Xbox 360 Elite: HDMI and more.

[Redundant]

Finally. I've been waiting months for Microsoft to fix the (few) problems with the Xbox 360 and it will come in the form of the 360 Elite Edition.

First there were rumors, then there was the confirmation (http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/xbox-360-in-black-with-hdmi-april-479/) and now it's here! (http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/xbox-360-elite-new-black-limited-edition-xbox-with-hdmi-and-120gb-drive/)(almost) :banana:




The Elite will be limited quantities only; that may be as much or as little as a couple hundred thousand.
The case, controller, and Live headset will all be black. It will have all new packaging.
Elite will cost $479, and will be a 3rd SKU; it will be sold alongside Premium and Core packs.
Eventually Elite hardware (in white plastics) will take the role of the Xbox Premium. That is to say, after the Elite is launched and sold out, future Xbox Premiums will have 120GB / HDMI.
We do not yet know exactly when 120GB / HDMI will become the standard for Premium, but it is loosely estimated to be late summer or fall.
Elite models run cooler than normal 360s, but they are not yet confirmed to have 65nm chips.
Prices may remain the same with the 120GB / HDMI hardware upgrade in the Premium Xbox, but we may still see a price cut on the line when 65nm chips start shipping.
The HD DVD drive will not be internal or bundled -- Microsoft never did or nor does not currently have plans to put an HD DVD drive in the 360.
There are no current plans to integrate WiFi into the Elite or future Premiums (although that can always change).So even if you're not one of the lucky ones to get an Elite, that hardware will still be available to you in the white ones!

PS3, meet your downfall!

(see sig)

[AJ@PR]

Nice thread!

Nice write-up.

The main question I had, you addressed it...

Elite models run cooler than normal 360s, but they are not yet confirmed to have 65nm chips.
I had heard that too... they they'll switch to cooler and smaller-nm chips.

w00t w00t !!!! ! !!! !!

Hey! Look!!!
I'm over at Puerto Rico, in The Caribbean, yet I can see the Sony executives crying over @ Japan!

BTW, Redundant, your sig is crazy.
I'm honored! :) :)

[luciusad2004]

One question... Since i cant afford to buy the 360 1337, if i purchase another hard drive would i be able to easily transfer my gamer tag from one disk to another and subsequently all of my downloads. I'm not concerned about demos... just stuff i might have payed for.

[Redundant]

Luciusad, I really am not sure because I (obviosly) don't yet own a 360.

I imagine you can take your gamer profile and put it on a 360 memory card (there's a 512mb version too now). Not sure if you can transfer all your files though.

[Mitternacht]

One question... Since i cant afford to buy the 360 1337, if i purchase another hard drive would i be able to easily transfer my gamer tag from one disk to another and subsequently all of my downloads. I'm not concerned about demos... just stuff i might have payed for.

S'possible. I was inside and out of my friend's 360 this past weekend, and the HDD is nothing but a SATA labtop HDD shielded with a plastic disguise. I see it perfectly possible to upgrade to a 120, but give the modchip community some time. They have to come up with a way to format the HDD for the 360 yet.

[Redundant]

Well, if you want to void your warranty, you could just take both HDDs out of their boxes, plug them into your PC, and use Nortan Ghost to copy it all over.

I was under the impression that you didn't want to void the warranty just yet for a (probably) $150 Xbox accessory so I didn't mention it...

[luciusad2004]

no lol I don't want to void my warranties. I didn't explain it to well. I'm thinking that if they sell the larger hard drive on its own i may purchase one. What i wanted to know is if i would be able to transfer my gamer tag to the new hard drive via memory card. I know that if you delete something that you payed for your supposed to be able to download it again for free so i was thinking that if i can successfully transfer my gamer tag i SHOULD be able to redownload everything that i may have payed for. I cant really explain it all that well. Sorry

[Redundant]

Luius, check out the comments in this link for the 512mb memory card (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/512mb-xbox-360-memory-cards-up-for-preorder-232980.php).
I'll just post it here actually:

I'm buying one, and I have a premium model. When I go to LAN's, it's nice to be able to transfer (between consoles) my gamertag, gamesaves, and favorite XBLA games with ease.

You shouldn't have any problems moving it apparently. (If you don't already have a memory card, the 64mb one is cheaper now or you can borrow one from a friend.)

[luciusad2004]

You shouldn't have any problems moving it apparently. (If you don't already have a memory card, the 64mb one is cheaper now or you can borrow one from a friend.)

