Install Games on Zune
Microsoft officially provides four games for the Zune media player. The games you have depend on when you purchased your Zune. The original Zune featured "Checkers" and "Space Battle." When Zune 3.0 was released, Microsoft added "Hexic" and "Texas Hold'Em." Owners of the original Zune were able to get the new games by updating their media players. Although Microsoft hasn't provided more games, the company has made it possible for developers to create games for the Zune. You can download and install games on your Zune in a few steps.
Instructions
1. Download and install Visual C# 2008 Express Edition (see Resources). If a newer version is available, choose it instead. Make sure to download this program from its official Microsoft website. You might find it hosted elsewhere, but Microsoft provides the official product for free on its website. After you download the software, install it by following the onscreen instructions.
2. Download and install the latest version of XNA Game Studio (see Resources). The program is occasionally updated, but the latest version is always available from the official website. Follow the instructions for installing the program.
3. Connect the Zune to your computer, but close the Zune software that runs when you connect the player.
4. Go to the XNA Game Studio folder and choose "XNA Game Studio Device Center." You will see the option to add a device. Pick your Zune from the list of available devices. The software will test for a successful connection and then add your Zune.
5. Download and unzip a game to install. ZuneRama (see Resources) currently has the largest selection of downloadable Zune games. The games aren't created by Microsoft, but they are created for the Zune. Make sure to scan any games you download for viruses.
6. Open Visual C# 2008 Express Edition. The program should automatically connect to your Zune. Go to the folder that contains the game you downloaded. Find and click the file called "MS Visual Studio Solution." The game will be loaded into Visual C#.
7. Select the device where you want the game installed, in this case your Zune device. Remember, you're still working with Visual C# 2008 Express Edition. Go to "build" and "deploy." When you click "deploy," the software begins installing the game to your Zune.
Tags: your Zune, 2008 Express, 2008 Express Edition, Express Edition, Game Studio, Visual 2008