Sony Responds to Impending Xbox 360 Elite Announcement

With Microsoft's announcement of the HDMI-enbled Xbox 360 Elite coming tomorrow, Sony has wasted absolutely no time in responding. Says Peter Dille, senior VP of marketing:

"We think every PlayStation 3 owner should have an "elite" experience, which is why we include an internal hard drive and HDMI output in every PS3 we sell, along with the 50 GB of storage capacity on a high definition Blu-ray disc. Sony has been the strongest advocate of high definition as the future of next-generation gaming. This requires high-definition components, including HDMI output, and large storage devices to deliver and store all that rich and vivid HD content. Microsoft's announcement today not only legitimizes Sony's PS3 strategy, it moves us closer to adopting universal standards in the area of high definition gaming that will benefit game developers and ultimately the end user.

[techie]

lol **edit***What I was laughing at was Sony already jumping on Microsoft and making puns like "we like to offer an elite experience from the begining" if you don't think that's funny then ok. I like watching the battle between the two companies and what they b*tch about each other. SOme of you guys need to lighten up.

The console war is for Microsoft and Sony. We can sit back and watch enjoying our games and laugh at them fighting it out...in the end producing better gaming consoles and services for us.

[consolewar]

this was a mistake on Microsoft's part. Where are you Mart & company?
Maybe this week will belong to the Sony camp.

[Texas GMR]

...look at all the Sony fanboys go'n crazy over this!
Go ahead and lash out, we understand, all you guys have had since the PS3 launch is bad news. Catch up! Please! We just have better options than you, that's all. (at a cheaper price)

Sorry about that deepbrown, it was directed to the people below, not to you.

[MikeMichaels]

Thats one "very" slick, well worded press release right there. Pushed all the right buttons but never crosses that line.

...Hell, he even throws a smooth backhanded compliment at MS for helping them (and the industry) in "..adopting universal standards in the area of high definition gaming that will benefit game developers and ultimately the end user"

[MrFurious]

He has got the right words, perfect answer and just saying the truth: M$ recognizes their late position in HD, by just trying to copy their leader...Sony.
M$, as an american company is always using unfair and aggressive marketing tools against their feared rival Sony , these practices become really boring and people now understand that marketing is not making the hardware best, but games do.

[kring]

After reading that stupid PR I said the exact same thing you did... Who falls for Sony's bullshiz?

If I had any power in Sony I'd fire them all, these people don't know how to speak to the public at all, we're not idiots, who buys that crap! we think every Ps3 owner should have an elite experience.. Man heads should roll on that comment.

Your Fired for talking to our customers like they are retadz!

Reminds me of how these whores we have to call flight attendants speak to the customers. loud and clear go f your self sir, no peanuts for you , but they do it with that fake smile and hide behind the power they have been given which prevents you from slapping that grin off their face.

[zantetsuken]

This is war isn't just for MS and Sony. It deeply effects the consumer. It will result in exclusives, next-gen HD format, online pricing, and much more.

[ps3gogetitt]

and sony lets not forget A HIGH DEF CABLE PACKAGE!!!!!! you rob me you you you, robbers

[Bleyd]

I don't get your reference to the high def cable package. Explain it to me real quick?

[Sphinx]

MS is about giving the consumer choice. Not everyone will have a need for HDMI or HDD. Why pay for something if you don't need it? For example, I will never buy a box of tampons. Why? Because I'll never need them... but what if I have a reason for it in the future (i.e. I grow a mangina)? I can go out and buy some then.

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

keep tellin yourself that.
it won`t make your system any better.

buy the next 360.
cause you got ripped on the 1st

[kingboy]

Did microsoft give you choice when she scr@wed original xbox 1 owners by ending game support? Just accept they`re playing catch up ..You can`t fool sony fans my dear,microsoft scr@ws them over so they go run precipitating onto a new system .we all know why xbox 360 sold 9 million(broken consoles resulting in double purchase and now a new elite version within a year screwing them even more}

[AseBoogie4132]

you wont buy tampons cuz u'll never have a girl..

[n4g sucks]

preach!! they still make dreamcast games, but not xbox.hahahahahaha

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

U Xbotzxs are full of this crap who doesnt want a HDD who dosent want to go online...why not have HDmI...U are full of it....Just like games for windows...u have to get vista right...I want to play online for free thats a choice y cant u do that free on xbox....Y I always gotta buy something extra to do something else ....huh????

[InMyOpinion]

I just wanted the best console for games and got it. Don't care about Bluray (bend over, please) or HDMI and I don't want to pay for something I won't use. I don't see the point in spending twice the amount of money (that's the price of the Ps3 compared to the 360 premium in Sweden) to be forcefed an "elite experience" that won't do anything for me or my gaming experience (HDMI but no cables, time to bend over again!). The 360 premium has everything I could ask for.

It's like you're telling yourself that the Ps3 is better than it is just because it's more expensive.

- What do we get for 600 dollars?
- Ev-ry-ting yu wann!
- Everything?
- Ev-ry-ting!

[rowdy 1]

They screwd up by making the wrong choice. I will not buy another damn 360. Sony seems to have made all the right choices all along.

[JIN KAZAMA]

MS's ASSS!! Those fool are trying HARD to play catchup on our PS3. They even have made the elite BLACK. The Elite is STILL a stripped down version of the PS3. Only thing is the bigger HDD. Damn, you Xbox zombies will fall for ANYTHING!!
PLAY B3YOND.
See you on motorStorm.
Kal-El1217 = PSN.

[Leo Atrox]

Is Sony commenting on Xbox 360 rumors, or was an announcement finally made?

[AseBoogie4132]

announcement was made..

[Leo Atrox]

I didn't know the announcement was made. Haven't seen anything about it yet. Thanks for the update.

[ClayPige0n]

Anyone else not find it absolutely hilarious that Microsoft was downplaying these features as "unnecessary and irrelevant" just a year ago?

[Leo Atrox]

As far as I know, Microsoft still feels that HDMI and a larger HDD are unnecessary. The fact that their offering them as options doesn't indicate that Microsoft thinks they're necessary. It may just be that a large company actually listens to consumers. We asked for HDMI and a larnger hard drive, and POOF! Here it is.

[jwatt]

Then why hasn't Ms offered this option in the beginning and screwed the early adopters?

[sak500]

No i find the following more hilarious

"Rumble is last gen", "PS3 will instill discpline in childern and adults", "4d gaming", "Riiiiiiiiiiggggeeeeeeee Racccccccccer", "Massive damage", "Based on historic battles..and now a giant crab", "PS3 is next-next gen", etc etc..

