Stand and Deliver

So much for window shopping. Finally, thanks to the Xbox 360™ kiosk, no matter how tight your budget, you'll never walk away from your favorite gaming retailer empty-handed again. Credit a unique interface—the first of its kind found in a free-standing promotional unit—which actually lets Xbox 360 owners insert an Xbox 360 Memory Unit into and freely download content directly from the system at participating retailers.

Your one-stop digital entertainment center.

Wild Style
Here's how it works: Each of the interactive kiosks comes equipped with a flat-screen HDTVs. Also attached is an Xbox 360 controller, which you use to interact with the unit's menu system. Among the info you can pull up: details on the latest and greatest games, video trailers, sound bytes, developer interviews, and other assorted goodies.

Also browse information about Xbox Live®, hardware, accessories, and other digital entertainment features of Xbox 360.

The kiosk provides an authentic look at each featured item. What you see is what you'll get, should you purchase the highlighted product. A headphone jack is incorporated into the stand's design as well. Bring your own pair of headphones along, and crank up the volume and listen in to the presentation at whatever intensity level you desire. Enough with technical details … on to the really cool part—the memory unit slot that sits front and center.

Use a headphone and crank it up.

Plug and Play
Every Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB) comes with a free carrying case that fits onto your keychain. As much portability as it adds, bear in mind the accessory isn't just for show. Cart your memory unit along the next time you visit a shop where Xbox 360 systems and software are sold, and get a firsthand glimpse at the future of interactive entertainment.

Place your memory unit in the slot provided, and then browse the kiosk's inventory. Look closely, and notice a novel feature—while you can idly flip through the machine's contents, you also have the option of downloading exclusive media right then and there.

Consider some of the potential benefits: Take away a teaser for a specific title, and use it as leverage to convince a friend or loved one to buy it for you as a gift. Grab an exclusive theme, and personalize your dashboard so that it matches your system's faceplate.

Even exclusive in-game objects can be offered via the kiosk. Picture custom-built cars branded with company logos, unique weapons, or saved games that unlock secrets in your favorite first-person shooter. All of which are available absolutely free of charge. Of course, not all downloads are available at all times at all locations.

Audio- and video-heads aren't ignored either. Imagine grabbing a breaking band's single, or a popular independent film short on demand. Anything goes … and, for that matter, goes onto your memory unit as well.

Extra, Extra
Kiosks will be custom-tailored for some retailers, so different extras will be available at almost every location. Sure, the mini-mall down the street might have a new multiplayer skin for Perfect Dark Zero™, but the electronics chain a block away could have a trailer for an upcoming blockbuster film. The toy store across town? Who knows, maybe a sneak peek at the new single from your favorite songwriter.

You won't just stumble on these interactive distribution centers anymore, you'll want to seek them out. The cool rewards for doing so can't help but make those who haven't already acquired them green with envy.

Compare, show off, and trade your collection with buddies or family members. Sharing your multimedia experiences is the name of the game. Well that, and grabbing as many goodies as possible. After all, getting started is as easy as hitting the X button. Once you've snagged your prize—downloading these bonuses takes seconds flat—off in search of the next conquest (and kiosk) you go.

Game On
Think of it as a game unto itself. How much cool stuff can you compile? How many people can you share the wealth with? Who benefits more from the effort—you, or the people you've introduced to the most powerful gaming system ever invented? Spread the word, or start your own scavenger hunt today. Either way, I've got a good idea where you're headed next.

The nearest kiosk … then right back home to Xbox 360 to load the cool new treasures into your console, natch.

Article by Chris Zimmerman