Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Elite debuts in Europe Aug 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/xbox-360-elite-debuts-in-europe-aug-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/xbox-360-elite-debuts-in-europe-aug-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/xbox-360-elite-debuts-in-europe-aug-24/#commentsFiled under: ,

After a longstanding silence on the subject, an official European release date for the Xbox 360 Elite has been confirmed by Microsoft. The information was revealed during Microsoft's E3 press briefing. Microsoft's Shane Kim announced that the Xbox 360 Elite will finally be touching down in Europe on August 24. A price has not yet been confirmed by Microsoft.

JoystiqXbox 360 Elite debuts in Europe Aug 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360eliteE3e307elitexbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteWed, 11 Jul 2007 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts expecting a Xbox 360 price cut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/analysts-expecting-a-xbox-360-price-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/analysts-expecting-a-xbox-360-price-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/analysts-expecting-a-xbox-360-price-cut/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you didn't already know, today Sony announced that they've trimmed the fat on their Playsation 3 by dropping the price by $100. Surprising isn't it? Now the obvious question is whether Microsoft will retaliate with a price cut of their own or keep things the way they are. Industry analyst Michael Pachter thinks a price cut will happen and has gone on record to say that Microsoft will announce a Xbox 360 price drop sometime during E3. How Mr. Pachter sees it is that they'll knock of $50 from the Core and Premium and take $80 off the Elite making the price points $249, $349 and $399. This is of course entirely possible seeing that Sony is stepping on Microsoft's price point territory. Also, we're thinking a price cut is overdue seeing that the console has been out for nearly two years at the same price. We'll just have to wait until tomorrow night to see what surprises Microsoft has up their sleeves and if our 360 will get a fat trimming too.

JoystiqAnalysts expecting a Xbox 360 price cut originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e307elitepremiumprice dropPriceDroprumorxbox 360xbox 360 eliteXbox360Xbox360EliteMon, 09 Jul 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite to be priced cheaper in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/elite-to-be-priced-cheaper-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/elite-to-be-priced-cheaper-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/elite-to-be-priced-cheaper-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

This morning, Microsoft announced that the Xbox 360 Elite bundle will make its way to the Japanese market October 11th and will be priced cheaper than in the US. The black 360 will cost 47,800 yen which translates to roughly $390 US, making it $90 cheaper in Japan. Man, do we want ourselves some cheap Elite love too. Microsoft's reasoning pretty much revolves around the fact that the Xbox 360's performance in Japan lacks stating that "the decision on the pricing was based on the situation in the Japanese market" and that "we are not satisfied with our position in Japan and working to improve it". So, if Americans quit buying Xbox 360 Elites then we too would get cheaper hardware ... we'll have to make a note of that one.

JoystiqElite to be priced cheaper in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eliteelite 360Elite360japanxbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteThu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Me: Elite featuring airbrushed Halo 3 artwork]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/buy-me-elite-featuring-airbrushed-halo-3-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/buy-me-elite-featuring-airbrushed-halo-3-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/buy-me-elite-featuring-airbrushed-halo-3-artwork/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last night, while searching for some cheap Microsoft points on eBay, we stumbled across an Xbox 360 Elite that looked very familiar. Up for auction is a custom airbrushed Elite console featuring the same Halo 3 artwork as the one Bungie autographed for charity and sold for for $20,000+. And from what we can tell, the airbrushed artwork looks spot on. If you're interested, the Halo 3 inspired Elite auction ends in about one day and is currently sitting at around $620 Canadian. We think that we can all agree that airbrushing never looked so good.

JoystiqBuy Me: Elite featuring airbrushed Halo 3 artwork originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbungiebungie studiosBungieStudioselitehalohalo 3Halo3xbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteTue, 19 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PC World products of the year: Wii, 360 Elite ... um, no PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/pc-world-products-of-the-year-wii-360-elite-um-no-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/pc-world-products-of-the-year-wii-360-elite-um-no-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/pc-world-products-of-the-year-wii-360-elite-um-no-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This one's just a little sad. PCWorld decided that from their gadgets and gizmos a plenty, their whozits and whatzits galore, they'd choose 20 products of the year (try to ignore that it's only May). The Wii made it in the top three, and stunningly, the Xbox 360 Elite made it on the list too. The PS3? Well, she ain't there, let's just chalk it up to that media conspiracy we discussed earlier.

The Wii earned the number three spot because it was "the first game console to get nongamers hooked on gaming, nominating it more than any other product ... Nintendo really has something with the Wii. Now if only we could find one for sale." Then down the list, but at least it's on the list, was the Xbox 360 Elite. PCWorld.com says, "The high-end 360 now ships with 1080p support and a 120GB hard drive, but it's the Xbox Live service, and the games and downloadable video on it, that make Microsoft's console really shine." What's wrong with PCWorld? As a famous woman once said, "Have you ever even heard of the Blu-ray? It's the future!"

Oh well, maybe with a little change Sony's embattled system can make a comeback on some actual year-end "product of the year" lists. Then again, it's gonna take something mighty impressive to defeat the Wii's possible DVD playback at that point.

JoystiqPC World products of the year: Wii, 360 Elite ... um, no PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3sonywiixbox 360 eliteXbox-360Tue, 22 May 2007 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PC WORLD: 360 Elite is a product of the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/pc-world-360-elite-is-a-product-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/pc-world-360-elite-is-a-product-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/pc-world-360-elite-is-a-product-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under:

PC WORLD has named their Top 20 Products of the Year and surprisingly, the Xbox 360 Elite made it on the list. And even though the Xbox community has mixed opinions about the black console, PC WORLD thinks that the Elite's huge HDD, HDMI connectivity, and Xbox Live functionality warranted a #18 place on the list. The Elite beat out two others including Paint.net (#19) and the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 (#20), but was left crying in the corner by Nintendo's Wii which came in at a very respectable #3. So fanboys, has your thoughts, impressions, or feelings about the Xbox 360 Elite changed since its release and would you be more or less likely to pick it up over a Premium?

