XBox 360 Elite Officially Confirmed

[Devhux]

Well it's official - Microsoft has confirmed the XBox 360 Elite console (black, 120GB HDD, HDMI support). It's slated for an April 29th release for a cost of $479.99. Yes, I know we've pretty much known about it already, but it's nice to have a firm date attached to this one.

Source: DailyTech (http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=6671) & C|Net (http://news.com.com/Microsoft+announces+Xbox+360+Elite/2100-1043_3-6170825.html?tag=nefd.top)

I think it's a little much for the console (considering the PS3 has Blu-Ray and wireless connectivity for $120 more), but it probably is the version I'll get anyways. We all were hoping for a price cut on the existing Premium model, but sadly it looks like we'll be waiting longer. :(

[MikeD]

:woohoo:

YES!

Love the HDMI support. Price increase of $80 isn't too bad, either. And April 29th is riiiiight around the corner. Yeah...

[cheapie]

hmmm....need to check out how many HDMI inputs my tv has. it might not help me any to get it since i'm already using one HMDI port on my tv.

[InfiniteNothing]

You could always just buy a switch. I think it's funny that it's only $20 cheaper than a PS3 and still doesn't support either HD disk format without the $200 upgrade.

[Prngr44]

You could always just buy a switch. I think it's funny that it's only $20 cheaper than a PS3 and still doesn't support either HD disk format without the $200 upgrade.

That's definitely a bummer... I was hoping for a version of the 360 with the HDDVD built in.

[MikeD]

I don't see why it's getting negative pub. For $80 you get HDMI support (they even throw in a cable, that's minimum $15) and an extra 100 gigs of storage space. To me, that's a good deal.

Having HDMI frees up component for another one of my devices. 360 v1 should have had it, but better late than never.

And I don't want my game console being my primary HD player. If I wanted to be an early adopter of the format, I'd buy a standalone player. I'd bank on better performance than the PS3 or XBox 360 drive. But that's just me...

http://i.n.com.com/i/ne/p/2007/Console_Angle_Cont_425x600.jpg

[ray]

I am still waiting for Halo 3

[Cubsfan]

I'll probably get it. I was waiting for it to be announced before I bought one, and for $80, the hard drive is probably worth it.

Now, come on GTA!

[InfiniteNothing]

I don't see why it's getting negative pub. For $80 you get HDMI support (they even throw in a cable, that's minimum $15) and an extra 100 gigs of storage space. To me, that's a good deal.

Having HDMI frees up component for another one of my devices. 360 v1 should have had it, but better late than never.

And I don't want my game console being my primary HD player. If I wanted to be an early adopter of the format, I'd buy a standalone player. I'd bank on better performance than the PS3 or XBox 360 drive. But that's just me...


:shakehand
Fair enough. I guess it comes down to priorities. I'm kinda fond of Wii's tiny (but expandable) flash hard drive. I think HDMI on a high def system is mandatory (there's no excuse for MS to gauge customers and not update the other two XB 360 versions to include HDMI at no additional cost), and really think HD disc playback is an awesome feature. Added bonus: games up to 50 gig without swapping disks back and forth.

[MikeD]

I think HDMI on a high def system is mandatory (there's no excuse for MS to gauge customers and not update the other two XB 360 versions to include HDMI at no additional cost)

Agreed. It's become a standard that shouldn't be ignored.


Added bonus: games up to 50 gig without swapping disks back and forth.

Hadn't thought of that; good point. I'm a sports guy, so hopefully the standards (Madden, EA stuff) won't apply. Too much. ;)

[cheapie]

i checked and there's just one hdmi on my hdtv and my dvi is taken also. i do have two component inputs though.

[MikeD]

i checked and there's just one hdmi on my hdtv and my dvi is taken also. i do have two component inputs though.

What the hell are you doing at home? Get back to work! :hihi:

Should be fine with component though.

[cheapie]

:heh: i checked the specs online!

[InfiniteNothing]

Get an HDMI switch.

