The rumors were true! Microsoft has finally unveiled a Black Xbox 360, which will be called as “Elite”. It will have a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox LIVE headset.
Peter Moore, Corporate VP for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft says, “Today’s games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content. Xbox 360 Elite’s bigger hard drive and premium accessories will let our community to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer.”
Details about the Xbox 360 Elite:
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.)/179.99 euros/119.99 pounds (approx. Rs. 8000)
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.)/44.99 euros/32.99 pounds (approx. Rs. 2200).
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.
The following accessories for the Xbox 360 Elite console will only be sold separately:
Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit:
- Complete with a charging cable and a black rechargeable battery pack, the Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit allows gamers to recharge their Xbox 360 Wireless Controller without interrupting their gameplay. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $19.99 (U.S.)/19.99 euros/14.99 pounds (approx. Rs 900).
Xbox 360 rechargeable battery (black):
- The rechargeable battery pack provides more than 25 hours of gameplay per charge. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $11.99 (U.S.)/11.99 euros/9.99 pounds (approx. Rs. 530).
However, the catch is, the TV and movie downloads will be available only in the United States. Nevertheless, it is a good thing that Microsoft is also selling the 120 GB separately, as Xbox 360 gamers who want extra space will not have to buy a new console. The Elite is priced at $479.99 (approx. Rs 21, 400).
Microsoft could not have chosen a better time to announce the Xbox 360. The PS3 just launched in the PAL territories and is surprisingly doing very well. The Black Xbox 360 is a little cheaper than Sony’s PS3. Microsoft will launch the Xbox 360 Elite in USA on April 29, 2007. But whether the Elite will do well or not, we will come to know in a few weeks time.