Microsoft increases XBLA size limit to 150MB; announces larger memory card

Monday 05th March 2007, 01:01:00 PM, written by TeamB3D

Microsoft has issued a press release indicating that the XBox LIVE Arcade (XBLA) game size limit is to be increased from 50MB to 150MB, effective immediately.

A primary driver for the previous limit on size was a desire for owners of the XBox 360 to be able to fit downloaded titles onto Microsoft's 64MB memory cards - the hitherto sole persistant storage method available to owners of the "Core" bundle that had opted not to purchase the larger hard drive. In line with providing a non-HDD option to handle the increased size allowance, Microsoft also announced that 512MB memory cards will soon be made available at retail for US $49.99, and come with the popular "Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved" pre-loaded; the pre-existing 64MB card will see a simultaneous price drop to US $29.99 from the current $39.99.

Microsoft's introduction of a memory card weighing in at eight times the previous size at a price only marginally greater than the current model provides the consumer with a much improved value relative to the present 64MB card. The pricing and size options are not yet competitive with rivals Nintendo and Sony, however, which have both moved to open standards on the mobile memory front with their newest generation of consoles.

microsoft ±

Microsoft Releases C++ AMP Open Specification
Microsoft June 2008 DirectX SDK Update
Microsoft reports strong second quarter results
Microsoft licenses graphics technology to Weta Digital
Microsoft reports 4th quarter/year-end earnings
Peter Moore Steps Down
Vista-only titles cracked to run on Windows XP
Xbox 360 hardware architect inteview on Channel 9
Microsoft announces new Xbox 360 model: Elite
Microsoft on the future of DirectX