And my fCUKing SONY 50" TV bought for $2300 doesnt have an HDMI so they can shove the HDMI standard up their a$$

[Keyser]

^^^ My 60" $2500 Sony has 3 HDMI inputs. You should do more research before you buy expensive electronics.
My PS3 has HDMI and my 360 has VGA component cables. I will not purchase another 360. I would have bought the Elite if it originally came out with HDMI. I do feel slighted a bit. My opinion...

[BIadestarX]

"We think every PlayStation 3 owner should have an “elite” experience, which is why we [charge everyone for adding it; also since we our TV only support 1080p thru HDMI and not VGA or components it's not much of a choice. We are primarily interested in pushing blu-ray and are using the playstation as a trojan horse which is why we are forcing people to adopt our propietary format. Imagine the PS3 without HDMI? Imagine a Blu-ray player without HDMI?] wow, sometimes it would be nice if they would be more honest.

Also, I would like to point out that I must rather prefer Microsoft to upgrade the console as they move foward (like adding HDMI) instead of removing parts suchs as Sony did with the emotion chip.

Also, how long is the 360 being out? one year and half. I would hate having to pay $600 back then for something I am not even using today such as HDMI. Also, I will be laughing my @$$ off when they release the specs on the new 360 SKU when you see 65mm and a newer HDMI version of the PS3 one.

[smeg0rz]

65mm?
idiot.

[Keyser]

I think you may be missing the point. Rushed to markey its scaled down system to get the one year lead as opposed to doing it right the first time. That's not cool.
If Sony came out with the PS3 Elite with a the same GPU as the 360 and the same amount of RAM for $670 next year, I would be PISSED! You're telling me for a mere $70 more I could have had that little bit extra to make my system better but didn't, that's not cool. That's how I feel about the Elite 360.

They could have come out with it before but chose not to. They didn't give me the choice of 3 systems, they had 2 to choose from. I've bought my system and now that time has passed. I will not go through the hassle of selling my Premium to buy and Elite that I would have purchased in the first place.

I read in the latest Game Informer that MS could offer free stuff on Xbox live like the PSN and many developers want to but MS wont let them because they want users to get used to BUYING every little thing. That article left a bad taste im my mouth...

[SuperSaiyan4]

Just to let everyone know the 360 dev kit does not have a chrome tray and eye spy with my little eye in the pic its a dev kit lol!

Anyhow just so Sony knows since they are losing all their exclusive in the HD era one must give the gamer HD cables...and what about a long enough charging cable huh? lol.

[n4g sucks]

Microsoft’s announcement today not only legitimizes Sony’s PS3 strategy, its a straight up copy......is the Xbox360 going through a identity crisis????? is bill scared that having all the money in the world will not win him a console war??? if you cant beat them....join um!!! with the change to black , the addition of a reasonable sized hd and hdmi, then ad a few popular PS ports, it sure looks like wannabe ps3 to me... RE: assassin 36o. the xbox came out of no were( no roots) so they copied EVERY ONE.. then took the hd from their pc expeirence and poof....crappy pc games on a console.. MS first failure in to the console world.

[ASSASSYN 36o]

And the ps3 still is failing and 360 is reaping the rewards. And who copied who last gen to this gen again. If I recall xbox was the first to implement a harddrive on a console and first to offer a working on-line network with HD support up to 720p. The 360 is the first console to offer two variations at launch. And STILL offers to variation being the core is canceled. Sony First to use dvd format and boo-ray for gaming everything including the memory card copied. Nintendo got ripped off. Xbox-live no sony tried to rip that but failed developers of games with on-line for ps3 incure the cost you don`t pay to play for the illusion of what is free. Nothing is free. And it is funny I have an option on my 360 to execute 1080p.

[Husso]

poor xbots... one gets a inferior console... other gets a wannabe ps3 lol

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

buy the "elite"
both your xbrokes360`s still won`t match the ps3.
get ready for a 3rd.

Suckas

hahahahah

[power of Green]

I wish Sony would get off their high def HDMI horse. HDD seems to be designed in a way that could be adjusted depending on if future services and features became successful. only an idiot whould not understand this. Whats really sad is despite all this!; MS's "testing the waters" aprouch seems to be working better than Sony's all or nothing aprouch. Careful planning is paying off when it come to getting more next-gen console to the consumers.

[techie]

Lol...his comments made me laugh...and then all you guys are just something else with either guys trying to validate the elite or trying to suck it to em. It's so amusing.

I will say this. The elite is a good idea...but it is too expensive without wifi for it to be competitive against Sony...it basically gets rid of their price advantage.

[ps3gogetitt]

Sony also said rumble is last gen......

[Violater]

Which is why immersion has made New gen "Rumble" Haptics technology.
And like Phill said "we were in litigation what did u expect me to say"
Lol Classic

[jwatt]

So Ms and Sony are even but how much is a controller and how much is an elite 360.

[bombzombie]

I've been looking to pick up Sony Rumble controllers. Are they out yet? I could really use them on my racing games for my PS3.

[Rockstar]

even though all the fanboys have kind of turned me off of it.

I'll wait a little longer....I've got the PS3 and oblivion to keep me busy.

[AseBoogie4132]

how's that oblivion?

[AseBoogie4132]

MS is just tryna keep the lead they have infront of the ps3, they dont want to loose this generation, they came out first got their fanbase boomin and they don't wanna loose their edge..

[ps3gogetitt]

we shall see rumble support, and don't pretend like we don't know that MS brought this out just to compete with apple tv with their IPTV service... which will be an interesting battle..

[kewlkat007]

Plus the deal with Netflix.. to sweeten things. I love my 360 right now.

[PS3n360]

As far as I can gather the apple solution is not HD it probably would have done better a few years back but if it isnt hd it aint for me. Apple sucks harder than MS for locking out 3rd party companies to control the market with their shiny white toys for rich kids

[OC_MurphysLaw]

I never agreed with MS's strategy to make a console w/out a hard drive. I get the choice argument...but make a baseline console w/ a 2 or 5gb drive, just something other than no HDD on the core because to me that was a poor decision.

[LSDARBY]

this is just too funny, when blu-ray wins the format ware in a year - year and a half. and devs are complaining about space are they going to release a a blu-ray enabled 360 lol

[jwatt]

It's going to be like 5 differnt versions of the 360.

[power of Green]

Lets move on now everything about the PS3 is fron the Wii and the 360. PS3 is a watered down hybrid of Wii and 360 talk about identity crisis I guess you have to have a identity before you can have a identity crisis. I heard you guys can DL stuff while playing games what will be next.

#20.1 whats yours?; use your brain it will come to you in due time.

Calm down what i said is true MS has pulled PS3 into the future it just makes me laugh when i see you people trying to make what i think are points, you seem to be bothered buy it more than 360 fans as if you would ever own a 360 in the first place.

