Microsoft confirms 512MB X360 Arcade

By Tom Bramwell Published 18 June, 2009

Update: Now the standard amount.

Update: Microsoft has confirmed to Eurogamer that Xbox 360 Arcade models are now shipping with 512MB of onboard memory as standard.

"The Xbox 360 system software uses some of the included 512MB memory; less storage will be available to users. Additional storage (sold separately) may be needed for game saves, Xbox LIVE Arcade games, content downloads, personal file storage, and additional enhanced functionality. A hard drive is recommended for LIVE, and is required for some features," the company said in a statement. "We want to offer consumers a bit more memory at the same low price so they can enjoy more experiences on Xbox LIVE."

Original story: Eagle-eyed modders have uncovered what appears to be a Jasper-based Xbox 360 Arcade with 512MB of onboard flash memory rather than 256MB.

According to Xbox-Scene (thanks GameSpot), the previously 2Gbit NAND is replaced with a 4Gbit alternative on the Japanese model pictured there. (Gigabits are roughly equivalent to 125MB.)

Microsoft hasn't said what the extra memory is for, or whether it's standard on new Arcade models. The previous 256MB was introduced to allow for storage of files relevant to last November's New Xbox Experience upgrade.

We've checked in for comment. WHAT. THIS IS INTERESTING.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (23) 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Psychotext #1 3 years ago

    An odd revision. Maybe they were able to buy the 4gbit variants for a better price.

  • Ranger101 #2 3 years ago

    This is a typical example of Eurolamer's xbot fanboyism. I deman an inquiry. This is NuLabours fault, and their EuroAppeasing ways. Say no to the EURO. Etc. etc. etc.

  • Ranger101 #3 3 years ago

    On a serious note, chances are it's just cheaper for them to ship the 512 instead of the 256 due to production price increases.

  • KevvyMetal79 #4 3 years ago

    1.21 GigaWUTS???!?!!!?!!?

  • Wastelander #5 3 years ago

    Probably just cheaper for the factories to punt out 512s these days...

    Either that or it's where the store the MIND CONTROL code :o

  • Eurolamer #6 3 years ago

    Interesting? It sure izzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

  • GamesConnoisseur #7 3 years ago

    So my old launch model running NXE market place and games files update so slowly... is that the reason? I had assumed it would be to due to large footprints I carry with 4 years of gaming on X360 and 50k gamerscore rather than the lag on XBL. As when I switched to different profile NXE runs quicker.

    So if we get the larger onboard flash memory that would helps?

  • rogueJT #8 3 years ago


    Slow news day.

  • Bealsy #9 3 years ago

    I replaced my explodertronned elite with an arcade at the weekend, and the internal memory is saying I have 384mb free...

    edit - oh and also runs NXE quicker than my Elite. Strange.
    Edited by 1 at 18/06/09 @ 10:36

  • mcmonkeyplc #10 3 years ago

    1.2 JIGAWATTS

  • Garulon #11 3 years ago

    "So if we get the larger onboard flash memory that would helps? "

    Not really. It can cache a bit more. 512MB is bloody stingy frankly, they could easily do 20GB MUs for 20 quid without all that spinning rust nonsense.

  • penhalion #12 3 years ago

    @RABicle

    "Room for Natal firmware drivers."

    Nope because then Natal wouldn't work on the 360 dev kits.

  • spitfire1945 #13 3 years ago

    Even an 16Gbit (2GB) NAND is worth a couple of cheap bucks these days... I don't see why they wouldn't fit those instead of these sorry 512MB?!?! Probably because they wouldn't sell those standalone 20GB HDD anymore!

    They upped the MB limit for DLCs but not the memory to contain them! What a bunch of cheap asses!!!
    Edited by 1 at 18/06/09 @ 10:43

  • CreepinJesus #14 3 years ago

    Surely it says on the box... "512MB internal memory"

  • SFG_Clan #15 3 years ago

    I think it's probably for Battlefield 1943

  • BiffTanner #16 3 years ago

    I dont think so. BF 1943 will be 550Mb so it would be too large to store in there.

  • BEXANT #17 3 years ago

    It is interesting that, while people who bought the console at launch have to use their HDD for NXE info, those purchasing an Arcade and a HDD now, will gain all that HDD space.

  • jmg123 #18 3 years ago

    "I dont think so. BF 1943 will be 550Mb so it would be too large to store in there"

    So does that mean that xbox 360 arcade players will be unable to play the game at all? or will they just get an inferior experience to the xbox with hdd?

    If it is the former then it really does rubbish claims that xbox is much cheaper than ps3, at least there you get an overpriced hdd and wireless and unlimited online play included in the astronomic sony price, rather than buy a cheap version of the 360 and add a ridculously overpriced hdd an insanely priced wirless card, and then pay a subscription so you can play a game (which still comes out at an astronomic price just like the ps3)

    If it is the later, fair enough then.

  • Rash' #19 3 years ago

    not surprised really. while MS continue to excel in the software arena, away from's Sony's achievements as a hardware manufacturer, we consumers get screwed with shoddy and unachieving products... oh well there aways next gen!

  • jambo74 #20 3 years ago

    Are we sure it's not system RAM or Graphics RAM?

  • dirk_aircool #21 3 years ago

    does anybody know what difference this will make ? . I cant even find the memory refrenced on the dashboard . will it actualy make any difference to anything?.

  • riz23 #22 3 years ago

    How can I ensure I am buying one of these if I go to replace my RROD box?

  • One_Vurfed_Gwrx #23 3 years ago

    My Japanese 360 I purchased in mid-April (was a brand new model at the time as shop had to get new stock in for my order) had the "384MB" free memory, but the box was still marked as 256MB so these have been around for a while, but I just assumed MS were underselling the RAM amount rather than saying 512MB if tat wasn't all usable.