Microsoft offering NXE memory upgrades for HDD-less 360s

  • By Tom Magrino, Tor Thorsen, GameSpot
  • Posted Oct 13, 2008 3:59 pm PT

CONFIRMED: Online portal now offering free 512MB memory card or $20 20GB HDD to allow 360 core buyers to download Xbox Live update; NXE video-sharing postponed.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 may not be the belle of the ball in Japan, but that didn't stop the publisher from selecting the Tokyo Game Show as the time to announce the arrival date of the New Xbox Experience. Beginning November 19, Xbox 360 gamers will receive the free dashboard update to Xbox Live, which will include an avatar-based community system, integration with Netflix's on-demand movie service, and the ability to install games to the console's hard drive.

It will also require 128MB of storage space. That capacity is a pittance for those who have purchased a 20GB/60GB Pro or 120GB Elite 360, and Arcade owners will be able to manage thanks to that SKU's included 256MB memory card. But what about those who purchased the Arcade's predecessor, the HDD-less Core model? According to Microsoft, they need not worry.

"While we expect the majority of consumers to download the New Xbox Experience without a problem, a small percentage of Xbox 360 owners do not have enough memory to accommodate the update," a Microsoft representative told GameSpot in a statement. "To help ensure all Xbox Live members are able to download the New Xbox Experience and enjoy its new features, Microsoft will be offering storage solutions to the Xbox LIVE community. We are not sharing details of this offering yet. Be sure to check Xbox.com for more details in the coming weeks."

[UPDATE] Just hours after speaking with GameSpot, Microsoft launched the official "Xbox 360 Memory Upgrade Program Website." The Xbox.com page leading to the site strongly urges 360 owners who haven't bought a hard drive to do so, and saying a hard drive is necessary to "enjoy everything the new Xbox Experience has to offer." (Emphasis added.) It also advises those with full hard drives to "either clear some space by deleting unused saved content, or see if you're eligible for a special memory upgrade offer."

What exactly is this "special memory upgrade offer"? Those visiting the Xbox 360 Memory Upgrade Program Web site can find out by entering their 360 hardware ID and serial number, found via the dashboard (system > console settings > console info).

[UPDATE 2] After obtaining a Core 360 unit manufactured in 2005, GameSpot accessed the Upgrade site, which gives qualifying console owners two "limited time offers": a refurbished 20GB HDD for $19.99 bundled with a three-month Xbox Live Gold subscription, or a free 512MB Xbox 360 Memory Unit. The site heavily pushes the hard drive option, warning that merely grabbing the gratis memory unit "will not allow you to participate in some of the new Xbox 360 experiences" mentioned above. The offers are not consistent, however, as an attempt with a second Core unit (also bought in late 2005) only brought up the $20 HDD/3-month XBL option.

(The Xbox.com page also revealed that, besides requiring an active Netflix subscription, the Netflix on-demand video service will require an additional 8MB of memory, bringing the total install size to 136MB.) [END UPDATES]

In other New Xbox Experience news, one of the features touted when the upgrade was announced will apparently no longer be included in the November 19 update. Speaking to MTV, Xbox senior strategist Rob Gruhl said, "If we wanted to do movie sharing, build an app, party enable it, drop it in. Really, it’s [the new dashboard] just laying the foundation for our next wave, our next step. Continuing to fill it out, continuing to build it."

That statement runs contrary to claims made by Microsoft interactive entertainment business VP John Schappert, who said during the company's E3 2008 press conference that Xbox 360 gamers would be able to share Netflix movies and TV shows with friends through Live Party. The sentiment was quickly echoed by Xbox Live director of programming Larry Hryb on his company blog, where he said gamers would be able to "create a party of up to eight friends, and stay with them from one game to another, or watch a Netflix movie together, or share a slideshow of your personal photos." (Emphasis added)

In a statement provided to GameSpot, the publisher noted, "With regards to movies, the New Xbox Experience is a long term initiative; what we are rolling out in November is only the beginning! With the New Xbox Experience we will have the flexibility to roll out features and updates dynamically, unlike in the past where we were on a more biannual schedule. So, there are a lot more exciting features, including Movie Sharing that will be coming soon."

268 Comments

  • gamer082009

    Posted Dec 9, 2008 2:09 am PT

    At least they're making an effort. I'm sure they'll learn from their mistakes when they launch the Xbox 720. That $29 hard drive is a grabber, better get in on it now if you lack the storage.

