05/08/02: 14:20]
With Xbox gearing up for online gaming, the debate for ‘PC’ peripherals grows warmer than a mouse's ear


With the Xbox prepping up for online gaming with the forthcoming Xbox Live!, once again rumours that the console will get a mouse and keyboard abound.

Microsoft made it clear from the conception of Xbox that it would be a home console and not a PC in all but name, and as such have been somewhat uncomfortable with the thought of adding a mouse or keyboard. Across the web recently, reporting on this issue has varied from ‘don’t know’ to it’s basically a ‘forgone conclusion’.

We spoke to Microsoft to establish the current situation and the truth behind the rumours. While noting that individuals from Microsoft had been misquoted in the online press, the official line given was that “[Microsoft] are investigating the possibility of doing a keyboard with Xbox Live! because some game developers have asked for it and we would like to work out a solution. However, nothing has been announced at this time.”

Microsoft further added that “All Xbox Live! multiplayer games will incorporate Voice and will be the primary mode of communication.” While the headset peripheral Voice is a dynamic way to communicate, experience suggests it would be hard pressed to actually replace the need (or desire) for a keyboard for online gaming.

So the possibility of doing a keyboard for Xbox is being considered at the least but beyond that the rest is pure speculation.

However, the question is whether Microsoft should be so keyboard/mouse phobic. Clearly there are plenty of games that would benefit from such peripherals and with Xbox going online that can only make the case for their addition stronger.

Should Microsoft cut off their nose to spite their face and refuse to release a keyboard and mouse, or bite the bullet and let the Xbox gamers have their little bundles of ‘PC’ joy? Email us with your opinions.

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