Black Xbox 360 with 120GB HDD and HDMI due for April?

Look, we can't really be bothered to confirm or deny any of the rumors flying around here, we're just in this for the cute kangaroo pics. But digging a little deeper, we discover a word from GamersReports that they've got an "inside source" saying Microsoft Australia tipped off retail store Myer about a Black Xbox 360 with a 120GB hard drive a couple of days ago. Now apparently more sources have confirmed the reports, even tossing HDMI into the mix (making it into a sort of black Zephyr), along with a $749 AU (about $584) pricetag and a supposed April launch date. The sources even say that Microsoft is hoping to beat projections and launch in March to disrupt Sony's March 23rd PS3 launch. GamersReports also claims that there are now pics of the Black 360 floating around on the internets, so we'll keep an eye out for those, and until we spot a few kangaroos slipping Premium Black packages into their pouches along with an extra controller and a copy of Rainbow Six, that's about all the cred we're going to give this rumor for now.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

[Gnuser @ Jun 24th 2007 3:03PM]

"...and a supposed April launch date."

Would that supposed date happen to be April 1st by any chance?

[Dae @ Feb 8th 2007 8:15AM]

i dont have a xbox yet. its good to wait

[akijikan @ Feb 8th 2007 8:17AM]

SHIT GUYS, THE CIGARETTES!

[mac addict @ Feb 8th 2007 8:17AM]

NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just bought my XBOX360. Damn if this is true.

[ww @ Feb 8th 2007 9:03AM]

Without a HD-DVD, please be a 250GB HD if they want more money, 584$, ouch! But I probably will be so buying one by x'mas.

[Michael @ Feb 8th 2007 8:42AM]

Brilliant move by MS - if it proves to be true and if they manage to launch in March.

Of course - this would be an admission that their first crack at 360 was not exactly a next gen console (what? no HDMI?). And I'm sure as hell happy I did not pick up a 360 for x-mas with the REAL 360 next gen finally seeing the light of day (again - assuming this is is true).

Oh - to the 'upgrades happen all the time in the console world crows' - usually they involve cost cutting - not completely changing the specs of the thing.

Michael

[zargon @ Feb 8th 2007 9:10AM]

I don't get this, "not exactly a next gen console."

HDMI is merely only a connection that is used for video, which includes HD content.

How does having or not having HDMI correlates to real next gen or not exactly? While HDMI is probably going to be the connection that we will be using for a long time, that does not mean that DVI or even component is dead. Both still work perfectly and do the job that they need to do in the realm of HD. In fact, you won't find a TV with only HDMI inputs for this very reason.

Don't try to put the whole, because it is digital spin either. That is just a silly claim, it being digital doesn't do a thing. I have seen sourced material from component that has looked better than HDMI and of course, the other way around. Just because it is in the digital domain doesn't mean it is better. There are so many other factors that come into play other than the connection type itself.

Point being, the Xbox 360 with or with out HDMI, is still a next gen console. Not having HDMI does not mean anything other than that, it doesn't have HDMI, which is just another connection used for HD.

[jt @ Feb 8th 2007 6:14PM]

agreed with the other reply.

Your assertion that HDMI makes or breaks the 360 next-gen claim is moronic.

[FrankTheCrank @ Feb 8th 2007 8:42AM]

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Cool, maybe I will pick one up now. I can place this right next to my Wii and PS3.

Funny how MS is changing the color to black. HAHAHA. Just like the PS3.

[sparkle @ Feb 8th 2007 8:53AM]

Yes because who has ever heard of making electronics black.

[yser @ Feb 9th 2007 8:31AM]

I guess you never noticed what the color of the first xbox was.

[Rodolfo Hinojosa @ Feb 11th 2007 7:00PM]

Funny how PS3 now has a hard drive and wireless controller and downloadable game demos. XBOX 360 does not require nor desire to be anything like the PS3.