  • Im_a_genius5995

    Posted Dec 4, 2008 1:24 pm PT

    I ordered one, but when I hit submit at the end, it didn't say anything, it just took me back to the part where you type in the two numbers. I was just checking to see if that was what it supposed to say or something went wrong. Help would be appreciated. Thank You.

  • mastodonfatguy

    Posted Oct 20, 2008 6:46 pm PT

    hey guys have u seen what sony is doing to ps3 online ?! hillarious xbox live owns. lol xbl ftw

  • Sundaze

    Posted Oct 20, 2008 1:01 pm PT

    If you have been playing this long without a hard drive, you are missing out anyways.

    If anyone thinks that the arcade version of the console is anything but a cheap replacement system for out of warranty owners, you are crazy. I am willing to bet that 99% of the people that buy an arcade system already have their old HDD ready to hook up and play. You can find people on ebay selling their 5 arcade games and I get friend messages all the time saying, "hey... picked up an arcade system to replace my old one... I'm not going to play the games, is there one you might want?"

  • canuter

    Posted Oct 20, 2008 12:10 pm PT

    Is the update compulsory?

  • Narroo

    Posted Oct 19, 2008 5:16 am PT

    Darn it! I bought Mine used and I'm boorrowing a HDD from a fried! It won't let me buy a HDD!

  • kingmickey2

    Posted Oct 18, 2008 8:59 am PT

    Why would I want a refurbished hard drive again?

  • sil80drifter

    Posted Oct 17, 2008 11:34 pm PT

    Got mine ordered as soon as I read this. About time we get a decenetly priced hdd. I'm sick of $150 120GB HDDs when you can get a 750GB for that much

  • tonicmole

    Posted Oct 17, 2008 10:14 pm PT

    cool beans

  • Toro_Nev

    Posted Oct 17, 2008 7:10 pm PT

    I dont think it is that bad....

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Oct 17, 2008 1:10 pm PT

    The regular price for the 20GB has been $100 since release. However, now that this "deal" has come out, the 20GB HDD's seem to have mysteriously disappeared from walmart.com, target.com, bestbuy.com and circuitcity.com. Does this mean that the 20GB HDD is no longer on sale anywhere?

    Does this mean that you can only order one through Microsoft with the deal?

    Does this mean that this deal is now moot?

    This is becoming a really messed up situation quickly.

  • fionndruinne

    Posted Oct 17, 2008 12:33 pm PT

    Regular price at $80, this saves us the cost of a game. Got mine ordered.

  • LostSoul1974

    Posted Oct 17, 2008 12:16 pm PT

    How much did the 20 GB drives originally cost?

  • necronaux

    Posted Oct 17, 2008 10:40 am PT

    $20 for 20 gig, not bad, if you're stuck with a drive-less 360 to begin with.

  • darkride66

    Posted Oct 16, 2008 8:01 pm PT

    Yuck_Too said "in the 2-4 years it takes that frivolous case to go through the courts we'll all be playing on the next round of consoles."

    I'm glad you think this case is frivolous. Personally, I think if it does come out that 50% of launch consoles were faulty and that MS conspired to cover this up and dupe the general public (like when they hushed up that EA insider who leaked this a couple of years back) that's a little more important than a patent infringement. That's alarming and serious questions will have to be raised about what MS did and who's palms they greased to keep this hidden for so long. You can't tell me laws weren't broken in a coverup of that magnitude, warranty extension or no warranty extension. Apple lost in court simply because the Ipod screens scratched easily.

  • Hvac0120 posted Oct 16, 2008 1:41 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Hvac0120

    Posted Oct 16, 2008 1:41 pm PT (hide)

    MavThePreacher wrote:
    Complain if you want, but MS is offering a great deal to these arcade system owners.


    Please explain how this is a great deal? Microsoft knew when they released the arcade that the NXE was not going to work on their machines. They knew that once the NXE went live that all of these Arcade owners were going to have to purchase an HDD in order to continue using the Xbox360 (essentially, yes it's possible not to, but you never know if games will stop working on the older OS). This program is Microsofts way of covering their butts for all the negative feedback they would have received had they not offered a special and then came out with this information. After RROD they didn't need that bad attention.

    IMO - this is bad news. MS purposely waited until 1 month before the NXE goes live to tell anyone of this MAJOR problem. Now a lot of gamer are going to (practically) be required to purchase an add-on item from Microsoft (which by the way adds to their sales numbers - so double the goodness for them).

    So, once again...How is the Arcade good? Before the NXE it was good option for those that didn't do much online and didn't care about media features or backlogging their game saves. Now it's a different story.

