Do you need to download minecraft for the 360?

As of now I don't believe Minecraft is available in a physical copy, for any platform

No, I have the physical disk version of minecraft on my 360. I didn't have to download anything, in fact, my physical copy was already updated whereas my friend's downloaded version has not been upgraded. The physical disk version is the better buy. Plus not to mention, if you would ever get another Xbox, you won't need to download the game again like my friend had to when his Xbox red ringed. The Xbox showed the downloaded version on his hard drive as a trial version, so be had to re download it and all his progress was lost.

Nope don't need to download it. I have the physical disk of it. It works fine.

It will work straight away, but new updates with new stuff you can only get through Xbox Live.

Wow! This question is great, i also waiting for best answer.