high res optical and a laser. maybe I'm using to high of res mouse or maybe I just haven't got the right configurations. I really wanted to like this adapter but overall it was just a $100 let down. I gave it a 2 because if nothing else it gave you Turbo on 360 and the Keyboard translated well. If only it would let you type like normal then it would have got a 3.

Not suitable for FSP which is what I bought it for. Response is sluggish even when adjust properly.

I made the setup, keybord and mouse works but mouse is not sensitive enough.
I tried 3 optical mouses but non of them worked like as on PC.
Seller told me to get high def mouses to get the sensitivity but they are $80 min. so I give up.

This is the worst fps controller ever, DO NOT buy this crap.

It does not recognize any of 10 keyboards i have tried, and the mouse not so diferent.

If you are thinking in get one of this XCM products, think it again.
I'll recomend you go to for 149.99, it is much better, higher quality, easier.