The addition of USB data storage support for the Xbox 360 will spell the end of the Memory Unit and 120GB Hard Drive devices. Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, confirmed the death knell of the storage options shortly after announcing the date for USB support.
The Director of Programming told Joystiq that "the channel is being drained" of the 120GB HDD and Memory Units and that Microsoft aims to phase these peripherals out.
Once the USB Storage Device patch arrives on the 6th April, both USB flash drives and hard drives can be used to save data and other media - but only up to 16GB.
This phasing out will leave the 250GB HDD the only alternative left for those wanting a standard way of storing information on their Xbox 360. But, as Microsoft charges somewhat extortionate prices for these anyway, we don't see much of a problem with using USB devices instead. Roll on 6th April!
The Director of Programming told Joystiq that "the channel is being drained" of the 120GB HDD and Memory Units and that Microsoft aims to phase these peripherals out.
Once the USB Storage Device patch arrives on the 6th April, both USB flash drives and hard drives can be used to save data and other media - but only up to 16GB.
This phasing out will leave the 250GB HDD the only alternative left for those wanting a standard way of storing information on their Xbox 360. But, as Microsoft charges somewhat extortionate prices for these anyway, we don't see much of a problem with using USB devices instead. Roll on 6th April!
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Comments
Steviepunk 27 Mar 2010 12:24
1/3
Unlikely. The cost of the 250GB (around £70 when it's out) is still vastly better value than using multiple USB devices.
Even the 120GB drive is working out as better value (equivalent to 7.5 16GB flash drives), at £18 for a 16GB flash drive, it would cost £135 for the equivalent.
The USB support is good, but until they remove the 16GB limit, then HDDs will not be getting phased out. The memory cards though certainly seem to be getting phased out (or at the least, there is no point in buying one now!)
What this does do though is give 2 key features.
1. It makes the Arcade version of the 360 a much more attractive option to the causal gamer (or anyone else that is concious of console cost) - no longer do people need to worry about having to shell out an extra £100 for an HDD to get the best from the console and DLC, now a cheap USB device will unlock that.
2. It makes portability much easier for everyone. eg, it makes ut very easy for me to take my Rock Band DLC songs over to a friends house to play.
Even the 120GB drive is working out as better value (equivalent to 7.5 16GB flash drives), at £18 for a 16GB flash drive, it would cost £135 for the equivalent.
The USB support is good, but until they remove the 16GB limit, then HDDs will not be getting phased out. The memory cards though certainly seem to be getting phased out (or at the least, there is no point in buying one now!)
What this does do though is give 2 key features.
1. It makes the Arcade version of the 360 a much more attractive option to the causal gamer (or anyone else that is concious of console cost) - no longer do people need to worry about having to shell out an extra £100 for an HDD to get the best from the console and DLC, now a cheap USB device will unlock that.
2. It makes portability much easier for everyone. eg, it makes ut very easy for me to take my Rock Band DLC songs over to a friends house to play.
Insanity4all 27 Mar 2010 14:52
2/3
@Steviepunk
Wow! Really that much $$ for a flash drive?! Here in the states you can purchase a brand new 16gb for like $10-15, which translates to like $8-9 of your pounds. 9 * 10 = $90. Win win, over here. But I personally use a 1.5TB (usb) and a 1TB (2.5" sata) on my JTAGGED Xbox360! Microsoft can take their over priced hard drives, and their defective units and shove them. :) Had Microsoft released a QUALITY product, from the get-go and NOT 4 YEARS into it's life, a reliable console. I never would have started hacking their consoles for the public. You reap what you sow, MicroShaft. 19 more months until my killing spree starts, I'm coming BILL!!!!!!!!!! Revenge will be had for the people of the planet! Muah-aha-ha-ha.
Wow! Really that much $$ for a flash drive?! Here in the states you can purchase a brand new 16gb for like $10-15, which translates to like $8-9 of your pounds. 9 * 10 = $90. Win win, over here. But I personally use a 1.5TB (usb) and a 1TB (2.5" sata) on my JTAGGED Xbox360! Microsoft can take their over priced hard drives, and their defective units and shove them. :) Had Microsoft released a QUALITY product, from the get-go and NOT 4 YEARS into it's life, a reliable console. I never would have started hacking their consoles for the public. You reap what you sow, MicroShaft. 19 more months until my killing spree starts, I'm coming BILL!!!!!!!!!! Revenge will be had for the people of the planet! Muah-aha-ha-ha.
deleted 29 Mar 2010 09:32
3/3
£8-9 of our pounds!
Ever thought the cost of expensive accessories is to make up for those with JTAGGED Xbox`s and their `free` games.
Go and troll somewhere else.
anyhoo back to the story me smells XBOX Slim!
Ever thought the cost of expensive accessories is to make up for those with JTAGGED Xbox`s and their `free` games.
Go and troll somewhere else.
anyhoo back to the story me smells XBOX Slim!