[Thanks, Serge]

JoystiqPC WORLD: 360 Elite is a product of the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackeliteelite 360Elite360xbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteTue, 22 May 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Production costs: PS3 and 360 Elite comparison]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/production-costs-ps3-and-360-elite-comparison/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/production-costs-ps3-and-360-elite-comparison/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/production-costs-ps3-and-360-elite-comparison/#commentsFiled under: ,


Digitimes threw together a comparison in the production of a 60GB Playstation 3 and an Xbox 360 Elite, using the "latest estimates by research firm iSuppli". Upon further investigation, a few of these numbers are a little ... fishy. Sure, we can see that the DVD Drive is significantly less expensive than a Blu-ray optical drive, but the 120 GB HDD being $11 cheaper for double the drive space? Would the Blu-ray drive ramp up the Assembly to more the six times the comparative cost as well? Finally, since when did the Elite retail for $399 USD?

Somebody made a couple "miscalculations" somewhere along the way, which in turn brings into question the validity of the PS3's production costs. Still, an interesting comparison, like how much the Wi-Fi connectivity costs to be built in for the PS3 compared to the $99 accessory for the 360. So what's your take on this, fanboys? Did they actually look at a Premium or is it all a bunch of bullspit anyway?

JoystiqProduction costs: PS3 and 360 Elite comparison originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EliteP S 3PlaystationPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3Xbox 360Xbox 360 EliteXbox360Xbox360EliteMon, 07 May 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite owners, get HDD migration cable for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/elite-owners-get-hdd-migration-cable-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/elite-owners-get-hdd-migration-cable-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/elite-owners-get-hdd-migration-cable-for-free/#commentsFiled under:

New Xbox 360 Elite owners who've upgraded from a Core/Premium 360 may have been a little bummed to find out that there is no way to transfer an old HDD's data over to the Elite. But fear not, because Microsoft will give you a HDD migration cable for free ... you just have to ask for it. Either give Microsoft a ring-ring on the telephone or use the official migration cable order form and send it off. Full details can be found here. And be sure to keep using your 20GB HDD until the migration cable arrives, otherwise you'll have game saves on two HDDs causing you to lose data. And lost data is the suxorz.

[Via Digg]

JoystiqElite owners, get HDD migration cable for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elitehddmigration cableMigrationCablexbox 360 elitexbox eliteXbox360EliteXboxEliteMon, 30 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Xbox 360 Elite launch day!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/29/happy-xbox-360-elite-launch-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/29/happy-xbox-360-elite-launch-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/29/happy-xbox-360-elite-launch-day/#commentsFiled under:

No matter if you are somewhat annoyed by the black beast or have been anticipating its release since its announcement, the Xbox 360 Elite is officially here. Today, April 29, 2007, is Xbox 360 Elite launch day when retailers can officially put the black console up on the shelves and fanboys all over the US can have it in their possession for a mere $479. Again, congratulations Xbox 360 Elite, we welcome you to the 360 family even if you are a different color, more expensive, have a bigger HDD, and are somewhat cocky (group hug).

So fanboys, how will you be celebrating Xbox 360 Elite launch day? Will you be trading up to an Elite purchase or will you simply acknowledge its existence and carry on gaming on your white console?

JoystiqHappy Xbox 360 Elite launch day! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elitelaunchxbox 360xbox 360 elitexbox eliteXbox360Xbox360EliteXboxEliteSun, 29 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Data transfer demo for your new HDD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/data-transfer-demo-for-your-new-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/data-transfer-demo-for-your-new-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/data-transfer-demo-for-your-new-hdd/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you're a current 360 owner and are in the market for a new 120GB HDD or the Xbox 360 Elite in the coming weeks, then you'll be dealing with some HDD data transferring. And thanks to Major Nelson's data transfer demo, the whole process will be painless. In the embedded video above, Major and his clothes twin Albert walk you through the whole thing step by step and even do a little Xbox 360 Elite unboxing to boot. It's actually quite simple and should take less than an hour to move all your data to your new 120GB behemoth. And, as if it wasn't mentioned enough, the data transfer will be permanent and can only be done once. So, make sure this is what you want, as there's no going back.

JoystiqData transfer demo for your new HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb120 gb hdd120Gb120GbHdd360 elite360Eliteelitehard driveHardDrivehddxbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteFri, 27 Apr 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq unboxes the Xbox 360 Elite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/joystiq-unboxes-the-xbox-360-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/joystiq-unboxes-the-xbox-360-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/joystiq-unboxes-the-xbox-360-elite/#commentsFiled under:


The evil menace known as Joystiq received their Xbox 360 Elite today. As is only fitting, Joystiq set about performing the unboxing ritual with utmost care. As you might expect, the box contained an Xbox 360 elite and all the related goodies (HDMI cable, audio cable, 120GB HDD, and all that jazz). The HDD transfer cable -- used to copy your 20GB HDD data over to the 120GB HDD -- was packed outside of the box for some reason. We surmise, as does Joystiq, that this does not represent final packaging. Other than that, there isn't anything particularly remarkable about the Elite. It's black, it plays games, and ... um ... it's black.

Check out Joystiq's Elite gallery for more pictures of the unboxing.

JoystiqJoystiq unboxes the Xbox 360 Elite originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 elite360Eliteelitexbox 360 elitexbox eliteXbox360EliteXboxEliteThu, 26 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black accessories already available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/black-accessories-already-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/black-accessories-already-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/black-accessories-already-available/#commentsFiled under: ,

Feeling a little black today? EB Games has come to the rescue by offering a few black Xbox 360 accessories before the Elite makes its grand arrival next week. Right now, you can order a black Xbox 360 wireless controller, play and charge pack, or extra play and charge battery. The black versions all cost the same as their white counterparts and are ready to ship within 24 hours. As we always say, black is the new off white ... or something like that.

