If you're hoping for the Kinect-less Xbox One or you've already unpacked a new system, there's still plenty of life left in the Xbox 360. Microsoft will be able to get its new console in operation after a few more software updates. However, until then, it's all about getting the most of the older hardware. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your Xbox 360 continues to age gracefully nearly nine years later. You can end your Xbox Live Subscription You've likely heard that Microsoft is changing how Xbox Live Gold works next month If your Xbox 360 is more of a Netflix machine rather than a gaming portal, then you can start saving money now. You'll receive a prorated reimbursement when you decide to cancel your Xbox Live subscription prior to August 31st. This FAQ provides more information. Keep your Xbox Live subscription active But wait! But wait! It's more than multiplayer gaming or apps like Netflix and Vudu. The first method to save money is by checking for discounts on the subscription itself. Regular pricing for Xbox Live Gold is $10 per month or $60 per year. Look out for deals at retailers like Best Buy, Amazon and eBay or even the Microsoft Store which could lower the entry fee by $10-20 or even $25. Next, check out this chart that outlines the options available to everyone, and what will still require Xbox Live Gold after June. Protip: Watch out for our deals updates to be alerted. You can also keep an eye on websites like CheapAssGamer and FatWallet to see when sales are happening. If you're not sure, be sure to check any new games you buy, as they frequently are or are available as bundles that reduce the cost, or even include an opportunity to try the game for free to allow you to satisfy that weekend craving for some Halo. Srazy Games with Gold Microsoft added Games with Gold to its Xbox 360 bundle following Sony launched an Instant Game Collection in conjunction with PlayStation Plus, which gives away free games every month. The Xbox 360 version will get the monthly freebies, however there's one big advantage over the XB1 or PlayStation games: You can keep your games. You don't have to check in twice per month (on the 16th and 1st) and after that, you can download the latest offer. It's yours for the duration of time, even if you decide to cancel Xbox Live Gold. The only issue is The only problem is that they've in the past included lesser-known titles and older titles than the competitors. You can check out a complete list here. This month's games included Dust: An Elysian Tail, Saints Row: The Third and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition. Subscribers can also get Dark Souls, Charlie Murder and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition for absolutely zero extra cost. Protip: There's a further benefit to Deals with Gold that adds an ongoing rotation of discounted games, videos and DLC -- check Major Nelson's blog to find out the current sale schedule and when. Xbox 360 SmartGlass In the years since the Xbox 360 launched, Microsoft introduced a new method to interact with the console beyond gamepads and remotes: your smartphone or tablet. The SmartGlass app, previously known as My Xbox Live, can control apps, games, and movies on the Xbox 360. It also lets you search for content using Bing. The simplest method of using it is to use Xbox Live. It's much quicker to send messages to friends and check their Xbox Live status from the second screen rather than using an add-on controller for the 360. These apps are free to download and are available for Android, iOS, Kindle Fire, Windows 8/Windows Phone. Protip: Get the complete list of SmartGlass-enabled apps films, games, and games here. Clear your cache Sometimes problems with your Xbox 360 (glitches in the dashboard, sign-in errors, problems with specific games) can be solved simply by clearing the cache. On the Xbox clearing the cache only deletes temporary game updates that were downloaded but it doesn't affect system update, game files or any other files on your hard drive. After clearing the cache, you'll be asked to download any new game updates again when you log in to Xbox Live. Go to the Settings page and highlight any storage device (cache is cleared on all devices) and then press Y. Select clear, and then select "Yes." It was that simple! It was so easy. Xbox Live Arcade Microsoft might have included indie games alongside the bigger boys on Xbox One but there are still some lesser-known gems available on Xbox 360. More than 600 games have been added to XBLA since launch, including well-known hits such as Braid, The Walking Dead, Castle Crashers, Limbo, 'Splosion Man , and Minecraft. They even have demos and are free to download. After a brief beta test in 2010, Microsoft's Destination: Arcade visual web browser has not returned. We recommend that you test The Bridge, Bastion and N+, Super Meat Boy and Ascend: Hand of Kul. Keep on your watch for new titles such as AirMech Arena or Slender: The Attainment. Do you have any hidden gems that we have missed? Send us a message on the forums to tell us about it. [Image credit: momo_leif / Alamy]