Notes

Old Console, new Tricks How to get the most of your Xbox 360

Whether you're holding out for the Kinect-less Xbox One or you've already removed a new console, there's still plenty of life left in the Xbox 360. Microsoft will be able to get its new console in operation after a few more software updates. But for now, it's all about getting the most of older hardware. Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Xbox 360 continues to age gracefully nearly nine years later.



Cancel 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 than an Netflix machine rather than a gaming platform and you're interested in saving money now. You'll receive a prorated refund when you decide to 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 just about multiplayer gaming or apps like Netflix and Vudu. You can save money by searching for discounts on your subscription. Regular pricing for Xbox Live Gold is $10 per month or $60 per year. Keep on the lookout for offers from stores like Best Buy, Amazon, eBay or even the Microsoft Store which will reduce the entry cost by $10, $20 or even $25. Next, check out this chart that outlines what's available to everyone, and what will still require Xbox Live Gold after June.
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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 taking place. Make sure to check the new games you buy. They often come in bundles that reduce the cost or contain the chance to try a trial version that will give you the chance to 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 with PlayStation Plus, which gives away free games every month. Yes, the monthly freebies are coming to Xbox One, but the Xbox 360 version has one major advantage over XB1 and PlayStation games: You can keep the games. That's right, all you have to do is sign at least twice per month (on the 1st and the 16th) and then start downloading of whatever is being available and you'll be able to keep it for the duration of the subscription even if you decide to cancel Xbox Live Gold later. The only drawback? The only issue is that they've so far included lower-profile titles as well as older ones than the competitors. You can check out a complete list of games here. This month's games were Dust: An Elysian Tail and Saints Row: The Third In June, subscribers can snag Dark Souls, Charlie Murder and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition -- not an awful deal at no additional cost.



Protip: Deals with Gold offers an additional benefit that includes a monthly rotation with discounted games as well as videos and DLC. Visit Major Nelson's blog for up-to-date details on what's available and when.



Xbox 360 SmartGlass



In the years since the Xbox 360 launched, Microsoft introduced a new method to interact with the console other than just gamepads and remotes: your smartphone or tablet. The SmartGlass app, previously known as My Xbox Live, can manage games, apps, and movies on the Xbox 360. It also allows you to search for content with Bing. The easiest method of using it is via Xbox Live. Sending messages to friends or checking their Xbox Live status is often quicker from the second screen, and your phone likely has an upgraded keyboard than an add-on to the 360's controller. These apps are free to download and are available for Android, iOS, Kindle Fire and Windows 8/Windows Phone.



Protip: You can find a complete list of SmartGlass-enabled apps games, movies, and apps here.



Clear your cache



Occasionally, issues with your Xbox 360 (glitches in the dashboard, sign-in problems or problems with specific games) can be solved simply by clearing the cache. Clearing the cache on the Xbox eliminates games that are downloaded temporarily updates. It doesn't affect game files, system updates, or any other data on your hard drive. After clearing the cache, you will be asked to download new game updates when you log in to Xbox Live. To do this, go to the Settings page, select a storage device (cache will be cleared on all devices) Press"Y," then select clear and then click "Yes." Did you notice how simple it was? So easy.



Xbox Live Arcade



Microsoft may have thrown indie games alongside the big boys on Xbox One, but on Xbox 360, there are likely to be a few lesser gems you haven't played yet. Over 600 games were pushed to XBLA at the time of the launch date, including well-known classics such as Braid, The Walking Dead, Castle Crashers, Limbo, 'Splosion Man , and Minecraft. They even have demos and are free to download. After a brief beta test in 2010 Microsoft's Destination: Arcade visual web browser hasn't been reintroduced. We recommend that you test The Bridge, Bastion and N+, Super Meat Boy and Ascend: Hand of Kul. Keep on your watch for new titles like AirMech Arena or Slender: The Attainment. Do you have any obscure gems we've missed? Drop us a note in the forums to inform us.



[Image credit: momo_leif / Alamy]


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