Score a point for SanDisk, the flash memory card maker who managed to convince Microsoft to let them be the ones to provide the official Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive. Microsoft added USB storage device support to its gaming console less than a month ago, and with SanDisk's USB stick, gamers need not worry about formatting or downloading an initial storage update. Just plug it in and you're good to go.

"Xbox LIVE contains a world of content for gamers to explore and download, including full-length games, movies and music," said Shuki Nir, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Retail, SanDisk. "The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk is specifically engineered to deliver a great user experience and maximum compatibility with the console, offering gamers greater freedom and flexibility in how they store, manage and enjoy their favorite files."


Not surprisingly, pricing is a bit higher than what you'd pay for a non-branded USB stick. Available in 8GB and 16GB capacities, SanDisk will sell the drives for $35 and $70, respectively. That's not an egregious markup, though we feel like there was a missed opportunity here to bundle in some special edition content that would only be available to those who purchased the USB drive.

SanDisk Ships Licensed Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive

Pre-configured USB Drive Delivers Best Experience On Xbox 360 Console

MILPITAS, Calif.--SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today announced that it is shipping the Xbox 360® USB Flash Drive by SanDisk for the Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment console. The new drive makes it easier than ever for gamers to take their gamertags, saved game progress, map packs, Arcade game downloads and bonus content with them for fast and convenient access on another Xbox 360 console†.

“SanDisk has a proven track record of creating high-quality storage solutions”

The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk delivers the best experience on the Xbox 360 console. Pre-configured for seamless plug and play action, the drive eliminates the need to format storage or download an initial software update for an Xbox 360 console. For gamers looking to get in on the fun or for those with existing accounts who want to extend their play, a one-month Xbox LIVE Gold membership is included with purchase of the drive††.

“Xbox LIVE contains a world of content for gamers to explore and download, including full-length games, movies and music,” said Shuki Nir, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Retail, SanDisk. “The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk is specifically engineered to deliver a great user experience and maximum compatibility with the console, offering gamers greater freedom and flexibility in how they store, manage and enjoy their favorite files.”

“SanDisk has a proven track record of creating high-quality storage solutions,” said Ilan Spillinger, Vice President, Xbox Hardware and Technology, Microsoft. “The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk provides a great solution for gamers who need portable storage for their Xbox 360 content. It’s plug and play simple.”

Pricing and Availability

The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk is available now on SanDisk.com and at major retailers. The drive is available in 8 gigabyte (GB)¹ and 16GB capacities, carrying suggested retail prices of $34.99 and $69.99, respectively.

About SanDisk

SanDisk Corporation is the global leader in flash memory cards, from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.