Microsoft raises Xbox360 memory cap by eight times

Software giant Microsoft on Monday announced their plans to launch a new and larger Memory Unit for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and an increase in the official size limit of Xbox LIVE Arcade games from existing 50 MB to 150 MB.

Unveiling its plan at first day of the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2007 in San Francisco, Microsoft said that the expanded unit, with 512MB memory card, will go on sale on April 3rd and will be available for an estimated retail price of US$49.99.

The 512MB Memory Unit, which is eight times larger than the 64MB Memory Unit, will be pre-loaded with Bizarre Creations Ltd.’s hit Xbox LIVE Arcade game "Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved" for a limited time.

"The new size limit offers developers increased flexibility and continued opportunities for innovative game development, while also ensuring that the millions of gamers on Xbox LIVE can continue to easily access, download and play all Xbox LIVE Arcade games on Xbox 360," said Chris Early, product unit manager for Xbox LIVE Arcade and Microsoft Casual Games at Microsoft.

However, the added capacity may of little use for Xbox 360 Premium owners, but will be extravaganza for those still without a hard drive on their console.

"Our focus is on continuing to provide developers with an environment that allows for the creation of cost-efficient games and that nurtures an artistic and creative approach to game development," Chris added.

The original 64MB Memory Unit will simultaneously be reduced in price from $39.99 to $29.99.

By increasing the Xbox LIVE Arcade game size limit from 50 MB to 150 MB the Redmond giant has bestowed developers with greater options in game design and expanded the opportunity to add advanced game features while still keeping games compact.

The expanded Memory Unit enables Xbox 360 owners to download exclusive content from any of the 45,000 Xbox 360 kiosks accessible at global retail outlets, and also provides with expanded capabilities to store, transport their gamer profile, save game data and Xbox Live Arcade games.

Microsoft also announced five exclusive Xbox LIVE Arcade games it will be displaying at GDC this week: “Boom Boom Rocket”, much anticipated hypnotic rhythm music game from EA and Bizarre Creations that will launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade this spring, priced at 800 Microsoft Points; “3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures”, the first outdoor sports game on Xbox LIVE Arcade developed by Sierra Online and Wanako Games, “Eets: Chowdown” from Klei Entertainment that features new items and 120 new levels; “Jetpac Refuelled” from Rare and “Pinball FX” of ZEN Studios that features real-time, head-to-head competition over Xbox LIVE and Xbox LIVE Vision camera support.