It's official: Xbox 360 Elite with HDMI & 120GB HDD
by Dustin Burg 
{ Mar 28th 2007 at 12:06AM }
Months and months of speculation, leaked photos, and random bits of information have finally come to an end. Microsoft just officially announced what we've all expected, the black Xbox 360 Elite. Everything we've heard before is pretty much true; HDMI connectivity, a massive 120GB HDD and everything is painted a matte finished black. You'll be able to purchase this black wonder April 29th for $479.99 US which even includes the HDMI cable. The Xbox 360 Elite is not a limited edition package and will not replace the current offerings, but will be treated as another SKU. Microsoft also announced that other black accessories will be available for purchase separately including black play and charge packs, controllers, and headsets. Finally, the 120GB HDD will also be available separately for $179.99 US. Read the full press release after the break and be sure to check out Joystiq's lovely Xbox 360 Elite photo gallery ... oh the joy! So fanboys, will you be going black this April?
[Via Joystiq]
Microsoft Unveils Xbox 360 Elite
Premium black console includes 120GB hard drive and line of new accessories.
REDMOND, Wash. - March 27, 2007 - Microsoft Corp. today announced the upcoming availability of Xbox 360™ Elite, a new model of the video game and entertainment system that will include a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox LIVE® headset. Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The new 120GB hard drive also will be sold as a stand-alone accessory to give current Xbox 360 owners greater choice and flexibility in their games and entertainment experience. Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery, will be available separately. The Xbox 360 Elite and its accessories are expected to begin arriving in U.S. stores on April 29.
"Today's games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "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."
Distinguished by its black finish and signature metallic detailing, Xbox 360 Elite will have an estimated retail price1 of $479.99 (U.S.)/479.99 euros/349.99 pounds, and will come packed with components and accessories for the ultimate high-definition entertainment experience.
· Xbox 360 Elite console. The console is equipped with a premium black finish and three powerful core processors capable of producing the best in HD entertainment (up to 1080p), 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, HDMI output and DVD playback with upscaling capabilities right out of the box.
· Xbox 360 120GB hard drive. The 120GB detachable hard drive allows gamers to save their games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.3 The hard drive is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $179.99 (U.S.)/179.99 euros/119.99 pounds.
· Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black). This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller, now in black, features the Xbox® Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of 30 hours on two AA batteries. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (U.S.)/44.99 euros/32.99 pounds.
· Xbox 360 headset (black). Now available in black, the headset lets gamers strategize or trade taunts while playing games and send voice messages to friends on Xbox LIVE.
· Xbox 360 HDMI cable. New to Xbox 360, HDMI allows consumers to get HD video (up to 1080p) and multichannel surround sound, all from one cable.
· Xbox LIVE Silver Membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, collect achievements and gamerscores, send and receive voice and text messages, and access Xbox LIVE Marketplace content such as game demos, HD movies and TV, as well as the best in downloadable games from Xbox LIVE Arcade.
· One-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold. An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership provides a complete online entertainment experience. Those who subscribe to this premium service can engage in competitive online multiplayer matches, tailor their matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments, chat with more than one person at a time, and take advantage of unique privileges in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and Xbox LIVE Arcade.
The following accessories for the Xbox 360 Elite console will only be sold separately:
· Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit. Complete with a charging cable and a black rechargeable battery pack, the Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit allows gamers to recharge their Xbox 360 Wireless Controller without interrupting their gameplay. it is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $19.99 (U.S.)/19.99 euros/14.99 pounds.
· Xbox 360 rechargeable battery (black). The rechargeable battery pack provides more than 25 hours of gameplay per charge. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $11.99 (U.S.)/11.99 euros/9.99 pounds.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a catalog of more than 160 high-definition games and is available in 37 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Rob M. @ Mar 28th 2007 12:12AM
Nice to see it's not a limited edition.
maest @ Mar 28th 2007 12:13AM
How convenient. My Xbox360 Pro just got the dreaded red lights of doom today. I wonder what the chances are I could get it replaced with a Elite version under warranty if I pay the $80 additional charge.
Newshot Studio @ Mar 28th 2007 12:16AM
Why use chipmunks to announce this?
They are fucking chipmunks.
Arcaynn @ Mar 28th 2007 12:18AM
I'll be buying one of these.