JoystiqBlack accessories already available originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackcontrollereliteperipheralsplay and chargePlayAndChargexbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteMon, 23 Apr 2007 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Welcome to the Xbox 360 Elite freak show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/welcome-to-the-xbox-360-elite-freak-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/welcome-to-the-xbox-360-elite-freak-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/welcome-to-the-xbox-360-elite-freak-show/#commentsFiled under:


Man, April 29th isn't going to carry as much excitement as we all thought, because some retailers (ahem, Target) just can't hold onto their products until the street date. Llamma.com got their hands on an Elite 360 at a local Walmart in Minneapolis and instead of selling it on eBay, opted to break her open. They ever so kindly posted comparison shots of the new Elite motherboard versus the old and a few CPU/GPU pictures too. But even after ripping the console open they still couldn't figure out whether or not the Elite is sporting an upgraded 65nm CPU or that archaic 90nm version. Maybe we could help out by borrowing them our super scientific microscope and a mini ruler. It's a thought. Though, they did get the full dish on what brands the DVD drive and hard drive are, so it wasn't a total bust. Make the jump for more pictures (including a Microsoft branded HDMI cable) and behold the wonder that is an Xbox 360 Elite gutted with its innards pulled out. Yes, it is sick and vile, but we like it.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqWelcome to the Xbox 360 Elite freak show originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 elite360Eliteblackblack xbox 360BlackXbox360elitexbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteSat, 21 Apr 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[360 Elite trade-in offer further clarified]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/360-elite-trade-in-offer-further-clarified/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/360-elite-trade-in-offer-further-clarified/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/360-elite-trade-in-offer-further-clarified/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Gamestop Xbox 360 trade-in increase we talked about earlier in the week needs further clarification due to the evidence we just received. Kevin, a Gamestop assistant manager, sent us scans of the actual coupon flyers for the Elite trade-in promotion. All the Xbox 360 trade-in increases that what we reported on earlier ($250 Premium, $200 Core, $50 Xbox) are correct, but the promotional dates and how the program works is a little different than what we were told. In a memo to Gamestop managers, it clearly states that the Xbox 360 Elite trade-in coupon flyers must be held until April 29th (Elite launch day), when they'll be given out to all Elite purchasers. Then, before May 27th, you can bring in your special coupon from the flyer, old Xbox 360, and the receipt from your Elite purchase to get the increased trade-in values. This will allow you to buy an Elite, take it home, transfer all your data from your old 360, and then go back to Gamestop to trade it in for the increased value.

Sorry for the confusion everyone, but it sounds like the managers we talked to either don't read their memos or just don't care what corporate says. We can't argue with flyer scans from Kevin. Xbox 360 Elite flyer proof posted after the break.

Continue reading 360 Elite trade-in offer further clarified

Joystiq360 Elite trade-in offer further clarified originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealelitegamestoptrade inTradeInxbox 360 elitexbox eliteXbox360EliteXboxEliteThu, 19 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Elite hits eBay, Target oblivious to street date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/xbox-360-elite-hits-ebay-target-oblivious-to-street-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/xbox-360-elite-hits-ebay-target-oblivious-to-street-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/xbox-360-elite-hits-ebay-target-oblivious-to-street-date/#commentsFiled under: ,


If the thought of waiting for the 120GB, HDMI-enabled Xbox 360 Elite to arrive in stores proves unbearable to you, consider how quickly time flies when you're spending money. Cast your view on this third SKU, now available on eBay, seemingly thanks to Target's inability to honor the April 29th street date. The eBay seller (and possible Subaru Impreza driver) has kicked off the bid at an amusing $600 and promises to ship the black box "IMMEDIATELY." IMMEDIATELY after the auction ends next week on 23 April, that is.

Even if bidding remains lethargic, you'll be paying at least $100 extra to receive the Xbox 360 Meh-lite less than a week before launch. Sounds like a dubious deal on top of another dubious deal. Best try your luck at a local Target if you're the supremely impatient type.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy, thanks brodiemash]

JoystiqXbox 360 Elite hits eBay, Target oblivious to street date originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eBayMicrosoftTargetXbox 360 EliteXbox LiveXbox-360Xbox360EliteXboxLiveWed, 18 Apr 2007 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Target breaking Elite street date, now on eBay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/target-breaking-elite-street-date-now-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/target-breaking-elite-street-date-now-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/target-breaking-elite-street-date-now-on-ebay/#commentsFiled under:


It seems like the game industry just isn't as solid as it once was. Games are discovered long before they are officially announced and street dates are broken left and right. Case in point: if the photo above is indeed genuine, it looks like Target has broken the street date on the Xbox 360 Elite. Not only has the street date been broken, but it has been broken by more than a week. Way to go, Target! The picture even includes a receipt, which we have magnified so that the $479.99 price is clearly visible. Granted, it could be a display box and some Photoshop trickery, but it looks awfully legit to us.

What's more, it appears that the owner of the Elite is selling it on eBay. The listing even has images of the serial number. The opening bid is $600. Of course, if Target is routinely breaking the street date, you could pick one up for a lot less.

Anyone else out there manage to snag an Elite from Target (or elsewhere)? We're assuming you aren't planning on winning one. Hit the "read" link for a larger photo.

[Via Digg. Thanks, brodiemash]

JoystiqTarget breaking Elite street date, now on eBay originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elitetargetxbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteWed, 18 Apr 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: 360 trade-in value increased [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/confirmed-360-trade-in-value-increased/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/confirmed-360-trade-in-value-increased/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/confirmed-360-trade-in-value-increased/#commentsFiled under:

Over the past few days there has been a few rumors hitting the web about potential Xbox 360 trade-in prices increasing over at EB Games and Gamestop for the launch of the Elite. Well, we got in touch with a few Gamestop managers and it's true. The promotion started today and dramatically increases the trade-in value for original Xboxes, Xbox 360 Cores, and Xbox 360 Premiums.

If you trade in a Premium 360 they'll give you $250 in-store credit, $200 in-store credit for a 360 Core, and $50 for an original Xbox. These trade-in price have increased pretty dramatically, because last week Gamestop was only paying $190 for an Xbox 360 Premium, now upped by $60. Both Gamestop managers also said that the new trade-in credit does not have to go towards an Xbox 360 Elite, but what other reason would you have for selling your 360? There you have it all wrapped up and confirmed. More trade-in cash for your old Xbox 360 to buy yourself a black Elite if you so choose.

