Microsoft Australia will on Wednesday make a "major announcement" to coincide with the first birthday of the Xbox 360.
While unconfirmed, all signs suggest Microsoft will introduce a revamped "Elite" version of the games console, with new features such as a larger hard disk drive and a built-in HDMI connector.
The announcement, to be made within a week of the Australian debut of the Playstation 3, comes as Microsoft faces the daunting task of keeping the Xbox 360 fresh in the face of renewed competition from Sony and Nintendo.
Quote:
US media are being briefed by Microsoft on Tuesday. The subject of the briefing is unclear, but Engadget editor Ryan Block said he was "fairly sure" it would be the Elite.
A Microsoft spokesman declined to comment on "rumour and speculation", but last week said there would be a "major announcement" made on Wednesday.
It seems the unveiling of Microsoft's HDMI 360 SKU could be coming much sooner than previously expected. Stay tuned...
Everyone seems to know about it, so it does not make sense for Microsoft to keep it under wraps much longer. I wish (but doubt) they will offer some sort of trade-up deal as has been discussed in various topics on this new system. I am not overly excited about the new version, and otherwise do not care, but I would really like to have the HDMI and larger hard drive, I will not pony up $500 more (or whatever the price might be) for a system I already own though, VGA is fine in that case and I can always buy the larger hard drive (I hope).
What really would have put me over the edge though is if they had included the HD-DVD player into the unit. I have been looking at picking one up lately, but I can not justify it at the moment.
I've known for a few weeks now. The only thing I hope is that Microsoft is able to quickly phase out the Elite brand and simply adopt the console as their standard premium unit.
The only thing I hope is that Microsoft is able to quickly phase out the Elite brand and simply adopt the console as their standard premium unit.
If they do this, then:
1) they better not charge more than the regular premium for it.
2) they need to cut the price of the core, or add something to the bundle.
If they do this, then:
1) they better not charge more than the regular premium for it.
2) they need to cut the price of the core, or add something to the bundle.
Hell, they should offer everyone with an existing premium a free trade-in.
I want to know the price goddammit! I've had my eye on a 360 for some time, and seeing the screenshots of Ace Combat makes me want to buy one. (big fan of that series, and everyone knows my feelings on Halo, but this is getting off topic so snip-)
If it comes out over here for £280 I'll have one. Any higher and I'll struggle.
I must admit everyone seems to taking this well, I would feel truly shafted if I picked up a 360 over crimbo
That is because the regular 360's will play games exactly the same performance-wise as this new one. This doesn't do anything to make them outdated.
What will be interesting will be seeing MS's pricing. If they release this thing at $80 to $100 more as is rumored, then I think they are making a big mistake. Percieved value is currently their big advantage and doing that would diminish the perception that the 360 is the "better bargain."
__________________ If you want to know where your favorite former EvAv posters went and what happened go here.
I've known for a few weeks now. The only thing I hope is that Microsoft is able to quickly phase out the Elite brand and simply adopt the console as their standard premium unit.
And raise the price of standard premium unit to $479? Good luck with that. Anything that's higher than $399 just doesn't sell.
The best part is that there selling the hard drive alone for $179.99
If Microsoft plans on selling these things they'd better drop the price. I for one want a bigger hard drive, but I outright refuse to pay 200 bucks for one. I'd rather put that money towards a PS3 or Wii.
__________________ Currently Listening To:
Protest the Hero
Arsis
Misery Signals
Darkest Hour
All Shall Perish
Nine Inch Nails
