MemoryUnit
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Datel reportedly looking to 'remedy' Microsoft's lock-out of unauthorized memory units
This brouhaha isn't officially on just yet, but MaxConsole has what it says is a letter from Datel's UK distributors, which details the company's response to Microsoft's locking-out of unauthorized memory units in the upcoming (and currently previewed) Xbox 360 dashboard update. While it's a bit short on specifics, Datel reportedly says that it is "aware of the changes that are required to remedy this problem and will shortly release a solution in readiness for this potential update." In the meantime, it's apparently telling retailers that they can send back the affected memory units if they like, and promises it will replace them with updated units in time for the dashboard update.
Forthcoming Xbox 360 update locks out 'unauthorized' memory units
Using a less than official memory unit with your Xbox 360? Then you'll probably want to get your act together before diving into the upcoming preview program for the latest 360 update, as it will apparently lock out any "unauthorized" memory units as it adds all those nifty Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm features. That word comes straight from none other than Xbox Live's Major Neslon, who also warns anyone using said memory units that they'll basically be flat out of luck if they update before backing things up to an official storage device and then go looking for their saved games -- which, you know, would be a bit of a pain.[Via Joystiq]
Microsoft embiggens memory unit, XBLA game size [update 1]
Core owners rejoice. Microsoft today announced they'll be releasing a beefier, 512MB memory unit for all those hard-drive-less Xbox 360s on April 3 for $49.99. The old, 256MB 64MB unit will simultaneously be reduced from $39.99 to $29.99. The new, bigger unit will also come pre-loaded with XBLA classic Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, proving that old XBLA games don't die, they just become free pack-ins. Speaking of Xbox Live Arcade, what was once an exception is now a rule: Microsoft has officially upped the maximum size for its downloadable games service from 50MB to 150MB. While it's nice to see Microsoft paying attention to its value-priced hardware option, we can't help but feel the premium edition is still the way to go. For the price of two 512MB memory units you can get 20 times the storage in a noisy hard drive, plus extras like a wireless controller. As far as value per gaming dollar is concerned, a little extra cash goes a long way here. [Update: Fixed the size of the current unit. Thanks commenters.]
Microsoft announces 512MB Xbox 360 Memory Unit
It's about time Microsoft announced that 512MB Memory Unit, which will land at $49 and at the outset come preloaded with Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved (huzzah!). The 64MB cards will drop from $39 to $29 MSRP, which is kind of funny considering how much more memory you get for buying in bulk. Especially good for those wanting to wait it out for that 80-to-120-some-odd-GB drive that's due any month now. Oh yeah, and Live Arcade games had their download cap lifted to 150MB, so no longer will you be stuck playing games no larger than 50MB.
Bigger 360 Mem Unit resurfaces, forced back down
GameStop has quietly removed the "Microsoft Xbox 360 Memory Card 512 MB" item from its website, after offering up the upgraded Memory Unit for pre-order yesterday. With news that Xbox Live Arcade titles will soon exceed the prior 50MB limit, come expectations for a new Memory Unit model -- an upgrade from 64MB to 256MB was seemingly confirmed last spring.Either GameStop was acting on a whim, or Microsoft now plans to bump the new MU up to 512MB which, according to the retailer's initial listing could be released as early as March 1 andlikely priced at $49.99. Could that date (early March) also be a clue as to when we can expect Symphony of the Night on XBLA? Don't count on it. But the throwback Castlevania is "approaching."
