Memory Storage Required For Xbox Live

Buyers of the Xbox 360 Core System ($299.99) that is sold without memory storage will not be able to fully utilise Xbox Live. Without a hard drive or Memory Unit it is not possible to play games online or download content.

Those planning to buy the Xbox 360 Premium Pack ($399.99) need not worry, as this pack comes with a hard drive, making it possible to make full use of all Xbox Live services.

Core system buyers who wish to save their game progress, create an Xbox Live gamer profile, play games online or download content from the Xbox Live Marketplace have 2 options:

1. Purchase a 64 MB Memory Unit for US $39.99
2. Purchase a 20 GB detachable hard drive for US $99.99

The Xbox 360 Core System includes an Xbox Live Silver Membership, which allows gamers to create a digital identity with a Gamertag and gamer card, chat online and access the Xbox Live Marketplace (where you can download themes, trailers, game demos and add-on content for games).

However, having an Xbox Live Silver Membership isn’t much use if you can’t save anything! This basic requirement for a memory storage unit raises the true minimum price for a useable Xbox 360 Core System to at least $339.99.

Owners of the original Xbox console (and possibly a large library of Xbox games), be warned: Without a hard drive you will NOT be able to play original Xbox games - a memory unit alone will not do here.

It doesn’t come as much surprise that the overwhelming majority of future Xbox 360 buyers are opting for the Premium Pack as the only reasonable option. There may be a minority of (uninformed?) buyers who are tempted by the Core System’s $299.99 price tag, but be warned, you’re being lured onto a track that may cost you more in the long run.

The bottom line is that getting into Xbox 360 gaming has a price tag of US $399.99, regardless of the “real choice” Microsoft’s marketing people pretend to give us. It’s not a choice at all. Pay the price, or have a system that you really can’t do anything with without paying more.

Related:

• Preorder your Xbox 360 here