Confirming the widespread internet rumor, Microsoft announced the availability of an XBox 360 Elite console. The machine, which will offer more robust display and storage features (as well as a new black finish) is set at a pretty steep price of $480. It is projected to be in stores on April 29.
Microsoft is calling the elite the “ultimate high-definition entertainment experience”. It contains:
• 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.).
• 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.).
• 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.
There are a few reasons why I’m personally not getting this new console for a long time (if at all). First, history suggests that there are always issues with the first batch of new consoles. Second, I’d have to take out a second mortgage on the house to upgrade. $480 BEFORE tax and a now seriously depreciating value on my existing console. Imagine all the 360 units that will be on eBay once this Elite puppy is in stores. Further, it’s not confirmed yet if you can migrate data on your existing console over to a new console. Microsoft is “working” on making this happen.
I’ve been happy since the first day I picked up my 360 console, but I feel somewhat irked that this announcement is so close to the time I bought my system. However for those of you that don’t own a 360, choosing the Elite over the Premium should be a no-brainer: for only $80 more, you get 100GB more space and HDMI capability with cable.
I’ve been saying it for months but no one would listen to me! The writing was on the wall. Microsoft is finally playing things smart. While PS3 sales slow to a crawl, they’re finally waking up and pushing the 360 - it’s about time! The upgrades are pretty slight but, for $80, you really can’t go more. Let’s not forget that the Premium console is going to be available at the now-discontinued Core system’s price tag: $299!
Link, I wouldn’t feel too bad. Think of all the people that jumped on the Xbox 360 when the price was higher. There’s always a price to be paid for being an early adopter but I think people know that and can deal with it.
This is definitely the time to sell your XBox 360 on to a friend as the trade-in value in most stores probably won’t be significant. I’d wager that most people that have a 360 now will at least consider trading it in for the better season; that is, IF they have a nice HDTV. One thing that surprises me is that Microsoft did not throw in multi-card readers like the PS3 has.. Oh well!