Third party memory card manufacturers have been given an unwelcome headache from platform holder Microsoft with news that the next firmware update for the Xbox 360 will stop third party memory cards from working with the machine.

Word comes from Microsoft’s Larry Hryb, who states on his Major Nelson blog:

“When Preview Programme members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorised Memory Units will no longer work with the Xbox 360.

“If you’ve moved your profile or saved games onto one to “back it up,” you’d better move it back onto an authorised Xbox 360 storage device prior to taking the update. If you continue to use an unauthorized Memory Unit after the update, you will not be able to access your stored profile or saved games.”

As well as cutting off one revenue stream from third party accessory manufacturers, retailers may also have trouble with customers who have bought goods for their machine which will cease to function once the machine is updated.