At the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2007, Microsoft today announced plans to launch a 512MB Memory Unit for the Xbox 360 and an increase in the official size limit of Xbox LIVE Arcade games from 50 MB to 150 MB. The 512MB Memory Unit, available worldwide beginning April 3, 2007, will retail for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (U.S.) in North America (£34.99 in the UK).* The 512MB Memory Unit will be pre-loaded with the hit Xbox LIVE Arcade game “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved” from developer Bizarre Creations Ltd. for a limited time. The original 64MB Memory Unit retails for an estimated retail price of $29.99 (ERP) (£22.99 in the UK).

Also announced today and taking effect immediately, the Xbox LIVE Arcade game size limit has increased from 50 MB to 150 MB, giving developers greater flexibility in game design and expanding the opportunity to add advanced game features while still keeping games compact. This week at GDC, Microsoft will showcase forthcoming Xbox LIVE Arcade games from a cross-section of genres to the game development community including Boom Boom Rocket (EA and Bizarre Creations), 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures (Sierra Online and Wanako Games), Eets: Chowdown (Klei Entertainment Inc.), Jetpac Refuelled (a remake of Rare's 1983 space blaster game) and Pinball FX.