Just because they call it a portable audio player doesn't mean you can't enjoy it in the comfort of your living room or bedroom. Plug it right into your Xbox 360 console for instant enjoyment of your music through your TV or stereo system's speakers.

To stream music from a portable audio player to your console

1. Connect a USB cable (not provided) between the device and a controller port on your console.
2. Configure the device to play through the USB port.
3. Select Media, Music.
4. If your device's content is not displayed, press X and then select Portable Device (sometimes displayed as the name of your device).
5. Select the music or playlist you want to listen to.

Most players don't play files that are protected by DRM (digital rights management).

To listen to music from your Zune, see Use Zune with Xbox 360.

To listen to music from your Apple iPod, see Use an Apple iPod with Xbox 360.

Play Music from a Portable Audio Player in Place of a Game's Soundtrack

Games all have music soundtracks. The great thing about Xbox 360 games is that a game's music soundtrack is actually optional: if you'd rather hear music from your favorite bands while you game—in addition to the game's sound effects and your conversations with other gamers on Xbox LIVE—you can.

Listen to tunes you've ripped from your CDs to your Xbox 360 hard drive, or plug in a portable audio device.

To supplant a game's music with music from your portable audio player

1. Turn on your Xbox 360 console and load an Xbox 360 game.
2. Plug your portable music player's USB cable into a controller port on the Xbox 360 console. Make sure your player is on.
3. Once the game is running, press the Xbox Guide button and select Select Music.
4. Choose your portable device from the list of available options and select the artist, album, or playlist you want to listen to.