XBconnection: The Ultimate Xbox , Xbox 360, or PSP LAN Party!

Maybe you can't afford the Xbox or Xbox 360 Live services. Maybe you have been banned from the Halo 2 Matchmaking service for cheating (shame on you!) Or maybe you modded your Xbox to enjoy more multimedia features than can be unlocked through modding, or to create a server by running Linux on your Xbox. All of these reasons keep you from getting to enjoy the massively multiplayer functions of many of the top games on the Xbox and Xbox 360. Not anymore!

There are two services that let you connect to others to enjoy multiplayer functions on games. One is XBconnect and the other is Xlink Kai. Although both systems pretty much work under the same general principle, I will be describing XBconnect because of personal preference. If XBconnect sounds like what you'd enjoy, feel free to check out both and compare to decide which one you prefer.

From the start, you need to know that XBconnect is not an Xbox Live clone nor does it connect you to the Xbox Live service. XBconnect works just like a normal LAN game would. It tricks your Xbox system into thinking it is connected to another Xbox (or five) right there in the room with you. This allows you to use the "system link" function found on games such as Halo, Halo 2, or Call of Duty 3. Through the XBconnect service, once installed on your computer, you can chat with different people, and choose from a myriad of servers to connect to in order to enjoy a sometimes laid back video game session, or some intensely competitive gaming action.

The first step is to connect your Xbox (or Xbox 360 or PSP) to a computer that is sharing the internet connection or connect it to a router. You need to physically connect it with a cable because it won't work with a wireless signal. Next, you need to download and install the XBconnect program from the XBconnect website. Then, run the XBconnect program, create an ID and password. Once you've logged onto the XBconnect program, you then want to choose which game you want to play from the upper left-hand list of games. Then, once you choose a game, you'll want to pick a server. Check the lag column to see how much lag a system has. The more lag there is the slower your game experience will be. Many of the servers have auto high ping kicks to help keep the games running smoother, so make sure your little brother isn't downloading any songs or videos while you are trying to play or you may be the one getting kicked! If you do get kicked, you can always find another server. Once you choose a server, simply open the system link section on your video game and you'll see your server listed. Join it and enjoy some wonderful online video game console gaming for free!

XBconnect only works for the PC. Xlink Kai works for the PC, Mac, and Linux. I like XBconnect's setup better, but that is simply a personal preference. No matter which one you choose, they function under the same general principle, that is, tricking your Xbox (or Xbox 360 or PSP) into thinking it is connected to others right there in the same room as you.