Microsoft has quietly released a new system update for its Xbox 360 console today. While it won't include any of the new social features that the company has been touting for months, this update will finally allow the current Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter (and presumably the upcoming 802.11n version) to support the WPA2 wireless security protocol -- a long overdue addition that many have been clamoring for.

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I had no idea they were working on WPA2 support, but I'm glad they're making it available. All my other devices support WPA2, so I'll be able to make the switch to WPA2 after this update.

Maybe the weird guy with the laptop in the car parked in front of my house will go away after that... :)

YES! just went onto xbox live and sure enough, there was an update! i only got an xbox a few months back and I had been running WPA2 for a while, Even my Nokia N85 has WPA2 support! so it was a bit of a let down when i first plugged it all in (yes i did buy the wireless adaptor) to find i had to degrade my entire network just to use it. But once again I can rest asleep in the knowledge that my wireless is safe(r).

Can't wait for the new 802.11n adapter, although it will be expensive, as most of the xbox accesories are, I think with it I'll be able to send 1080p videos from my laptop to my 42" Plasma through the xbox :)

While I suppose this would be helpful, it seems that it might be more helpful to work on dropping the price for said adapter a little bit. I don't personally own a 360, but my friends all seem to get a little twitch when they think about spending $100 just to add wi-fi capability.

Sweet! I may be buying my brother a G Adapter at the end of this year when the AT&T MicroCell comes out. I'm glad to see that they finally enabled WPA2 as my network is now entirely WPA2. I just hope the 7 dBi High Gain antennas I just installed will reach well up to his room.

You're right Nathan, the adapters (actually most addons) are ridiculously overpriced since anything third-party related Microsoft bans (HDD). But personally I just use ethernet, cheaper and better :) . Nice to see them thou caring about security especially regarding WiFi as so many simply disregard it.

Sorry, originally posted in the wrong place. I think the ps3 is the better bet. It ALLOWS blu-ray dvd playing, of course plays games, and now offers netflix streaming. With the pricing of the slim, how can you go wrong?

or, i culd get 2 wireless routers with ddr-wrt. increase the power and i got 4-5 bars anywhere in my house. plus i got 4 ports now instead of just one. so i can plug in my home theater pc with my xbox too. 2 for 1 lol

WPA2 is something I think should have been implemented from the start. I was sorely dissapointed when I was trying to bring my home network to what I consider to be standard security. I'll be switching everything over soon now. It's better than the DS though, which is WEP or nothing, and I find that just sad.

thats weird, why does the xbox needed secure wireless?

Because your xbox might not be the only device on your network?

Also, you might not want other people using your wireless for internet access.

Whoah, the 360 only just gow WPA2 support, this is somehting it should have always had IMO.

But yeah as some other people have commented, MS should lower the price of the WiFi adapter, it's $99 here in Oz if I recall properly.

If it was cheaper I'm sure my brother would get one, then he wouldn't have to move his 360 from his room into the lounge to update it via ethernet.

WiFi connection is not very popular in my neighborhood. It seems that my house is the only WiFi hotspot in 1 sqr km.

Using Wi-Fi to play games...

Hmm hope you all get shot.

Care to explain why that would be? I've been using a wireless network to play games for years and it works great.

I had no idea the Xbox didn't support WPA2, but then again I don't own an Xbox ehe.

half-duplex & full-duplex

Bit of a security FAIL for Microsoft to take THAT long to implement wireless security that should have been supported from the start. Better late than never I guess.

keep your current encription, just buy a cable and connect it, its a darn site cheaper, and more reliable, and you can still keep the rest of your system secure. good ole microsoft , do you really expect them to drop the price.....