What i think is that this bothers you because the 360 matches the PS3 in ways you guys think give PS3 an edge as if the masses give a sh*t,i also think It bothers Sony aswell.

20.2 whatever you say you little rabid child. Youpeople need mental help not video games.

[Blackmoses]

Are you too simple minded to see what they are doing? First there would never be any games running in full 1080p, then why push Blue-Ray on the consumers, then HDMI is not a necessary for HD quality games only a quarter of the consumers have sets that are HD capable, Then Compression and DVD-9 is all you need....shall I go on?

Microsoft has repeatedly put foot in mouth. Must taste like chicken!! LMFAO!!!

Now all the crap they tried to sling at Sony for thier buisness model and philosophy, they are now trying to implement.

PS3 a water down version of th Wii and 360....wow your fanboyism goes deep huh? So deep you know not what you say.

First off, why did Microsoft first get in the buisness of video games? Who is Sony and Nintendo.

Microsoft blunders for $800 Alex.

Who would they compare their buisness model too, as far as what to include and offer? Who is Sony and Nintendo.

Microsoft blunders for $1000 Alex.
Daily Double....

Why did Microsoft feel the need to create another version of the 360 a year after launch? What is denial Alex.

Congrats you todays IDIOT!!!

[n4g sucks]

i think you are having a idenity crisis, deep deep down ..you know you want a ps3 but the power of green is not on your side ( aka..a scrub ) watered down??? the wiicube is a tickle me elmo and the xbox360 is a fire hazard. adding both together and you have one laughing and saying wiiiiiii.....while the other one is burning and scratching discs. 25mil xbox fans vs 120mil ps fans??? thats not a war...thats murder!!! re: Power of green. you need something better to do with your day(job,friends, a girlfriend, a dog, bingo) because NO ONE at n4g likes you ( hint,hint )

[Donkey Slayer]

just like PC's. I'm shocked.

[bigj]

your fuking idiots. Playing catchup I have not heard anything about the PS3 getting IPTV. If any ones playing catchup its Sony. Who has sold 10 million consoles? I will help you out its not Sony. If I am not mistaken last week the ps3 got its ten millionth update so PS3 owners could download content while running a disc. 360 owners have had that luxury for a long time. The few games yall ps3 idiots are playing are 360 ports that we have already played. So who is playing catch up again?

[smeg0rz]

i waited ages for background downloading after i got my 360, with my ps3 i got it and it was done for europe launch. Also i cud easily buy it, instead of waiting for a age until the 360 was in stock? M$ fanboys are the virus to the video game world, you can totally tell who's the more mature audience :)

[Juevani]

and whats gonna happen to the 10 mill who already owns an xbox 360?? what a stupid and greedy company.. thanks Sony for the $900 fully nex-gen ready console that we get to buy for $599...

[Mighty Boom]

Because of you I will have a elite 360!! What ever works!

[PSN Starfleets]

Yay, only $599!

Can you buy me one?

[Mighty Boom]

Its $479 pole smoker...

[Ru]

sounded to me like sony is recomending the ELITE

[THAMMER1]

His name is mini PS3. He is happy. Your purchase as secured him with the true next gen experience =]

[Drew]

The amount of idiocy in this topic is astounding.

[THAMMER1]

It is like a circus.

[bombzombie]

It's much worse than that.

Anybody know when Sony will be releasing those rumble controllers and putting an IPTV function in their system?

[spacetoilet]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAH!

Listen to the MS chicks trying to spin this crap with words like....'choice'. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
You guys are a joke.

[Optimus Prime]

tell me how they are screwing me over when i dont have the need for hdmi??? i would love to know that, you are a sony fanboy, you seem like you know everything there is to know. inform me how i and other people without the need of hdmi are getting screwd.

[Armyless]

Is the Elite starting to seem more and more like a PS3?

[FadeToBlack]

I have noticed that people with few bubbles have really nothing valuable or usefull to say. Secondly the fact that MS will have a new skew has nothing to do with the other scews because its a different price point dirrected at the high end gamer with the latest HD TV's. Some of the people commenting here make is sound like everyone has to go out and replace their 360's, its rediculous. I personally have the premium and have had it since launch day, and i will have no problem buying the elite edition for the black color, larger storage and HDMI connection for my 1080p tv. But thats my choice and i dont have to buy a thing unless i wnt to because my premium 360 still does everything it was built to do.

[TOM]

He earned it with that level headed comment.

[bombzombie]

Quick question...
it is my understanding that 1080P can be output for games through component video cables???

I don't knwo why folks are so excited about an incomplete connection standard. HDMI v1.3 has not been fully implemented anywhere to my knowledge. If someone has done a full 1.3 implementation, please state your equipment, the cost and where you picked it up.

Finally, I would really like to have rumble for my PS3...how do I get it or where is it? Didn't Sony settle their fight with Immersion?

[FadeToBlack]

The question of 1080p support via component depends on your tv. Some tv's will accept it via component such as my samsung lcd, and other won't. I know that Sony TV's do not allow 1080p via component connections, but im not sure about other brands.

[fenderputty]

I'm sure the people at MS are happy they've given you the choice to spend more money on an upgraded console a little over a year after it's initial launch. Why you would be happy buying a second xbox a little more then a year after it's come out is beyond me.

All they did was make it more like a PS3 without the HD drive. It's gonna be more expensive then a PS3 with that addition and still lacks WIFI.

[FadeToBlack]

Nobody who has a premium 360 has to buy this. For $70 more people will have the choice of a black 360 with larger HD and HDMI support. You can get the premium 360 everywhere for less than the suggested $399 anyway. You pay more you get more, isnt that the way the PS3 skew are also?

[bombzombie]

I really wish this site would return to just putting out good information and answering questions. The rabid fanboyism is useless. This sort of dialogue only serves to steer folks away from picking up a console. It is as bad as the new DVD war. Let's advance the cause of gaming....not trash it.

[Raist]

"1080p is useless" -> we make an update to unlock a scaler and push the "our console can do it too !!1!one" like hell (and actually we had to wait VT3 to see true native 1080p on the 360. Wait, I thought it was a lame tennis game, no performance here with only 2 players blablabla)

"HDMI is useless" -> we make ANOTHER SKU with HDMI

"next gen formats are unproven and useless" -> we make an external HD-DVD drive

"BR is teh loser" -> we don't exclude making a BR drive if it successes.

MS is really funny xD

[razer]

I've been a quiet observer for awhile on this site but I've finally decided to chime in. It seems this site is overrun by lots of idiot fanboys on both sides of the fence. This thread is a prime example. You all act like you will get some trophy if one console wins over another. Throwing around insults just make you look like children which I assume most of you are.