I already have the 64mb card. My parents got it for me before they could aford to buy me a hard drive.

Thank you : ) I guess I might consider upgrading to a larger hard drive.

[Spawn-Inc]

Elite will cost $479, and will be a 3rd SKU; it will be sold alongside Premium and Core packs.


thats USD right?!?!

[Redundant]

thats USD right?!?!
Yes.

Lucius, I just saw that Engadget posted that you'll only need a cable that will come with the 120gb HDD to transfer your files (http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/23/xbox-360-sends-hdd-data-to-360-elite-via-transfer-cable/). (click the pic on that site for the full story.)

[luciusad2004]

Thank you : ) I actually just saw that my self a little bit ago. I guess it will just come down to how much the thing will cost. If the price of the 20 GB is any indication i wont be purchasing one anytime soon. I guess i should also think about whether or not i REALLY need one or if i just Think i need one because i want it.

[Durrthock]

Means one thing to me.
After market 120gb hd

[luciusad2004]

Updates on the Elite

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/the-xbox-360-elite-is-official-hdmi-and-120gb-for-479/


Some points to mention


$479.99
NOT moving to 65nm processor.
NOT a limited release.
HDMI cable to be included (i guess people complained that the ps3 should have one in box)
Hard Drive will be released separately for $179.99 (ouch?)


I guess my only complaint is that the Hard Drive price seems high. In all honesty though, some of the idiots that keep responding to the Joystiq post are quoting prices that sound like they are based off of standard 3.5 inch hard drive specifications. People need to realize that this is a laptop hard drive in a custom enclosure (not an amazing one but they DO cost money to make) and it has a funky plug (also costs money to make even though its not so secretly nothing more than a oddly shaped SATA plug)

Laptop hard drives seem to sell for at least $80 on newegg at OEM pricing
Add to that the cost of producing the enclosure and the oddly shaped SATA
Also factor in the cost of putting it all together
Finally throw in the fact that Microsoft DOES want to make a profit (no shame in that) and the price seems slightly more justified. Not a great price... but not the crime of the century that everyone is making it out to be.

[d_stilgar]

You know, April 1 is coming up. I'm not going to count on this being real until May.

EDIT: Nevermind, it's on the official site. I would now be suprised if it was a prank.

[Ticien]

I was hoping that it would drive down the price of the original 360...but if it isnt I am going to be a little disappointed. Not a big xbox fan, but i was going to get it when Halo3 came out.

[AJ@PR]

I think it's just MS making money.

I see the cool things they've added... the extras... but... w/e.

As to hdd... excuse my 360 ignorance, but... has anybody ran out of space?

Halo3 = 360 for AJ

.... Thanks for the updates Lucius! :)

[Drew]

I reckon M$ have pulled a blinder here.

Release a next-gen console earlier than Sony, wait for the PS3 to be loads of money (and confirm specs) then improve the 360 and re-release it loads cheaper than the PS3 (bear in mind, if I want a Blu-Ray, I'll buy one, thanks).

Seems clever to me...

[progbuddy]

I reckon M$ have pulled a blinder here.

Release a next-gen console earlier than Sony, wait for the PS3 to be loads of money (and confirm specs) then improve the 360 and re-release it loads cheaper than the PS3 (bear in mind, if I want a Blu-Ray, I'll buy one, thanks).

Seems clever to me...

M$ is a marketing genius. That's why their stocks shot up.

Also, the price isn't bad at all, considering that you're getting a 120 GB laptop harddrive, tri-core processor, the rest of the 360, the wifi controller, headset, HDMI cable, ethernet cord, etc. etc.

I think I like the Xbox 360's external harddrive idea better.

[Redundant]

I would've posted the update first if I didn't have damned school. :p

Slightly more info on Lucius's points:



The console will come with component and composite cables, as well as an HDMI cable. (Take that, Sony and Apple!)
The console will come with a black wireless controller and black (wired) headset.
Sorry, the new black controller still doesn't have backlit buttons -- don't let the pic fool you.
The black controller, black rechargeable batteries, black headset, and black Play & Charge kit will all be available in retail for the same price as the white gear.
The HD DVD drive will not be released in black.
Xbox didn't know what HDMI version the Elite uses, nor whether it supports PCM 5.1, TrueHD, etc.; it will obviously support 1080p, though.
Sorry, no price cuts on the Premium or Core packs.
Xbox Live Marketplace will also begin vending content from New Line, Paramount, and Universal (and their properties).

