Hey Microsoft, 250 GB for the Xbox 360 Won't Cut it

Microsoft's game profits lie chiefly in software, service, and peripheral sales. Their software attach rate generally trumps Sony's and Nintendo's and has since the 360 launched in 2005. Their Xbox LIVE service has grown by leaps and bounds, counting in excess of 20 million users, many if not most of those paying $50 a year for Gold member benefits. Their entertainment and devices division, including the Xbox 360, Games For Windows, and the Zune, just saw profits triple from $130 million to $375 million during their second quarter, which ended in December.

It's time to unlock the Xbox 360 hard drive, Microsoft. Allow the handful of users who have the need and know-how to apply what they already do with off-the-shelf 120 GB parts to larger 320 or 500 GB alternatives. It won't increase piracy rates (that horse left the stable four years ago and has nothing to do with drive size recognition limits). It won't increase support calls (homebrew upgraders tend to look after themselves, not to mention Sony's lack of support issues). And there's no reason to terrify your base with 'warranty void' threats, since you couldn't louse up the 360 per the current hack-around if you tried. Even if someone did somehow trash their hard drive or fumble the original install during the imaging process, hey, they'll just have to pay you $150 for a new one. That's called a 'win-win' in propositional terms.

I realize what I'm asking for probably won't happen. And I'll take it on the chin from Xbox 360 apologists who'd likely pay twice what you're asking for half as much offered just to spite naysayers.

Doesn't change my storage needs, or the allure of the competition's more customer-friendly upgrade angle.

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