Xbox 360 Elite announced

Premium Xbox 360 console includes 120GB hard drive, HDMI port, new line of accessories and black finish.

Press release follows:

Microsoft today unveiled the much anticipated Xbox 360TM Elite console complete with a sleek black finish, larger hard drive and HDMI port and cables for the ultimate high-definition* gaming experience.

The new premium console, for those who demand superior high-definition gaming and entertainment in their living room, joins the Xbox 360 and Core consoles to offer consumers three choices this winter. The Elite console complements the existing Xbox 360 hardware portfolio to fully cater for the wide range of consumer wants and budgets.

Ideal for the enthusiast, the Xbox 360 Elite video game and entertainment system will include a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox LIVE® headset.

The Xbox 360 Elite console has enough space for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available soon on 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.

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.

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.

The Xbox 360 Elite video game and entertainment system will come packed with components and accessories for the ultimate high-definition entertainment experience:

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 around 9 meters 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.

*Some older high definition TVs do not support 60Hz and will only run your Xbox 360 in standard definition format. Please check the PAL format of your TV with your TV manufacturer.

** TV and movie downloads are currently available only in the U.S.

*** Always remember! Recordings and programs may be protected by copyright. Microsoft does not authorise, support or condone the use of our products for unauthorised copying. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, publicly perform or modify recordings unless authorised by the copyright owner or allowed by law.

**** At the conclusion of the complimentary one-month subscription, subscription charges apply for Xbox Live Gold membership.