I think we really got the Phantom....

[Dreamshadow]

... but we got it in little bits.  I've been shocked how easily I consider game purchases on my Xbox 360 right now.  When I realized I had 19 purchased Live Arcade games, plus several large game expansions that were download only on my Xbox, it occured to me that Microsoft succeeded where Infinium Labs did not.  They made a home use, multimedia content system, got people to pay for the service, etc.  What is even worse...I hated the idea of the Phantom.  Purchase games that weren't really mine?  Blasphemy.  Remove physical content from my hands?  Ok, so I still have dvds of games at home..but there are a fair bit that are on my HDD.

I don't think I'll look at my Xbox 360 the same again, now that I have realized this.  But I may actually purchase a bigger HDD now.

[PeteRock]

But I may actually purchase a bigger HDD now.

This consideration has become very real in our house.  I've hovered around 3 gigs of available space on my current HD, but that space is going fast with consistent Rock Band downloadable content and the upcoming release of Rock Band 2.  The 120 gig hard drive is looking less like a luxury and more like a necessity with each passing day.   

[coopasonic]

The 120 gig hard drive is looking less like a luxury and more like a necessity with each passing day.   

Once playing games from the hard drive comes, it's a done deal. 

[YellowKing]

I've slowly gotten over my fear of not having physical media. When I started thinking about it, I realized that my money was virtual - my company doesn't pay me in cash. They pay me in numbers which are transferred to a bank which keeps track of my numbers, and subtracts the appropriate amount of numbers when I purchase something. I haven't carried cash in years, and if I can wrap my mind around the concept of something that important existing only in electronic form, then I should certainly be able to wrap my mind around the concept of purchasing minor luxuries like games and music in electronic form.

[JCC]

I am fine with non-media on the PC, but on my gaming consoles, I want media. I save lots and lots of money from lending/borrowing games to/from my friends. And used game sales help somewhat too. (Although they clearly help Gamestop more than us.) Of course, this is exactly why the game companies can't wait to go all digital distribution.

[Purge]

"Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter with the promise of a brave new world under the clear blue skies?" - Pink Floyd

[JCC]

"Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter with the promise of a brave new world under the clear blue skies?" - Pink Floyd

Actually it's, "Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter when the promise of a brave new world unfurled beneath a clear blue sky?" but the sentiment was appreciated.

[Canuck]

I am fine with non-media on the PC, but on my gaming consoles, I want media. I save lots and lots of money from lending/borrowing games to/from my friends. And used game sales help somewhat too. (Although they clearly help Gamestop more than us.) Of course, this is exactly why the game companies can't wait to go all digital distribution.

Agreed.  I hope everybody who loves digital distribution also loves never being able to sell their games when they're done with them.  I've got a copy of Warhawk on my PS3 which I detest, but how am I going to get my $45 back?  FUCK digital distribution.

[Purge]

"Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter with the promise of a brave new world under the clear blue skies?" - Pink Floyd

Actually it's, "Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter when the promise of a brave new world unfurled beneath a clear blue sky?" but the sentiment was appreciated.

Yeah.. I knew I missed something with it... I actually was digging out the Wall again to relisten to it. Gotta love it when an artist of one type refers to another just to make you think.

[Harkonis]

I was quite amazed (and saddened) when I saw how much stuff I've bought through Live.

Counting Rock Band tracks I've easily spent over $1000 total.  I have 40ish Arcade games, plenty of expansions and addons and all but a couple RB tracks.

I REALLY wish I could get a 120gb HDD for a reasonable price, they'd more than make up the difference in money I'd spend on filling it up.

My 20gb is down to about 1gb free with all my demos deleted and when RB2 hits I'm goign to be out of room completely.

[Destructor]

I REALLY wish I could get a 120gb HDD for a reasonable price, they'd more than make up the difference in money I'd spend on filling it up.

That would make complete sense. Problem is, as an accessory, they have to mark the thing up by 500%. Microsoft just doesn't realize that the people who buy the bigger drives will more than likely spend a TON more on their Live services just to fill the thing up.

[Jancelot]

After spending an entire day putting around 500 music CDs into binders for storage (threw away the case and covers), I have now fully flipped in to being okay without having physical media.  Bring it on!