Xbox April Update Including USB Flash Drive Support

Big updates and news for Xbox in April including USB Flash Drive Support, Best LIVE Arcade games for 2009, and more.

USB Flash Drive Support

Beginning today, April 6, USB Flash Drive support offers an easy and efficient low-cost option for Xbox 360 owners to experience all that is available on Xbox LIVE, including the best downloadable games, the latest demos, TV shows, movies, music and more. Additional USB Flash Drive support makes it easier than ever to access your game saves, profile and Xbox LIVE content – now you can take it with you wherever you go. That’s why Xbox 360 partnered with SanDisk to release an Xbox 360 branded USB Flash Drive in May that comes conveniently pre-configured for a seamless experience and optimal performance, including plug-and-play access and a 1 Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership. Just plug it into your Xbox 360 and begin downloading and storing content. Up to two devices can be connected at the same time, enabling up to 32GB of simultaneous storage.

Now available, you can check out pre-sale availability on sandisk.com, which features 8GB Xbox 360 USB Flash Drives for $34.99 and 16 GB Xbox 360 USB Flash Drives for $69.99. While other third party USB Flash Drives can be used, performance is based on the quality and speed of the specific drive (some may not provide a recommended level of performance).

Best Games of 2009

You’ve submitted your ballot and the votes have been tallied. Xbox LIVE Arcade is proud to announce the best games of 2009 thanks to the Xbox LIVE community's votes in the 3rd Annual Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards! Over one million votes were cast for the biggest and best games of 2009.

Summer of Arcade fan-favorite and Xbox LIVE Arcade exclusive “Trials HD” (Microsoft Game Studios), won top honor of Best Overall Arcade Game along with the award for Best Innovation.

Blockbuster hits “Shadow Complex™” (Chair Entertainment/Microsoft Corp.) and “Battlefield 1943™” (Electronic Arts) also nabbed two awards each. “Shadow Complex” (Chair Entertainment/Microsoft Corp.) was applauded for Best Graphics and Best Solo Game, while “Battlefield 1943”(Electronic Arts) earned trophies for multiplayer gameplay – Best Competitive Multiplayer and Best Co-Operative Multiplayer.

Xbox LIVE Arcade is committed to delivering quality downloadable titles at the best value, and is proud to offer these blockbuster games to the Xbox LIVE community.

And the Xbox LIVE Arcade Award goes to...

Best Overall Arcade Game: Trials HD (Microsoft)

Best Original Game: Splosion Man (Xbox LIVE Arcade)

Best Family Game: Hasbro Family Game Night (Electronic Arts)

Best Co-Operative Multiplayer: Battlefield 1943 (Electronic Arts)
Best Competitive Multiplayer: Battlefield 1943 (Electronic Arts)

Best Solo Game: Shadow Complex (Chair Entertainment/Microsoft Corp.)

Best Innovation: Trials HD (Microsoft)

Best Graphics: Shadow Complex (Chair Entertainment/Microsoft Corp.)

Best Classic/Remake: Banjo-Tooie (Microsoft Game Studios)

Avatar Marketplace

April showers may bring May flowers, but Avatar Marketplace brings hip designer duds and blockbuster game gear. On April 13, deck out your avatar in logo tees or a full Splinter Cell Third Echelon outfit when new inventory hits from “Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction” (UbiSoft). Cap it off on April 15 with racing apparel from “Forza Motorsport 3” (Microsoft Game Studios) and be the first to cross the finish line in haute style.

Xbox LIVE Arcade

Xbox LIVE Arcade delivers quality downloadable games at a great value. From epic fights to fantastic fantasy, Xbox LIVE Arcade has your downloadable fun covered.

Final Fight: Double Impact (Capcom)
Week of April 14 | 800 Microsoft Points
It's a double strike of arcade perfection as “Final Fight™: Double Impact” takes you on a hard-hitting journey through Capcom history with the ultimate versions of arcade classics “Final Fight” and “Magic Sword.” “Double Impact” slams into your home with seamless online and local co-op multiplayer, new music by acclaimed remixologists, HD-filtered graphics, a host of unlockables to discover, and an integrated online leaderboard to prove your mettle! Rated T for Teen by the ESRB and available worldwide except Japan.


Deal of the week

Deal of the Week delivers deep cuts on titles featured in “30 Days of the Undead” coming to Xbox LIVE this month. Whether you’re slaying zombies or searching and rescuing, download these hits for up to half the price!

Left 4 Dead Crash Course (Electronic Arts)
Week of April 12 | 320 Microsoft Points
“Left 4 Dead™ Crash Course” begins with four survivors right after their rescue helicopter from the No Mercy campaign crash lands on the outskirts of town. This two chapter campaign includes Co-op, Survival and Versus action, and ten new achievements. You’ll have to be quick with your wits and fast on your feet in this fast-paced adventure, which is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and available worldwide.

