Microsoft launches 512 memory card and triples size limit for XBLA download

Mar 5, 2007 16:20 GMT  ·  By

At the GDC 2007, Microsoft announced their plans to launch a 512MB Memory Unit for the Xbox 360 system and they also wish to increase the official size limit of XBLA games from 50 MB to 150 MB.

The 512MB memory card, available worldwide beginning April 3, 2007, will retail for an estimated $49.99 and 34.99 pounds. The 512MB Memory Unit will be pre-loaded with the XBLA game Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved developed by Bizarre Creations. Eight times larger than the 64MB memory card, the 512MB memory card will provide Xbox 360 owners with vastly expanded storage capabilities for gaming on the go, allowing gamers to easily store and transport their gamer profile and save game data, XBLA games and XBLM content.

What everyone should know is that the 512MB memory card also gives Xbox 360 owners the ability to download exclusive Xbox 360 content from any Xbox 360 kiosks accessible at retail outlets worldwide (there are 45.000 of them in case you were wondering if you'd ever bump into one).

Beginning today, the Xbox LIVE Arcade game size limit has increased to 150 MB, giving developers greater flexibility in game design and expanding the opportunity to add advanced game features while still keeping games compact. Also, downloadable demo games may have more content, or better downloadable games will be available.

Chris Early, product unit manager for Xbox LIVE Arcade and Microsoft Casual Games at Microsoft said: "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. If you take a look at current games like 'Roboblitz' and 'Small Arms,' it's clear that our developers deliver amazing game experiences within a compact size limit. 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."

150 MB sounds great, but only for Xbox 360 owners, as Sony's PlayStation Network allows users to download as much as 500 MB of content. Of course, PS3 games are a lot bigger.