Xbox 360 Elite: new, black limited edition Xbox with HDMI and 120GB drive

[D_Litch]

via Engadget

We've confirmed with trusted sources that the black Xbox 360 is indeed coming (the image above is of the original 360 dev kit, FYI), and will be dubbed the Xbox 360 Elite. Here's what you need to know about it:

* The Elite will be limited quantities only; that may be as much or as little as a couple hundred thousand.
* The case, controller, and Live headset will all be black. It will have all new packaging.
* Elite will cost $479, and will be a 3rd SKU; it will be sold alongside Premium and Core packs.
* Eventually Elite hardware (in white plastics) will take the role of the Xbox Premium. That is to say, after the Elite is launched and sold out, future Xbox Premiums will have 120GB / HDMI.
* We do not yet know exactly when 120GB / HDMI will become the standard for Premium, but it is loosely estimated to be late summer or fall.
* Elite models run cooler than normal 360s, but they are not yet confirmed to have 65nm chips.
* Prices may remain the same with the 120GB / HDMI hardware upgrade in the Premium Xbox, but we may still see a price cut on the line when 65nm chips start shipping.
* The HD DVD drive will not be internal or bundled -- Microsoft never did or nor does not currently have plans to put an HD DVD drive in the 360.
* There are no current plans to integrate WiFi into the Elite or future Premiums (although that can always change).

[KingAndyXVII]

Damn, i was just about to post the exact same thing.

[Quo]

nice find, thanks guys. Dang, that black is sweet, isn't it? Very cool if it's all for real real.

[BrewCityUpstart]

That would be nice to have- the 360 sticks out like a sore sack next to my all black componants.

[Gordon]

I will wait and see if this is still around after April 1st. Perhaps then I will become a bit excited... About needing to trade in one system for a new one.

[CamDawg]

It says in the article that after they run out of the Elite, they will be transitioning premiums to those specs (120GB HDD and HDMI). They need to figure out HDMI for the early adopters. They've got a whole host of loyal, hard core fans who have put up with multiple system failures; I'm hoping that they don't bone us over.

[dmiller68]

Originally Posted by CamDawg

It says in the article that after they run out of the Elite, they will be transitioning premiums to those specs (120GB HDD and HDMI). They need to figure out HDMI for the early adopters. They've got a whole host of loyal, hard core fans who have put up with multiple system failures; I'm hoping that they don't bone us over.

I have read several places the there will be no HDMI for the current 360's. The hardware just doesn't support it. Although this too comes from those "sources". I'll be excited to see if this rummor that has been around forever comes true. Although since I was about to buy a Wii for my sons birthday and a PS3 to play Blu-Ray I'm not sure I can pull off getting a new 360.

[N0W IM N0THING]

Originally Posted by CamDawg

It says in the article that after they run out of the Elite, they will be transitioning premiums to those specs (120GB HDD and HDMI). They need to figure out HDMI for the early adopters. They've got a whole host of loyal, hard core fans who have put up with multiple system failures; I'm hoping that they don't bone us over.

It would certainly be nice for some sort of upgrade potential for current users. My second box is acting up again, much like the first as the drive is on its way out. It's only lasted 3 months or so, I may have to return this one soon. Anyone have any idea on when the newer BenQ'S are being installed??

[lovekeiiy]

According to an article I read, the Elite system will be $479. I'm not surprised about the HD DVD not coming with it, since there could be an issue about game programing. It would probably drive the cost up significantly to add it.

I would like to see some kind of adaptor or something to that nature for the early adopters. Unfortunately, I have a feeling we're just going to get bent over, again. It's the cost of being an early adopter.

Personally, it really doesn't effect me because I do not have HDMI on any TV I game on; I will be getting a 20" monitor, but I'm don't plan on gaming on it.

The 120G HDD drive is nice though. I believe I read it's going to be around $200. Kind of sucks at the price, but I guess it is no worse than the PS3 in that it takes laptops hard drives. As one who uses laptops and has had the HDD crash, those drives are frickin' expensive.

I'm starting to come to the realization, let me live in denial for a while longer, that gaming is becoming a very expensive hobby/past time.

[GoatMother]

I'd be interested in it if it were 20GB but with HD-DVD and HDMI for lossless sound. I'd pay $499 for that. Black looks good though I never had a problem with the white either.

To me this package doesn't make much sense for gaming or movie fans. Must be for the Tivo style service. As is, doesn't seem like a good value when placed against the competition which offers you blu-ray for $20 more.

[Fragmintz]

It would be nice if I could trade up my dying system (still under warranty) + $79 for the new system.

[Joe Sacto]

They really should have integrated wifi in this new model. Dishing out another $100 for that lame adapter places it around the same range as the $599 PS3.

Personally, I'd opt for blu-ray and how do we know these "elites" won't be plagued by the red rings.

After using my gamestop warranty and taking back my dead box, I still havn't opened up the new one yet. When I took it back there was also a guy in line behind me who told me he was bringing back his 4th box and has already spent almost $200 in warranties alone.

Early adopters should receive some sort of special deal in my opinion.

[OnoMan]

I wonder if they will make that 120 Gb hard drive available as an add on for the old 360

[MadBryan]

Originally Posted by OnoMan

I wonder if they will make that 120 Gb hard drive available as an add on for the old 360

Yes! I've been reading that anyways.

[OnoMan]

Wooo Hooo

[CamDawg]

From all I've read, it looks like it wil lbe approx. $200.

[D_Litch]

Originally Posted by CamDawg

From all I've read, it looks like it wil lbe approx. $200.

I just bought a 350gb HD for cheaper than that.

[dmiller68]

I will state this again these are laptop drives.

Laptop drive

I'm guessing these will go for $150-$200 dollars. I would guess with the enclosure that it would be high vs. buying a drive by itself.