360 USB support goes live

The Xbox Live update that enables 360 owners to use USB flash drives as storage devices for their console has now gone live.

Microsoft confirmed that today’s mandatory update introduces USB support and allows gamers to configure their memory sticks to hold profiles, game saves, downloadable content and more.

Third-party devices will have to be configured through the console – although pre-configured Xbox 360-branded 8GB USB Flash Drives will be available soon, thanks to a partnership between Microsoft and SanDisk.

The platform holder has warned that drives will need at least 512MB free before they can be used with the Xbox 360.

USB support for the console was first rumoured and then confirmed last month. Throughout its official FAQ, Microsoft emphasised that the forthcoming Xbox 360 250GB Hard Drive will provide an alternative storage solution.