"With the launch of the Xbox 360 console looming nearer and nearer (need I remind you: November 22nd in North America, December 2nd in Europe, December 10th in Japan), Microsoft have lifted the lid on the content that will be available from the Xbox Live Marketplace at the time of the system's launch. The Marketplace will deliver purchasable content to gamers via their broadband connection, and is perhaps Redmond's most important expansion to the Live online service. Apparently, more than 400 items will be sold in the Marketplace initially, with free demos of certain titles also offered. FIFA 06, Kameo, King Kong, NBA Live 06 and Need for Speed Most Wanted demos are mooted at present.

There will also be certain free pictures, trailers and desktop themes to download, not to mention 'premium' items to be had with Microsoft Points. Said Points can be acquired via the Live dashboard or through your local games shop, and 2100 Points will cost 17.50 GBP at present. Gamer pictures will cost about 20 Points, apparently, themes 150, whilst logo packs representing the NFL, for example, can be had for 500. We're also promised six new cars for Ridge Racer 6, but no date or pricing has been offered as yet.

New games for the Arcade will also be purchasable, costing 400-1200 Points, with demos of these games playable before purchase too. "Xbox Live Marketplace puts the buying power directly into the consumer's hands, allowing each person to choose digital content they want, when they want it," enthused Peter Moore. More as we get it." [link]