I could care less who "wins" even though you will never have a winner unless one console drops out which will never happen.

Microsoft hasn't announced anything about a new console and if they do this version is limited edition at this price point. You PS3 diehards are making it sound like this is replacing something. IT ISN'T! The premium will then be replaced with HDMI output and the larger hard drive with the 65nm chipset, but at the same price the Premium is now. They didn't force an HD movie format down your throat in substitue of good games and charge you $600 for it(I say this as a PS3 owner who doesn't want/need Blu-Ray). I think that is where some of the comments that MS gives you a choice comes from. If you don't want HDMI or a larger HDD don't buy it and you can still enjoy the 360 as it is now.

I'm glad you guys don't own a 360 and I hope I don't run into you online with my PS3 because I would never want to game with any of you.. I mean jesus, this is friggen embarrassing..

[M4RK1988]

I agree with you completetly.
Sony fanboys are playing down the importance of choice because they have none.

[Armyless]

I think Microsoft is taking a dangerous approach with it's tiered console philosophy. I suppose it helps console owners find a price point they're comfortable entering the gaming arena with, and there's a lot to be said for that, but they're on a slippery slope here that could segment it's user-base if they're not careful.

[Tut]

I am remaining neutral in this entire debate (I won't be speaking my opinion at least) but I want to point something out to you. Something you may want to avoid in the future.

"You PS3 diehards are making it sound like this is replacing something. IT ISN'T! The premium will then be replaced..."

Yeah, I think you get what I am throwing your way. If nothing is replaced then no problem, right? I wouldn't follow up that comment with "The premium will then be replaced" because it contradicts the statement you just made.

Then your comment about IPTV being the pushing factor behind this HDMI enabled "Elite" console and how supposedly Microsoft isn't forcing an HD format on its userbase. If that isn't Microsoft NOT planning ahead then it is Microsoft looking to gain more money from its userbase by implementing an HD service and recommending a newer version of their already newly released system to provide better playback quality. I personally wouldn't play that game of upgrading, but I don't care if other people want to.

I am not meaning to attack you, but realize there are a LOT of fallacies in your statements. Also, I think the beef that the "PS3 diehards" have is that they get everything and more from the initial launch of their product while Microsoft is trying to upgrade its console to something they decided to implement, which could have easily been avoided if they waited to release, put more thought into the future progression of their product, or just didn't be so publicly c@cky about issues that were supposed to be downfalls of the PS3 when they are implementing the same features they downplayed.

It is just confusing babble from Microsoft really. I would sit back and ask them, "Are you done yet?"

Some people talk about Sony and how it is deceitful for them to not announce that the PS Store would be available immediately on launch for some areas instead of everyone just finding out after they buy it, but I wonder why those same people don't feel the same about the Elite. Why didn't Microsoft announce this when they launched the original console so people wouldn't have to debate this issue now?

To push consoles and make sales, that's why. =)

I am all for progressing the industry, but don't do it in miniscule amounts that causes a lot of wasteful spending amongst consumers. Come barreling out of the gate with all sorts of new and improved stuff.

Well, I guess I did offer some of my opinion. Regardless, I think most people want stable products, and this Elite shows a degree of instability no matter how you look at it. Not that it isn't useful, but it would be annoying and expensive to upgrade every year or so... right PC gamers? =)

Sh!t... I am a PC gamer, too. Damn myself!

[razer]

I would just like to say about my earlier comment.. I was wrong!
The Elite will replace the Premium as we all know now and the only thing limited about it is the color. I don't agree with MS's decision to release this console and it does justify the price of the PS3. I apologize to every PS3 fanboy I argued with about this new system and you were correct. The PS3 is "future proof", well as future proof as you can get and I am really shifting my opinion more to the Sony side of things. I just needed something like this to help me see the light.

[ApocalypseShadow]

by patches ,ugrades and new systems to sell.that's how you future proof,SELL A NEW ONE.and the hardcore will lap it up.

don't make a system that has all these features built in.make another one.oops,no wifi.can't wait for that xbox live web browser and card readers.

downplay your opponent.

1080p not needed.
hdmi not needed.
larger hard drives:not needed.
larger discs:not needed.

shout it from the rooftops.tell the world with 3.2 billion viral marketing campaigns.then add it later and tell the world you did it to please the "fans".

create blogs

use slanted microsoft analysis of system comparisons.

tell the world you sold 10 million systems but neglect to say it was retailers that have them and not all gamers.

create interesting people like "gamer dad" and "major nelson"

tell the world that you have 6 million xbox live subscribers but neglect to say how many are paying for xbox live and how many download demos for free with silver.

shout from the rooftops that halo 2 is played online more than any next gen 360 game

shout from the mountains that street fighter 2 is downloaded than any new original xbox xna game.

make you system black and silver like your opponent

copy their ideas from ps2 like the dual shock,hard drive,online,eyetoy camera and try to improve it.

lead the way microsoft.show us the next innovation AFTER sony MAKES IT.be the leader of the game industry.

hahahahahahahahahaaa!!!!!!

[razer]

The console has been out for 1.5years now and it's a natural evolution of the system. You people seem to think Microsofts changes have something to do with Sony? Are you that arrogant?

The new HDD is in preperation for IPTV as is the HDMI. The only thing HDMI gives you is HDCP and if you think that's a good thing then you need to go back to school. The only other great thing about it is some TV's don't except 1080p thru VGA(Sony TV's!!) so this allows them to have 1080p now. Was 1080p even available when the 360 was initially designed? I doubt it, and if it was maybe %1 or less had it. So again this is a natural evolution and you have the choice to buy it or not if it suits you. What is so wrong about that? I do agree that MS should of never said HDMI doesn't matter, that show's some lack of vision on their end. But at the time the console was designed I don't think it was.

Some with argue that since the 360 outputs only an analog signal and that digital is better, but if you seen 1080p side by side with Sony it is damn near impossible to tell the difference.

So if/when Sony decides to put rumble back on should everyone with a 360 scream that you guys are copying MS and Sony was wrong to say that rumble is last-gen? (I hope they do put it back btw).

[Optimus Prime]

you make it sound like sony has never copied anything for their system at all. Except for your precious sixaxis controller. Nintendo introduces the motion sensor controller, then a few days later, would you look at that, sony has a motion sensor controller. Wonder where they got that idea from. oh right, then sony with this generation "rumble is so last gen, it is not needed". but whalla, here comes rumble for the ps3. sounded like they downplayed the whole rumble idea, and so did most ps3 fanboys, but now that rumble is coming back its all of a sudden the greatest thing to ever happen. hypocrits.

[bombzombie]

it is my understanding that 1080P can be output for games through component video cables???