[michel @ Feb 8th 2007 8:59AM]

how does a HDMI connection make it "real" next gen, when connected to a goed LCD tv by either VGA or HDMI i bet you cant even tell the differece, they will play the same games, the bigger HD will be availeble as an upgrade

only really really worthwhile new future that would temp me to upgrade is if they get this thing silent, man i hate the noise it makes its like having a boeing under your tv

[foxdie @ Feb 8th 2007 9:00AM]

http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/XCM-X3BK.html

[Dave @ Feb 8th 2007 9:04AM]

Older versions of the original XBox also had a smaller hard drive. The difference here is that, if this rumor is true, people will be able to upgrade to the larger drive. That would make the only other substantial difference HDMI--and, since that has nothing to do with game performance, it's not all that significant. Anyone who has an original 360 would still be able to play all present and future games just as they've always been able to do. Also, raising the price should curb the whine-factor.

[JinKazama @ Feb 8th 2007 9:09AM]

OK wait a minute. Who exactly is going to buy this?

$584 for a 360 with HDMI, 120 HDD, and black paint.

$599 for a PS3 with HDMI, upgradeable 60 gb HDD, wirelsess networking, Hi-def movie player, and (sarcasm) black paint shiny trim

MS could have at least made the 360s specs match the PS3s at that price to make this a semi-tough decision for a consumer.

You could justify that purchase now by saying that the 360 has better games, but by April the PS3 is slated to have what look to be some killer games on the market, which wipes out that advantage. I just don't get why MS would even bother with this?

[davidr @ Feb 8th 2007 9:34AM]

I hate to break it to you, but the 60GB PS3 costs US$777 in Australia, not $599.

[Jerome @ Feb 8th 2007 2:42PM]

How is the PS3 hard drive upgradeable?

[Brian Jarrett @ Feb 12th 2007 6:04PM]

It's also rumored to have wireless and an HD DVD player. Let's not kid ourselves here, Sony has LOST almost every exclusive title they had. Even their exclusive company SE makes games for both Nintendo and MS. Just come to grips with the fact Sony is no longer going to be the most popular system. BluRay will fail, and along with it the playstation franchise.

However if you still think PS3 is still the top dog system and company. Look at the sales numbers of the consoles and you'll find Sony in DEAD LAST, by a HUGE margin. No rumble = shit gameplay. Uncomfortable L2 and R2 buttons = shit design.

goodbye~

[F1ghter @ Feb 8th 2007 9:06AM]

If it includes:

- The new DVD drive that is quieter
- The new 65nm processor (and subsequent smaller power brick and quieter fans)
- Said black color
- Said 120GB hard drive

For the same price (or very slightly more) that would be an excellent deal, and a good way to undercut Sony. If it doesn't include all those changes, it isn't worth it.

[Werdna @ Feb 8th 2007 2:07PM]

don't you mean HD-DVD drive??

[TheSh0wstopper @ Feb 8th 2007 9:27AM]

HDMI doesn't mean anything?
How about in a year when HDCP kicks in and the only way to get TRUE and FULL HD quality is through HDMI. Then what good will you HD DVD add on be?

[DD @ Feb 8th 2007 1:13PM]

dude hdmi and dvi are the same THE ONLY THING DIFFERENT IS THAT HDMI OUTPUTS AUDIO AND YOU GET TRUE HI DEF WITH DVI OR HDMI 1080P

[Michael @ Feb 8th 2007 2:23PM]

zargon - if HDIM were unimportant I somehow doubt MS or anybody else would be going through the trouble of adding it.

I have not seen 1080p display playing back 1080p content from a 1080p source through components connections - in 1080p resolution (as opposed to downscaledsomewhere along the path). Come to think of it - short of professional gear that's been capable of 1080p for a while - I'm not sure there actually are consumer level devices +content out there that could be pulled together to achieve such a feat.

Even if it can be done - we could argue all day about whether 1080p source played back on 1080p device and output on 1080p display looks better on HDMI or component. But it's the sort of thing that's rather hard to resolve over text messages...

BTW - modern TVs have component inputs not because they are superior but for backwards compatibility.

Michael

[Jeron @ Feb 28th 2007 9:02PM]

Ya but HDMI puts out 1080p versus the component only doing 780p to mid 1080i. So yes they both will do "HD" pics but HDMI will do higher!!!

[Frode @ Feb 8th 2007 9:31AM]

I'd like HD DVD in there as well.

