Xbox 360 arcade upgrade to enable online

PaulJM

Hello,

Hope someone can help.

I bought my son an Xbox arcade a couple of years ago, for Xmas. Strapped for cash at the time, I went for the cheapest option, not something I usually do, but hey ho, done now!

He's now wanting to go online with it, but I'm horribly aware that the arcade is not up to the job - not enough memory, etc.
Before it's pointed out, yes I know the other option bundles would have worked out cheaper in the long term, but I am where I am!

So, anyone know how I do this?

I guess I'll need a bigger memory, and some kind internet connection from the xbox?
I have a decent wireless router, so can use that if I can get a wireless module of some kind....
Also, where's the best place to get these things?
Or is it cheaper to get a whole new system?

He's actually saved up to give me the money to sort it out, and after 3 weeks of investigating, I can't get a proper answer off the net!

Please help!
Paul

spg_SCOTT

Hi Paul,

As a fellow 360 gamer, there are some things you should know as well as what you need.
-Your son will need a windows live (hotmail) account if he doesn't actually have one.
-If he is under 18 (and his live account is registered as such), then the account will need an adult windows live account as well
-You will need to pay for xbox live (although there are IIRC 3 trials available for initial subscribers per xbox)

So, the things you need:
A hard drive (I think this is necessary, but I could be wrong, a memory card might be enough, but you would probably want a larger memory to store downloaded content)
Some form of connection. You can go wireless, with an adapter, but this is an added cost. I have found, that wireless connections are also less reliable. I use an ethernet cable to my router.

An example of what you would need would be the Xbox Live starter pack (not sure how this forum is for links but if you search for this, you can find it in places like argos...

If I've missed something, I'm sure someone will add.

Scott

PaulJM

Great thanks, I'll have a look. I'm in no way a tech, but I find when you're away from these things, you lose touch!

Would be good if anyone has any prices for these things, and also if they know if you need a full harddrive, or just a flash drive, since you can get a good few gig on a flash now.

custardy

I would hold off
the new 360 comes out next month
so you maybe able to pick up a hard drive(the current ones dont work on the new ones) or even a 2ndf hand 360 with hard drive cheaper

Phantom_Flan_Flinger

Places like Gamestation usually have second hand hard drives. Not looked, but I guess there'll be loads on Ebay as well.

You can get on-line and play with a memory module. The problem (as mentioned above) is that there's no space on it for downloadable content e.g. map packs, demos, etc.

If the box is too far away for an ethernet cable, then you're looking at getting the wifi adapter. The price for this can range from around £40 up to £60. You may be able to find it cheaper with a bit of hunting. On the plus side, it is easy to set up.

If you get on-line before buying a hard drive, the Xbox will update to the latest dashboard. This will allow connection of USB sticks to be used as a saving media. You can use up to 2 8GB sticks. This could be a no/low cost option if you have some lying around. Again though, if he starts downloading lots, this space may not last long.

Finally there's the cost of playing on-line. An Xbox Live Gold account is needed. A 12 month sub can be bought on-line for under £30. We can point you in the right direction for that if needed. Once you set up a Live account, you'll get 1 month free anyways. By making new accounts, you can do this a couple more times, as above.

PaulJM

Phantom_Flan_Flinger wrote: »

You can get on-line and play with a memory module. The problem (as mentioned above) is that there's no space on it for downloadable content e.g. map packs, demos, etc.

If the box is too far away for an ethernet cable, then you're looking at getting the wifi adapter. The price for this can range from around £40 up to £60. You may be able to find it cheaper with a bit of hunting. On the plus side, it is easy to set up.

If you get on-line before buying a hard drive, the Xbox will update to the latest dashboard. This will allow connection of USB sticks to be used as a saving media. You can use up to 2 8GB sticks. This could be a no/low cost option if you have some lying around. Again though, if he starts downloading lots, this space may not last long.

Finally there's the cost of playing on-line. An Xbox Live Gold account is needed. A 12 month sub can be bought on-line for under £30. We can point you in the right direction for that if needed. Once you set up a Live account, you'll get 1 month free anyways. By making new accounts, you can do this a couple more times, as above.

This is excellent - thanks so much.
I didn't imagine it'd be as simple as sticking the Eth cable into the back! Somehow I'd imagined having to get the memory, a wirless thing and special equip!
I've connected now...thanks!
One final thing - are the ports on the front, that take the xbox memory modules, normal USB's? So I stick the memory sticks in there?
It's also asking me to open NAT config, as mine is moderate? What does that mean, and how do I do it?

Phantom_Flan_Flinger

PaulJM wrote: »

One final thing - are the ports on the front, that take the xbox memory modules, normal USB's? So I stick the memory sticks in there?
It's also asking me to open NAT config, as mine is moderate? What does that mean, and how do I do it?

Push in the little flap to the right of the power on the front of the Xbox. There's 2 USB ports under there.

Maybe this page on the Xbox Live help page can help with the NAT?

PaulJM

Thanks for these excellent, helpful replies guys.

I have two problems now, and hope someone can help!

1) - It's advising my memory stick may impair the performance. Not sure why, it's a perfectly normal, 8 gig stick - I've had a look on the online xbox section, and it doesn't really give the reasons!
2) - The Xbox still doesn't appear to be backwards compatable. Any ideas? Looking on the internet, it seems to point to the fact that this is because I don't have a hard-drive - but why? I have a perfectly usable 8 gig now?

Hope you can help!

weegie.geek

I think the stick might be slower than it'd prefer. It said that about mine (i'm just using it for saves, not DLC) and it's been fine.

As for the backwards compatibilty part, you *NEED* the hard drive. Xbox games cached content on the xbox's hard drive. While you're playing xbox games the 360 can't acess the memory cards/usb sticks, only the hard drive.

PaulJM

weegie.geek wrote: »

I think the stick might be slower than it'd prefer. It said that about mine (i'm just using it for saves, not DLC) and it's been fine.

As for the backwards compatibilty part, you *NEED* the hard drive. Xbox games cached content on the xbox's hard drive. While you're playing xbox games the 360 can't acess the memory cards/usb sticks, only the hard drive.

Cheers mate - bah.
I really should have bought a better model.
I'm sticking with a Wii next time, I've not had a moments ponsing about with it, and all said and done, both me and my son have had a lot more fun out it!

I think I'm either too old, or a complete luddite. I never used to be...either of those things.

weegie.geek

Why should you have bought a better model? You can fit a hard drive to any of them, it doesn't need to have been bought with one.

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=8664