To be honest, having XBOX Live would be pretty great if it's official for Malaysia. No more snooping around, piggy backing off our Singaporean neighbours, etc. But it still wouldn't solve the XBOX issues we're having right now.

They're all rather inter related. Having to register using Singapore address (we're going to run out of them eventually). Then having to call up Microsoft support with that Singapore address from within Singapore itself. Going hundreds of km to Singapore just to exchange the console. With the 3ROD problem, it could be a hundred times in the console's life cycle.

The snooping around, the hiding, etc. It reminds me of the time I was courting my wife. Hiding from the parents, waiting a block down the road for her, etc.

If it's going to happen, it needs to be either an official XBOX 360 launch along with the XBOX Live or nothing at all. Having some extra content and being able to download themes isn't high on my list if there's so many other issues, etc. I doubt Microsoft is interested in launching one without the other anyway.

Regarding the piracy, I don't think it's a problem. It's not as though Microsoft doesn't have other vested interest in the country. They are bringing in their whole catalogue of softwares, etc. What's a few games? If they didn't have a foothold in this country then I would say it'll be a problem with extra cost, etc but I don't think this could be a problem.

If we have XBOX 360 and XBOX Live officially in this place, games would be a tad bit cheaper (since they'll be bringing it in bulk). I'm not sure about other content online, but the games will definitely be a little bit cheaper. Hell, things go well enough Malaysia would be a cheaper option to actually mass produce those games. Singapore will have to start getting it from us instead.

All in all, many things that could happen. Would be great if they supported the gamers here by releasing it live. They could at least make an attempt to support the gamers here by getting everything official. With the 3ROD problem, establishing a service center, or at least a place that accepts local consoles would be great enough so we don't have to travel all the way to Singapore to do it.