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Zephyr dubbed 360 Elite, new details
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?
Xbox 360 Elite: new, black limited edition Xbox with HDMI and 120GB drive
We've confirmed with trusted sources that the black Xbox 360 is indeed coming (the image above is of the original 360 dev kit, FYI), and will be dubbed the Xbox 360 Elite. Here's what you need to know about it: 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).
Xbox 360 Elite: HDMI-enabled black unit in late April for $479, limited-edition
Update: Engadget has the scoop on the limited-edition 'Xbox 360 Elite'! (Details below.)Looks like Game Informer's black Xbox 360 rumor wasn't so much a rumor as it was a pending exclusive in their shiny mag. Of course, GI weren't the first outlet to whisper secrets about an elusive revision of the Xbox 360 -- actually, Engadget got pics of the console's (dubbed Zephyr) HDMI port, proving its existence. Now, GI's April issue has the deets. This news has been floating around for a couple days -- first hitting NeoGAF and subsequently our tips line -- but, Kotaku has managed to get some pics of the page and even confirmation from GI that this isn't an April Fool's hoax. So, without further delay, the specs: Uh, it's black HDMI port and HDMI cable (oh, you bullies!) 120GB hard drive (but you told us 20GB was more than enough!) A $479 price tag (ouch!) No HD-DVD integration (yup), the "format's not proven" (pssst, and it's being outsold) The 120GB hard drive will be available for under $200 (uh, we certainly hope so!) It's coming in "late April" Engadget adds: Dubbed the Xbox 360 Elite Limited-edition; probably a couple hundred thousand units Case, controller, and headset will be black; new packaging Confirmed: 3rd SKU; sold alongside Premium and Core bundles Elite runs cooler than other models Eventually Elite hardware (in white) will replace Premium; estimated to be in late summer or fall Our questions: Where the hell is the built-in WiFi? Seriously. Our DS Lite has it built-in -- and DS is only $30 more than the 360's adapter! (Engadget: "There are no current plans to integrate WiFi into the Elite or future Premiums...") Will this be a third SKU, or will they finally pull the Core? Yeah, #3. Will the Zephyr Elite release come coupled with price-drops for the other SKUs? (Engadget: "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.") Does this model have the desirable, albeit delayed, 65nm chips? (Engadget: "not yet confirmed to have 65nm chips.") How pissed off will early adopters be?
