Microsoft Announces 512MB Memory Unit
Microsoft has announced at the Game Develoeprs Conference 2007 plans to introduce a 512 megabyte Memory Unit for the Xbox 360. This increases storage eight times over existing Memory Units with 64 MB capacity.
The 512 MB Memory Unit is expected to provide Xbox 360 users with vastly improved and expanded storage capabilities while gaming on the go. This allows more space to store and transport users’ gamer profile, save game data, Xbox LIVE arcade games and Xbox LIVE marketplace content. The Memory Unit also allows Xbox 360 owners to download exclusive content from 45,000 Xbox 360 kiosks at retail outlets around the world.
The 512 MB Memory Units will be available for sale worldwide starting April 3rd, 2007, and will retail at an SRP of $49.99 (US) in North America. The 512 MB Memory Units will come pre-loaded with Xbox Live arcade game Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved from Bizarre Creations, Ltd., for a limited period. With the introduction of the new Memory Units, the old, suggested retail prices of the 64 MB versions will drop from $39.99 to $29.99.
Relatedly, Microsoft has also announced that the Xbox LIVE Arcade game size limit has increased from 50 MB to 150 MB, which gives developers more flexibility in designing games. This also gives developers the opportunity to add more advanced game features, while still keeping games compact.