how do I play the xbox 360 online without a hard drive?

NOTE: Some games require a hard drive to play online with other people. Make sure to read the fine print on the game's case because the memory card will not work with these games. You'll need a hard drive.

- On the picture (check the source link) there is a red square that I made, notice how it reads "online co-op 2 players/hard drive required". This was found on the back of the case for the game 'Crackdown'. That's where it should be for most games.

Now onto your question,

Purchase any of the Xbox Live packages (3 months, 12 months, etc). If the package doesn't already come with a headset, you will have to purchase it separately (it's not needed to play, but to communicate with other players you need it).

To get it set up you'll need to plug your internet connection (the ethernet cable which connects to your modem) into the back of the Xbox 360. If you don't already own one, you may want to get a router so you can have multiple internet connections (in case someone needs to use the computer while he's gaming, for example).. but this is also not needed.

Just a few tips,

- Before you spend money on purchasing any of the Xbox Live Gold packages, you should see if his Xbox can actually connect to Xbox Live. Just plug the ethernet cable in the back and it should be ready to go.

- His memory card will not last long. These games will have frequent updates, and he might not be able to fit it all on there. It would be best to buy him a hard drive.. I'd just get a used/refurbished one at half the price.

First off you must pay for Xbox Live if he wants to play online. Its about $50 a year, its worth it.

Second - Yes you could use the memory card. But you just save the Xbox Live profile on the memory. Do all of this on the xbox 360. Then make a gamertag.

Third - hook up the Ethernet cord to the box and your off. If you want to play wireless you can buy a wireless adapter or use a laptop (bridge the connection).

fourth - if your son is young, expect him to start picking up on foul language. I wish Live separated the audience by age, i'm tired of hearing 8 year old telling me how much i suck.

Put the cable into the back of the xbox. I'm not sure if you can play online without a hardrive, cuz you need to make a gamerprofile. If you cna make a profile and can pay for gold, there yah go. If not you need a harddrive.

You can get the first month of gold free though, but without gold you can't play online.

You do not need a hard drive to play online because I have no hard drive and I play online. But you will need to connect to the internet and get Xbox live gold. Click on get xbox live. But some games need a hard drive to play or to play online but most games don't require a hard drive.

Yes, I have an arcade version and I play all of my games online(including halo 3). You can play online with an arcade version. The only bad thing is you can't get any maps or downloads. I would suggest buying a hard drive but you don't need one.