On Dec. 4, Microsoft is planning to release a system update for its Xbox 360 console that will let users download original Xbox games over the Xbox Live network, according to a recent news release from Computer and Video Games magazine.

The cost will be 1,200 Microsoft points per game, which translates to approximately $20.

Randy Deiber, freshman in pre-business, owns both Xbox systems and wishes he could play the original Xbox games he already owns instead of paying to download a new copy.

“Offering backward compatibility is what helped out the PlayStation to do well,” Deiber said. “So if the 360 came out backwards compatible right away, Microsoft could have sold even more 360s.”

Jay Vreeland, freshman in mechanical engineering, also questioned the wisdom of Microsoft’s plan.

“Honestly,” Vreeland said, “I don’t see the amount of profit Microsoft will make when most loyal Xbox fans have both an original and 360.”

Among the initial list of downloadable original Xbox games will be “Halo,” “Fable,” “Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge” and “Burnout 3.”

Ashley Byers, junior in biochemistry, who owns an Xbox 360 after having owned an Xbox, echoes Deiber’s sentiments.

“I would have liked the 360 to be fully backwards compatible to begin with. The game library for potential buyers would have been much larger if they could play Xbox games as well.” Byers said. “As for offering games for download someone who is hankering to play their favorite Xbox game that didn’t make it onto the backwards compatible list, and no longer own an original Xbox, at least there is another option to be able to play their games again.”

Also slated for North American release will be a movie rental service that operates via Xbox Live. Upon purchase, you’ll have up to two weeks to watch the downloaded film.