Skip to main content

Xbox 360 Dashboard Update Spiffs Up Netflix, Adds On-Demand Games

Xbox 360 Dashboard Update Spiffs Up Netflix, Adds On-Demand Games
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Microsoft has rolled out its latest Xbox 360 Dashboard update, adding new features to its flagship game console and refining the Xbox Live service’s experience. Premiere new features in the update include refined Netflix video streaming, but most of the buzz is about Games on Demand, enabling users to select and purchase new games right from the console, with svelte versions of the games downloaded directly to consoles’ hard drives from Xbox Live.

Games On Demand puts a range of full-featured Xbox 360 titles for sale directly from Xbox Live: instead of trotting out to a retail store, customers can purchase full versions of the games, which download to the console’s hard drive via a broadband Internet connection. Game prices range from $20 to $30, and take up anywhere from 2.5 to over 6 GB of storage space: users with 20 GB hard drives in their consoles might have to think long and hard about Games on Demand purchases—although customers can delete games and re-download them again without re-purchasing. Gamers can also download their titles to any console they’ve logged into their their Gamertag, making it easy to set up a grudge match at a friends house without transporting a physical disc—assuming your friend has enough broadband. Microsoft says it plans to add additional titles every Tuesday, so the roster of Games on Demand should expand over time; games can be purchased with either a credit card or Microsoft Points.

Recommended Videos

Folks who subscribe to both Netflix and Xbox Live will see improved playback even under strained network conditions, and new features let folks see what their friends are watching and find content more easily. Microsoft is also touting its Netflix partnership as an "exclusive" feature now, which industry watchers are interpreting as a sign Microsoft has locked Netflix streaming into the Xbox platform and the service won’t be appearing on the PlayStation 3 or competing game consoles any time soon.

The update also includes user ratings for game content in the Xbox Live Marketplace, new avatar props, and a new Avatar Marketplace coming August 13 where Xbox 360 users can buy premium items to trick out their avatars—including branded apparel.

The update is available now via Xbox Live; Microsoft also promises it will be offering integration with Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm, and Zune Video in future Dashboard updates.

Geoff Duncan
Former Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket’s next expansion adds shinies to the mix
shiny l;ucario ex in Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket.

The next expansion in the hit digital trading card game Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket will bring the shiny hunt to the mobile game. Called the Shining Revelry, this new expansion will add uniquely colored Pokémon as well as more monsters from the Paldea region when it launches on March 26.

Pokémon TCG Pocket: Shining Revelry | Official Trailer

Read more
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 gaming monitor is $400 off — with a nice add-on deal
Samsung's 2023 Odyssey Neo G7 sitting on a table.

Your upgrade from gaming PC deals should be accompanied by a purchase from monitor deals for a better display, as you won't appreciate the improved processing power on an outdated screen. Here's an offer you wouldn't want to miss: the 32-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 gaming monitor at $400 off from Samsung, which slashes its price from $1,100 to just $700. You also have the option of adding the JBL Quantum 910 wireless gaming headset for only $200, for $100 in savings on its original price of $300. We're not sure how much longer these deals will remain available though, so you should hurry with your transaction if you're interested.

BUY NOW

Read more
Copilot for Gaming is like Xbox’s Nintendo tip line, but for AI
Copilot Age of Empires

Copilot Is Coming To Gaming, Xbox Play Anywhere Updates, And More | Official Xbox Podcast

Copilot for Gaming is an AI that can improve gaming experience, and it's on the way for Xbox players soon. Fatima Kardar, Xbox Corporate VP of Gaming AI, demoed the features on the Official Xbox Podcast and showed how the tool can help players jump right back into a game without much downtime.

Read more