The most significant new feature is the addition of XNA Packager, a utility which will allow users to build and share game binaries for both Windows and Xbox 360. Users can now easily package and share their games for Windows and Xbox 360 without having to share their project source code. The sharing of Xbox 360 games requires a subscription to the XNA Creators Club, which is available via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for $49 (U.S.) for a four-month subscription, or $99 (U.S.) for an annual subscription.

Additional features included in the XNA Game Studio Express 1.0 Refresh include:

• Official XNA Game Studio Express compatibility with Windows Vista
• Support for 3D audio using XACT
• Support for fonts in the XNA Framework
• Various other product enhancements and performance tuning

Originally released in December of 2006, XNA Game Studio Express is a game development solution targeted primarily at students, hobbyists, and independent game developers. XNA Game Studio Express is based on Visual C# 2005 Express Edition and lets developers create games for both Windows and Xbox 360.