Update 1: We're thinking there may be a little confusion in Gamestop's head. We just got word from Kevin (who works at Gamestop) that the trade-in program uses coupons that are not valid until April 29th. Kevin says that the only way to increase the trade-in value is to use these coupons and the only way to get these coupons is to buy an Elite. So, according to him, you need to buy an Elite to get the increased trade in value. But, we double checked with our local Gamestop managers and they still are saying we could come in today and they'll pay us $250 for a Premium 360. Maybe all the stores just aren't on the same page ... silly Gamestop.

Update 2: Even more details have emerged.

JoystiqConfirmed: 360 trade-in value increased [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coreeb gamesEbGameselitegamestoppremiumxbox 360xbox 360 elitexbox eliteXbox360Xbox360EliteXboxEliteMon, 16 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite to see a European release in November?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/elite-to-see-a-european-release-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/elite-to-see-a-european-release-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/elite-to-see-a-european-release-in-november/#commentsFiled under: ,

The US release for the Xbox 360 Elite is rock solid, but Microsoft is still extremely vague on release details for other parts of the world. And so comes word from Xboxer that they've confirmed with a publisher, magazine, and peripheral manufacturer that Europe will not be seeing any Elites until November. As always, this news isn't coming directly from Microsoft and so you should treat it accordingly. But, as it looks now, Europe doesn't really have a choice when it comes to getting the black beast until later this Fall. Sticking to the Premium will just have to do for now, but maybe that's not so bad after all.

JoystiqElite to see a European release in November? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black 360Black360eliteelite 360Elite360xbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteFri, 13 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Win an Elite in My Mom's a Gamer contest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/win-an-elite-in-my-moms-a-gamer-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/win-an-elite-in-my-moms-a-gamer-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/win-an-elite-in-my-moms-a-gamer-contest/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mother's Day is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the day than with $100 for flowers and an Xbox 360 Elite. Xbox.com is hosting a My Mom's a Gamer contest where they want you to write in and tell them about your gaming mom. Does she frag with the best of them in Gears? Does she rack up points in Feeding Frenzy? Or does your mother support your obsession and purchase gaming gear for you? Your entries need to be submitted by May 6th when one winner will get an Xbox 360 Elite and a $100 gift certificate for flowers. Creativity and admiration is key to winning, so start writing to win that 360 for ... uh, we mean flowers. Flowers for your deserving mother.

[Via Gamerscore Blog]

JoystiqWin an Elite in My Mom's a Gamer contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contesteliteelite 360Elite360mothers dayMothersDayxbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteTue, 10 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[MS defends the $179 120GB HDD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/ms-defends-the-179-120gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/ms-defends-the-179-120gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/ms-defends-the-179-120gb-hdd/#commentsFiled under:

Most people, outside of those planning to buy an Xbox 360 Elite, are understandably miffed that the 120GB hard drive will debut at a wallet draining $179. As such, Microsoft has received quite a bit of flack for the pricing of the unit. Major Nelson himself got an earful from us on the subject during the latest Fancast. Aaron Greenberg, group product manager at Microsoft, recently defended the 120GB HDD price in an interview with GameTheory. Greenberg noted a few reasons for Microsoft's pricing decision, among them that Microsoft requires stringent specifications for drive performance. In other words, they have to perform at specific speeds to provide an optimal gaming experience, and they must provide a certain level of security. Greenberg also notes that the 120 gig HDD price is comparable to other self-powered external hard drives on the market. Greenberg's statements are in line with what we heard from Major Nelson.

Additionally, Greenberg notes that the pricing structure is consistent with the rest of the Xbox line. As he puts it, the $299 core becomes the $399 premium by adding a $99 hard drive. By adding a $179 hard drive to the core, you get the $479 price of the Xbox 360 Elite.

Sure, there are some expensive external hard drives out there, but we don't buy that Microsoft can't find comparable drives at lower prices. There are plenty of 120GB drives out there for much less than $179. Are we to believe that all of them fail to meet Microsoft's specifications?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqMS defends the $179 120GB HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb120 gb hard drive120Gb120GbHardDriveelitexbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteWed, 04 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian 360 Elite preorders arrive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/canadian-360-elite-preorders-arrive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/canadian-360-elite-preorders-arrive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/canadian-360-elite-preorders-arrive/#commentsFiled under:

Our Canadian friends are now officially feeling the Xbox 360 Elite love, because they've become privileged enough to be able to preorder the black wonder. X3F reader Trevor sent word that both Canadian Best Buy and Future Shop stores are now taking online preorders for the 360 Elite. So, if you're Canadian and willing to throw down $549.99, simply make your way to their online stores and get your preorder on. Also note that in the US you can only preorder the Elite from Circuit City, because US Best Buy stores have yet to take the preorder plunge. As we always say, preorders for all fanboys everywhere (except Europe)!

[Thanks, Trevor Smiley]

JoystiqCanadian 360 Elite preorders arrive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaelitepreorderxbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteWed, 04 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysis: 360 Elite forum reception not so elite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/analysis-360-elite-forum-reception-not-so-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/analysis-360-elite-forum-reception-not-so-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/analysis-360-elite-forum-reception-not-so-elite/#commentsFiled under: ,

With all the press attention being paid to Microsoft's new Xbox 360 Elite, you'd think the idea of the unit was setting the gaming world on fire. Not so, according to a report from research group BrandIntel, which examined 600 posts by 328 gamers on 25 different gaming forums and found interest in the system rated only a 2.6 on a 1 to 5 scale. The original Xbox 360, for comparison, ranked a 3.9 on the same scale before its release (BrandIntel usually considers three or higher a positive score).