512 MB Memory Unit listed on Gamestop
Back in early December we reported a 256 MB Memory Unit being listed on Gamestop. Apparently, the same page now lists the card as being 512 MB, double the capacity of the previously unconfirmed accessory. This definitely can support the rumors of the new 250 MB cap for arcade titles and even the 450 MB limit that needs Microsoft's approval. The $49.99 price tag isn't that bad, for those that utterly oppose buying a hard drive for their 360. With the 20 GB alternative out of the equation, ten bucks for eight times the storage is an obvious steal. So would you pick one up if your 360 is a Core, or your profile is on the go between Xboxes?[Via Gaming Bits]
$40 XBL Vision camera & UNO bundle detailed by MS source along with prices & dates for other 360 accessories
Our friendly anonymous source at Microsoft has provided us with a few more details concerning the 360 accessories announced back at E3.Perhaps the most important involves the bundling of the Xbox Live Vision camera with a wired headset, the popular Live Arcade title UNO, and a month of Live Gold service for $39.99 when it releases in the States on September 19, 2006.Granted, this is still an unofficial report (based on a leak of "official" info), so understand that you're probably not gonna get much confirmation from MS until they're good and ready to give it. If you'd like information on what other peripherals are coming out "Holiday 2006" (so sometime in the 4th quarter) and at what price, read on for more.
Rumor: 360 wireless gaming receiver $20; wheel $130; headset $60; camera $40; Halo and Forza faceplates $20 [update 1]
Thanks to a reliable source from Microsoft, we've learned some important details about the new peripherals announced for the Xbox 360, including pricing and a few Halo faceplate (non)specifics. Check out the leaked info and prices below: 360 wireless gaming receiver (which enables wireless 360 controllers, headsets, and wheels on your PC): $20 Wireless racing wheel: $130 Wireless headset: $60 Xbox Live Vision Camera (with headset, one month of Live Gold, and one arcade -- presumably Xbox Live Arcade -- game): $40 New faceplates for Halo (with the Master Chief on 'em, but not Halo 3 specific) and Forza (no word on connections to the sequel): $20 each 256 MB portable memory unit (MU): no official price yet, but definitely not four times the cost of the older 64MB MU Besides acknowledging that the PC is "the biggest gaming device of all," MS appears to be setting an agressive price for its most relevant new PC accessory, the wireless gaming receiver (at least in comparison to the outrageously priced 360 wireless networking adapter). Unfortunately, no price was revealed as of yet for the USB-based HD-DVD add-on.We've speculated in our recent podcasts as to what would happen to the various 360 SKUs when price drops inevitably occur. An interesting theory bandied about by prolific Joystiq Contributor epobirs (on our earlier bump-to-256MB-MU post) was that a $20 price drop for the Core system, coupled with a $20 price drop on the 64MB MU, would finally allow folks to pick up a capable non-Premium bundle for the original $300 Core price point. (Not a bad way to undercut PS2 memory card prices, too.) We hope to get official confirmation on this info in the not-too-distant future.[Update: Sorry, had the camera price wrong in the headline; it now matches the price of the bundle listed in the body of the text below.]See also: 360's Mem Unit getting a bump to 256MB? (Comment from epobirs) Use 360 wireless peripherals with a PC Engadget & Joystiq's live coverage of Microsoft's Xbox 360 E3 event Joystiq / Engadget podcasts from Day One and Day Two of E3 2006
360's Mem Unit getting a bump to 256MB?
Apparently Microsoft didn't have time during their admittedly busy keynote to announce the new 256MB Memory Unit. Lucky for us, a Word doc on their site confirms that such a beast exists:"With four times more capacity than the original, gamers can easily store and transfer even more Xbox 360 saved games, Xbox Live profiles, full Xbox Live Arcade titles and other entertainment content downloaded from Xbox Live Marketplace."It's unclear if this model will be replacing the currently shipping 64MB MU, or is simply an additional, larger, and most likely more expensive, alternative for space hungry gamers. [Thanks, Richard]Read - Xbox.com's Xbox 360 Accessories (.doc)
Drivers and USB hack for your memory unit
Two users on the Xbox-Scene forums, maximilian0017 and JoHnnyTK36, have successfully created a USB attachment for their memory units and written a matching driver for functionality in Windows 2000 and Windows XP MCE. She might not be pretty, but she works! For the courageous amongst us who want to duplicate their efforts, you can follow the illustrated guide put together by JoHnnyTK36. [Image is from JoHnnyTK36's guide.]
