Leaving themselves open for the type of controversy fit only for the video game industry, Microsoft has unleashed the Xbox Live Vision Camera. Using a USB port for all its needs (and doubling as a 1.3 megapixel web cam when attached to a PC), this small device opens up Xbox Live like never before. Ease of use, extras, and solid performance make this a new necessary accessory for any user with Xbox Live.

The Vision Camera is available in two packages. One retails at $39.99, the other at $79.99. Gamers on a budget will receive the Xbox Live Arcade game UNO, one month of Xbox Live Gold (which can be used to extend a current plan), a standard first party headset, and of course the camera itself trapped inside finger slicing electronic packaging.

The larger pack includes all the above with exception of the Live service. Here, it's been extended to one full year. Also, a second Live Arcade game is offered in Robotron 2084 along with 200 Microsoft Points which are worth $2.50.

Once plugged in, the camera lights up with a green ring, exactly like the system and controllers. You'll appear on the backdrop of the dashboard by default along with one of three wild visual effects. A water effect is default, and this can be changed in the system blade of the dashboard to outline the user or bubbles that make the background look like a giant scoreboard filled with individual lights. These effects are widely varied and interesting to look at.

Custom Gamerpics are now possible. Only viewable to people on friends lists, you can snap a picture of anything and use it to represent yourself. Users with less than mature sensibilities will likely use this device for their own devious purposes. Full parental controls mean the young ones are always protected.

Video chat is the most hyped feature of the lot, allowing two users to do exactly what's stated. Inside a private room, players can do as they please. Options include the ability to zoom in, add fun effects, fully pause the chat (which blocks both audio and video), and make the other users controller rumble with the press of either trigger.