Redbox Instant Video Heading to Xbox 360

Good news, Xbox gamers. You'll soon have yet another way to stream movies to your console.

In a blog post yesterday, Xbox Live's "Major Nelson" Larry Hryb announced that the Verizon-backed Redbox Instant video service is on its way to the Xbox 360 "in the very near future." Current Redbox Instant beta participants will be the first to be able to try out the new service. Those users will receive an email in the coming days with a unique code to access the Redbox Instant app on their console.

Launched in beta in December, Redbox Instant provides unlimited streaming from a library of popular titles, plus four DVD credits for new releases at brick-and-mortar Redbox kiosks per month. The private beta is free for one month and $8 per month thereafter for DVDs, or $9 per month for Blu-ray.

Don't want a full subscription? No problem. Through the app, Xbox 360 owners can also purchase and rent digital new releases a la carte, without a subscription.

"Redbox Instant by Verizon combines disc + subscription, purchase and rental viewing choices into a compelling destination so movie fans can always find a movie to enjoy," Hryb wrote.

Unfortunately, those who have a Nintendo or Sony console will be left out of the fun, at least for a while. Xbox 360 will be the only gaming system with access to the Redbox Instant app at launch. "Xbox 360 is the exclusive gaming console launch partner for Redbox Instant by Verizon," Hryb wrote.

When the service launches, it will compete with alternatives from the likes of Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and HBO GO. Users can also stream movies to their smartphone or tablet through the Redbox Instant iOS and Android apps.

Those who are interested in the service can request entry into the beta version by visiting the Redbox Instant website.

For more, see PCMag's roundup of the Top 10 Netflix Alternatives.

For more from Angela, follow her on Twitter @amoscaritolo.