Microsoft's 'One More Thing:' Full game downloads

After two hours of exclusive game premiers and announcements regarding Microsoft's Xbox Live platform, Microsoft pulled its own version of Apple's trademark "One More Thing" announcement, or the footnote that trumps the entire presentation.

In August, Xbox Live subscribers will be able to buy and download full Xbox 360 titles with real money (not Xbox 360 points). The service will premiere with 30 games to start with and will add new titles weekly that will coincide with retail release. Unlike Xbox Live Arcade and WiiWare, these will be "disc-sized" games, and not games designed specifically for download.

Sony's PlayStation Network has a couple of titles which were released online and on disc simultaneously, but it has not been a breakthrough method of delivery for Sony yet. However, with the UMD-less PSP en route, the PlayStation Network offers a number of formerly PSP disc-only titles as downloads.

In Microsoft's preview today, Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Bioshock, and Lego Star Wars were shown as some of the first titles to be available for download.