[Noshino @ Feb 8th 2007 9:38AM]

Time for the xbot to come out of their caves, let's see if they still whinning about the price tags, "the ps3 is too EXPENSIVE", if this sells, its because they are just in freaking love of M$ and not looking for great deals and amazing pieces of machinery. Hell, $ 10 more, and you can get a ps3, which is MUCH better, "$599 for a PS3 with HDMI, upgradeable 60 gb HDD, wirelsess networking, Hi-def movie player, and (sarcasm) black paint shiny trim"...bluetooth, hey, we even have porn movies now! :)

One thing is to get the newest, powerful gadget, and another is to just be fooled and get something that isn't worth its price.

Stop sleeping at the M$ mansion, all xbots are trying to do is get a night in bed with master chief :)

[Chocolate Starfish @ Feb 8th 2007 10:06AM]

Read the post above you.

[Cody S. @ Feb 8th 2007 9:56AM]

For something to be a "great deal" the contents need to be worth buying. At this time Blu-Ray is useless and the games on the PS3 aren't worth thinking about.

Thanks for playing the informed fanboy game!

[everrette powell @ Feb 8th 2007 9:28AM]

i am holding out for this like i was holding out for my pc to end world at 12 back in 99 on new years...next

[akijikan @ Feb 8th 2007 11:37AM]

I hate to break it to you, but $584 is the american price converted from AUS dollar.

[John Doe @ Feb 8th 2007 9:48AM]

April fools!

[Ross @ Feb 8th 2007 9:54AM]

CableCARD enabled Windows Vista PCs apparently become available in March. As far as I can tell, the Xbox 360 needs an HDMI port with HDCP to be able to play back protected cable content. So a March/April launch of a 360 with HDMI/HDCP seems feasible in this respect.

Maybe delayed till April so they can get the new cheaper, cooler 65nm processor in there too?

[akijikan @ Feb 8th 2007 11:38AM]

you're accusing him of being a fan boy but you call Blu-Ray useless? lol.

[meddow @ Feb 8th 2007 10:09AM]

erm ppl.....

The black 360's are dev units, if you watch any game shows i.e 1upshow or on the spot you can see these units running demos ect

[Bizzle @ Feb 8th 2007 9:58AM]

still need one...black sound niiiiice.

[Maff @ Feb 8th 2007 9:59AM]

No need to moan about the $584 price tag, if or when it comes to the US, it won't be that price, the conversion it never direct.

Here in the UK, the PS3 is £425 ($832) - is it $832 in the US? Not quite.

MS may add an increase onto the increased spec (although i suspect not, to further undercut Sony), but it certainly won't be massive.

[Demaar @ Feb 8th 2007 10:07AM]

People, you need to realise that the price of the 60GB PS3 in Australia (which will be the only model available) is $780 USD and the premium 360 is $468 USD. $584 USD for a new and improved 360 is a bargain to those that don't already have one.

[charlie @ Feb 8th 2007 10:16AM]

If they sold this new console (black, 120GB, HDMI) for $499.99 in America, that wouldnt really amount to a price break. $100 more for 100GB.

When they're ready for a price break, they should offer two SKUs:
$299.99- incl 20GB to 40GB hdd, wired controller, HDMI
$499.99- incl 120GB, wireless controller, internal HD-DVD, HDMI

[h0mi @ Feb 8th 2007 10:19AM]

This wasn't confirmed, just more rumors and unnamed sources just like the previous HDMI stories. Until anything is confirmed by Microsoft, there's no new 360.

[Alex Padilla @ Feb 8th 2007 10:41AM]

I don't care when this comes out, all I need to know is that there's going to be an upgraded Xbox 360 (bigger HDD, better processor, etc) on sale before I head off to college this Fall. That's all I ask, is that one is set in stone, in stores, and there for my purchase.

[Noshino @ Feb 8th 2007 10:47AM]

I don't live in australia, but by the looks of it...you want to compare, ok, the premium pack in AU seems to cost

http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/hardware/wheretobuy/

I don't think those prices are right...where you refering to those? now...how much would the "new" 360 be in AU?

