Notes

Old Console and new Tricks: How to make the most of Your Xbox 360

There's plenty of fun in the Xbox 360, regardless of whether you're waiting for the Kinect-less Xbox One, or if you've already unpacked a brand new system. Microsoft will be in a position to get its new console running after some more software updates. However, until then, it's all about getting the most out of older hardware. Nearly nine years after the fact, here's how to ensure that your Xbox 360 is aging gracefully.



You can end your Xbox Live Subscription



You've probably heard that Microsoft is switching up how Xbox Live Gold works next month If your Xbox 360 is more of an Netflix machine rather than an online gaming platform You can begin saving money today. You'll receive a prorated reimbursement when you cancel your Xbox Live subscription prior to August 31st. This FAQ contains more details.



Keep your Xbox Live subscription active



But wait! But wait! It's not only about multiplayer gaming, apps like Netflix or Vudu. You can save money by looking for discounts on your subscription. The normal price for Xbox Live Gold is $10 per Month or $60 per year. Keep on the lookout for offers from retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, eBay or even the Microsoft Store which will reduce the entry fee by $10, $20 or even $25. Next, see this chart which outlines what is open to everyone and what will require Xbox Live Gold following June.



Protip: Watch out for our updates on deals to get a heads-up. You can also check websites such as CheapAssGamer and FatWallet to find out when sales are happening. Double-check all new games you purchase. They often come in bundles that reduce costs or come with a trial card that will help you satisfy your weekend Halo cravings.



Games with Gold



Microsoft added Games with Gold to its Xbox 360 package after Sony launched an Instant Game Collection that is part of PlayStation Plus, which gives monthly free games. The Xbox 360 version will get the monthly freebies, however there is one major advantage over the XB1 or PlayStation options: You get to keep your games. You don't need to log in twice a month (on the 16th and 1st) and after that, you can download the latest offer. It's yours for the duration of time, even if you cancel Xbox Live Gold. The only issue is So far, they've included less-popular and older games than the competition, but you can see the complete list of titles here. This month's games included Dust: An Elysian Tail, Saints Row: The Third and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition. Subscribers can also get Dark Souls, Charlie Murder and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition for absolutely zero extra cost.



Pro Tip: Deals with Gold offers an additional benefit that includes a monthly rotation of discounted games as well as videos and DLC. Minecraft Visit Major Nelson's blog for the latest information on what's on sale and when.



Xbox 360 SmartGlass



In the years since the Xbox 360 launched, Microsoft added a new way to interact with the console other than just gamepads and remotes: your phone or tablet. The SmartGlass app (formerly known as My Xbox Live) can control apps, games and movies on the Xbox 360, and even search for content using Bing. It is best to use it in conjunction with Xbox Live. Sending messages to friends or checking their Xbox Live status is often quicker using the second screen, and your phone likely has an upgraded keyboard than an add-on for the 360's controller. The apps are free to download and are available on Android, iOS, Kindle Fire and Windows 8/Windows Phone.



Protip: Get a complete list of games that are compatible with SmartGlass, apps, and movies right here.



Clear your cache



Occasionally problems with your Xbox 360 (glitches in the dashboard, sign-in issues or problems with specific games) can be solved simply by clearing the cache. On the Xbox clearing the cache will only remove temporarily downloaded game updates, but it doesn't affect system updates, game files or any other files on your hard drive. After clearing the cache, you will be asked to download new game updates each time you log into Xbox Live. To do this, go to the Settings page, select any storage device (cache will be cleared across all devices) then press"Y," select clear, and say "Yes." See how easy that was? It was so simple.



Xbox Live Arcade



Microsoft may have thrown indie games in with the big boys on Xbox One, but on Xbox 360, there are probably still a few smaller gems you haven't played yet. More than 600 games have been added to XBLA since launch, including well-known hits like Braid, The Walking Dead, Castle Crashers, Limbo, 'Splosion Man , and Minecraft. Plus, they offer demos and only cost a few bucks to test. Unfortunately Microsoft's Destination: Arcade visual browser hasn't returned after a short beta test in 2010. but we suggest trying out The Bridge, Bastion, N+, Super Meat Boy, Ascend: Hand of Kul and keep an eye on new titles coming out like AirMech Arena and Slender: The Arrival. Have you discovered some gems that we've missed? Leave us a note in the forums so that we can try them.



[Image credit: momo_leif / Alamy]


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