Justin @ Mar 28th 2007 1:51AM
The PS3 is looking more and more like a better value... without wifi and a next gen movie format... $480 isn't looking too hot. And $180 for a hardrive? That's hard to rationalize.
Andre @ Mar 28th 2007 12:20AM
Sweet! But no, I won't be going black. I probably will, however, buy a black controller and maybe a headset.
Toph @ Mar 28th 2007 4:28AM
I might get the bigger HDD like I'd commented about before, unlikely I'll get the whole Elite system..(maybe eventually if I can afford the price difference AND it runs cooler than the Premium; that'd be the main reason to get the Elite I think), and a black wireless controller for sure, bieng that I only have the packed-in wireless one now.
joe @ Mar 28th 2007 12:24AM
bullllllllllllll ssssssssshiiiiiiiiittttt
bad move msft, bad move
Killer @ Mar 28th 2007 12:23AM
Damn, Anyone know how much you can get for the 360 if you went gamestop and traded it in?
jay @ Mar 28th 2007 12:42AM
I'll wait a year or so; until Live kills a few, a few have the rings of death, and a few just shit the bed...yea a year should just about do it...just enough time to produce ammo to justify getting this thing rather than a PS3...capitalism is great. Thanks again Bill. You're really setting the bar high here...very original...
scott @ Mar 28th 2007 12:25AM
think with a wireless controller they trade in for 210 killer, wired is 190
Killer @ Mar 28th 2007 12:25AM
360 premium.
Don @ Mar 28th 2007 12:26AM
Pretty freakin' sweet!
I am really disappointed with the cost of the 120gb drive separate though. If I add this to my existing 360 that will make it $580 !!! At least I have a choice to include it but from that perspective it makes my "cheaper" console not that cheap.
I'll probably hold out on this...at least a little while.
Killer @ Mar 28th 2007 12:26AM
Sorry I forgot to add that.
Jay900 @ Mar 28th 2007 12:27AM
not something i'm looking for since i have 1 hdmi port and its being taken up with my dvr and i use vga for 1080p and it looks good to me and i don't need the extra space i have never gone under 10 gigs free so for the people who wanted this have fun but for me what i got now is more then enough
Tony @ Mar 28th 2007 12:28AM
Man, I don't know how having three SKUs is going to be helpful... and $180 for just the HD? I might as well sell my existing premium and buy this thing. I'd probably wind up taking less out of my pocket.
Killer @ Mar 28th 2007 12:29AM
So around $310 for a premium package with a wireless controller? Because, damn if they are only going to give me $210 for my premium, forget that. Even though I could do it, It just seems like a little rip off. with a 190 dollar cut.
scott @ Mar 28th 2007 12:30AM
they dont take it as a premium, they take the console with the controller, then anything else is added on. think it's 210 for console w/ wireless, then like 40 for the hard drive
razer @ Mar 28th 2007 12:37AM
FU Microsoft
FU Peter Moore you stupid ass puppet
FU Major Nelson you mouth piece for the great anus.
PS3 fanboys, you were %100 correct!! MS is screwing it's customers. Not even 1.5 years and they are already changing their hardware. They have absolutely no idea what the hell they are doing. I am now joining the dark side.. The PS3 is definately where it's at, they knew all along and MS is just bait 'n switch. Have you seen how much they want for the HDD stand-alone, it's a total rape! No more will I support this consumer jerk fest for MS.
Killer @ Mar 28th 2007 12:32AM
I see, Thanks for the Information, scott.
Killer @ Mar 28th 2007 12:32AM
I see, Thanks for the Information, scott.
Damon @ Mar 28th 2007 12:37AM
is it goin to be 29th april for UK too?
Lummy @ Mar 28th 2007 12:39AM
The video is what gets me excited. On demand High def films :) The only problem is backing up the HD so I don't have to buy a film again and again...
tony @ Mar 28th 2007 1:59AM
so if i traded in my exsisting 360 and kept my hard drive,how the hell am i suppose to transfer my games saves over to the new 360 microsoft.you answer everything but the most important question.how do people who already own a 360 get their games saves from the 360 they have to the new elite?i know anything dealing with your gamertag will be there when you retrieve it from live but your game saves wont be there.now that is a bend you over and put it in your butt if theres no cable or anything to do it other than buying like five or ten memory cards to trnsfer the data.if that were the case it would cost you $479-$210 for your trade=$269+about $200 for memory cars to hold your games if you play as many as i do,=back to $479.so without trading in you old 360 youd end up payin about $600 or more.now thats a total rio in the butt.