Despite the lukewarm reaction, 48 percent of people discussing a purchase in the small, skewed sample said they would buy an Elite, compared to 43 percent who said they wouldn't. Then again, these are forum trolls, so the ones who said they won't buy are probably just hiding how powerless they are to resist the siren song of shiny new consumer electronics.

Previously: Marketing formula determines 'hottest' video games

JoystiqAnalysis: 360 Elite forum reception not so elite originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360brandinteleliteforummicrosoftxbox 360xbox 360 eliteXbox-360Xbox360Xbox360EliteTue, 03 Apr 2007 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh the horror! Elite to use HDMI 1.2 not 1.3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/oh-the-horror-elite-to-use-hdmi-1-2-not-1-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/oh-the-horror-elite-to-use-hdmi-1-2-not-1-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/oh-the-horror-elite-to-use-hdmi-1-2-not-1-3/#commentsFiled under:


Over on the AVS forums, an insider from Microsoft let the kitty cat out of the bag on the Xbox 360 Elite's use of HDMI. According to the post, the Elite will incorporate HDMI 1.2 and not the newer 1.3 version which the PS3 uses. What's the big difference you ask? Well, not too much other than HDMI 1.3 features TrueHD and DTS-HD audio output and other small fixes where as 1.2 does not. There's a lot of technical mumbo jumbo to be read, so if you're into all that technical jazz feel free to read up on the differences. For the HDMI noobs amongst us (which we mostly all fall under) check out Wikipedia's HDMI 1.2 vs 1.3 comparison and get learnified. To those of you who are purchasing an Elite 360, does this 1.2 revelation alter your opinion or sway you away from your future Elite purchase?

[Via Gizmodo]

JoystiqOh the horror! Elite to use HDMI 1.2 not 1.3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eliteelite 360Elite360hdmihdmi 1.2hdmi 1.3Hdmi1.2Hdmi1.3xbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteMon, 02 Apr 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Preorder Xbox 360 Elite at Circuit City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/preorder-xbox-360-elite-at-circuit-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/preorder-xbox-360-elite-at-circuit-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/preorder-xbox-360-elite-at-circuit-city/#commentsFiled under:


Even though you won't be able to preorder the Xbox 360 Elite at Gamestop, Circuit City has stepped up to the plate and is accepting preorders on the new black console. Just head on over to Circuit City's website to preorder, it's quite simple. You could also throw down extra preorder dollars on a new black controller or maybe a black play and charge kit, it's all up to you and your bank account. Anyone willing to shell out nearly $500 on a preorder to guarantee an April 29th black Xbox 360 Elite? Or do you think there will be plenty to go around come launch day?

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqPreorder Xbox 360 Elite at Circuit City originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eliteelite 360Elite360preorderxbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteMon, 02 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Non-Elite HDMI adapter rumor resurfaces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/non-elite-hdmi-adapter-rumor-resurfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/non-elite-hdmi-adapter-rumor-resurfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/non-elite-hdmi-adapter-rumor-resurfaces/#commentsFiled under:

Even with the announcement of the Xbox 360 Elite, it seems the longstanding rumor of an HDMI adapter for the regular Xbox 360 just won't die. An Engadget reader named Evan M supposedly sent Microsoft an email after learning of the HDMI enabled Xbox 360 Elite. You see, Evan just purchased an Xbox 360 Premium, and was understandably miffed on hearing of the new Elite, knowing that his television supports HDMI. Evan received a response from Microsoft stating that a component to HDMI adapter was in the works, though the support person was unsure if this device would ever be sold by itself. In other words, it could be sold with a future iteration of the original Xbox 360.

Now, customer support isn't always on top of everything, so the information can't be taken as gospel. Furthering the doubt of such an adapter, Microsoft's Andre Vrignaud, better known as Ozymandias, recently stated such an adapter is not in the works at all. Furthermore, Ozymandias states that a hardware change was required to implement HDMI in the first place, hence the creation of the Elite.

And of course, the most obvious reason to doubt an HDMI adapter, it would serve no purpose. The analog-to-digital conversion created by an adapter would likely nullify the enhanced visual fidelity of HDMI anyway. Unless the HDMI port is the only free port on the back of your television, an adapter wouldn't make any sense at all.

JoystiqNon-Elite HDMI adapter rumor resurfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 elite360Eliteelitehdmihdmi adapterHdmiAdapterxbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteFri, 30 Mar 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan to get the 360 Elite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/japan-to-get-the-360-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/japan-to-get-the-360-elite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/japan-to-get-the-360-elite/#commentsFiled under:


The QuickJump Network's 360 site reported that according to a press release from Microsoft Japan, The Land of the Rising Sun will be getting its hands on the Elite, as there were rumblings that it wouldn't make the trip to the Far East. Of course, there were no specifics as to when the third SKU would be showing up on Japanese store shelves. We can only guess if the Xbox 360 Elite will catch the attention of the Japanese consumer when it actually does come out and hopefully the price point will be proportionate to the Elite here in North America.

JoystiqJapan to get the 360 Elite originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 Elite360EliteEliteJapanMicro softMicroSoftXbox 360 EliteXbox EliteXbox360EliteXboxEliteFri, 30 Mar 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[$179.95 120GB HDD: you're the man now dog!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/179-95-120gb-hdd-youre-the-man-now-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/179-95-120gb-hdd-youre-the-man-now-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/179-95-120gb-hdd-youre-the-man-now-dog/#commentsFiled under:

Negative fanboy sentiment is gathering around the price of the uber expensive $179.95 120GB HDD. And what better way for us to illustrate the pain in our hearts (and bank accounts) than by viewing a very professionally done YTMND entry. Go ahead, click the link and give it a listen ... we'll wait here. You gave it a listen right? Good, now our commentary will make sense.

The clip features Major Nelson's "ouch" reaction from his latest podcast and is obviously poking fun at the new HDD's price. From what we can decipher, Major's reaction to the HDD's price goes something along the lines of "uhngh,uhngh,uhngh,uhngh eh eh uhuhuh ooh ouch", but don't quote us on that. You can't deny it, that new drive is one overpriced piece of hardware. Though, we still love you 120GB HDD, but you just cost way to much and don't get along with our longtime friend 20GB HDD. Heck, we might as well just open the floodgates and hear what everyone thinks. Go ahead fanboys, unleash your opinion on the new 120GB HDD and its price structure. But be nice guys, constructive criticism is always better than hate darts.

