Yesterday we told you about Microsoft’s plans for the New Xbox Experience, including the fact that it would take 128 MB of storage to install the mandatory update. The question then went to how Microsoft would accomodate users without hard drives, and the company simply said they had a solution in mind. Now, we know specifically what the fix is.

As of right now, anyone owning a Core/Arcade model Xbox 360 can log onto a special website and punch in their serial number. After doing so, that individual will be offered either a free 512 MB memory stick, or the opportunity to purchase a refurbished 20 GB hard drive for $20. I know what you’re thinking, you’re going to try and be slick and punch in the serial number for your Pro/Elite so you can get yourself either a free memory stick or a nice little second hard drive, but don’t bother. The site is set up in such a way that it kicks back all Pro/Elite numbers, ensuring that this deal is for those distinctly lacking in the hard drive department. Nice try, though.

Actually a pretty neat idea overall, and one for which Microsoft deserves kudos. They could have simply told Core/Arcade users that they were out of luck and needed to buy a full-price hard drive in order to participate in the New Xbox Experience, but to their credit the company is trying to make sure everyone has an affordable, or even free, solution. Well done indeed.