Xbox Live to let gamers download golden oldies
Xbox gamers with online accounts will be able to download and keep old Xbox games starting next month. The backward compatibility question is something each major platform is attempting to address. For months, Nintendo has hosted its own direct-download service, and the PlayStation 3 is using a similar approach, though its newest models are not compatible with PlayStation 2 discs.
Microsoft will mark the fifth anniversary of its Xbox Live online gaming site Thursday, and to celebrate, it's offering members of the Xbox Live community a chance to download a free Xbox Live Arcade game. The console maker will also debut a new category of downloadable games, giving Xbox 360 owners a chance to travel back in time and experience some of the games that helped the original Xbox become a success.
Since the site launched in 2002, Xbox Live has signed up more than 8 million gamers speaking nine different languages in more than 26 countries around the world, according to Microsoft.
The free download is available from 12:01am PST, 15 November through 11:59pm 16 November. In addition, original Xbox Live Members who joined the site in 2002 will receive 500 free Microsoft points.
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