  • MavThePreacher

    Posted Oct 16, 2008 11:09 am PT

    This generation of consoles were all about multiple units with different features. Both the 360 and the PS3 gave consumers an option to pick what worked best for them. MS made it clear that the arcade version did not have the HDD, and I have no sympathy for anyone who bought it thinking that was all they needed. Complain if you want, but MS is offering a great deal to these arcade system owners.

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Oct 16, 2008 10:11 am PT

    Holy Schmoley! With this offer, the 20GB HDD is finally showing it's true value! The 20GB HDD should have been $20 a year after the Xbox360 released.

    Just out of curiosity; has anyone with a 20GB system looked into what they are offering for a 60 or 120 GB HDD?

    20 * 3 = $60, so that's $1/GB

    Therefore, a 120GB HDD should be no more than $120. Of course I refuse to pay that much since it's not really worth that. Plus, since I don't download DLC (for various reasons), there is not much of a need for all that space on my console. I would consider a $60 GB, but since I don't support MS's pricing I will not be upgrading.

    Microsoft has continued to rip off their customers as much as they can since the Xbox 360 released. You can argue about RROD, games, Live, and exclusives all you want and prove that there are good things about the Xbox360. It really is a great machine with awesome games and (arguably) the best online service for consoles. It just doesn't help when the company in charge of the product changes their strategy so much that it ends up costing the consumer more and more in order to keep up.

    IMO - this is all part of MS's plan to recoup the losses they lost with the original Xbox and to ensure that they are ahead with procurement so they can afford the next generation MS console (Xbox1080).

    I agree with everyone that says that MS should have made the HDD standard in every set. This is a prime example of how customers are paying for MS's mistakes.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Oct 16, 2008 7:02 am PT

    It is off topic and has nothing to do with the article.

    But you go and hold out...in the 2-4 years it takes that frivolous case to go through the courts we'll all be playing on the next round of consoles. Oh, and it will never succeed, they filed for all profits relating to the 360, HA!

    It's another silly suit, just like the one against Sony "Californian-based firm Orinda Intellectual Properties has applied to the courts claiming that Sony has violated patent number 5,438,560, which relates to "an optical disk-shaped recording medium comprising a plurality of tracks," filed in 1995 by Hyundai Electronics Industries.

    Furthermore, a court filing from August 20th, 2008 provides evidence that the firm is suing Sony Electronics, Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment America and has applied to the courts demanding that Sony pay a 'reasonable royalty' fee. More drastically though, Orinda has asked that Sony cease manufacture, sale and supply of all Blu-Ray enabled products, which includes the Playstation 3."

  • darkride66

    Posted Oct 16, 2008 6:47 am PT

    Yuck_Too said "And all of that has nothing to do with the article posted here."

    Sure it does, didn't you read my post? If the lawsuit is successful and MS is forced to start refunding people their money for RROD you could use that money spent originally and it would be enough to buy an Elite now. Not that people shouldn't still take advantage of this great offer from Microsoft, but if this goes through you may not have to, you could just buy a new one with the refund money.

  • toadnater

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 11:31 pm PT

    I think the 60 GB became available at retail on the 14th or 15th. As for whether or not it showed up I have no idea but it was in the system where I work. I think it came with Xbox LIVE Gold too, but I can't remember how long it was.

  • xdeiri

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 9:16 pm PT

    Microsoft has done a big and stupid mistake , by not making the hdd standard , oh for god sake the original xbox has it .

  • Thorpe89 Site moderator

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 6:16 pm PT

    I've already got the 20 GB hard drive but I'm really wanting more storage soon. I could go for the 120 GB hard drive but why can't I get a 60 GB hard drive? That's currently only available with a console - not separate.

  • grigjd3

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 2:01 pm PT

    I'm kind of amazed. I mean, I know M$'s record with customer service hasn't been top notch but they are genuinely trying to do something for some of the early customers. Sure it serves the purpose of bring those customers to the online features and thus has the potential to make more money in the future, but it's still simply M$ doing something for their customers. I really don't understand all the anger over this particular article.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 12:54 pm PT

    --darkride66--
    "but I just read that a class action suit was filed against Microsoft in California claiming that 50% of launch 360's were faulty"
    ~~~
    LOL..and I just read that MGS4 is coming to the 360 after all
    ~~~
    "In an interview given to a Japanese magazine, and translated courtesy of Kotaku, a Konami representative stated the worldwide demand for an Xbox 360 version of Metal Gear Solid 4 was very high, and the company was definitely looking into the possibility. Perhaps spurred on by the success of the Xbox 360 version of GTA IV, console exclusives, at least between the next generation consoles, appear to be losing meaning, purpose and validity.

