With the lowest price of entry to the current generation of games consoles, the Xbox 360 is sure to be a holiday hit. If you're planning on giving (or recieving) an Xbox 360 this holiday, it'll help to know what accessories you should be keeping an eye out for. Don't worry, we aren't suggesting you wander the mall until something catches your gaze — we've done all the gathering for you right here. So just sit back, read on, and get ready for a very green (Xbox green, that is) holiday season.

 

Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Headset

Wireless is the name of the game these days and nowhere is it more important than headsets. And, as the Xbox 360 has, by far, the highest headset-to-online-gamers ratio of any of the current generation of systems, you're going to want to make sure you can adequately communicate with your teammates and/or opponents during those heated fragging sessions. Not only does a wireless headset free your face from the burden of being tethered to a controller, it also makes you look cool. Well, maybe not cool, but cooler than you'd look with a wire hanging off the side of your melon. 

While several companies offer a whole range of alternatives, Microsoft's own wireless version of the 360 headset will still give you the most bang for your buck. The headset will sync with your Xbox 360 console wirelessly, and aside from remembering to charge the thing after particularly epic gaming sessions, the headset is a fantastically simple piece of hardware to own. The headset is available at most big-box stores and retails for $60.

 

 

Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter

 

Perhaps the biggest mark the Xbox 360 has against it is a lack of a built-in wireless adapter. Both the Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii have now fully embraced wireless net connectivity and yet Microsoft hasn't yet jumped on the same band-wagon. Thankfully (ironically) Microsoft has also provided a suitable solution for this very problem in the form of the Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter. 

The unit plugs into an available USB port and can be docked on the back of the system. The adapter will be detected by the console when setting up networking and can connect to any suitable wireless signal within range. The advantages of the device, other than eliminating yet another cord from that mess behind your TV, is that it greatly expands the number of locations the system can be used within your home as it makes moving the console from TV to TV a simple matter of finding an power outlet. The adapter is available at most retailers and will set you back a cool $100.

 

 

Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote

It's no secret that despite the failure of the HD-DVD format, the Xbox 360 has turned into quite the movie-watcher's happy box. With the addition of Netflix support and the better-than-ever media options of the NXE, you may find that your family gets more use out of the movie-watching abilities of the console than the gaming side of things. And yet, the most-affordable edition of the console, the Arcade, doesn't come with a multimedia remote of any kind. A shame, to be sure. 

You didn't think the accessory-makers of the world would let that stand, did you? Well, if you did, you're one foolish individual and you probably don't even deserve to experience the majesty that is Logitech's Advanced Harmony Remote. In addition to the fact that it's a deliciously sexy little device, the remote is perfect for all you movie-philes out there. Allowing you to forego using the game controller for your film-watching, the remote also connects to up to 11 other devices, and supports customizable buttons as well as one-touch controls. As if that weren't enough, it also features a fully backlit keypad and LCD screen. The remote can be purchased directly from Logitech's website, as well as several electronics retailers and costs $100.

 

 

Microsoft Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit

 

The Xbox 360 controller is one of the most comfortable controllers of all time. It looks, feels, and plays like a dream... or at least it does when it's charged. You'd be surprised (or perhaps not) to know that standard batteries don't have a very long life expectancy when it comes to a high-end piece of hardware like the 360's controller. But, as always, Microsoft has provided a solution in the form of the Play & Charge Kit. The kit replaces the controller's standard AA battery holder with a NiMH rechargable battery pack. Also included is a charging cord that plugs into any USB port and allows you to continue to use the controller while charging the pack (Play & Charge, get it? GET IT?!?). The Play & Charge Kit is available everywhere gaming accessories are sold and is a real stocking-stuffer at just $20.

 

 

Some Crazy Faceplates

Being the only console with a built-in bit of customization, you certainly have to take advantage of it. We're talking about the Xbox 360's custom faceplates. Unlike the other accessories on the list, this one will vary from person to person... which is obviously the point right? Microsoft designed the Xbox 360 with this in mind and they, along with several other companies, have provided a ridiculous number of faceplates to chose from. Varying in price from a few bucks to $20 or more, the ball is in your court when deciding how much your console's appearance matters to you.

You can find awesome faceplates all over the place, from your local game retailer to eBay, but the best faceplate for you might just be the one you make yourself. You can buy blank faceplates off of eBay from people who have already replaced theirs, and that's where the fun starts. Put high-gloss model paints on your stocking-stuffer wishlist and spend an evening helping your Xbox 360 put its best face forward... or is that foot? Ah, whatever. Folks all over the web have created some mighty impressive pieces of art with their consoles and you could be next. Faceplates can be found at several retailers as well as online for a variety of prices, but a truly custom faceplate is, of course, priceless.

There they are, the gifts that will surely make you a hit this holiday with the Xbox 360 gamers, and movie-lovers, in your family. Now head down to your store of choice and get that credit card ready — your family is counting on you!

[Image credit: Header image from Flickr user juanpol. Used via Creative Commons.]