360 120gig HDMI Confirmed

[Tan]

By: Brian Crecente

It's no great surprise that Microsoft has a new Xbox 360 model in the works, but today they made if official and also announced five new Video Marketplace partners.

The Xbox 360 Elite will come with a 120GB hard drive, an HDMI port, a high-definition cable, both component and composite cables, an audio adapter for use with HDMI and a black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox Live headset. It will not have, despite rumors to the contrary, the smaller 65 nanometer chips, built in IPTV support or a built-in HD-DVD drive.

While Microsoft declined to comment on specific launch numbers for the new model, they did say it would not be a limited edition run. The Elite is here to stay, as are the core and standard Xbox 360.

The Elite model will hit in North America on April 29 for $479.99 along with a new stand-alone 120 GB hard drive that will sell for a whopping $179.99. The hard drive will come with a transfer cable and software to move the content stored on a 20 GB hard drive to your new drive.

Microsoft will also begin selling black battery packs and play and charge kits for the same price as their white counter-parts.

While the Elite edition will also be selling around the world, Microsoft did not discuss the date or price for other regions.

[Tan]

While I may find most of it's differences completely useless, I'm sure somebody must care somewhere. We don't even have the video download service here anyway so it's a real waste of money. 

[phoenix1967]

Well, for those that haven't picked up a 360 yet, having the HDMI port AND an HDMI cable, as well as the 120 gb Hard Drive, is quite a value for a difference of only $80 over the 360 Premium. Especially since an HDMI cable by itself would cost at least $50.

I wonder if there's going to be trade in offers for this...hmmm.

[Tan]

They call this one the "Elite" because of it's supposed limited release. I'll bet it'll be superceded by a 65nm model in the future with a similar SKU. It always seems these limited edition systems and games always outnumber the regular variety but are marketed like if you miss out now you'll regret it.

Platinum Gamecubes and Halo 2 tin cases are where this falls into I think. 

[Tondog]

3 SKUs for the same system is pretty much overkill in my book. I thought 2 was pushing it, but 3 is just far too many. I wonder if MS is going to sell a 120 gb hard drive upgrade to current 360 owners so they don't get left out.

Here's what Sony's response is:

"We think every PlayStation 3 owner should have an 'elite' experience, which is why we include an internal hard drive and HDMI output in every PS3 we sell, along with the 50 GB of storage capacity on a high definition Blu-ray disc. Sony has been the strongest advocate of high definition as the future of next-generation gaming. This requires high-definition components, including HDMI output, and large storage devices to deliver and store all that rich and vivid HD content. Microsoft's announcement today not only legitimizes Sony's PS3 strategy, it moves us closer to adopting universal standards in the area of high definition gaming that will benefit game developers and ultimately the end user."

Burned indeed. Man, things are heating up, this war could even reach Genesis/SNES proportions.

[Tan]

Burned indeed. Man, things are heating up, this war could even reach Genesis/SNES proportions.

Your being sarcastic right? It's a long long road before they ever touch what Genesisn't or what Nintendon't.   

[Tondog]

I'm exaggerating sort of. However, with MS upstaging Sony's European launch and Sony's response to the Elite, it's making me think of the old days.

[James]

Especially since an HDMI cable by itself would cost at least $50.

The official PS3 HDMI cable is £18 and apparently it's no better than a £6 jobbie. $50 would be extortionate. Or it would be Monster Cable territory.

[Tynstar]

This sucks IMO. Once I upgrade my TV to a 1080i I will want to get the newer 360. Why the hell didn't they do that in the first place. Plus with the cost of hard drives now a days 20GB is a joke. That should of been at least a 60GB. I think MS will start to fade out the Core systems. I actually agree with Tondog ( yeah I said it) 2 was pushing it 3 is just stupid. I also agree with Phoenix that 80 dollars more is a good deal for just the cables.

[The Metamorphosing Leon]

Lolz, M$ realized 360 is almost out of date already.

Kinda stupid...old 360 plus new 360 plus the 120 hard drive...


399.99+
479.99+
179.99
=
1059.97

PS3
599.99+
HDMI Cable
=
More advanced product for cheaper.

[Tondog]

Leon, those numbers don't really apply because you're adding in an old 360 and we don't even know what the cost ( or even if it will even be available seperately) of the 120gb hard drive. The only difference between the new 360 and the premium PS3 is that the 360 is lacking a next gen media format and built in WiFi (and the SD/CompactFlash/Memory Stick reader, but big whoop there). So it would have been more accurate to say.

479.99+
199.99 (HD-DVD)+
99.99 (WiFi adapter)
=
779.97

PS3
599.99+
HDMI Cable (I'll give you guys benefit of doubt and say $50, eventhough you can find one on Amazon for around 20)
=
650

Sure, you have a smaller hard drive, it's easily upgradeable since it's a non-propritary hard drive format.

Even if you don't get the HD-DVD drive on the 360, with the WiFi adapter (which is pretty much necessary for me), PS3 is not that much more money.

I actually agree with Tondog ( yeah I said it) 2 was pushing it 3 is just stupid.

Next thing you know, I'll rope you into agreeing that PS3 is a far better platform.

[The Metamorphosing Leon]

Oh I get what Tan was sayingabout the 179.99

Damn numbers, always screw me up.

But in the case of some who will be upgrading from their first 360 to get next gen tech it will be a burn. I said all along 360 wasn't next-gen, it's more like last-gen .5. I suppose with this new stuff it'll be a little more on par but I still imagine M$ will be making a new system sooner than Sony.

[Tondog]

But in the case of some who will be upgrading from their first 360 to get next gen tech it will be a burn. I said all along 360 wasn't next-gen, it's more like last-gen .5. I suppose with this new stuff it'll be a little more on par but I still imagine M$ will be making a new system sooner than Sony.

Yeah, in that case your math is about right.

I do also agree that MS will likely be the first one make a new system. Well, mayyyyyyyyyyyyyybe Nintendo...WiiHD anyone?

[Tynstar]

I actually agree with Tondog ( yeah I said it) 2 was pushing it 3 is just stupid.

Next thing you know, I'll rope you into agreeing that PS3 is a far better platform.

It very well could be when they actually start releasing games and IF Blu Ray takes off but Sony's track record for new formats isn't very good. Plus I would own a PS3 now it it was so much money.

[Tondog]

I actually agree with Tondog ( yeah I said it) 2 was pushing it 3 is just stupid.

Next thing you know, I'll rope you into agreeing that PS3 is a far better platform.

It very well could be when they actually start releasing games and IF Blu Ray takes off but Sony's track record for new formats isn't very good. Plus I would own a PS3 now it it was so much money.

Blu Ray has taken off. It's outselling HD-DVD. In fact, Casino Royale's Blu Ray disc cracked the top 10 DVD list on Amazon.com.