I don't know why folks are so excited about an incomplete connection standard. HDMI v1.3 has not been fully implemented anywhere to my knowledge. If someone has done a full 1.3 implementation, please state your equipment, the cost and where you picked it up.

Finally, I would really like to have rumble for my PS3...how do I get it or where is it? Didn't Sony settle their fight with Immersion

[TheExecutive]

Through component cables? They are analog right? I think you can but the picture isnt as rich as a digital(HDMI)cable. HDMI v.1.3 is basically a marketing ploy. It will be YEARS before 1.3 is ever implimented. Most broadcasting is just catching on to v.1.2, which has costed them a lot so why would they begin to upgrade before they even have 1.2 off the ground? As for rumble; it is settled and I have no idea when new controllers would come out. But I would suspect some at some point.

[The BS Police]

I've said this many times, People who allready own a 360 could care elss about this new Xbox 360, I know I'm not getting it so what makes you think Microsoft is screwing us over?

[Chagy]

tommorow it will be comfirm and come April 1 we will hear "April Fools" from MS

lol

[TheExecutive]

I have to say that I think these fanboys on here are rediculous. I too have been reading comments for sometime and decided to post. Well, Xbox 360 give you choice... yes. However, it should have given us choice from the beginning, not a year and a half down the road. That really isn't the best marketing scheme. I was waiting for this system to come out and now I am going to buy an ELITE xbox360 because it is what I have been waiting for... but I have been waiting for over a year. I see this as a mistake on MS part. I also own a PS3 because it had what I was looking for. I am glad to see MS catching up.

[FadeToBlack]

If it had more games, then i would feel more comfortable buying it for a cheap blu-ray player. But most of the games are on the 360 also so i will hold off a while longer before i make my purchase

[TheExecutive]

I will probably wait for a while... probably a couple of months before halo 3 comes out. As for the PS3... this fall they will have plenty of good games out that make the system both a worthy blu-ray player and a game machine. As I dont own a 360 yet, oblivion is new to me, and is a blast. So all the 360 games are like brand new to me.

[Killer Cop]

Is the very truth Sony.

[PS360PCROCKS]

I wont read what any of you said as I am sure it's a flamer war. But I for once muct agree whole heartedly with Sony on this one.

[DC RID3R]

a nice little surprise from microsoft.

http://n4g.com/industrynews...

wonder what it could be?

[TheExecutive]

Well do ya? is it 479?

[Babylonian]

I thought Microsoft was doing really good and could really take a huge part of Sony's marketshare in the game industry. They are getting good titles wich were PS exlusives before. And then.......they come with this crap.

Why didn't they come up all these things in the first place. They should have just realeased 1 console, Sony should have done the same too.

Sony got bashed and bashed for having all these expensive features that were "unessecary" but look how it is benefitting them now and will further benefit in the future.

Microsoft now has 3 consoles, what the hell are they gonna do next, a new xbox: Xbox 360 "finally complete with the needed features" built in with a HD-DVD so that they have enoungh space to make the critical games needed to compete with the PS3.

Microsoft started good, and it isn't over yet....but if they keep screwing up like this and Sony keeps doing it right (wich I think will happen) then Microsoft needs to prepare for "round 3".

I'm exagerating I know, I support Sony's PS3 but good competition is good for the industry.

At least some Xbox fans are happy to see the nicelly added features, if Microsoft only did that in the first place..........

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

The Elite just 1ups everything Sony had in its Arsenal on hardware. The 360 already pwned them on games and now the Elite just throws anything Sony had to offer right out the window and with a cheaper price.

What can Sony do to keep there price as low as the Elite? Answer "nothing"

What does the Elite offer that Sony doesn’t?
Answer "everything"

Can Sony match the Elite pound for pound on hardware and price?
Answer "HELL NO"

[TheExecutive]

"What does the Elite offer that Sony doesn’t?
Answer "everything" "

Everything... like what?

I am guessing you already own an xbox 360.. premium? well when you get done buying an elite what does your total price for a final 360 come to?

[i rule]

MS IS DOOMed, this is the end!yeah no more ms. (lol)please sony fanboys think bebore you comment. this has been known for awhile, so grow up

[Babylonian]

The same thing happened when Sony said there was no rumble and when the price was announced: "SONY IS DOOMED, THEY WILL KNIT SOCKS IN HELL....etc. No where is Sony now, they are doing just fine and so will Microsoft.

It's only a pitty that they didn't think about doing this elite version in the fisrt place.

[SmokeyMcBear]

so you are getting a hard on because of an upgraded HDD, which sony allows you to swap in any 2.5" HDD you want, 250GB limit I think, and an HDMI port that sony already included in both of the sku's... rriiigghhhttt.

[elitesupreme]

Xecuter got a PS3 to read up tp 750GB!!!

[razer]

Hah, I see where you're coming from but you might have to read a little deeper.. It will be the same price as the Premium is now and if you already own a 360 and don't need HDMI or a larger HDD you don't have to buy it. All existing 360 hardware will be compatible with IPTV, but with the DVR function you need the larger HDD which anyone can purchase seperately. Makes me wonder how many people complaining about this elite console actual have a 1080p set that requires HDMI???

[Tut]

No, I understood everything you wrote perfectly, I was responding about your wording. I do appreciate your civil response to my response though, and I mean that sincerely. I couldn't care less that Microsoft is releasing another console that is mildly upgraded to compliment a service they are implementing though. It just makes me see the Xbox for what it truly is... a Microsoft product. That is no dis to the Xbox by the way, there is just a noticeable pattern in Microsoft's business tactics.

Still you have to question its usefulness because they are releasing it as the new premium. Should Microsoft have included this at launch? I would say so. HDMI was widely available and plausible to use, so why stay with older technology? And if you say it doesn't require any of the new upgrades to play it then why release it at all? Sure, it will appeal to the "hardcores" and possible the new purchasers down the road (which could be beneficial for Microsoft), but to the current consumers it could easily cause some unrest and discontent, which is never a good thing for any company.

Rumble is a weak excuse if people want to throw that up when/if Sony re-implements it, but if they want to do it have at it I am all game for a laugh at them. A $50 controller vs. $450+ console is a HUGE difference, plus Sony's Phil Harrison openly admitted that it was Sony's fault that they went against it because of obvious reasons while the best Microsoft has done so far is, "If the consumers want it we'll give it to them in the future." It would be much more honorable if they said, "Look, we should have made this stuff standard, but we screwed up. Can you forgive us?" but instead they pin it on the customer and their supposed desires.

It all boils down to two questions:

"If these new upgrades are not necessary but rather a luxury, is it really necessary or even plausible to release this new upgraded Xbox360?"

and

"Was the head start really worth it, Microsoft?"