Matthew @ Mar 28th 2007 12:42AM
so it's true! black xboxs DO have bigger "hard drives".
;)
bootsielon @ Mar 28th 2007 12:41AM
Now I get to dump my 400 dollar machine for a marginally better one! Could it get any better? It couldn-t have come at a better time. Screw the launch and competition, the important thing is that it is here, all with proprietary HDD, and HDMI for those that STILL want to upgrade.
Thank you, Microsoft!
Seriously though, I feel ripped off either way, whether I upgrade to the Elite version, or just get a new hard drive while missing HDMI, not to mention my 20 (13?) GB HDD will become useless since I cant use it on my PC, and I will get ripped off if I exchange it at my local Game store.
asurroca @ Mar 28th 2007 12:44PM
Tell me they are going to offer a white version of the Elite down the road... please.
Alexander @ Mar 28th 2007 12:47AM
Yeah, so I would like to state, seeing as how most of us real fanboys supported M4, their broke ass system and all (i've been through 4 as it is) This is the thanks we get? I wont be buying this crap, hopefully they get some common sense and let us have some type of an upgrade option. I mean, the only people who are going to rush out and buy a new 360 are simply nuts, and only the hardcore gamer (which most of us alrady have the premium whitey) already have our systems. Once again, I feel cheated, way to act like Sony!
Matthew @ Mar 28th 2007 12:47AM
and eff microsoft. i've put up with overheating, consoles dying, been nickel and dimed by microtransactions, and now this?
i'm getting a grill tomorrow. i hear there are plenty in stock...
bootsielon @ Mar 28th 2007 12:48AM
Jay:
There is no justification for getting this instead of a PS3. 20 bucks more will get you a Blu=ray player, backwards compatibility and free online.
If I had to choose between a premium and an Elite, of course it would be an Elite (but microsoft fucked us by not announcing it long time ago). Since I have to rely on WiFi, I-d have to spend the 579 anyway. For 20 bucks more, I-d get a PS3. Hell, a PS3 and a bigger hard drive. Fortunately I can use the smaller PS3 hard drive on a USB, unlike microsofts proprietary HDD.
This really sucks, and I-m really pissed off because I don-t feel like buying an Xbox twice and retail stores rip you off if you want to exchange your system.
saxamoophone @ Mar 28th 2007 1:06AM
***COUGH*** RIP OFF ***COUGH***
Come on Microsoft, you should be LOWERING the prices, not raising them.
$199 Core
$299 Premium
$399 Elite
Do something like that, and you WILL beat Sony.
But $500 for a 360 and $200 for a harddrive?!?
I don't get it. I really don't.
Chris @ Mar 28th 2007 12:51AM
thats pretty sweet. nice addition. nice.
ChiTownRuler23 @ Mar 28th 2007 12:53AM
ok first i was a PS1 fanboy and then the ps2 came out and then i was a huge sony fanboy, and then the ps3 is out and its 600 so i got a 360 then i turned into a 360 fanboy and now Micro$oft pulls this shit im srry but im tradein in my 360 and my games and buyin a ps3 go to hell bill gates
bootsielon @ Mar 28th 2007 12:51AM
Holy shit, this is impressive. Microsoft fanboys actually hating on microsoft... wow.
I-m a sony fan (but Im a gamer first nonetheless, that-s why I have a 360), but I never thought many microsoft fanboys would have hated this move.
Matthew, you made me chuckle with the grill thing.
M. Dizzy @ Mar 28th 2007 4:04PM
I guess the only thing that's holding me back is that there is no transfer method from the premium to the elite. "It's for the early adopter" Ummm...the 360 is going on its third year...what is "early" about the elite? I would have bought it no doubt for 80 dollars more than the premium when I bought the premium...but now I have to justify giving up a perfectly good console to buy the same thing except prettier with a larger hard drive and HDMI. AND TO TOP IT OFF, if I manage to transfer my data from the premium...it will be locked to my account.
