Xbox 360 Update will Disable “Unauthorized� Memory Cards

[Nemesis]

I already posted this on the blog, but seeing as it's important news, I'll post it here also.

 

 

 

Are you using a cheap, hefty memory card to save content on your Xbox 360? If so, you might want to make some changes.

 

Quickly.

 

Microsoft spokesperson Major Nelson announced on his blog that “unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work with the Xbox 360″ once consumers download and install the system’s anticipated November update. While the move is meant to thwart piracy, it’s also incited some backlash from 360 gamers.

 

At issue is the fact that a standard, first-party Microsoft memory card holds a rather paltry 512MB of storage and retails for $29.99. Gamers looking for more bang for their buck have been able to purchase third-party cards with up to 4GB of storage for only $50 — nearly eight times the space for less than twice the price. But once the update goes live, any card not recognized by Microsoft as an “approved†device will simply fail to work with the system.

 

Disgruntled 360 owners have been weighing in on Major Nelson’s blog (currently sporting roughly 400 comments), frequently pointing out that chief competitor Sony lets users save games with any USB-compliant storage device and can even swap in non-Sony branded hard drives.

 

So which cards won’t work? That’s a little tough to say, as Microsoft has yet to issue a full, specific list of approved and non-approved cards. However, they do offer tips for figuring out whether or not your card cuts the mustard.

 

And before you simply decide to pass on the update, consider the wealth of goodies packed inside: Facebook and Twitter functionality, 1080p HD movies on-demand through Zune video, streaming music through Last.fm, and news services through MSNBC, to name a few.

[GOAT]

Facebook and Twitter functionality, 1080p HD movies on-demand through Zune video, streaming music through Last.fm, and news services through MSNBC, to name a few.

 

 

LOL I don't use third party memory cards but if I did these features would not be worth the update..

 

so Microsoft is saying we are going to give you ton's of more marketing and ways for us to make money in exchange for allowing us to make sure you have to PAY US for memory cards.. sheesh? goat figure...

 

I love the box as much as the Ps3 but it seems Microsoft still hasn't figured out that the PS3 beats them by offering FREE online content instead of charging folks for it.. and the folks on the forums stating that Ps3 users get to use any Flash drive and even swap hard drives while Microsoft is pulling this have a valid point.