Xbox 360 Elite a Reality

Months of rumors and speculation about the imminent release of an upgraded version of the Xbox 360 prove true as Microsoft recently confirmed that the new black Xbox 360 is indeed coming to stores soon. The upgarded version of the Xbox 360, which will be called the Xbox 360 Elite, comes with a 120GB hard disc drive (HDD) and a HDMI port in addition to the standard RGB port found on all Xbox 360 consoles now.

Contents of the Xbox 360 Elite package:

- Xbox 360 Elite console

- A black wireless controller

- A black headset

- A HDMI cable

- A component cable

- Data transfer cable for users to port content from previous HDD to newer HDD

- Free Xbox Live silver membership

- One-month free Xbox Live Gold membership

The Xbox 360 Elite package will be a permanent product, and will replace neither the Core package nor the Premium package of the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 Elite package will arrive in stores on April 29 in the US and Canada, while dates for the European region, Japan and Asia have not been confirmed yet. Retail price is marked at US$479.99. The bigger 120GB HDD can be purchased separately for US$179.99. Some other Xbox 360 accessories like the Play and Charge Kit and the rechargable battery pack will also be available in black from April 29 onwards.