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The Xbox 360 Elite will come with one matching black wireless controller and headset. Black controllers, headsets and batteries will also be available in stores.

The new Xbox 360 Elite retail packaging.
The Xbox 360 is back in black

Sunday saw the release of a new iteration of Microsoft’s gaming console, the Xbox 360 Elite. The updated version of the Xbox 360 is dressed all in black, along with matching accessories, plus new features that are aimed at those with advanced high-definition televisions looking to enjoy downloadable multimedia.

“This console includes a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high definition (HD) cable and a premium black finish, and comes with a wireless controller and Xbox Live headset,” said Peter Moore, the head of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business. “The Xbox 360 Elite’s larger hard drive gives the gaming community an opportunity to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer – from video games to movies and TV shows available through Xbox Live Video Marketplace.”

Priced at $479.99, the Xbox 360 Elite is the third SKU in Microsoft’s console roster, joining the Pro and Core packages at $399.99 and $299.99, respectively. Unlike Sony, who recently trimmed its PlayStation 3 lineup with the deletion of the 20GB console, Microsoft intends to maintain all three product variants in the retail channel.

“Xbox 360 Elite joins the ranks of our Core and Pro offerings that provide consumers with the flexibility to purchase the version of Xbox that best fits their unique needs,” said Moore.

The Xbox 360 Elite will stand out from the rest of the line as being the new top-end model for hardcore gamers and high-definition enthusiasts. “Xbox 360 Elite’s larger hard drive and premium accessories will allow our community to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer,” Moore added.

The HDMI port is a feature that will remain exclusive to the new Elite console, but the 120GB hard drive is one that can be retrofitted onto a Pro or Core system. For existing Xbox 360 owners who simply want to upgrade their hard drives, the detachable accessory will be sold separately for an estimated retail price of $179.99. Gamers who don’t buy into Microsoft’s justification of the $179.99 price point may brave warranty-voiding tactics to build their own 120GB hard drive for a $100 savings.

The general consensus regarding the new HDMI output is that it provides a picture that is slightly superior to that from component cables, but is not worth the upgrade for existing owners. Aside from the HDMI port, the Xbox 360 Elite is almost no different in functionality of a current Xbox 360 console with the expanded hard drive. The Elite console still omits any sort of Wi-Fi feature and utilizes the same types of optical drives that give the Xbox 360 the reputation for a being a loud console. Reliability, however, may be something Microsoft is attempting to address with the Elite. Found in a recent dissection of the new console were minor changes presumably aimed at averting the notorious Red Ring of Death that many Xbox 360 owners have experienced.

The road leading up to the Xbox 360 Elite is a long and storied one. The new console version was officially announced a month ago, but whispers of a bigger hard drive—something that gamers have long demanded—started last fall when pictures of a 100GB HDD appeared in presentation materials for Korea. Shortly after, an 80GB HDD appeared in the flesh at a Microsoft press event pushing the Xbox Live Video Marketplace.

What started off with rumors of a bigger hard drive morphed into rumblings of a more drastic hardware revision after pictures leaked in January of a prototype Xbox 360 with HDMI output and new scaling hardware. Microsoft’s Chris Satchell quickly responded saying, “At the moment, everything you might have seen is just looking at our experimentation back in Redmond, not really a product that we're thinking about announcing.”

After a couple months of silence, the rumor mill spun again after a gaming magazine leaked key details of an updated Xbox 360 console dressed in black. Then the very machines in question were snapped by a camera phone during their infancies on a Chinese production line. Finally, an XNA Developer made it all but official after replying to a question about coding on the new HDMI Xbox 360.

The shift to a smaller, cooler running Xbox 360 chips, however, is one thing that was unable to make it into the Xbox 360 Elite. Microsoft revealed plans nearly a year ago to shrink its current 90nm chips to the 65nm process, something that’s now slated for later this year.

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This is why I like PCs.
By KaiserCSS on 4/30/2007 10:01:12 AM , Rating: 5
Upgradeability. If you select your components carefully, you can have a gaming PC that lasts for years. And when a component has outlived it's usefulness (one of the first things to grow outdated is the GPU) then simply buy a new one and pop it in. Need more RAM? Buy another stick and pop it in. Sure, it may not be as easy as other consumer electronics, but hey, I'm a PC enthusiast and I actually like to mess with my computer's inards. It gives me a small sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when everything works great.

I'm seeing a new trend in console gaming, and that is hardware upgrades. A new 120GB hard drive, a reorganized motherboard, a new HDMI slot, and talk of shrinking the die are all hardware upgrades. And while yes, you can buy a larger HD for a premium, you cannot buy a new processor or add-in card. Once your current 360 becomes obsolete, and you're the type who wants to stay at the bleeding edge, then you'll have to shell out $500 or so for the new model. I don't have to scrap my entire PC when a component becomes obsolete, I simply buy a new component and there you go.

