|
Page 2 of 4
'Ebony and Ivory'
Microsoft announces new black’ Xbox 360 Elite’
 Microsoft officially announced the launch of a brand new version of the Xbox 360 on Wednesday, following months of speculation on the internet and by gaming press.
The Xbox 360 Elite is a snazzy black, 120GB, HDMI enabled version of the Microsoft console, slated for released in the US on the 29th of April at a cost of $479. Appropriately coloured peripherals, such as hand controls will also be available to ensure colour co-ordination isn’t a problem.
Contrary to internet rumours it won't come with an internal HD-DVD drive.
The new machine seems to be geared at new adopters of the system rather than current 360 owners.
Peter Moore, corporate vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft said in a statement : ”Today’s games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content. 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.”
The new 120GB hard drive will also be sold separately for $179 with a data transfer cable enabling all those current owners of a Premium Xbox 360 to transfer their account, game saves and other information to the new drive.
UKMusic.com contacted Microsoft UK today for the release date and price point of the Xbox 360 Elite in the UK. A Microsoft spokesman said : "The Xbox 360 Elite will be available in other regions around the world. We will announce its availability in those regions when we have a firm date of arrival in stores."
But with competitor Sony's PS3 doing brisk business, it’d be safe to say that a late summer Elite launch would be more than likely.
The ability to have a true HDMI connection with your Xbox 360 is a great option,but the high price point and lack of next generation media player in the Elite has some Sony fans accusing Microsoft of hypocrisy over their strong criticism of the high price point of the PS3. Sony's machine comes out of the box with an HDMI port and Blu-ray.
Sony Computer Entertainment of America have been quick to say this move ‘validates’ their stance on providing hi definition gaming.
Peter Dille, SCEA vice president of marketing said in a statement, "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 50GB of storage capacity on a high definition Blu-ray disc. “
Hmmm, a 120 GB hard drive or a Blu-ray player? Choices, choices……
Written by : Sam Bandah
|
