Years ago, when the 360 first made its debut, you remember a rumor about a 360-controller attachment that would add a small QWERTY keypad for easy typing on XBL. Well, it’s real and it’s fabulous. Sources say that the new keypad will plug into the headphone jack on the bottom of the controller and comes with new headset to plug into the keypad. It will also be backlit, have MSN chat features, and is due for a Q2 release.

What is it good for? Aside from quick messaging on XBL and the new Dashboard chat features, not much else. But if the price is right, you may want to pick one up this summer before the rush hits.

Xbox 360 QWERTY thumb keyboard is official [Engadget]