Avatar customization and NXE requires 256MB storage [update 3]
by Dustin Burg 
{ Oct 9th 2008 at 9:45AM }
Update 3: Clarification! Major Nelson clears the the confusion.
Update 2: Some clarification. The release mentions that (at minimum) a 256MB memory card is required for the NXE and Avatar customization, BUT doesn't say how many MBs out of the 256MBs are needed for the update itself. Technically, the update could use up only 150MBs leaving 256MB memory card owners with some extra storage. What's guaranteed is that 64MB card owners or those who have no storage medium are out of NXE and Avatar luck.
Update 2: Some clarification. The release mentions that (at minimum) a 256MB memory card is required for the NXE and Avatar customization, BUT doesn't say how many MBs out of the 256MBs are needed for the update itself. Technically, the update could use up only 150MBs leaving 256MB memory card owners with some extra storage. What's guaranteed is that 64MB card owners or those who have no storage medium are out of NXE and Avatar luck.
Update: Upon further investigation, Microsoft's press materials state; "The New Xbox Experience is available this fall through a free download to anyone with an Xbox 360 system, a broadband connection and a storage device of either a hard drive or 256MB memory unit or larger." So, we guess the entire NXE update will require an additional 256MBs of storage and Avatar customization will be a part of the NXE package.
Ninja-snuck in towards the bottom of Microsoft's TGS08 press release (the one that talks up the New Xbox Experience), we spotted a curious disclaimer regarding Avatar customization and it requiring 256MB of HDD / memory unit storage.
Verbatim, the Avatar disclaimer reads "customizing avatars requires a 256 MB memory unit or greater" which really isn't that big of a deal, unless you are a Core or Arcade 360 owner. 256MB of storage would mean that Core owners are totally out of Avatar customization luck (though, we doubt they care) and Arcade owners would have to max out their bundled 256MB memory card. That means our Arcade friends would have to choose: Avatar customization or saving game progress. Decisions, decisions ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GraemeQ @ Oct 9th 2008 10:00AM
I didn't read it the way that you've put it.
I read it as "you need a 256Mb memory card or higher as the 64Mb card doesn't cover it". I didn't see it as you need 256Mb to create one as well, thats bigger than an XBLA release.
Is it not that the avatar might be say 100Mb's therefore arcade users are fine, but core users need to upgrade?
koehler83 @ Oct 9th 2008 10:11AM
Not that I give half a shit about Avatars, but I'm glad Im not the only one around here who both owns a 360 and can read and comprehend written english.
Graeme Q @ Oct 9th 2008 10:30AM
even with the update, they appear to be missing the point.
The jump from 64Mb card to 256Mb card is big. It the update was 150Mb then you'd need a 256Mb memory unit and not that you'd need 256Mb spare on it.
Do they read the comments at any point?
Edge @ Oct 9th 2008 10:42AM
A 360 without a harddrive is not a 360 at all.
I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who don't do their homework before buying a game system. That means you too grandma...
Doug @ Oct 9th 2008 12:56PM
you = arrogant
SirPoonga @ Oct 9th 2008 10:16AM
It shouldn't matter for Core or Arcade owners. Avatars are for showing off online. You really can't play online with the Core or Arcade since you can't get game patches. Don't you need a hdd for game patches and since most games have at least one patch you won't be able to play online?
Chuck @ Oct 9th 2008 12:13PM
No, you can play online with only a 256MB module. I do it all the time. It still patches the games (they're very tiny in size). Part of that 256MB is set aside for game updates, system items, etc.
Obviously big DLC can't be used that can't fit in the remaining space.
Badboy1979 @ Oct 9th 2008 12:24PM
You can play online with just a 64MB card. I've done it recently with Halo 3. You can't play certain playlists that require downloaded map packs. Playlists like Social Slayer still work tho... along with custom games and more.
DsK UK @ Oct 9th 2008 10:35AM
It's fairly obvious that you need some kind of storage medium as avatars are a part of our gamercards. At the moment, you need storage to store your gamercard and stats, so why would this change when the update falls? Also I read somewhere else (think it was kotaku) that a memory card isn't necessary for the rest of the NXE but is recommended as it speeds it up (probably caching)
princeofshapeir @ Oct 9th 2008 11:09AM
I think you've got it wrong Dustin. You need a 256MB card, but it does not say it takes all 256MB to use Avatars.
murph @ Oct 9th 2008 10:36AM
this is ridiculous. just another reason why MS should have just included the HDD by default. stupid, stupid, stupid decision they are STILL paying for.