    Other than bragging rights and maybe adding some incentive for consumers to purchase a specific console, hit games that are exclusive to one console entail few benefits. For game developers, especially, it is more profitable to develop a game across as many platforms as possible, and this is no doubt the primary motivation behind Konami's consideration of taking MGS4 to the Xbox 360."

    ~~~
    And all of that has nothing to do with the article posted here.

  • darkride66

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 11:06 am PT

    Yuck_too said "That's(the number of Core owners) about 2x as many people as own a PS3 in Japan. And you call that a "colossal disaster"?"

    Or, about 5.3x the number of people who own 360's in Japan.
    Seriously though, there was nothing disastrous about the Core. I'm with Yuck_too on this one.

  • jlgil8

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 11:03 am PT

    Alan1187, no offense, but that is a horrible comparison. You buy a car for 24 grand is obviously new(er), than the one you later pay 15 grand for, which will obviously be older and used. That's not the case with the 360, a game console, not a car, that for the first 2 years were more expensive, many were defective, no extended 3 year warranty yet, etc..., and now you still get a new console, as when it first launched, but for less money, with the Falcon chip, which has less probabilities of RROD, and with a the 3 year extended warranty, as well as the library of games has grown tremendously since launch, logically. So, your comparison of a new or newer car for 24 grand, and a used, older car for 15 grand, is ridiculous when compared to a game console, and the issues we have all seen with the 360, from launch until now. I think it's safe to say that you were one of the fortunate ones that didn't get the RROD and/or have enough money that you don't care that you paid more for your 360 at launch, and had fewer games at that point in time. All in all, you missed my whole point, as my main concern is that Microsoft isn't doing this for it's faithful consumers, it's dong it to make more profit, and if this trend continues, we are more likely to see more updates for their LIVE/NXE, and perhaps not for free, whether you have a HD or not, because fact remains that the only thing keeping Microsoft out of the red, with the 360, is it's online profits. Furthermore, I have already seen many developers take advantage of this online DLC crap, by making shorter games, some with bugs and glitches, and obviously poorly tested, if tested at all, because people can always download the updates, patches, upgrades, and expansions for them, which at some point might not even be free to download, in which case you will have bought a game for $60 that only has a few levels, has some minor to major issues, but soon after will have their fixes but, for a price! I'm a 53 year old, disabled, and bedridden man, that still loves gaming, but do to my disability, and perhaps even if it wasn't for that, I don't go online to play, and still cherish single gaming! However, if these trends continue, with this so-called next generation of console gaming, I will be better off with PC gaming, as that's pretty much what these next generation of consoles are turning into and headed towards..., online is priority, installing games, patches, updates, expansions, upgrades, etc..., which I honestly don't care for! I've said it before, and I'll say it again..., neither Microsoft nor Sony had a good game plan, and they rushed this next generation of consoles, without needing to, as the original XBOX and PS2 were at it's peak, but do to poor planning and stupid business, they stopped supporting it, and gave us the 360. Then, you have Sony, who comes more than a year later with the PS3, not caring about the immediate future of games, and justifying the hefty price tag because they have a Blu-Ray player, with hopes that within 10 years will be on top again, while still milking the PS2 to death, which is why they took the 60GB and then the older 80GB off the shelves, because it had BC. Sorry, the saying; "Haste Makes WASTE" has never applied more than to both Microsoft and Sony, this generation, and neither get any sympathy from me! Bottom line is, to each their own, but I will not be fooled again, by either of these companies, let alone allow them to manipulate me! In fact, I wish there were more mature oriented games, such as titles available for the 360 and PS3, on the Wii, as at least Nintendo has stayed true to "VIDEO GAME CONSOLES", without so much worrying about online and multimedia crap! No doubt, business' are out for profit, but I don't care for how Microsoft and Sony are trying to make their profits..., it's CORRUPTION, and it will only get worse before it gets better! That's if even both these behemoth companies stay in business, because they can only stay in the red for so long, before they both throw in the towel, and then perhaps one, or both, come out with next generation as early as end of 2009 or 2010, at the latest?! And, God forbid what they will come up with next, and at what price?

  • JohnnyDrama8

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 10:53 am PT

    So one day we will be able to share netflix movies?????

  • Get_Shorty

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 10:07 am PT

    Hey wait! Do us 20 gigers get some kind of upgrade offer?

