Retailer GameStop has posted the price and release date for the Xbox 360-branded USB drives. It seems Microsoft hasn't exactly learned how to competitively price its accessories.

There will be two different sizes, an 8GB and 16GB version. According to the product listing, the 8GB size will retail for $39.99, while the 16GB will retail for $69.99. The USB drives will ship on April 6, according to the listings.

Of course, if those prices sound too big for you, the new storage feature allows users to insert any 3rd party USB drive, but will only dedicate a maximum of 16GB for each.

A quick search on Newegg reveals you can grab a SanDisk 16GB stick for about $40. So why the higher cost? The GameStop listing says that Xbox 360 sticks offer "hassle-free 'plug and play' installation," meaning the user won't have to configure his or her own 3rd party drive upon inserting it into the console. But according to Microsoft, having to configure your own drive doesn't sound too difficult.

These retail listings have not been confirmed, so there's a chance these prices may change. We asked Microsoft for comment and will update when we hear back.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/108/1080560p1.html

i wont i can get a 8gb for 25$ at wallmart and seen 16gb for 40$ aswell 

Meh, name brand accessories are always overpriced. It's the same deal if you buy Sony or Microsoft HDMI cables for $100+ rather than $6.

Really no surprise.

id rather have a hd, will you be able to download games onto usb sticks?

APRIL
FOOLS RITE??


Rite?

These company must make a living somehow! The consumers who refuse to buy overpriced products are hurting the company!!! Don't you know the companies are in red! (personally I feel sorry for the people who pay 100 bucks for HDMI cables, all of mine have been either free or newegg.)

All signs point to yes.

I just picked up a 16gb for £20, so no.

In this case, consumers can easily choose a cheaper alternative.

those prices are too high but who cares, MS will let you use any device so people should just buy a cheaper one instead. those who don't....well, it's not my or MS fault if you are an uninformed consumer.