Fresh off from the GDC, Microsoft announced their plans of launching a 512 MB Memory Unit for their next-gen console, the Xbox 360. Apart from this, they also revealed that they are also bent on increasing the official size limit of the Xbox Live Arcade games from 50 MB to 150 MB.

According to Microsoft, you can expect this upgrade to be available worldwide starting April 3rd of this year for an estimated price of US$ 49.99 in North America. The 512MB memory unit will be pre-loaded with Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, albeit for a limited time only. As for the original 64MB memory unit, they will be dropping the price from US$ 39.99 to US$ 29.99.

According to Chris Early, XBLA production unit manager, "the new size limit offers developers increased flexibility and continued opportunities for innovative game development, while also ensuring that the millions of gamers on Xbox LIVE can continue to easily access, download and play all Xbox LIVE Arcade games on Xbox 360."

Microsoft is expected to present their upcoming games for the XBLA this week at GDC.

• Boom Boom Rocket  (EA and Bizarre Creations) - Spring release for 800 Microsoft Points
• 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures (Sierra Online and Wanako Games) - the first outdoor sports game on the XBLA where you can putt your way through 36 holes on wild courses, such as the Classic Carnival and Outer Space settings
• Eets: Chowdown (Klei Entertainment Inc.) - a PC original revamped for the Xbox 360 with new items and 120 new levels
• Jetpack Refuelled (Rare Ltd.) - a reinvention of the 1983 space blaster classic with enhanced graphics and new features suited for the XBLA. Expect 100 new high-definition levels to up the challenge.
• Pinball FX (ZEN Studios Ltd.) - now with real-time head-to-head competition features over Xbox LIVE and Xbox LIVE Vision camera support.