The Xbox 360, one of the leading next-generation consoles currently available, delivers a compelling and challenging gaming experience. Its enviable backlist and forthcoming line-up of great titles from the world's leading games designers means that this games console is still a must-have item, even six years after it was first unveiled by Microsoft. Millions of consoles have been sold worldwide, and hundreds of companies have risen to the challenge of producing accessories for the console to make the gaming experience even more exciting and immersive, whether you are a casual player or a hardcore gamer. Here is your need-to-know guide to Xbox 360 bundles and accessories.

A vast array of accessories is available for the Xbox 360, divisible into wired and wireless devices. The most common accessory is the controller, which comes as standard in most Xbox 360 bundles. A maximum of 4 wired or wireless controllers can be connected to an Xbox 360 at any one time, enabling cooperative play in different team configurations or as four-person single player. You can also purchase USB-port keyboards for use with the console but these are limited to text inputting functions. The Wireless Comms Receiver enables hands-free communication while gaming, and functions in a similar manner to the main control device.

Particular types and genres of game have specially designed accessories that enhance the particular experience that those games offer by making it more interactive and realistic. Special driving Xbox 360 bundles include the Wireless Racing Wheel, which includes the normal buttons from the controller, plus an accelerator that mounts on the floor and pedals for braking. For the 'Scene It?' series of games, a special bundle of 4 wireless controllers has been produced by a third-party company, each with a buzzer pad and selection buttons for answering a question.

The 'Guitar Hero' and 'Rock Band' games have been one of the runaway successes of Xbox 360, in no small part down to the attempt by the games' designers to produce a controller that makes the music experience more authentic. The guitar controller is wireless, and includes functions such as strumming, whammying and a detachable panel on the neck. The controllers can be customized with stickers.

Perhaps the most exciting accessory for the Xbox is Kinect, which enables gamers to make their body the controller using their limbs, voice or special objects. Released in 2010, Kinect, which is now sold as part of special bundles, promises a bright future for Xbox gaming, enabling the casual and serious gamer to fully immerse themselves in the gaming experience in the comfort of their own home.