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How to Play Xbox Games on an Xbox 360 Arcade

The Xbox 360 offers a multitude of console options for consumers interested in purchasing the video game system. Among these is the Xbox 360 Arcade, a more affordable version featuring a removable memory unit instead of a hard drive to store information. However, without a hard drive, certain features cannot be accessed using an Xbox 360 Arcade unit, including the ability to play original Xbox games. Once a hard drive has been installed into an Arcade unit, a large number of games from the original Xbox library are compatible for play on the Xbox 360.

Things You'll Need

Xbox 360 hard drive (any size)
Internet Access
USB drive or CD/DVD, depending on the Xbox update method used

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the Xbox 360 console.
- 2
  Remove the protective cover from the left end of the Xbox 360 Arcade (or top, depending on whether your console is oriented horizontally or vertically). Remove the plastic cover from the Xbox 360 hard drive's connector.
- 3
  Place the large, rounded end of the hard drive against the back end of the drive bay area. Push the front of the hard drive down until it snaps into place.
- 4
  Update the Xbox 360 Arcade unit. This process can be completed in three ways. Connecting the Xbox 360 console to the Internet will update it automatically once a game requiring an update is played on the console.
  
  Updating without Internet access on the Xbox 360 console can be completed by downloading the update from the Xbox 360 Support Center (see References). Once the update is downloaded, copy the file to either a USB drive or CD/DVD. Attach the USB drive to your Xbox 360 Arcade or put in the disc and restart the console. The Xbox 360 will complete the update as it restarts.
- 5
  Verify the game that you wish to play is compatible with the Xbox 360. A list of compatible original Xbox games can be located on the Xbox 360 Support website (see Resources).
- 6
  Insert the game disc into the Xbox 360's drive. If you are using the console's Internet access to make the necessary update, the console will complete the process. Once the console is updated, the game will begin. If you updated previously using a USB drive or CD/DVD, the game will begin without an update.

Xbox 360