Fellow gamers, almost exactly one year ago I posted the first entry on this blog announcing the kick-off of development of XIM3 -- the device I've always aspired to build. The ultimate mouse, keyboard (and more) console adapter. A device that is unmatched for its precision gaming quality yet simple to use. Something I'd be proud to put my name on and game with myself.
Its been quite a ride over the last year. Many long nights and weekends filled with all sorts of ups and downs. Throughout, I'd ask myself: "Wow, what have I gotten myself into!".

But, no matter what, I knew the team I assembled would pull through with me – which they did. And now, I'm very proud to share the first production pictures of XIM3!
I wanted XIM3's enclosure to match the level of sophistication contained within it. When the industrial designer asked me to describe the enclosure I wanted, I told him I wanted something that conveyed
sophistication,
technology, and a
weapon. He along with the plastics manufacturer did a phenomenal job realizing this goal. From the smooth contours and reflective face (sophistication), the circuit-board trace-like venting lines (technology), and the soft touch "grip"-like feel with dark gunmetal coat (weapon), XIM3's enclosure is everything I had hoped for.
The completion of the enclosure marks the end of development and transition to production. As such,
XIM2 is discontinued effective immediately. In addition,
XIM360.com will soon be shut down and redirect to our new redesigned site:
XIM3.com.
Production of the first batch of XIM3's is underway and I expect to be able to provide a firm release date within the weeks to come. This initial batch will be a limited
pre-production run. The intension behind it is to gain additional feedback and usage coverage in more varied environments over the Beta and test our end-to-end production and fulfillment capabilities. This is fully retail hardware and firmware. However, the cost of pre-production XIM3's will be higher than future runs, it will be community-only (forum) supported, and there will be no refunds. The feedback from this run is critical, and, will be used to determine next production steps.
I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize three people from our community that have given their time and dedication to this project well beyond anything I expected. And yet, they've never asked for anything in return. For this reason, I'd like personally thank
OMGsus,
mist4fun, and
d0nskii for all their time and talents directed toward the XIM project.
OMGsus for his professional creation and maintenance of our site, community forum, and store and rebuilding it all over for XIM3.com.
mist4fun for his constant support of our community and the tremendous amount of time he saved me by working directly with XIM2 customers on any and every issue that came up. Finally,
d0nskii for organizing and producing the high quality instructional video and gameplay content that is critical to the success of XIM3 (and, if you are wondering who that player was with incredible skills behind those XIM3 COD Beta videos, look no further

. As a token of my gratefulness to these individuals, they will be the owners of the first XIM3's ever built and shipped to them later this week!
It's been a great journey and the finish line is finally in sight. As always,
thank you for all your continued support of this product.
OBsIV