Microsoft offers Digital Downloads for Xbox 360

On occasion of the first anniversary of its video game and entertainment system, Xbox 360, Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday launched a digital video download service, allowing gamers to own TV shows and rent movies.

Launched on November 22, 2005 in US, Xbox 360 has become immensely popular among gamers and the recently added service has added more to its popularity. A few weaks later its launch in US, it was released in Europe.

Besides as much as 160 high-definition games expected by holiday, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 will now digitally deliver hundreds of TV shows and movies to gamers in the U.S. via Xbox Live Marketplace, making the company the first console maker to offer such a service.

In a statement yesterday Microsoft said Xbox 360 is the first gaming console to offer standard and high-definition content through digital distribution.

The service, which is reportedly available only in the US for now, will allow gamers to easily download content from a catalogue that contains TV shows and movies from CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, TBS, UFC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

People using broadband internet connection can purchase those TV shows and movies via the Marketplace store on its dedicated Xbox Live network, the Redmond based company said.

More high-definition content will be included every week.

“We’re exactly where we wanted to be this holiday with Xbox 360 retail stock availability,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of global marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “With an incredible library of games, more than 4 million gamers playing online with Xbox Live, and a growing catalog of high-definition gaming and entertainment content, why would anyone wait in line when you can get a superior experience from Xbox 360 right now?”

Following Microsoft's move, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is also making plans to deliver similar offerings to its PlayStation 3 users. Sony has rolled out its own network with its PS3 console on Nov. 17, which offers short video clips of movies and video games for download. But the company said it has plans to increase its offerings.

"The content will grow on PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Store," Matt Levitan, marketing and public relations manager for Sony Computer Entertainment of Canada said. "The plan will have full length content and make it a one-stop shop."

Another gaming console maker, Nintendo Co. Ltd. has, however, no plans to offer video downloads for its Wii console, introduced on Nov. 19, but the company has different plans to add accessories in its console.

Besides a button-filled joypad, Nintendo has added a one-handed controller with motion-detection sensors that enable gamers to have control over game by moving the controller in the air.

As much as 6 million Xbox 360 consoles had been sold by the end of September 2006 and at least 10 million are expected to be sold by the holiday season. Microsoft also expects to roll out Xbox 360 in 37 countries by holiday.