I just wonder where the middle ground will be drawn. Can you have PC upgradeability in a console? Is it wise?




RE: This is why I like PCs.
By Misty Dingos on 4/30/2007 10:23:23 AM , Rating: 2
Why upgrade when you can force them to purchase a whole new unit. MS, Sony and Nintendo are not interested in upgrades they are interested in per unit sales. The photos of the inside of the 360 are telling. They have less hardware in the average console than is used in the average mid-range video card.

Control of the system and any hardware variations keeps the software development dirt cheap for the console makers. They don't have to deal with anyone pushing a new better technology into the market before they want to. They control the technology and the software. They get to milk each for ever penny.

What is worse in my mind is that the innovative game community has had the life sucked out of it by the average crap that passes for a console game. Prettier cars, half naked women, more guns, and more explosions don't always make the game better. If things don't get better in the game industry, more inovative, story driven or just plain entertaining it will be the end of the age of great computer games.


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By photoguy99 on 4/30/2007 11:10:21 AM , Rating: 3
Microsoft is using the 360 to milk you for every penny?

You do realize, not only have they not made one dime off the 360, they have lost tons of money on it.

Sure it's a long term strategy with hopes to eventually make as much money as they can, but for now customers are actually getting a deal that wouldn't be possible if Microsoft tried to make money inside of 2-3 years on consoles.


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By encryptkeeper on 4/30/2007 11:31:48 AM , Rating: 2
Hey, what's wrong with half naked women and pretty cars!


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By LatinMessiah on 4/30/2007 1:20:57 PM , Rating: 4
The price tag.


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By encryptkeeper on 5/1/2007 8:57:15 AM , Rating: 2
If you can't take the heat...


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By Flunk on 5/2/2007 2:47:21 PM , Rating: 1
Play last generation games. A PS2 can be had for less than $140 new.


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By BMFPitt on 4/30/2007 11:36:00 AM , Rating: 2
Basically, consoles have to keep the playing field pretty much level. If you allow a GPU upgrade, you have just split the target audience between those who have it and those who don't - and have to develop your game accordingly. This wipes out the fundamental advantage of a console - known standardized hardware.

120GB hard drives have no effect on game development concerns. Those without the die shrink will still be able to play the same games as those with it. HDMI vs. component vs. composite is basically all the same as far as the software is concerned. If you take this away, there is no reason to even have a console - you'd just build an HTPC.


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By MonkeyPaw on 4/30/2007 11:45:03 AM , Rating: 4
I spent $400 on my XBox360 last year. I also bought an extra controller for ~$49. Other than games (which I buy used for $25-40), I have purchased nothing else for my 360 since then. Hardly like a PC, where you can't even get a gaming-class machine built for $400-450, much less upgrade it to play every game over the next 5 years. Yeah, you can go with all the upgrades on new consoles, but you don't have to. The extra HDD capacity was made more necessary by the video marketplace--something you don't have to use if you don't want to. VM is a good idea, but it's a bit beyond what consoles have done in the past.

I also enjoy working on PCs, but I also like not spending a bunch of money to play a few games. Don't get me wrong, PC gaming won't ever really be replaced or topped by a console, but the 2 systems really have different benefits. With a PC, you typically get more options with the game and better graphics if you're willing to pay. A console is a one-time purchase and is guaranteed to play every game that launches for it. I'm a big fan of popping in the disc and playing, and I think the 360's graphics are more than good enough for me. I can also sell my used titles if I want, I don't have to deal with apps like Steam, and I haven't spent a dime on my PC in quite some time.


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By Pirks on 4/30/2007 1:33:29 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
I'm a big fan of popping in the disc and playing
Games for Windows
quote:
I can also sell my used titles if I want
True for both PC and consoles
quote:
I don't have to deal with apps like Steam
You prefer to walk to the nearest store and pick up a disc, while I prefer to dl games through Steam - to each his own, guess I'm more lazy than you
quote:
I haven't spent a dime on my PC in quite some time
And I actually saved on my PC, since I never needed to purchase $2500 HDTV panel to watch nice 1080p games in all their glory - my old NEC CRT ran all these fancy games in 1600x1200 waaaay before Xbox 360 hit store shelves. Yeah, I spent a few hundred bucks upgrading to GF7800GS and then to GF7900GTX, but compared to what people spend on their fancy HDTVs for their "cheap" consoles - its peanuts, really really :)


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By MonkeyPaw on 4/30/2007 2:33:15 PM , Rating: 2
I'm not going to get in a circular argument with you, but I don't own a $2600 HDTV. Actually, mine was more like $700, and I bought it for more than just my XB360. In fact, I didn't even own a 360 when I bought that TV. I know you can watch movies and TV on your PC, but when was the last time you invited a group of people come over to watch TV/movies/Sports on a PC? No, my HDTV sees a lot of use beyond the Xbox. I appreciate the space savings it gives me in my living room too. I'd wager the same kinds of things can be said for owners of $2600 sets, too.


