Microsoft has jumped on the black bandwagon with the official launch of a sleek black HDMI capable Xbox 360 called the Elite. The console also has a new 120GB hard drive. However early indications are that the device will be in short supply with Microsoft calling for consumers to pre order.
The new console which Microsoft is calling a premium product also includes a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and the shiny black finish which is seen by many as a means to take on the Sony Playstation which is also piano black.
Microsoft claims that the new Xbox 360 Elite console has enough space for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games, thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies which they say will be available soon on the new Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
The new 120GB hard drive also will be sold as a stand-alone accessory to give current Xbox 360 console owners greater choice and flexibility in their games and entertainment experience.
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Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery, will also be available separately in the piano black.
David McLean, Regional Director Xbox Australia and New Zealand, says, “Since Xbox 360 launched a year ago, we’ve been listening to customer feedback and, as a result, we’re very excited to now add the premium Xbox 360 Elite to the top end of the Xbox range. With a large storage capacity for games, music, and high-definition TV shows and movies, the new 120 GB hard drive will help to satisfy our customers’ appetite for on-demand, HD entertainment experiences offered through Xbox LIVE Marketplace, both now and in the near-future.”
Distinguished by its black finish and signature metallic detailing, the Xbox 360 Elite console will be available in Australia in limited supply from this winter, and consumers are advised to pre-order their console in order to avoid disappointment.
Specifications for the new console are:
· Xbox 360 Elite console. The console is equipped with a premium black finish and three powerful core processors capable of producing stunning 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.*** The hard drive will also be sold separately so existing Xbox 360 console owners have the choice to upgrade.
· Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black). This ergonomic, 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.
· Xbox 360 headset (black). Now available in black, the headset lets gamers strategise 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 complimentary subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold. An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership completes your 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.
· Xbox 360 rechargeable battery (black). The rechargeable battery pack provides more than 25 hours of gameplay per charge.