[Thanks, tapoxi]

Joystiq$179.95 120GB HDD: you're the man now dog! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb hdd120gb hdd120gbHddelitexbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteThu, 29 Mar 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order the Xbox 360 Elite? Not at GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/pre-order-the-xbox-360-elite-not-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/pre-order-the-xbox-360-elite-not-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/pre-order-the-xbox-360-elite-not-at-gamestop/#commentsFiled under:

According to Evil Avatar, GameStop and EB Games will not be taking pre-orders for the upcoming Xbox 360 Elite. The decision not to take pre-orders apparently stems from an uncertain number of consoles being allocated to each store. EvAv notes that there is no confirmation about whether or not customers will be able to pre-order the fabulously expensive 120GB hard drive.

So, if you want to snag an Xbox 360 Elite, you'd best be prepared to wait in line for one. Well, that or you could pre-order it somewhere else. Has anyone out there pre-ordered an Elite?

JoystiqPre-order the Xbox 360 Elite? Not at GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 elite360Eliteeb gamesEbGameselitegamestopxbox 360 elitexbox eliteXbox360EliteXboxEliteThu, 29 Mar 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony working on new 80GB PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sony-working-on-new-80gb-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sony-working-on-new-80gb-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sony-working-on-new-80gb-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

Xbox 360 Elite is Microsoft's attempt at matching PLAYSTATION 3's impressive hardware features. While the Elite doesn't provide wi-fi support like the premium PS3, nor does it feature integrated HD disc support, it does offer a whopping 120GB of hard disk space, dwarfing the 60GB PS3 hard drive.

According to a recent FCC filing, it appears Sony is going to modify the current PS3 and include a larger 80GB hard drive: "The model CECHE01 to be added by the difference of the capacity of hard disk." Although this doesn't match the Elite's hard drive, it does add even more value to the $599 PS3. Current users need not feel short-changed, though. Unlike 360 users, PS3 owners are free to install almost any hard drive into their system, without having to pay ridiculous prices for proprietary peripherals ($180 for 120GB hard drive?!).

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqSony working on new 80GB PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80gbfcchard driveHardDriveplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyxbox 360xbox 360 eliteXbox360Xbox360EliteThu, 29 Mar 2007 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Dean asks: What makes HDMI so great?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/dean-asks-what-makes-hdmi-so-great/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/dean-asks-what-makes-hdmi-so-great/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/dean-asks-what-makes-hdmi-so-great/#commentsFiled under:


Journalist for the Mercury News and all around Xbox guru, Dean Takahashi, recently raised an important question. The question: who really needs HDMI? Of course, Takahashi is referring to the Xbox 360 Elite and its inclusion of an HDMI interface. Who better to answer the question than Kasey Holman, senior director of Corporate Marketing, HDMI Licensing, LLC. She couldn't be biased at all, right? Obvious sarcasm aside, Holman made the following arguments for the greatness of HDMI.
  1. HDMI provides the best video quality as there are no loss conversions involved, unlike component. The all digital signal will create sharper pictures without the ghosting or softness found through component. Smaller, high contrast details like text display this most prominently.
  2. HDMI provides superior digital audio (it supports up to 8 channels at 192kHz, uncompressed).
  3. HDMI is the future standard of High Definition content. Within a few years, content producers may activate a usage restraint token that won't allow High Definition playback over unprotected interfaces (i.e. component).
  4. Through an HDMI connection, the Xbox 360 will automatically detect the best settings for each television to which it is connected. In other words, users will no longer have to manually adjust resolutions and aspect ratios. These adjustments will be mad automatically according to the TV's specifications.
  5. HDMI sends both audio and video through the same cable, eliminating the need for separate cables. Of course, users of optical audio will beg to differ, but it does simplify things like System Link play.
There you have it, 5 reasons HDMI owns component. Anyone out there picking up the Elite solely for HDMI?

JoystiqDean asks: What makes HDMI so great? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 elite360Eliteelitehdmixbox 360 elitexbox eliteXbox360EliteXboxEliteWed, 28 Mar 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[360 Elite launch date MIA in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/360-elite-launch-date-mia-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/360-elite-launch-date-mia-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/360-elite-launch-date-mia-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

With the announcement of the Xbox 360 Elite came a flurry of news posts around the intertron, many of them featured right here. While the box has been confirmed for an April 29th release here in the States, our friends across the Atlantic have yet to receive any official date from Microsoft. So far, Eurogamer has conjured up two sources pointing to the nebulous date of late summer. The first source is Albert Penello, Microsoft's director of global platform marketing, who spoke on Major Nelson's 360 Elite blogcast. The second source, a spokesperson from retailer HMV, also suggested late summer, adding that they would likely receive the new SKU "sooner rather than later." When questioned about the launch date, Microsoft responded that it was still awaiting confirmation of the European launch date.

Joystiq360 Elite launch date MIA in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 elite360Eliteelitexbox 360 elitexbox eliteXbox360EliteXboxEliteWed, 28 Mar 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[120GB HDD transfer limited to one 20GB HDD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/120gb-hdd-tranfer-limited-to-one-20gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/120gb-hdd-tranfer-limited-to-one-20gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/120gb-hdd-tranfer-limited-to-one-20gb-hdd/#commentsFiled under:

Aside from HDMI, the biggest feature of the Xbox 360 Elite is undoubtedly the 120 gigabyte hard drive. Much to the relief of 360 owners everywhere, we now know that the 120GB drive will come with a transfer cable allowing users to transfer data from the 20GB drive to the 120GB drive. Sounds great, right? Don't answer that yet, because Joystiq has uncovered a few caveats to Microsoft's transfer solution. Do you have two 20GB hard drives? You'd better pick a favorite then, because the transfer software allows only one 20GB drive to be transferred to the 120GB drive. Maybe you have data on your 120 GB drive you'd like to stick on the 20GB. Too bad, because you can only transfer from the 20GB to the 120GB. Any other combination -- transferring 20GB to 20GB for example -- won't work.