  • tudyniuz

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 10:05 am PT

    It's about time

  • darkride66

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 9:36 am PT

    Ee. It's nice that MS is helping out those who purchased the Core initially but I just read that a class action suit was filed against Microsoft in California claiming that 50% of launch 360's were faulty and Microsoft not only knew about it but actively covered it up. They're looking at refunds for those Californian residents who purchased launch 360's. I think that's a little bit of a better deal, get a full refund from Microsoft and then use that money to buy a new 360 premium, or maybe even an elite now they've come down in price. I remember an insider at EA claimed that half their launch 360's failed but he was quickly hushed up by EA and this was denied by MS. I wonder how this lawsuit will go and what it means for 360 owners across the US.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 8:43 am PT

    --ctg867-- Posted Oct 14, 2008 5:28 pm PT "Just goes to show you how much of a colossal disaster the Core really was. Moving on..."
    ~~~
    Huh...last numbers showed that about 20% of 360 owners had the "Core", and that number has probably increased with the recent price drop.

    That means there are at least 4 Million people who can benefit from this in one way or another.

    That's about 2x as many people as own a PS3 in Japan. And you call that a "colossal disaster"?

  • Ragadanked

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 8:40 am PT

    I originally bought a core unit which ended with a RROD. So now, because they sent me a new Xbox 360 I'm not eligible for this upgrade.

    Not one thing has gone smoothly with this company.

  • Nineball2112

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 7:21 am PT

    Autolycus makes a very good and valid point about being able to purchase "up" when you can afford it.

    That's a good argument for the "options" route that Microsoft took. It benefits the gamer and it benefits MS as well.

  • taylormadederek

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 6:54 am PT

    It is not coming back to bite them. They are trying to allow everyone to experience the new LIVE. There are very few (as they say) core consoles out there. Most people (probably 70%) have an hdd. You still do not need an hdd to enjoy games. But come next console I know for sure that there will not be a console below 60gb.

  • Autolycus

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 6:53 am PT

    condemned100, spill the beans man... WHAT GAME!? im voting for oblivion as it can last just about forever

  • darkride66

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 6:46 am PT

    I'm with Autolycus on this one. As a gamer I wish MS has gone with a standard harddrive from the word go, but I understand the need for a cheaper model, especially at launch. I'm surprised at the number of people saying "Who would buy a Core, they must be cheap." Not having a lot of money has nothing to do with being cheap.

  • Autolycus

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 6:27 am PT

    Um, in case you guys werent around for the launch, the core was a great idea. I, along with A LOT (i worked at gamestop then) of other people were able to purchase the system at launch or purchase the system when we could afford it. Then time went on and I could afford the hard drive.



    It's the norm that the casual gamer will still purchase the hard drive MS just gave the option to split the actual NEEDS of purchasing up. 1 payment of 400 dollars or 1 payment of 300 + 100 later and you still get to play games for 300, worked pretty great for a lot of people. SO stop hating because you probably just either purchased the Premium or mammy and pappy helped ya out. If thats the case, your opinion is worthless

  • zgreenwell

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 6:17 am PT

    Most people who own the core model aren't really interested in Xbox Live from my experience. However, should they hear about this offer, it would encourage them to sign up. That seems like Microsoft's objective with this. If it works, good for them.

  • thegame1980

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 6:09 am PT

    The Blockbuster video store by my house is selling 60 gig pro 360's for $260 bucks! that's the way it should be!

  • parksey78

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 5:26 am PT

    Am I missing the point here? Its not like you have to get the update, and I'd imagine its fair to say that those who just bought the Core system probably aren't interested in Live or the NXE anyway. I couldn't really care less about it, if I wanted to watch a film with my mates then we'd all go the cinema...

    Its fair play to MS though in terms of a clever way of getting rid of the thousands of spare 20Gb HDDs they've undoubtedly now got in a warehouse somewhere.

  • twistedmalice

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 4:49 am PT

    This is a good thing that they are trying to get the update out to everyone. If they can sway people away from getting the PS3 that is good for them, but I don't think that is enough to stop people from getting one.

  • thebigbadonion

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 1:51 am PT

    whats all the complaining about? lol the prices of consoles always drop a lot from launch, 360 is getting old now and theyre trying to give new customers no reason to buy a ps3, which will probably also have a huge price drop, i bought my 360 premium last year for £300 im not too bothered about the price drops i knew this would happen it always does....

  • Her0

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 12:23 am PT

    Sounds like xbox 360 treated as PC. they may ask later for new GPU to play some games!

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