It's out April 29th in the US and Canada, people. Ready for your second Xbox? No? Well, it's still cheaper than that other black game console.
Here are some more pics (http://www.engadget.com/photos/xbox-360-elite-already-photographed/) for you to awe at.

An interview (podcast) about the Elite. (http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/03/27/the-one-about-the-xbox-360-elite.aspx)

A video about the Elite. 8) (http://on10.net/Blogs/tina/exclusive-video-first-look-at-the-xbox-elite/)

[Guardian]

Yeah this is confirmed, There was an article about it in my GameInformer (magazine).

I have a 360 core, and Well, the hardrive was really bugging, I'll gladly buy the 120 g. hardrive, and $180 seems fair, I mean not for an accualy hardrive, but come on, its a 360. The 20g hardrive is $100, I exepted it to be REALLY expensive.

[Mitternacht]

My birthday is coming up; the 21st. S'possible maybe my parents and my sister can all pitch in for it. And I have six strip tickets; 3 for tonight and 3 for Sat. night. $200 prize each. Hopefully I can hit on one of those and offer to put that money towards it, if I hit. Too bad it's released 8 days after my b-day.

[Mitternacht]

I actually have the money to buy one now. I'll get pics of it on here if you guys want.

[progbuddy]

I actually have the money to buy one now. I'll get pics of it on here if you guys want.

Here's another little 360 bit to munch on :)

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/microsoft/xbox-360-hard-drive-leaked-at-70-gigs-212862.php

[Redundant]

Xbox 360 Elite Disassembly (http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/inside_the_xbox_360_elite.htm)

Looks like they changed some things on the mobo like they got rid of some components and downsized the capacitors. Looks nice! 8)

T - 5 days.

[Mitternacht]

Xbox 360 Elite Disassembly!!! (http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/inside_the_xbox_360_elite.htm)

Looks like they changed some things on the mobo like they got rid of some components and downsized the capacitors. Looks nice! 8)

T - 5 days.

Already posted on here, (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7683) even though I didn't talk about the 360 Elite in-depth about its guts.

[Redundant]

Some more 360 Elite News:

Xbox 360 Elite arrives - unboxing, comparison ensues (http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/xbox-360-elite-arrives-unboxing-comparison-ensues/)

Xbox 360 Hard Drive Transfer Kit hands-on (http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/xbox-360-hard-drive-transfer-kit-hands-on/)

Both links have photo galleries for your viewing pleasure. ;)

[luciusad2004]

I hate to say this but i really don't like the matte finish. I still prefer my 360 to the ps3 but it would be nicer if the black was glossy... but then all the fanboys would cry copycat. So i guess if i ever want black it will have to be a custom job : /

[Redundant]

I hate to say this but i really don't like the matte finish. I still prefer my 360 to the ps3 but it would be nicer if the black was glossy... but then all the fanboys would cry copycat. So i guess if i ever want black it will have to be a custom job : /


At least if you do want it glossy, you can just add a clear coat to the plastic.

A review of the 360 Elite. (http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/xbox-360-elite-vs-classic-the-test/)

Well, it's said to officially come out today. I'm a bit surprised there isn't some more news on it.

EDIT: Check out Xbox.com (http://www.xbox.xom) today, looks pretty cool.

[luciusad2004]

I dont understand why everyone is trying to compare them and look for performance benefits over the original 360. Microsoft has already stated that this isn't intended to replace the 360's that people already own. Its just another option for people who don't already have one or, for whatever reason, really need HDMI. To be honest the only reason i was at first interested was because i wanted to use a computer monitor with DVI input (wich should be pretty simple now that we have HDMI) but its really not all that important to me and now im thinking ill just buy one of those monitors that has DVI and VGA so i can switch back and forth between my comp and the 360 on the fly.

@ Redundant - I didn't realize that lol, I don't know much about painting.
Thanks for the tip : )

Edit: Is your title inspired by Star Trek TNG?

[Redundant]

Edit: Is your title inspired by Star Trek TNG?
Yes...:redface:

I just thought it sounded cool. lol

I gotta put something of worth in this post. Ah, here's something:
Xbox 360 getting 65nm GPU this fall? (http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/30/xbox-360-getting-65nm-gpu-this-fall/)

This kinda sucks but if 90nm is good enough for everyone else, it's good enough for me. I hope the added stress of Halo 3 will work on 90nm fine.