As if all that wasn't bad enough, transferring data automatically deletes any data already stored on the 120GB drive, and all files transfered will be deleted from the 20GB. Finally, data cannot be transfered back to the 20GB from which it originally came. Of course, some of these issues can be nullified by purchasing a memory card -- a financial fact of which we're sure Microsoft is aware -- but the data transfer cable seems unnecessarily restrictive. Essentially, it will only be useful one time, unless you really want to format your 120GB HDD for some reason.

[Via Joystiq]

Joystiq120GB HDD transfer limited to one 20GB HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb120Gb360 elite360Eliteelitemicrosoftxbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteWed, 28 Mar 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More Xbox 360 Elite media trickles in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/more-xbox-360-elite-media-trickles-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/more-xbox-360-elite-media-trickles-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/more-xbox-360-elite-media-trickles-in/#commentsFiled under:


Earlier this morning Microsoft officially announced the Xbox 360 Elite system and from what we can tell, it's getting a mixed response. Some of you feel that it's an unnecessary slap in the face to early adopters while others are pumped to welcome the new black hardware into their homes. So, we felt it was our duty to gather more information, pictures, and videos of the 360 Elite and further educate everyone. Then, we can all make an informed opinion and decision. Thank us later. Click through the links below to experience complete Xbox 360 Elite learnification.
  • Channel 10 has an interview and Q&A with the Elite's main man Albert Penello.
  • Major Nelson's special mid-week Elite podcast.
  • Take a look at up close and hands on photos.
  • Official press photos of all the black happiness.
  • Read about all the Elite details over at Xbox.com.
  • 120GB HDD info (it includes a migration cable).

JoystiqMore Xbox 360 Elite media trickles in originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elitexbox 360xbox 360 eliteXbox360Xbox360EliteWed, 28 Mar 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[It's official: Xbox 360 Elite with HDMI & 120GB HDD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/its-official-xbox-360-elite-with-hdmi-and-120gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/its-official-xbox-360-elite-with-hdmi-and-120gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/its-official-xbox-360-elite-with-hdmi-and-120gb-hdd/#commentsFiled under:


Months and months of speculation, leaked photos, and random bits of information have finally come to an end. Microsoft just officially announced what we've all expected, the black Xbox 360 Elite. Everything we've heard before is pretty much true; HDMI connectivity, a massive 120GB HDD and everything is painted a matte finished black. You'll be able to purchase this black wonder April 29th for $479.99 US which even includes the HDMI cable. The Xbox 360 Elite is not a limited edition package and will not replace the current offerings, but will be treated as another SKU. Microsoft also announced that other black accessories will be available for purchase separately including black play and charge packs, controllers, and headsets. Finally, the 120GB HDD will also be available separately for $179.99 US. Read the full press release after the break and be sure to check out Joystiq's lovely Xbox 360 Elite photo gallery ... oh the joy! So fanboys, will you be going black this April?

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading It's official: Xbox 360 Elite with HDMI & 120GB HDD

JoystiqIt's official: Xbox 360 Elite with HDMI & 120GB HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>xbox 360xbox 360 EliteXbox360Xbox360EliteWed, 28 Mar 2007 00:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Video offerings expanded to fill those 120GB hard drives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/xbox-live-video-offerings-expanded-to-fill-those-120gb-hard-driv/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/xbox-live-video-offerings-expanded-to-fill-those-120gb-hard-driv/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/xbox-live-video-offerings-expanded-to-fill-those-120gb-hard-driv/#commentsFiled under: ,


Despite last week's high-profile launch of the AppleTV, Microsoft is still the "only online distributor of major feature films and television programming in high definition resolution." To ensure they keep their lead, and to offer potential 120GB HDD upgraders and Elite console buyers additional incentive to take the plunge, Microsoft is announcing several new content deals.

Paramount Pictures joins the high definition online fray, adding Braveheart, Team America: World Police, World Trade Center and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut to Microsoft's service. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment also commits, promising to release their direct-to-video films (in HD) on Xbox Live in tandem with the DVD editions. These include Sublime and Babylon 5: The Lost Tales.

Others adding to the growing store of digital content are:
  • A&E network -- providing Dog the Bounty Hunter, King of Cars, Driving Force, the disturbing Criss Angel Mindfreak and the even more disturbing Gene Simmons Family Jewels.
  • ADV Films -- catering to the anime fans.
  • National Geographic -- bringing much needed realism onto your console of digital silliness.
  • New Line Cinema -- giving us Snakes on a Plane, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, "plus top titles including Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Magnolia." Apparently, the first few movies are non-top in nature.
  • TotalVid -- packed with sports which are decidedly extreme.
Check after the break for the tricky, but unchanged, Xbox Live pricing scheme for digital content.

Continue reading Xbox Live Video offerings expanded to fill those 120GB hard drives

JoystiqXbox Live Video offerings expanded to fill those 120GB hard drives originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MicrosoftMSFTXBLXbox 360 EliteXbox LiveXbox-360Xbox360EliteXboxLiveWed, 28 Mar 2007 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Elite production shots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-elite-production-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-elite-production-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-elite-production-shots/#comments
We've got a couple spy shots hot off the production line in China of the Xbox 360 Elite. They were taken with a cellphone so the shots aren't of the highest quality, but they get the job done. The site hosting the thread is TGFCer, which stands for "TV Game Fans Club", and according to our tipster, is one of the biggest Chinese bbs for video game enthusiasts. A later shot was provided of the top of the hard drive, and you can barely make out the "12" in "120G HDD" due to over exposure, but with some Photoshop wizardry (Command+I, or Control+I for PC users) we were able to get the text to become more apparent. More pictures (including aforementioned inverted color shot) after the break.

