Xbox Live, launched in November 2002, is a major reason multiplayer console gaming is so popular today. Users created gamertags and, with minimal effort compared to previous multiplayer gaming services, were soon connected to a stable network full of mostly friendly fellow gamers. Critical to competitive online gaming, Xbox One headset contenders have advanced significantly compared to the flimsy accessories shipped with earlier Microsoft consoles. The best gaming headsets are now more durable and combine immersive spatial audio effects with noise-cancelling microphones for clear communication.