There's got to be a better way.
AJ @ Mar 28th 2007 12:55AM
thats why i bought a frys warranty
jay @ Mar 28th 2007 1:12AM
MS represents everything thats wrong w/ American products; overpriced, cheaply made, and designed too dedicated to fast money. No they aren't forcing anyone to buy one, but part of the price tag is knowing that you'll be on the high end of things for quite some time. If you don't feel at least a little betrayed by this then you are a true fanboy, and you are exactly the type of consumer that American companies try to capitalize on. Does this mean the PS3 wins, no but it does show that MS thinks that now that they've got you, they know you'll dig back into your wallets for a marginally better product. First you ship shitty 360s for the first year, then your Live update kills the rest, now this. Maybe Halo will be worth it, but Gears and Live certainly aren't good enough for me to turn a blind eye to this. EB games and Gamestop are fucking salivating too; they can't WAIT to bend us all over. I say we all go ebay or craigslist and not give those assholes a chance. AT that point, your MS support could've bought you a PS3. Hell, may as well start saving for that now. Fuck all of those guys. They can kiss my black ass...
Arno @ Mar 28th 2007 12:59AM
Damnit, I don't want it in black. I thought it would be limited edition so I was going to wait till afterwards and buy it in white. I'm not rebuying all my accessories in black (even if it is just a few batteries) and black doesn't even look that good.
I don't want one now. And $180 for the HDD is day light robery.
Brian @ Mar 28th 2007 1:02AM
Won't be going black, but will be going bigger. My hard drive is at 2gb with FFXI installed, and with Shivering Isles out now and another FFXI "in the pipe", as it were, a 120 gigger is a surefire investment.
jay @ Mar 29th 2007 10:01AM
Better yet, all those PS3 owners will be able to get a cheap white 360. I guess in the end they WILL sell more units. I own both, and this pisses me off to no end. This is much worse than "exclusives" going to both. I know one thing though, if it comes out on both, I'm not supporting THESE assholes anymore. I don't care how "equal" they claim that the technology is to the PS3. And the one European rep just said last week that he didn't think the PS3 had anything that he thought the 360 was missing. Assholes. My question is, if you would've known a year ago (because this is a MAJOR undertaking that was probably planned at least that long ago), would you have waited? What would 360 sales look like then?
Murc @ Mar 28th 2007 1:21PM
razer - STFU
The 360 elite will play games with the same clarity as the existing console does.
and I dont think you know what bait and switch means...it means you promise them one thing, and deliver them another...MS never said they wont ever update the 360. (rolls eyes at dumb sony fanboy)
...and a message to Microsoft: Make the 360's wireless headset in black too.
jay @ Mar 28th 2007 1:11AM
and they STILL need to go blu-ray on the DVD player...but wait, how could they sell us the 2.0 version if they make all the nescessary improvements now. Built-in wireless and USB ports are next...for $600...in another year...
Tim @ Mar 28th 2007 1:13AM
I dont get how you could possibly feel cheated. I have a 360 premium and it's fine. Why would I want to buy this? Why would I be envious of people who did? Why would I feel cheated?
It's more expensive, it's for people who want the HDMI. I'm just fine with component. If you honestly feel like you got ripped off because it's black and costs more, then you can go kill yourself. Or just paint it. Either way you're a moron for being mad at Microsoft.
Maybe you people forget that the 360 has been out for well over a year. This isn't some surprise revision a month after release that they didn't warn us about. This is the same as when Sony slimmed down the PS2 partway into it's life cycle. It's not a big deal and there's nothing to get worked up over.
The price of the Hard Disk, however, is pretty pathetic. Luckily for less than 20 bucks you can get an adapter for your PC and plug your old-fashioned 20GB HDD in there. If you really desperately need to hang on to those demos for some retarded reason.
sucking M$ @ Mar 28th 2007 1:21AM
fuck microsoft. and all the 60 fanboys were telling the sony fanboys that sony like to fuck them. looks like tables have turned
eight @ Mar 28th 2007 1:23AM
nothing like screwing over 10 MILLION people who came out in support of your console by adding thigns that should have been there from the start.
a1exander08 @ Mar 28th 2007 1:27AM
Nice to see how everyone stands on this subject, such a wise move on MS side I must say. Yeah how about no.
