Microsoft has released its New Xbox Experience (NXE) earlier than expected, but only to gamers signed up to the preview scheme.

The software giant’s spokesman, Major Nelson, said on his official blog that everyone who applied to the preview - and submitted a valid console ID – will receive the download “within the next few hours”.

NXE is a free Xbox 360 system update that’ll let you “connect with your favourite people and enjoy more games and entertainment online than with any other device connected to your TV”, Microsoft said.

If you’re one of the lucky few chosen to preview the NXE then you’ll be automatically prompted to download it next time you switch your console on.

But if you aren’t prompted then you’re not part of the preview elite. However, you’ll still be able to download NXE when it’s released to the masses tomorrow.

Related stories

• Xbox 360 NXE fix inbound? (2 February 2009)

  https://www.theregister.com/2009/02/02/xbox_nxe_fix/

• Inside Microsoft's 'New Xbox Experience' (20 November 2008)

  https://www.theregister.com/2008/11/20/microsoft_launches_new_xbox_experience/

• NXE fans tempted with refurb Xbox HDD offer (18 November 2008)

  https://www.theregister.com/2008/11/18/nxe_xbox_offer/

• Xbox 360 nears 25m global sales mark (17 November 2008)

  https://www.theregister.com/2008/11/17/xbox_global_sales_latest/

• Console modders banned from Xbox Live (13 November 2008)

  https://www.theregister.com/2008/11/13/xbox_live_warning/

• Xmas launch uncertain for GTA IV Xbox downloads (10 November 2008)

  https://www.theregister.com/2008/11/10/gta_iv_gta_flc_launch/

• MS punts Xbox Live starter pack for network newbies (3 November 2008)

  https://www.theregister.com/2008/11/03/xbox360_live_starter_pack/

• Microsoft sticks to its Xbox 360 prices (3 November 2008)

  https://www.theregister.com/2008/11/03/no_xbox_price_cut_soon/