NXE Requires Storage, MS Makes Some Available Free or Cheap

[DoctorFinger]

I know it may be hard to believe for us 'core' gamers, but there are a number of Xbox 360 owners who, apparently, have no physical storage solution for their console. What's not as hard to believe are the segment of 360 owners whose hard drive is so chock full of goodies that they just cannot cram anything more on it. That presents a problem for Microsoft, because the New Xbox Experience will require at least 128MB of space to install. So what are those souls without an iota of physical memory to do? Microsoft has their back.

Gamers who head to this website (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/hardware/memoryupdate/default.htm) and enter their info - including their console's serial number - can apply for the Memory Upgrade Program. The program will send them either a free 512MB memory card, or a 20GB hard drive for $20. Now you have to qualify as a low memory user, so not everyone is getting a freebie, but if you think you qualify then head over and apply.

Source - Xbox.com (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/hardware/memoryupdate/default.htm); Co-Optimus (http://www.co-optimus.com/article/677/New_Xbox_Experience_Requires_Storage_-_Free_512MB_or_%2420_Hard_Drive_Options.html).

[Mike Kelehan]

The deal, as I understand it, is that Core users can get a free 512 or a $20 20GB HDD, while Arcade users can get 3 months of Live and a 20GB HDD for $30.

[Zonkuya]

If this doesn't tell Microsoft that they should've had an HDD for EVERY 360 in the first place, then I don't know what will...

Wait, you mean they're still selling the Arcade W/O the Hard Disc? :(

[fitbabits]

I thought this was familiar... (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=935)

Nice to have some details, though.

[PathMaster]

Woo I was right. Cheap or free memory.

[Telefrog]

Hey, it's good to see the 20GB HDD at the correct price finally.

Edit: By the way, if people get the 512MB card, would it have to always be in the slot after updating to the NXE? How else would it work?

[Crashcart]

I wonder what the qualification requirements are. If I were to go out and pick up an Arcade unit today that's been on the shelves for a week or two (I would guess), would I be excluded from the upgrade deal?

A $200 Arcade + $30 HDD is a better deal than getting a Core unit, so I guess they're probably going to try to prevent people from taking advantage of it. Though it would suck for those who bought an Arcade recently to find out they're giving out cheap-o HDDs to people who picked up their consoles just a little sooner than you did.

[Kelegacy]

The deal, as I understand it, is that Core users can get a free 512 or a $20 20GB HDD, while Arcade users can get 3 months of Live and a 20GB HDD for $30.

Hmm, might bet tempted. We have an Arcade. Girlfriend uses the memory unit in hers.

[Alkanos]

Hey, it's good to see the 20GB HDD at the correct price finally.

Edit: By the way, if people get the 512MB card, would it have to always be in the slot after updating to the NXE? How else would it work?
My guess is that the hard disk space will only hold the update files. Once they're all there, it'll probably flash the update to the 360.

[Mike Kelehan]

Edit: By the way, if people get the 512MB card, would it have to always be in the slot after updating to the NXE? How else would it work?

Some of the features of the NXE will require the memory, most notably Avatars. So, basically, your account will now be a much bigger file. If you boot up with no memory at all, then you won't have any accounts available anyway, so you won't be able to use Avatars or anything that requires Live, like Netflix and Primetime and the Marketplace. You'll certainly still be able to bring up your media, but without an account, that's about it.

[cppcrusader]

This would be good for my brother. He's been wanting to get a 360 for a while now, and picking up an Arcade and doing this would lessen the blow to the wallet for him.

Also, I don't know if anyone noticed, but it says on the site that Netflix requires another 8MB on top of the 128MB for Avatars. So the total space needed for the full NXE, if you use all of its features, is 136MB.

[GigaFuzz]

Tried putting in the IDs for what I thought was my Core, and it says I already have everything I need. Lies!

Getting my friends to try putting in the numbers from my other 360 later.