[Airencracken]

Oooh expensive! :D

While there's a greater chance of me getting a Xbox 360 at some point than a PS3, I doubt it'll be this expensive version. Though I do really want to be able to play Halo 3...

[redcolours]

does this thing have built-in HD-DVD support? or do you still have to hook up the separate HD-DVD player like you do the original 360?

[InfiniteNothing]

No, and yes.

[fillup0215]

does it play all xbox games? or does elite have new games?

[YellowCoffee]

does it play all xbox games? or does elite have new games?

Elite is just a new upgraded variation of the xbox 360 system. It's not a brand new generation system, so yes it does play all xbox games, just the same as a regular 360.

[InfiniteNothing]

The Elite version plays the same games as the other two XB360 versions.

[redcolours]

No, and yes.


well, that sucks. even the bloated PS3 can play Blu-Ray. maybe the next-gen Xbox...

[Agent Plissken]

Man I am really shocked this one wont have HD-DVD playback... I was waiting to buy one until they had it integrated, but now what do I do?!

[DaFunkyUnit]

one of the reasons why HD-DVD is not integrated is because making a player that plays both HD-DVD and regular DVD content is too expensive. A regular DVD drive spins much faster than a HD-DVD drive. This my explain why the PS3 is that much more expensive than a Xbox360.

personally, I won't buy an Xbox360 until they all come with 1)the 65nm die shrink, and 2) the quieter DVD drives. Xbox360 models manufactured before November 2006 tend to sound like jet engines.

[InfiniteNothing]

What does the speed that they spin at have to do with anything? Put a DVD speed motor in and tell it to spin slow. :shrug:

[DaFunkyUnit]

plus arent the lasers different? anyways to make a "one that can play all" type drive would require a drive that can spin at multiple speeds, use multiple lasers, etc....


besides, that leaves MS (and you, the consumer) the option of switching to a BluRay drive, if you so desire (and if MS decides to one day make an external BD drive for the 360) without throwing away the whole console.

[DaFunkyUnit]

btw, Guitar Hero II came out for 360 today. anyone get it?

[InfiniteNothing]

plus arent the lasers different? anyways to make a "one that can play all" type drive would require a drive that can spin at multiple speeds, use multiple lasers, etc....


besides, that leaves MS (and you, the consumer) the option of switching to a BluRay drive, if you so desire (and if MS decides to one day make an external BD drive for the 360) without throwing away the whole console.
I was just a bit confused on the whole speed problem: all computer DVD drives can spin at multiple speeds.

You do in fact need two different lasers. I believe the current cost crunch is the blue laser diode.

But why would you have to throw out a whole console if the external BD drive was ... well external. Woundn't you just have a dual format player?

[DaFunkyUnit]

But why would you have to throw out a whole console if the external BD drive was ... well external. Woundn't you just have a dual format player?

no, the point I was trying to make is that its better off (a blessing in disguise, if you will) that MS did not integrate HD-DVD into the 360's internal drive, as that would raise the cost of the console, and you lose the option/flexibility to choose HD or BluRay (assuming that MS were to make a bluray external drive). plus, not all ppl need HD/bluray drives

[Houdini]

I was just a bit confused on the whole speed problem: all computer DVD drives can spin at multiple speeds.

You do in fact need two different lasers. I believe the current cost crunch is the blue laser diode.

But why would you have to throw out a whole console if the external BD drive was ... well external. Woundn't you just have a dual format player?

That's what I was thinking. Even DVDR/CDR drives have two lasers, right?

Standalone HDDVD players are still pretty expensive, though. I really wonder who will win the HD battle, Sony or everyone else. Blu-Ray may be better in some respects, but so was Beta. In fact, I still have a couple of Beta decks.

But I don't have an HDTV yet. So it's not a worry for me right now. Still watching the prices drop on plasmas and lcds, though I like the blacks of plasmas.

[JackHammer]

Dude, the killer for blu ray is that Sony won't support the porn industry...just like they didn't support it with Beta. I was so bummed out when I heard it. Imagine porn at 1080p on a 50"? Dayumn, I'll be home all day with a box of kleenex.