Xbox 360 Avatar pets not customizable, won't play together

When Microsoft announced earlier today (via Major Nelson) that the Xbox Live Marketplace would be updated with pets to accompany players' Avatars, I was excited at the prospect of including my two cats--Queens and Coney--alongside my own virtual presence. Turns out it might be more difficult to do than I initially expected, as Microsoft representatives have confirmed to me that you will not be able to change the color of Avatar pets, nor can you have more than one pet with you at any time. It's worth noting that Wii Fit Plus allows you to create Mii-like dogs and cats with customizable colors.

At 240 Microsoft Points ($3), some people may have been willing to shell out a lot of money to incorporate all of their pets. Heck, I would have purchased two similar-looking cats with different color schemes to get both of my cats on the Xbox 360. Now, I've got to sift through the selection tomorrow to see if anything there matches my pets. If not, I doubt I'll be adopting any pets from Microsoft.

The official press release is below, with the full pet list.

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When Microsoft announced earlier today (via Major Nelson) that the Xbox Live Marketplace would be updated with pets to accompany players' Avatars, I was excited at the prospect of including my two cats--Queens and Coney--alongside my own virtual presence. Turns out it might be more difficult to do than I initially expected, as Microsoft representatives have confirmed to me that you will not be able to change the color of Avatar pets, nor can you have more than one pet with you at any time. It's worth noting that Wii Fit Plus allows you to create Mii-like dogs and cats with customizable colors.

At 240 Microsoft Points ($3), some people may have been willing to shell out a lot of money to incorporate all of their pets. Heck, I would have purchased two similar-looking cats with different color schemes to get both of my cats on the Xbox 360. Now, I've got to sift through the selection tomorrow to see if anything there matches my pets. If not, I doubt I'll be adopting any pets from Microsoft.

The official press release is below, with the full pet list.

All the fun, none of the litter box hassle: A best-in-show offering on Xbox LIVE Avatar Marketplace

Who didn't wish for a cute puppy for the holidays? Or maybe you're more of a bird person? Have you always wanted a pony to call your own? So maybe your building doesn’t allow pets, but now your Avatar on Xbox 360 can have them!

Avatar Pets are popping up on Xbox LIVE Marketplace this Thursday, December 3. They'll always be waiting to greet you when you turn on your Xbox 360, and if you decide on a cat or ten, you won't have to worry about any funny looks from the neighbors.

For those who are looking for something out of this world, Xbox LIVE members can soon get their hands on a very special and exclusive Avatar Pet – a Chocobo, from one of the best-selling worldwide franchises, FINAL FANTASY. In celebration of the release of FINAL FANTASY XIII on Xbox 360 on March 9, 2010 in North America and Europe, for a limited time only, Xbox LIVE users who register on the Xbox.com/FFXIII page will be eligible to receive a download code in their inbox for the Chocobo pet this Holiday season.

Choose from these Avatar Pets to make your December bright, all available for 240 Microsoft Points:

Large Dog

Pug Dog

Dog in Bag

Cat

Siamese Cat

Long Haired Cat

Goldfish

Guinea Pig

Pony

Monkey

Bird

Snake

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