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By crimson117 on 5/1/2007 3:25:09 PM , Rating: 2
Your entire post was just to make us feel bad by bragging that you have friends!

MEAN!

;)


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By AmbroseAthan on 4/30/2007 2:37:00 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
since I never needed to purchase $2500 HDTV panel to watch nice 1080p games in all their glory


I always find this comment amusing. Yes, while comparing your PC/Monitor to a Console/TV you do need to account for the Screen; but, you do not need to spend this much on a TV; easy to find 1080p LCD's much lower then this. Also, a TV has huge amounts of added value for watching TV, DVD's etc. Which is better for you, is dependent on your use.

I personally have a 42" 720p DLP, $1400 in my ilving room, with a 360 w/ two controllers $600. This works great for my living room with a couple coaches and a coffee table. Great for watching movies and sports with friends or alone; plus the random 360 session.

My computer is a ~$1800 machine with a 24" WUXGA screen (~$600). It is great on my desk for games and such, but it is not a communal thing.

Both have their places. In your case you saved money. In my case, my TV/Console was alot cheaper then my computer. And I didn't need to buy my TV for the 360; I needed to buy my TV for Football, Worldcup, Hockey, and alot of Prime-Time shows~


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By Pirks on 4/30/2007 4:41:07 PM , Rating: 1
Yeah, I know one can get 1080p panels for much less than $2500 these days, but the same is true for PCs. It was rather a hyperbolized reply to show that MonkeyPaw's statement "you can't get gaming PC for $450" is not quite true. You can't get HIGH-POWERED speed daemon for $450, true, but to get a PC comparable to Xbox 360, with 512M RAM, 20 GB HDD, cheapo AM2 dualcore Brisbane, and some "sorta comparable" Geforce 7800 GPU, no kbd/mouse/no display, just like console - all of that for $450? Pretty much achievable.

So I was just debunking some MonkeyPaw's myths, or clarifying them if you like. I do know 1080p TVs are inexpensive these days, it was just funny how console guys tend to forget that PC with same hardware as their Xbox 360 also costs same or almost same money. You CAN pay more if you wanna get better games/better visuals, but you DON'T HAVE to. Pay $450 for your cheapo gaming PC with 512M RAM/20GB HDD/Geforce 7800 (or Radeon X1800) inside and have fun. Just don't forget to set resolution to 1280x720 to not to miss that console look. If Windows takes too much RAM - add another 512M stick, it won't change picture a lot.


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By therealnickdanger on 5/1/2007 9:07:46 AM , Rating: 2
I've been investigating the world of cheap gaming and found that while mathing the power of the Xbox360 or PS3 for the price is impossible, you can buy a lot for the same price. However, to really match the current state of console gaming, you don't need to have 1080p power, just 720p (1280x720) with solid frame rates and heavy effects. This system for $650 might even be overkill after you OC it:

Core 2 Duo E4300
Gigabyte DS3
Kingston 2GB DDR2-667
EVGA 7900GS
Thermaltake 430W PSU
WD 40GB HDD
Rosewill case w/120mm fans
LiteOn 18X DVDRW

I'm convinced you could build a very potent gaming rig for under $500 if you shop wisely or sub in other components. But even at $650, you have to consider everything else that the PC offers you over a console in terms of compatibility with all the software under the sun, emulation, hacks, mods, as well as the ability to view/edit/create content in any format you want. Unfortunately, there are a lot of fantastic games that are only on the consoles, so you'll miss out on some stuff.

Buy the hardware that has the games you want...


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By mars777 on 5/1/2007 9:31:03 PM , Rating: 2
You've matched the X360.
Now try to match the PS3 or put a Blueray drive into your PC :P


By therealnickdanger on 5/2/2007 4:14:32 PM , Rating: 2
LOL, not even close. The power potential (the ability to utilize every last ounce of power) seeping from the 360 and PS3 greatly outmatch the PC I built above. I only tried to get in the price ballpark. Unfortunately, I don't know of any BR read-only drives and all the burners are at least $500 on their own. However, I can buy a HD-DVD drive for $150...


RE: This is why I like PCs.
By MonkeyPaw on 5/1/2007 11:04:50 AM , Rating: 2
Okay, if we're going to ta