The Maw (Microsoft Game Studios)
Week of April 12 | 400 Microsoft Points
The pinnacle of alien evolution, Maw is a chubby, cowardly blob concerned mostly with snacking and lounging. He absorbs the traits of anything he eats, is virtually indestructible, and can grow to unlimited size. If he wasn't a danger to all life in the universe, he'd make the perfect pet. In this action/adventure game, only by joining forces can Maw help eat his and Frank’s way to freedom. Recipient of the Audience Choice Award in the 2008 PAX-10 showcase of independent games, and a finalist at the 2009 Independent Games Festival for Technical Excellence, “The Maw” munches its way onto Xbox next week. Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available in Germany, Japan and Korea.

Borderlands Zombie Island (2K Games)
Week of April 19 | 400 Microsoft Points
Lock ‘em, load ‘em, and prepare to face the madness! The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned is an add-on pack for “Borderlands” with new enemy types, new missions, and new ... surprises. The Jakobs Corporation would like to invite you to experience the splendor of a corporate owned small town known as Jakobs Cove. Any rumors you may have heard about the "undead" walking our streets are completely preposterous and we officially deny them all. If those rumors turn out to be true simply purchase a firearm from the conveniently located Jakobs Brand Vending Machines and aim for the head. Also, would you mind saving our employees? (Non-union only please). “Borderlands Zombie Island” is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and available everywhere except Japan. Standalone “Borderlands” product required.

Game Add-Ons

Game Add-ons add fuel to your game fire by opening updates, upgrading game features and often employing added weapons to your gaming arsenal. Check out upcoming Game Add-ons that enhance three of your favorite titles, making your gaming experience that much more fun. Also, every Friday in April, “Lips” (Microsoft Game Studios) will release new 80s tracks. From crooning Donna Summer’s hit “She Works Hard for the Money” to rapping, “Going Back to Cali” as LL Cool Avatar, “Lips” (Microsoft Game Studios will rock your living room and your world.

Mega Man 10 Bass and Mega Man 10 Special Stage 1 Game Add-ons (Capcom)
April 7 | 80 Microsoft Points each / 160 Microsoft Points for both
Now with two new add-ons, “Mega Man 10 Bass” and “Mega Man 10 Special Stage 1,” the tenth edition of this 2-D classic brings the game back to its retro roots in brand new ways. “Bass” is the special 3rd playable character in Mega Man 10, and is available exclusively as a Game Add-on. In “Special Stage 1,” the boss of “Mega Man 10’s” first downloadable “Special Stage,” Enker, returns and it’s your job to run through the stages as quickly as possible and defeat the boss before time runs out. Each stage features a “Mega Man Killer” as the stage boss, uniquely designed to bring down Mega Man. Created by Dr. Wily and completely devoted to Mega Man’s destruction, can you, as Mega Man, take Enker on and solve this viral mystery? Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available worldwide.

Forza Motorsport 3 Road & Track Car Pack (Turn 10 Studios)
April 13 | 400 Microsoft Points
Get ready to hit the most stunning race tracks from around the world with ten new cars from the “Road & Track Car Pack” for “Forza Motorsport 3”! Selected by Turn 10 specifically for Road & Track, one of the longest running and trusted automotive magazines, this car pack will continue to diversify and beautify your “Forza Motorsport 3” garage. For more information, visit forzamotorsport.net/en-us/.

Games On Demand

Games on Demand delivers the titles you want, whenever you want them, straight to your Xbox 360. The upcoming Games on Demand lineup includes adventure, fantasy, and cult titles, all available for convenient download 24x7.

Fallout 3 (Bethesda Softworks)
April 6 |Releasing in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
Included in “Fallout 3” is an expansive universe, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters. Every minute is a fight for survival against the terrors of the outside world—radiation, super mutants, and hostile metamorphosed creatures. This game is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

Devil May Cry 4 (Capcom)
April 13 | Releasing in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
“Devil May Cry 4” sends you into a gothic and supernatural world where a new protagonist clashes with our familiar hero. Unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos as the new leading man, Nero with his powerful "Devil Bringer" arm. Dynamic action and undeniable style deliver in this devilish game, rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

Tomb Raider: Legend (Eidos Interactive)
April 13 | Available in North America
Lara Croft, everyone’s favorite dual pistol-wielding adventurer, must travel across the globe to unearth history’s greatest weapon. In “Tomb Raider: Legend”, immerse yourself in an explosive adventure filled with stunning environments to explore. This game is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Halo 3 (Microsoft Game Studios)
April 20 | Releasing worldwide
The epic saga continues with “Halo 3.” Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.

A HERO MUST RISE. BELIEVE. This game is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

Saints Row (THQ Inc.)
April 20 |Releasing in Europe
Welcome to Stilwater, an open-world city with attitude, a city controlled by rival gangs, a city you are about to take over in “Saints Row.” This isn’t your average adventure. As a low-level thug in the Third Street Saints, do what it takes to get the money and build the respect and power you need to muscle your way to the top. But, be warned: Your actions have consequences and around every corner lurks a new threat. This game is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.