Microsoft announces new Xbox 360 model: Elite

Wednesday 28th March 2007, 03:03:00 PM, written by Mark

Today the veil that was sort of casually placed in the near vicinity of Microsoft's new Xbox 360, codenamed Zephyr, has been lifted to reveal the black Xbox 360 Elite, a new $479 SKU that will sit alongside the standard $399 Xbox 360 and $299 Xbox 360 Core SKUs.

No one reading this will be taken back by the notion of a black Xbox 360; rumours of such a beast have been swirling around the ether for a few months now. Spy-shots and not-quite-official statements from various folks at Microsoft made its existence a near certainty.

The all-black Elite, as expected, will feature a 120GB Hard-drive and HDMI connectivity as the main selling points. It will also include the requisite HDMI cable along with an audio adapter, component HD and composite cables, and a black wireless controller and black headset. Not included is the rumoured built-in HDDVD drive or IPTV support. It also appears the move to 65nm will be a while off yet as well.

Microsoft will also be making available black accessories including black Wireless Controllers, a black Rechargeable Battery Pack, and black Play & Charge Kit. All sold separately of course. The 120GB Hard-drive will also be made available as an upgrade option to owners of the current Xbox 360 SKUs for $179.

Despite the lack of launch numbers, Microsoft has stated that the Elite will not be a limited edition run as many have anticipated. The Elite, along with the standard and Core SKUs, are here to stay.

The Xbox 360 Elite is expected to hit retail locations in North America on April 29th. Details for other regions were not released.



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microsoft ± xbox, 360, elite

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