NXE

With the New Xbox Experience (NXE) just around the corner, I figured I'd make a little post about some of the questions I still see people asking every day. The questions I will cover are some of the more simple things, that do make people question this update.

First is the gamer pics and themes. Many people were and still are upset about this update, feeling that the new layout, along with the addition of Avatars that they will no longer be able to use the gamer pics and themes that they paid for. This is simply not true, and as you can see from the screenshot above (taken from a video Major Nelson made himself), his avatar is one thing, and in the upper right hand corner is the gamer pic he is using as another. This clearly shows that you are free to use which ever, when ever you please. Themes on the other hand, will look different than before, so not all themes may look as cool as they did with the previous interface (personally I hated every theme I tried because of the adds and layout of the old interface), but you are free to use them as before.

Second is about using the old interface. Many people want the option to use the old interface with the new update. While this is not an option, you can how ever use the blades by pressing the guide button (for the non tech savvy people, this is the Xbox button on your controller). It's a miniaturized version of the blades. While this offers quick navigation for some not used to the new UI, I don't believe it supports all of the new features, nor access to the market place or Netflix.

People also are asking about the price and size of this update. The price is free as always, and the size is about 125 MB (give or take). This how ever is a concern for people with arcade models of the 360. If you do not have a memory card, or an HD by now, you will need one to experience the new update (how ever if you don't play online at all, this won't affect you at all).

For people who don't have internet connection and wish to use the update, as with all previous updates to the Xbox 360's UI, there will be a download you can burn to a CD, as well as other options.

Also, people still seem to be confused by the "rip and play" option being added to the 360. Installing your games does NOT mean you can install the game to 360's HD and return/sell/throw away/give to friend to play/ect. It simply means 2 things. Improved load times, as well as less wear and tear on the optical drive. You WILL have to have the disk for the game you are wanting to play in the system while playing. This is insure that you do in fact have the game, and are not trying to violate any copyright laws.

If you have anymore questions, feel free to post a comment and I will edit as soon as I can. Otherwise, enjoy the NXE on November 19th!