How to get the most out of Xbox 360’s downloadable content

The Xbox 360 isn’t a simple standalone console. Connect it to the Internet and you’ll open a Pandora’s box of downloadable goodies. Follow our simple steps and we’ll have you grabbing games, entertainment and added extras in no time, ensuring you eek the most out of your green-eyed monster of a games console.

Step 1: Log onto Xbox Live
To download content to your Xbox you’ll need to tap into Xbox Live, whether its games, videos or music. You don’t need to pay for an account unless you want to engage in some serious multiplayer action. However, you’ll need a broadband router to connect the Xbox 360 using an Ethernet cable.

If your Xbox 360 is far away from the router, you’ll need a Wireless Adapter to connect it to a Wi-Fi network or a pair of Powerline adapters to use your home’s mains connection to connect the two.

Step 2: Choice downloads
The Xbox 360 offers tons of game demos for free, but they’re no substitute for a proper game. For that, tap into Xbox Live Arcade, where you’ll find eye-popping titles like space-based shooter, Battlestar Galactica, classically updated puzzle game, Bejeweled 2 and hilarious cartoon platformer, Alien Hominid HD.

One of the most impressive and inventive Arcade games around is REZ HD, boasting amazing graphics, full surround sound and a musical score that builds as you progress through levels. It’s reminiscent of the movie Tron, blending retro themes with modern graphics and sound. Make it one of your first downloads.

If you’re more of a movie fan than a games buff, you’re in luck. The Xbox Live Video Store has tons of movies, and music videos to download.

Just tap into it, and you’ll find movies for rent (including some in HD quality), as well as music videos available to buy. There are no TV shows available in the UK yet, but Microsoft promises that’ll change soon.

Step 3: Bonus content
As well as games, demos and movies the Xbox Live service serves up bonus content for some games. You’ll need the original disc, but dive into Xbox Live’s Game Store, then hit More and choose Game Add-Ons to see the extra levels, power-ups, weapons and sound tracks on offer.

Step 4: Get extra storage
After you’ve been downloading games and movies for a while, you could find the hard disk on your Xbox getting a bit full. Don’t worry though, it’s easy to upgrade. Just grab a replacement drive and slot it into the top of the console.

Remember though, you can always delete movies after you’ve watched them, since they’re rentals and you won’t be able to watch them after they’ve expired anyway.

Must-have accessories
Fast Broadband connection – Downloading games and movies will take an age unless you’ve got a speedy broadband connection. Check out our Guide to choosing a Broadband provider and you’ll soon be all set.

Get chatting about the Xbox 360 over at the PriceRunner forum

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