Thanks :)

[Shmoe @ Feb 8th 2007 10:51AM]

In response to F1ghter let me just add:
If it includes:

- "The new DVD drive that is quieter" -- I say not only quieter, SILENT damn it!!!! and preferably an internal HD-DVD drive)
- The new 65nm processor (and subsequent smaller power brick and quieter fans)
- Said black color
- Said 120GB hard drive -- I'd prefer 250 gigs for the same price
Also I would add:
- Slot loading drive rather than filmsy, cheap looking tray
- HDMI while maintaining ability to output optical audio directly to a receiver and option for component. While HDMI is needed on the 360, it shouldn't come at the expense of analog component outputs. Not everyone has HDMI yet, and I think HDMI is way overrated (not as good picture quality and why the hell would you want surround audio going to your TV first. HDMI capable receivers cost too much right now.
- And finally and most important: GIGABIT Ethernet damn it!!!!

[Noshino @ Feb 8th 2007 10:51AM]

oh, I forgot to mention, how is HD-DVD useful? or at least more useful than Blu-Ray? is it because it is on the 360? oh, I guess it is...:)

[Jay @ Feb 8th 2007 11:06AM]

TheSh0wstopper;
"HDMI doesn't mean anything?
How about in a year when HDCP kicks in and the only way to get TRUE and FULL HD quality is through HDMI. Then what good will you HD DVD add on be?"

You really need to check your facts before shouting off a load of bollocks that you havent researched, HDCP has been sidelined for at least 5 years if not more with the majoity of electronic and film companies backing the delay, so no we dont need hdmi for our 360 add-on....

[Javier @ Feb 8th 2007 11:15AM]

What's the big deal with HDMI? I mean, C'mon! The xbox 360 is still a next gen console with or without HDMI and in many ways, it is still a much more powerful machine than the PS3. I am still waiting to see any PS3 game that is better than Gears of War, Oblivion or Dead Rising.
I used monster high quality composite cable and has up to 1080p. In order to have 5.1 sound, you still will need an optical cable. I mean, is there really that much of a difference, if you use good quality cables, between composite and HDMI?
On the 120 GB I totally agree though, 20 GB get filled in an second.

[Noshino @ Feb 8th 2007 11:22AM]

"What's the big deal with HDMI? I mean, C'mon! The xbox 360 is still a next gen console with or without HDMI and in many ways, it is still a much more powerful machine than the PS3. I am still waiting to see any PS3 game that is better than Gears of War, Oblivion or Dead Rising."

You might want to change your comment...

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/762/762108p1.html

[javier.guillermo @ Feb 8th 2007 8:12PM]

Okay Noshino, I have to say that you nailed me on that one.
I didn't know that Oblivion was going to be released for PS3.
Still, let's not forget that it is going to be released 1 year after it was released for the Xbox 360, so it makes some sense
that they improved the game a bit. In any case, if we look at the multiplatform games released so far for both
xbox 360 and PS3 look who has better games.... and don't take my word for it, look at this article.
http://www.gamespot.com/features/6162742/index.html?q=graphics%20comparison
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"What's the big deal with HDMI? I mean, C'mon! The xbox 360 is still a next gen console with or without HDMI and in many ways, it is still a much more powerful machine than the PS3. I am still waiting to see any PS3 game that is better than Gears of War, Oblivion or Dead Rising."

You might want to change your comment...

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/762/762108p1.html

[Starbase00 @ Feb 8th 2007 5:13PM]

Noshino, a quote from your link says "This has been fixed with new shaders dedicated to rendering the foreground cleanly with sharper details..."

So, it sounds like they added code to the PS3 release that makes it look better. This has nothing to do with the hardware of the PS3 but how the software is written. This same "fix" could possibly be used with the 360 version to improve visuals.

Anytime an existing game is ported to a different platform, improvements are made over the existing version.

Not a good arguement for the comments made by Javier, IMO.

[davidr @ Feb 8th 2007 8:08PM]

I will make this nice and simple so you can actually understand. In Australia the (rumoured) X360 will cost AU$749 (US$584). The guy was comparing the US price of the PS3 (US$599) with the Australian price of the X360 (US$584). I mentioned the Australian price of the PS3 (US$777), which means it is US$193 more than the Australian X360. Therefore, the updated X360 is NOT nearly the same price as the PS3, as was claimed by JinKazama.