Continue reading Xbox 360 Elite production shots

JoystiqXbox 360 Elite production shots originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black Xbox 360BlackXbox360EliteXbox 360 EliteXbox360EliteMon, 26 Mar 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft accidentally confirms HDMI?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/microsoft-accidentally-confirms-hdmi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/microsoft-accidentally-confirms-hdmi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/microsoft-accidentally-confirms-hdmi/#commentsFiled under:

With Microsoft staying hush-hush about the Xbox 360 Elite, people are looking for information anywhere they can get it. It seems the latest source of information is the official XNA Game Studio Express forum on the Microsoft Developer Network. An innocent XNA coder looking for answers seems to have confirmed more than the press could with calls and email directly to MS. The question, from forum user PAPutzback1, was simple: "Will the HDMI output on the revised 360 require any code changes? I am hoping some developers have a beta unit and can answer this question." A Microsoft employee by the name of Shawn Hargreaves responded, "No changes required." Obviously, Hargreaves' answer points to the Xbox 360 actually integrating HDMI at some point in the future, possibly confirming the existence of the Xbox 360 Elite. Our buddies at Xbox-Scene also report that their Microsoft sources have informed them that the HDMI port could be worked into Core and Premium 360s by June.

Granted, Game Informer has already stated that it doesn't print false stories in its April issue, but this is the closest we've gotten to official confirmation from Microsoft. Take it for what you will.

[Via Xbox-Scene]

See also:
Xbox 360 120GB HDD advertising appears

JoystiqMicrosoft accidentally confirms HDMI? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 elite360Eliteeliteelite 360Elite360hdmixbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteMon, 26 Mar 2007 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA["Official" images of 360 Elite surface [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/official-images-of-360-elite-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/official-images-of-360-elite-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/official-images-of-360-elite-surface/#commentsFiled under:


Update: As some of our commenters have pointed out, our own Engadget has confirmed with a trusted source that these pictures are indeed fake. Our surprise is palpable.

The word "official" is a tricky one out here on the clogged intertubes of Tomorrow World. Generally, the word "official" means one of two things. One, it means that something is, in fact, official, and that it is the genuine article. Two, it means that something is as fake as it can possibly be. It seems a handful of "official" pictures of the Xbox 360 Elite have landed on Spanish gaming site, Consolas.com. Maybe we're jumping the gun here, but nearly all the images look pretty damned fake. The controller and accessories look fishy, as though someone simply reversed white to black in all instances. We also find it odd that Microsoft would place the black Elite on a black background. The Elite package art is particularly suspect, as all the accessories pictured on it are white, not black. Put simply, we're skeptical.

Then again, we didn't find the leaked Halo 3 packaging all that convincing either. What say you, 360 fanboys, real or fake?

[Via Digg]

Joystiq"Official" images of 360 Elite surface [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elitexbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteThu, 22 Mar 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Cable to transfer HDD data to Elite 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/rumor-cable-to-transfer-hd-data-to-elite-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/rumor-cable-to-transfer-hd-data-to-elite-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/21/rumor-cable-to-transfer-hd-data-to-elite-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,

True, the rumored black Xbox 360 Elite has yet to be officially confirmed, but we figured we'd add some more rumor logs onto our fanboy fire. Yesterday, Ben over at ars technica expressed his concern for how to transfer HDD data from his old 360 to the new Elite 360 if he were to purchase one. Not soon after Ben received a tip from a person who works at a large video game distributor (who wanted to remain anonymous) and divulged an answer to the data transfer problem ... an included cable. The tipster went on to say that,

"MS has told us that the data will be transferred via some sort of cable that will be included with the unit. The cable will also be included w/ the 120GB drive that will be sold separately (price TBD)."

Again, this is a whole basket full of rumor berries, but if it were true would it sway your opinion on a new Elite 360 purchase? A HDD to HDD data transfer cable would be a great accessory anyway and with the release of a 120GB HDD one would think it'd be a no brainer. Or maybe we're all just geniuses.

[Via Digg]

JoystiqRumor: Cable to transfer HDD data to Elite 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb hd120gb120GbHdblackcabledata transferDataTransferelitehdxbox 360 blackxbox 360 eliteXbox360BlackXbox360EliteWed, 21 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zephyr dubbed 360 Elite, new details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/zephyr-dubbed-360-elite-new-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/zephyr-dubbed-360-elite-new-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/zephyr-dubbed-360-elite-new-details/#commentsFiled under:


With the revelation that the black Xbox 360, also known as "Zephyr" is in fact real (the image above is a dev kit, by the way), Engadget has gathered some concrete details from a trusted source. Some of these details were uncovered earlier this morning, but some questions -- particularly the notion of built in WiFi -- are brand new. See the fresh details below.
  • First of all, the black Xbox 360 will be officially known as the Xbox 360 Elite.
  • The Elite will be manufactured in limited quantities, possibly a few hundred thousand.
  • Everything included with the unit will be black, including the case, controller, and Live headset. The packaging will be new as well.
  • The Elite will cost $479 and will be sold alongside Premium and Core packs.
  • Eventually, a white version of the Elite will replace Xbox 360 Premium packs. Presumably, this will happen shortly after the Elite is sold out. Once this happens, Premiums will include the 120 GB HDD and HDMI.
  • There is no solid date for the Elite-to-Premium transition, though it is estimated to happen late summer or early fall.
  • The Elite runs cooler than the current Premium, but it is unknown if it takes advantage of 65nm chips.
  • Prices could remain the same when Premiums convert to 120GB/HDMI, but a price cut may still occur once the 65nm chips are implemented.
  • The HD-DVD player will definitely not be bundled with the Elite and Microsoft stands by its claim that it has no plans to ever integrate an HD-DVD drive into the Xbox 360.
  • There are no plans to integrate WiFi into the Elite or future Premium packs.
So there you have it, everything we know about the Elite until Microsoft decides to send out an official press release. Now that you know all the details (especially the bit about the Elite running cooler), do you plan on picking up an Xbox 360 Elite?

JoystiqZephyr dubbed 360 Elite, new details originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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