Microsoft releases an updated Xbox 360 Development Kit

GAMES CONSOLE VENDOR Microsoft has released an updated Xbox Development Kit console, which is a beefed-up Xbox 360 console with additional RAM, flash memory, hard disk space and a smaller size and price.

The console gives developers a stronger system to work with for creating and testing games, but a high price tag can discourage some developers from using the system. Microsoft hopes its lower pricing will help it attract more people to developing titles for the Xbox 360 gaming console.

A further addition is an optional Sidecar attachment for debugging and disc emulation. This must be licensed, but just one can be used among multiple Xbox Development Kit consoles, allowing a full team of developers to work on testing and debugging games for the popular gaming device.

Microsoft was keen to highlight that this move is proof that it is continuing to investment in the Xbox, which has seen revitalization in recent months with the launch of the Kinect, Microsoft's long-awaited and highly-successful answer to Nintendo's Wii.

With the Kinect still relatively new, developers are likely to flock to it to create a multitude of motion control games, making a new Xbox Development Kit an important tool at their disposal.

The console will be available for developers with existing Microsoft licensing contracts. The company advised independent developers to use XNA Game Studio instead.

Developers might also get an extra tool for the Xbox 360 next week with the launch of Silverlight on the device, according to reports by Winrumours. It suggested that the firm will launch media streaming software for the Xbox at the MIX11 event in Las Vegas next week. µ