Honestly this is bullshit, here I go out and buy a 360 premium system, expecting to get the good of gaming; Burned a hole in my pocket, despite the horror stories of the red ring of death ect. just to see now that what I've bought has been replaced within no time. Some heads up would of been great, but what could you expect....
I would have considered buying an Elite if i would of known; before tossing over $500 to the cashier, I'd even bring it back to trade in, but unfortunately I'd only get back roughly $200. So with this equation, besides for those hardcore gamers with spare cash kicking around, many people are left extremely pissed. It would be great to have but to have to pay another 500 bucks to get it, the hell with that.
If I'm going to be coughing up $660 bucks to buy an Elite system then it better be just that "ELITE" Built in HD-DVD Drive, a damn icebox for a cooling system, and what the hell some spinning rims and hydraulics, and you better damn well sure it glows in the dark and makes coffee.
See what you may not realize is that, of course I want the more "elite" machine, but to pay that much for it, its not worth it. As well as paying $200 for a 120G HDD! HAHAHAHAHA! I laugh in your face, I may be somewhat of a hardcore gamer, but don't try to pull the shit over my eyes because I can guarantee you this much MS, us gamers aren't the stupid fools you take us for. We can decipher the different ends of the stick, and for us folk who have been with you from day 1 or just recently picked up a console, we know this is the shitty end we're getting.
DjDATZ @ Mar 28th 2007 1:35AM
http://on10.net/Blogs/tina/exclusive-video-first-look-at-the-xbox-elite/
Video of the 360 Elite.
Albert also says that they are WORKING ON A SOLUTION for the people that want to go from Premium to Elite. :D
foxdie @ Mar 28th 2007 1:45AM
Is the DVD drive less noisey? Did M$ use the smaller 65n chip to make it run cooler?
CJ @ Mar 28th 2007 1:54AM
Ok, there is a lot of flaming going on against MS. And there is a lot of people pissed because this is old news and they were hoping for something NEWER or better. Many of you are the same ones who were hyped about the Elite in the previous weeks. Now most of you are not. The problem I have is that some of you are acting like you were always against the idea. I doubt you were.
One thing we can all agree on is this. The pricing of this new Elite and especially the 120 GB hard drive is absolutely ridiculous. We all knew it was possible to be expensive but most of us were thinking at most 100 bux and the 20 GB going down in price drastically . Apparently we now know that its not the case. This truly could be all that Sony needs to pull ahead of the 360 and surging so far in the lead that the 360 and MS's gaming future will never recover.
I am open to the Elite, but what in Gods name is MS thinking about the pricing? Why not even upgrade the damn thing to where it adds the cooling, the cpu, and improves over all system performance? I have actually thought of purchasing a PS3 now because of this! And that is the last thing I want to do. But sadly MS is showing more of its greedy self. 180 bux for a hard drive that should cost under 100?!?! How can they not realize what they are doing? They are playing into PS3's hands. Not with the idea of the new Elite but with the idea of screwing over its own fan base. I wouldnt mind upgrading to it, but I WILL NOT at this price. Never. I will spend my money on something else. Perhaps a PS3 even. I look forward to Halo 3 and more for the 360 but Im not forking over hundreds more for something that should be so much less. I have agreed and stuck with the 360 and MS's thinking so far. But now, I am cornered. Who ever is in charge over there with this stuff is committing suicide really. Not only are they going to lose some of its current faithful(perhaps not lose them but some will buy PS3s before they ever pay this much for the new HD or Elite) but they will lose potential buyers who have not purchased a 360 as of yet. Hell, why would someone pay more for the 360 and all the extras when they can get pretty much the same thing of more really in the PS3? MS you have really screwed yourselves now. I dont know how you could be so stupid.
And lastly to Major Nelson.....Mr. I have a surprise.............that was pretty fcking lame. A surprise that we all wanted would of been perhaps Halo 3 Beta. Not this despicable nonsense that most of us knew about. The only surprise was how much MS is going to screw us with the pricing.
Johnny @ Mar 28th 2007 1:56AM
That Hard drives a Killer.
$149?
If I could by this thing Sans HDD it would actually be $300, which actually sounds fair.
buts its not very likely they'll throw a 4th SKU in the market.