Xbox 360 Elite
 | |
| Xbox 360 Elite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Microsoft |
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Seventh generation era |
| First available |  April 28, 2007 May 4, 2007 TBA TBA |
| Controller input | 4 maximum (wired or wireless or combination of each) |
| Connectivity | 3 × USB 2.0, 1 × HDMI, 1x Multi A/V out, 2x Memory card slot, 1x 100Mb Ethernet port |
| Online service | Xbox Live |
| Units sold | N/A |
| Backward compatibility |
336 Xbox games (as of April 2007) |
| Predecessor | Xbox |
The Xbox 360 Elite (Previously codenamed "Zephyr") is a new SKU of Microsoft's Xbox 360 that adds a 120GB hard drive, a HDMI port,[1] and a new matte black finish. It was officially announced by Microsoft on March 27, 2007 that it would be launched in the United States on April 29, 2007, Canada on May 4, 2007, with the European launch date being described as "soon",[2] with some sources expecting a release in late summer.[3]
The console, packaging, peripherals, and specifications can already be seen on the Xbox website.[4] The console can play all Xbox 360 games and a select number of Xbox games with backwards compatibility, as is the case with the other Xbox 360 versions. A hard drive (either 20 or 120GB) is required at all times while playing an original Xbox game.
Contents[hide] |
Features
- See also: Xbox 360#Retail configurations
The Elite will feature as a third SKU, alongside the current Core and Premium bundles. It has been confirmed that the Elite will always be available for purchase,[5] rather than being a limited edition model as some rumours originally reported.[6]
The Xbox 360 Elite has several distinctive features which will distinguish it apart from the other two SKUs; a matte black finish, a 120GB HDD, a HDMI output port and peripherals with a finish similar to that of the console. The Elite will also retain the chrome finish that appeared on the original Xbox 360 Premium system. The Xbox website also states that the Xbox 360 Elite will upscale DVD video out of the box, using the included HDMI.[7] This contrasts with the current Xbox 360 versions which output DVD playback at 480p in NTSC regions or 576p in PAL regions. A VGA cable is required to upscale DVD playback to high definition on current Xbox 360 models.
Other accessories confirmed to be available on April 29, 2007 include black wireless controllers, black play and charge kit and black extra battery pack. A bundle pack will be available containing one black wireless controller and one black play and charge kit.
HDMI Output
The Elite will support the HDMI 1.2a specification, as development of the Elite began before the latest 1.3 specification was finalized[citation needed]. This means the Elite will be able to output Dolby Digital, DTS, WMA Pro, and 2 channel PCM audio via the HDMI connection[citation needed].
Retail Price
The Xbox 360 Elite will have a retail price of USD$479.99 and arrived in U.S. stores on April 29, 2007.
For existing Xbox 360 owners who wish to upgrade their hard drives to the 120GB HDD, it will be sold separately for a retail price of $179.99, including a data exchange cable, allowing existing 360 owners to transfer their data from existing hard-drives to the new 120GB.
In Canada, the Elite will cost CAD$549.99 and arrive in stores on May 4, 2007.[8]
In the box
The Xbox 360 Elite package includes the following:
- Xbox 360 Console with Matte Black and Chrome finish
- 120GB Removable Hard Drive
- Black Wireless Controller
- Black Wired Xbox 360 Headset
- Component/Composite Multi AV Cable
- HDMI Cable
- Optical and Component Audio dongle
- Ethernet Cable
- 17 GB of pre-downloaded content
Reaction
Press reaction to the unit has been fairly mixed, with some praising the addition of HDMI output and the larger hard drive and some critics questioning the decision to use the HDMI 1.2 specification instead of the newer 1.3.[9] Microsoft has stated that they are not trying to sell the Xbox 360 Elite to existing users, but to those who have yet to enter the Xbox 360 gaming market; ergo everything on Xbox Live Marketplace will still be optimized for the 20GB Xbox 360 Premium's hard drive.[10]
One critic has even gone as far to say that by not including an integrated HD-DVD drive in to the system, Microsoft is "dealing a blow to Toshiba's" HD DVD standard.[11] However not including an HD DVD drive internally is in line with Microsoft's own long-stated policy, in order to give consumers choice in the HD format war.
Create a free website at Webs.com