Microsoft to offer Xbox 360 memory unit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O) on Monday announced plans to launch a 512MB Memory Unit for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and an increase in the official size limit of Xbox LIVE(R) Arcade games from 50 MB to 150 MB.

The 512MB Memory Unit, available worldwide beginning April 3, will retail for an estimated retail price of $49.99 in North America.

The 512MB Memory Unit will be pre-loaded with the Xbox LIVE Arcade game "Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved" from developer Bizarre Creations Ltd. for a limited time. The original 64MB Memory Unit will simultaneously drop in price from $39.99 to $29.99.