There will most likely be varying opinions within those questions, but eventually they will be solidly answered. It's up to you to honestly answer those questions for yourself and make your future decisions off of them.

[wallace1000]

This is supposed to be a news site, not a flame war battlefield. The majority of these posts are "my console is better than your console" or defending your console because someone else said something stupid. Don't be baited by the attempts to start a flame war because the individuals that start them are not worth your time. Lets get back to the news people and stop all this flaming. Constructive comments are great to read but having to dig through the flame trash to find those constructive comments is tiring and only hurts this site.

[ApocalypseShadow]

it's "why is (if true) microsoft releasing a third sku?"

microsoft is turning the console industry upside down to try and win by having multiple consoles on the market.that's where that choice comes in.if they have multiple systems on the market,it means that you have a better chance to sell "yours" over "theirs".

one "cheap" (broken without a hard drive) system. that beaks

one "complete" system.that breaks

one "elite" system.it better not break

and:

it still doesn't have hd-dvd built in.

it still doesn't have wifi.

it still doesn't have motion control like the other two.

it still doesn't offer true choice of what hard drive you want.not what they want to give.

it still doesn't offer bluray as a hd add-on,but "we are not taking sides." says microsoft.great choice there.

if elite comes,it's microsoft's way of destroying the industry with multiple hardware configurations that is too much like pc.it makes the system look inferior by this possible move.

[Optimus Prime]

unless you are planning on buying an elite, you are pretty focused on talking about the elite and its aspects. you are just starting up more flaming about this topic.

[wallace1000]

The reason they are releasing a third sku is very simple. There is obviously demand for it, so they are releasing this third sku to feed that demand, or to open up other options to the consumer (of course with the final goal of making profit, as with all companies). There is no need for the idiotic flaming that is going on.

[davidynasty]

whats funny about fan boys is that they are clueless to the fact that other companies can be just as good/better than the company they support. im gonna start of by saying that i am a huge sony/ps3 fan. i had a 360 when they first came out, but as is common with new console launches there were very few good games, i am a husband and father of 2 so i don't much time/money to devote to gaming, and since 360 didn't have what i was looking for, after i completed oblivion, and GRAW, i got rid of it, because AT THE TIME it was not worth it. now move forward a year later to ps3 launch the same thing is happening, sure the ps3 is great, but there are very few games out for it, and AS OF RIGHT NOW it is not worth it. the difference is that i like sony and will stick it out through the slow time because i know that the ps3 will have great games in the future. the reason i didn't keep the 360 is because i had an xbox and the 2 yrs i had it i think i played it for 2 hrs total, so i thought this generation would be the same as the last.

now i regret getting rid of my 360, and will pick up a elite 360 when it comes out, i think it was a very good business move to make an upgraded 360. and of course i am keeping my ps3 because i know that it has better days ahead of it.

[willymcd]

this is the dumbest flame war ever, 360 has HDMI and larger HDD now, who cares, its still does the same thing the older one does, play games.

[lil bush]

i remember arguing about this before,now can sony get some of its credit, its funny how MS said that none of theese things are needed (hdmi, bigger hdd, and also lack of wifi still they should have put that in if they had all that time aswell)and kept saying it not needed this gen, well MS fans how can u attack sony now for having hdmi, ect ect, but also u have to drop another 480$ dollars and it still doesent include the hd-dvd player, i this is an a elite shouldent this be included, and still pay for wifi,oh yeah xblive so 480+200+100+60= 840 so that is a hefty price tag, but since i do not own a 360 yet i do plan on getting a elite though.........

[willymcd]

hdmi and bigger hdd is not needed they are luxuries that they are making available, they do not enhance gameplay, although some tv's do show hdmi better, but this does not make the older 360s obsolete. i bet MS will sell a HDMI cable or adapter too for the older 360's. i don't know why people are say MS is screwing people over. And i don't understand how this all of a sudden makes the PS3 better?

[Bill Gates]

*If* this is true, it's bullsh!t. What about those who have already purchased the premium xbox360, and the HD-DVD add on? Now they're stuck with no HDMI unless they throw down another $480.00 bucks for a new Xbox "Elite". They must be starting to regret all the money they've spent on their Xbox360's so far. Microshaft sells an HD-DVD drive that isn't even *really* an HD-DVD drive. It doesn't do 1080p (unless you throw down another $40.00 bucks for a VGA cable, which may or may not work depending on what kind of HDTV you have), it doesn't do *True* Dolby Digital sound (no HDMI, no TRUE Dolby Digital), it doesn't up-convert standard DVD's (again, no HDMI, no up-convert).

This must all be very frustrating for the loyal 360 fans.

[MikeGdaGod]

this does show MS is playin catch up. MS has been sayin all this time that HDMI and HDD wasn't neccessary now they're putting it in an "elite" model. i dont care what you people say, i have a 360 and i feel a little cheated that there's a new model coming with new stuff. the only reason i'm not that upset is because i didn't buy the add-on so the HDMI isn't that important and i got an external HDD so i'm good. i knew sony would win this generation, but i'm still willing to give MS a shot. i'm happy i bought the 360 but i makes me mad that if i really want the "best" model i have to buy another even though i already bought the so-called "premium".

[IPlayGames]

ya i scrolled down so i dont know if we got past this. Choice there is a 20 gig PS3 with HDMI and Blu-Ray with option of upgrading hard drive. which bring me to my question how do u do that its not as simple as pluging it in the USB slot any help??

[MikeMichaels]

Pop it off and there is just "one screw" between you and whatever size HDD you want.

As long as it's of the 2.5inch (ie standard Notebook) variety

[BillKills_ Vol_1]

2 bad the ps3 is running out of exclusive games for its elite from the beginning HD.....

360 is still the full package from game choice...graphics...gameplay.. .online capability...its creativity+ability=dominance

ps3 and xbox 360 both have ability
xbox 360 has creativity

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

If ya like shooters.

Killing is mad creative.

And Little Big Planet Is pretty uncreative.

Isn`t It.

D@RK

[elitesupreme]

what creativity are you talking about? On the PS3 front, they have HOME and LITTLE BIG PLANET coming out. Does the Death Circle Box have ANYTHING similar now or in the works? .....N...O..

[ddcab]

We'll I camped out for my PS3 and let me say when it was time to get the system no one wanted the 20gb version. I guarantee no one wants the core 360 either but it's cheaper and parents might buy it for just $299.00. I'm telling u this to say no one wants the inferior version of there console. I guarantee if the elite was there on launch then most people would have got that. Now since there wasn't much added to upgrade people say they don't need it. MS wins either way. The price to upgrade hdd's is gonna be rediculous. Rip off both ways. And MS knows u will need more space sooner or later.

