Xbox 360 retail game catalog to be downloadable

[fatpat268]

Originally posted by: SunnyD

Originally posted by: fatpat268
I'd be happy if MS gave me a way to put my own laptop hard drive in. It's inexcusable to charge so much for those HDD's that they sell.

But then again... I haven't touched the 360 ever since NXE came out. Personally the old interface was better.

You do know you can turn off the NXE interface, right?

No I didn't, guess I have to check that out.

But yea, the NXE is too cluttered for me... it's essentially a visual overload with ads and random items everywhere.

In general I lost most interest in console games and have a renewed interest in PC games, but with some of the new games being announced, that may change.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: fatpat268

Originally posted by: SunnyD

Originally posted by: fatpat268
I'd be happy if MS gave me a way to put my own laptop hard drive in. It's inexcusable to charge so much for those HDD's that they sell.

But then again... I haven't touched the 360 ever since NXE came out. Personally the old interface was better.

You do know you can turn off the NXE interface, right?

No I didn't, guess I have to check that out.

You have to use NXE, SunnyD is mistaken. There's no way to turn it off or go to anything different. The only way you can use the old blade system is if you have a 360 that hasn't been hooked up to the internet in over 6 months, or you haven't played any discs that forces you to upgrade.

I have a friend who doesn't have internet, but gets those Official XBOX Magazine demo discs every month. One of the latest ones made him upgrade to NXE before he could use it, so he finally relented. Once it's got NXE, there's no legal way to go back.

 

[Queasy]

Update: MS sent out a press release with some additional information that didn't make it into the show on top of the games catalog being downloadable. User Ratings...about damn time!!!!

* Games on Demand. Xbox LIVE has changed the way you play your games, and now we?re changing the way you access them, with the digital distribution of full Xbox 360 games. The Games on Demand channel will launch with a library more than 30 great games, from classic hits like ?Mass Effect,? ?BioShock? and ?Assassin?s Creed,? to family favorites like ?LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga? and ?Sonic the Hedgehog.? You?ll have access to a wide variety of great games, downloadable in only a few hours and at the touch of a button. We?ve also added the option to purchase Games on Demand directly with your credit or debit card.

* Great games on Xbox LIVE and Xbox LIVE Arcade. Xbox LIVE Arcade is keeping the fun rolling all summer long. We are continuing our commitment to quality and innovation by delivering five weeks of downloadable blockbusters with the second annual Summer of Arcade ? bringing you the biggest and best smash hits of the season including ?Shadow Complex,? ?Trials HD,? ?Splosion Man ?,? ?Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? : Turtles in Time Re-Shelled,? and ?MARVEL? VS. CAPCOM® 2.? And of course I?m excited to see the launch of our beta season of ?1 vs 100? today. I?m also already playing a ton of our newly announced game, ?Joy Ride,? and I can?t wait for you to experience it this holiday.

* Avatar Marketplace. Since the launch of NXE, millions of Avatars have been created on Xbox LIVE, giving our members a whole new way to express themselves online, in games, and in their social experiences. Starting this summer, you will see some great new ways to make your Avatar truly your own. First, we heard loud and clear from you that you wanted to get new avatar items as awards when playing games, and I?m happy to announce support for in-game Avatar Awardables. Second, you?re going to see some great new options with animated Props and full costumes to add to your Avatar. Finally, we?re continuing that spirit of customization and self-expression with a virtual closet full of premium clothing and interactive props to download and purchase for your Avatar. Whether its game-inspired gear or the latest fashion trends, there will be creative options for everyone to enjoy. You?ll also be able to easily access the new Avatar Marketplace directly through the Avatar editor.

* User Ratings. We?re adding a five star rating system that lets you easily rate any content in the Games Marketplace. Now you?ll be able to show your support for your favorite games and Game Add-ons on Xbox LIVE and also quickly organize by user rating to find the community?s favorite content. This has been one of your most-requested features, and we?re very happy to bring it to you this summer.e

* Performance Updates. We know that the details also matter. That?s why we?re making a series of updates based on your feedback. First and foremost, the entire Xbox LIVE service is being upgraded for improved performance including better guide and friends access. Some other things we?ve done based on your feedback include revamping the friends sorting list, Achievement views and improving our matchmaking support. There?s always room to improve, and your input really matters to us?so keep it coming!