If you remember, back in the days with the Xbox, it had quite amazing graphics for that time period. That was because the data on the DVD games was able to be compressed and then streamed off when played, uncompressing to HDD. Every original Xbox had this and allowed for shorter waits on loading and more data to be transfered onto the DVD. Microsoft plans to do the exact same thing for the Xbox 360, but there's no word on the first game to snag this program.

As many people will remember, the original XBOX was capable of some very large games that contained great AI and graphics for the time. To put it simply, this was possible because the data on the DVD was able to be compressed quite heavily, because it was then streamed off the disc and uncompressed to the HDD that every original XBOX had. This allowed for shorter (less frequent) load times and also allow for much more data to be placed on the DVD.

XF has learned that MS has plans for the 360 to do the very same thing. Games requiring the HDD will initially have a "HDD required" logo clearly viewable on the front of the case, as well being listed as requiring the HDD on the back info panel of the case.

Synergized via xboxfamily.com »