[D3acon]

Its not the fact that 360 owners have to run out and buy the new elite its the fact that Microsoft is following what they have ridiculed Sony for doing. Its the constant put downs and statements like "Blu-ray disks are unnecessary."

I believe one of the reasons why I stuck with Sony is that they are risk takers and innovaters, much like nintendo except they have the games I really want to play. With all the middleware tools and power being releassed every day by the devlopers Sony is diffinately going to shine witht the Playstation 3. I'm certain that the best games on the ps3 will be first party games and maybe third party games in a year or two.

I can't knock microsoft for getting in on the market, but I can knock them for digging Sony for the very market they are investing in with their elite. I can't really trust a company willing to release consoles every couple of years and abandon their previous consoles. I think Sega tried the same thing; Sega Master System, Sega Genisis, Sega Saturn, Sega CD, Sega Dreamcast, Wasn't there some sort of Sega HDD.

Personally I would think its a rip, the elite should have been the premium and the premium the core. I think you get more value with the Ps3 than the elite but what do I know.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Premium sells used $250 http://listings.ebay.com/_W...

Premium sells new for $399 the Elite will sell for $479 minus $250 for the sell of the Premium (used with a 3 year warranty) and it comes to a $28 difference. (Wow $28 for a 120gb hard drive and HDMI support.)

To top it all off the 360 is performing better than the PS3 on games and game sales and with Microsoft adding new things to the market place weekly. The entertainment options surpass anything the PS3 has to offer. Games (most importantly) HD Movies, TV shows in HD, Music and soon IPTV all for $28 more. hmmm sounds like a bargain to me.

Now were just talking about me here I ‘m a spoiled American with a premium and my spoiled American self wants the Elite (I work hard for my money). Now there are those out there not as spoiled as me looking to buy a next gen console for the first time and the Elite is still cheaper the PS3 up front. I think MS knows they will sell the first Elites to the hardcore but it’s the ones that are buying there first or those who can’t afford the PS3 they want to snag and don’t forget there are some people still on the fence waiting for Halo 3 before they buy.

[ThaGeNeCySt]

i wish sony would provide me with an "Elite" experience out of the box instead of makin me go out and buy my own HD cables

[elitesupreme]

Is it so hard for you to be smart and get a HMDI cable for $5-$10? Or are you the type to buy only first party accessories, or the type who thinks there's nothing better than Monster Cables?

[Bhai]

...as a true games-industry forebringer. Nah, their games strategy and decision is busted, they are just copying and trying to 'milk' their fooled fans !!! See:

-All original xbox had was a past-gen Quake3Arena style game 'Halo' to boast upon, no interactive camera, no dynamic loading games, no innovation. Pulling the plug was even more fan-killing.

-They were going to put only 256mb RAM in 360, it was Epic who saved them by pushing them to put in 512mb. Otherwise, let gears alone it would not have had run viva pinata HaHaHa !!!

-They said 1080p was not necessary, but eventually went for trying to display it. PS3's only 4 months out and pretty muchh showing the 1080p difference.

-They said HDMI was not necessary but right now they are copying Sony and putting in the deal HaHaHa !!! What will follow a standard HDD and motion-sensing controller ?

-360's whole next-gen approach is in copying Sony's past successes...Microsoft is trying day and night to acquire more exclusives, they never thought about the GAME 3.0 paradigm, while Sony is letting exclusives pass this generation as they are innovative and shocked the world with HOME and Little Big Planet...and Microsoft HeeHeeHee was still trying to get exclusives in the last gen fashion, hah !

All in all a broken, non procedural-synthesis based next-gen offering, randomly added components and lagging online all point in one direction...Microsoft is yet 'learning' upon its fooled fanbase rather than bringing innovation. Just cut-off their deep pockets and they have absolutely nothing to bring into industry !!!

[IPlayGames]

Thanks Mike Michaels

[Havince]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......mumble.. ...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Ps360420]

Ive wanted HDMI forever but I dont have the money to pay another 480.00 thats a lot.

Not to mention my 59.99 for live is due soon..

Dang.

[Adriokor]

Is their answer to be more competitive towards PS3 (black REALLY), simply put, with their recent spending on marketing and now this they are afraid for their ass and dont want to loose the market share.

In my opinion the price point for this is a rip off, HDD is very cheap to buy by itself, no next gen DVD player, no wifi, same specs as before....they are making money on this. At least they can include all the features of the PS3 which is to me a better deal than this.

I guess Sony isnt that bad considering that MS has increased their price point, it seems that price is not that big of a factor for people.

And the argument of included most likely very low quality HDMI cables as opposed to sony leaving it out is ridicules. You can buy very good quality HDMI for 20 bucks, hell I spend that much on a dinner.

AT least they should allow a trade in for existing Xbox users with a reasonable value.

Hopefully there wont be any ;hardware failures; :S

[Legionaire2005]

For the 120g hard drive it's $180.00 dallors(almost 200!)alone. I think if anyone trade in their 360 they would probably get the black 360 cheaper, because the 360 is a very expensive machine so I think that would be a even greater deal. Microsoft did this with the premium 360 when it was a better deal to buy that version, because it came with everything. This will bring back memories of the first Xbox black and ugly, but it was a nice piece of hardware at the time.

[Ps360420]

1) Almost all your consoles broke
2) Almost EVERY game requires a patch
3) Hard Drive space was screwed from the start
4) Console was loud

Even still with the upgrade:
1) No Wifi
2) No High Def Movie Player
3) Still have DVD9
4) Stuck with Microsofts drive
5) No recharable batteries included
6) Yearly fee

Hey its a good deal for me...

[SnakeDiesinMGS4]

1. The ps3 has about a zillion updates
2. Uses 3 times more electricity than the 360
3. Need to buy an extra controller for the rumble
4. Still cant upscale
5. European ps3 is a downgrade
6. current controller loses snyc with the ps3
7. memory limitations

See??? Not that hard

[techie]

Just so you don't go spreading lies around. The ps3 does not use 3 times as much electricity. In a test they are about the same with the ps3 a few watts over. The reason the ps3 has such a high wattage is that it has to cater to every territory out of the box (UK our power is twice as high as US)

[Adriokor]

1.the controller works fine
2.memory limitations? somehow the games look the same or better
3.wake up.

[elitesupreme]

1. updates are good. they add functionality and features that they didn't have time to implement at launch. And, they haven't caused any WIDESPREAD BRICKS.

2. BS

3. optional. Only those who miss rumble will get one. but, you're stuck having to buy a battery pack/charge kit aren't you?

