Microsoft details free 360 memory scheme

Xbox 360 platform holder Microsoft has lifted the lid on its scheme to help those lacking memory space ahead of the release of the

new Xbox dashboard upgrade

next month.

Microsoft yesterday revealed that users would need 128MB of free storage space to run the New Xbox Experience – something that could be problematic for Xbox 360 Arcade or Core owners without a hard drive.

However, a new online initiative launched today is offering users the chance to upgrade their console’s memory in preparation for the launch. Once a console’s serial number is entered on the site, eligible users are offered either a free 512MB memory card or a refurbished 20GB HDD for 12.99.

The cost for US console users is $19.99 for the hard drive, or $29.99 for the HDD and three months Xbox Live Gold membership.