Stevedude @ Oct 9th 2008 10:41AM
How are they paying for it?
Neuromancer @ Oct 9th 2008 11:15AM
They got reamed for having a HDD in every original Xbox so I guess they got gun shy.
A lot of people honestly don't need HDDs, anyone who doesn't have a broadband internet connection for example.
Sarge @ Oct 9th 2008 10:44AM
SirPoonga has a point. How many Core/Arcade users are going online? There is not alot you can do with just a memory card alone. Also, how many Arcade/Core consoles sold have had HDD's added to them, or were replacement consoles for people who got the red ring and just went and bought a new console. I think in the end this will be a non issue.
Dan Rodriguez @ Oct 9th 2008 10:53AM
are the avatar files and gamercard going to be required to be on the same storage device, or are they separate files?
in other words, can i keep the large avatar file on my HDD but keep my gamercard on my 64MB memory card so i can easily eject it and take it to a friend's house?
or does this mean that my gamercard will have to be on the HDD if i want an avatar, leaving the memory card useless?
i think that made sense. my head hurts.
DBoyFlex @ Oct 9th 2008 7:49PM
I know what you mean. Right now my gamercard is about 12 megs big. I use a 64 meg card to transport it. I sure hope the avatar lives on my 120 gig HDD and not as part of my gamertag. That would be dumb, cause if it is greater than 64 megs to use them, that would be one heck of a long gamertag recovery. I bet it is stored separately from the gamertag. If you transport your tag, the avatar would likely stay at home in bed. Good question though.
jorgiex @ Oct 9th 2008 11:16AM
All arcade systems come with a 256Mb memory card anyways and for those that bought a CORE system way back then and only have a 64Mb memory card probably never play any online games or even care about changing gamer thems/pics. So those people won't care in any case. Also if "and I say if" they do want to have a cool avatar and full online gaming /connection this would be the time to do so. I hope those people will feel like the investment is worth the cost, NOW...!
juanotejano @ Oct 9th 2008 11:48AM
Wow they failed at like 3 different interpretations of the press release. Maybe next time just post a link to the press release and we'll figure it out ourselves.
I want to see an update 3 where they provide another possible meaning of this collection of words they can't decipher.
yolarrydabomb @ Oct 9th 2008 1:03PM
damn I though microsoft would of just move the damn 20GB over to the arcade so things would be much easier
Arcade 20GB
Pro 60GB
Elite 120GB
Feature Hard Drive 1TB
Aero @ Oct 9th 2008 1:17PM
I hope the 256mb is just for files for the Xbox and not actually the saved avatar. I have a 20GB hard drive but use a 64mb memory card to take my profile to my friend's houses and don't want an avatar taking all the space or making the profile too big.
mattclarkie @ Oct 9th 2008 1:53PM
So the people that this update is aimed at, those Non-Hardcore gamers, are exactly the type of people that wont have an HDD or big MU. And us Hardcore gamers who don't give a flying F about the NXE and Avatars are the people who all have HDDs.
DSM @ Oct 9th 2008 2:36PM
It's a way to drive add-ons for HDDs and cards, while appealing to Wii types.
Seanross @ Oct 9th 2008 2:36PM
I guess for those who were complaining about the NXE and those who didn't like it, it doesn't seem mandatory now eh?
joker ant @ Oct 10th 2008 12:12AM
I like to consider myself a hardcore gamer. I'm also really excited about the NXE. I am also going to lose my HDD (my brother's taking the 360, buying me arcade. He bought our HDD way back when, he's taking it with him.) I'm a bit worried. Is the NXE and Avatar feature one file? Is the Avatar feature a separate file from the NXE and only created once an Avatar is made, or are Avatars necessary.
Feedback @ Oct 10th 2008 4:02AM
A few questions, possibly been answered but yeah:
- Does the NXE have compatability with the old themes I have?
- If I dislike can I not use it and at least use the most useful feature of putting games on my HDD? For me it means less disc read error like I only seem to get in Mass Effect.
jc @ Oct 10th 2008 5:10AM
Honestly, are there really people out there that only bought the Arcade only? I am not bashing you, but really whats the point of having the Arcdae? You are missing out on soooo much stuff out there. And if you are in that minority your ruining it for the rest of us but not buying a hard drive and perpetuating this hard drive-less madness!!
End Rant.