4. Upscaling has been implemented in their latest DEV kits. Main reason why it wasn't ENABLED from the start is that they want DEVS actually develope REAL 1080p games. whereas, 360 has a scaler to upconvert ANY game. Therefore, leaving DEVS to be lazy and make their games at low res. and let the box fool ppl like you into thinking you're actually getting 1080i/p games.

5. removal of emotion engine is no differnt than your box not have actual XBOX1 guts. BC will be done thru HARDWARE and SOFTWARE emulation.

6. I've had box controllers lose sync more than my PS3 controllers, very obvious thru playing Gears. Only time i lose sync with PS3 is when i have it in hand, right next to my microwave.

7. what limitations? you obviously don't know how PS3 CELL/RSX system works.

[srgpaul]

this is so gay.

[SnakeDiesinMGS4]

"Sony has been the strongest advocate of high definition"

Did the ps3 ever fix the upscale problem? Cuz that problem affects me with my tv. Untill than I'll stick with the premium. It's not like the elite plays different games than the premium.

[Adriokor]

If you did some research you would know its the tv firmware which you have to update....please stop posting.

[hulk_bash1987]

Im hearing some people say that the 360 Elite is MS attempt to play catch up with the PS3. Some of you r even saying that the change to black is a copy of the ps3's black finish...uhhh have you forgotten that the original xbox was back and green?? That jus confuced the hell out of me. Im not a 360 fanboy either, jus poiting out the obvious.

[elitesupreme]

FIRST before XBOX

[drfunkenstein]

N64 was black before PS2...oh wait, Jaguar CD and 64 were black before N64...oh wait, Sega Saturn/32x/Genesis/Sega and 3DO and Neo Geo were black before Jaguar CD and 64...oh wait, Atari had multiple systems that were black before Sega's systems 3DO and Neo Geo...

If no colors were allowed to be re-used by different companies, we'd be playing on crazy blue, red, yellow, or god knows what colored consoles.

[nix]

you see.. sales representives can say - "well.... 360 is also black in color.. has HDD, HDMI etc... and it's cheaper!"

MS is not that stupid when it comes to marketing. q:

[shikwan]

This reminds me of the spin y'all punk azz Sony fans had when MS announced 2 SKUs for the 360. Y'all STFUd when Sony did the same.

So let's not forget the rumours of Sony having a 'more affordable' PS3 (that has no BlueRay).

Bottom line with the Elite is that it gives new users more choice of selection at the store and it gives existing 360 owners more choice in hdd capacity.

NOTHING changes on the dev end so the only one's who are getting "screwed" are the PS3 owners who have to buy a headset, have ONLY 60Gb hdd AND have to buy HDMI or HD cables and STILL pay more than $479.

[thanextone229]

Heres what i dont understand, is that this Sony VP of marketing is saying that Sony already has an "elite" experience, when there are only a handful of games, and only 3-4 of them are any good. for an "elite" system i would hardly call this an "elite" experience. Maybe in a few months when they actually put some games out for the PS3 but right now, this is just a blu ray player that plays games. Also what happened to those big titles that were supposed to come out this month???? Sony should focus more on making games instead of flinging poo at the opposition. Let you actions speak louder than your words.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Keep giving the 360 sh!t and all your going to accomplish is forcing more Americans to buy the 360. You see the Xbox brand is an American brand so the 360 is like a Harley Davidson and Americans love Harleys. America is the #1 buyer in imported electronics and if you don’t think America will retaliate against you with there wallet you are on some serous drugs. Just ask Toyota why the have so many pro American adds on TV claiming how there cars are so American. We buy your products without hesitation and support your countries economy and when we try to sell you our product you throw it right back in our fucing faces. If America is the #1 buyer of games and game merchandise what does that say about the future of the 360? Imagine that someone who actually prefers to support one product through its lifetime must be a new concept.

Those of you who hit disagree on my post 60, get a freaking calculator and do the math. What I would really love is a response. Seems to me PS3 fans have habits of hitting disagree when there wrong but they never have the balls to explain they just click and hide.

To the no pride idiot below me Adriokor.
"Do you really think anyone else cares about America but yourself?" Really I'm all alone here right? maybe you should go outside more often you know in the real world that is of course you really like kissing other countries A$$es. Hey you may not like this country but all the American flags flying high on all those people’s houses say otherwise. I hope you walk into a bar with soldiers from the Army or the Marines that just got back from the war and get you’re a$$ beat “traitor”.

I’ll be damned if I’m going to let another American spit on my flag and my uniform (yes I said my uniform) without getting his face planted you coward.

[Adriokor]

Do you really think anyone else cares about America but yourself?
I guess anything anti-xbox will get your bubbles gone LOL

[Anerythristic26]

The developers and console manufactures care about America. If the 360 takes America that is under some accounts 60% of the videogame market.

[Gh0stDrag0n]

HDMI.... great
Bigger HD...... about time
BLACK..... it's a color
I want the special edition Halo 360, you all know it's coming.

[PSN Starfleets]

From Sony.

MS needs to reply to this.

[Anerythristic26]

All this arguing at it still doesn't matter. The PS3 is still VERY much in 3rd place. There is one fact you will all see , this is a brilliant move ! Expect close to half if not more of the U.S. userbase to upgrade to the Elite. This on paper is an installed base boost. MS is not going to take into account all the trade-ins , they are going to launch a press release stating that sales are up.

I can't believe you guys don't get this, this is a re launch for hardcore 360 fans. The 360 does around 225,000 a month on the NPD'S during the summer expect that number to be 350,0000. Sales have stayed steady for the 360 and should continue to do so , now it will just get an invigoration from hardcores scooping up thier Elites , I know people that have already said the BLACK color alone is worth the 80.00 bucks , seriously.

Expect a price drop on the other two SKU's as soon as sales are up from current 360 owners picking up the Elite , this is very smart if you can see thru this.

[coolbeer1990]

sony we know u r jealous for the 360 elite ........ sony is just trying to dfend themselves ....if they had not problem for the new 360...they would have not replied back

[forget_123]

i see you said ps3 user or maybe some sony fans is jealous about the elite.. um..

what do they jealous about?

all the elite having, ps3 already included. u mention about price.. oh well for those who alrady purchase or considering purchase.. price is not what they really concern about .. at least not necessary to make them jealous... if they jealous about price.. then why not getting something else?? there are other choice.. um.. just wondering..

what if i hook up my 250G harddisk into ps3 20G version.. what's the difference with elite ?

just curious,

peace...

[thanextone229]

That M$ is giving its consumers what they want. They wanted bigger hard drives, M$ says heres 120gb. They wanted HDMI, here, hell well even throw in the cables. Some wanted black like the original xbox console, M$ gave it to them. M$ has done nothing wrong here so why bash them. Wasnt Sony and Nintendo supposed to offer different colors of their systems? Well.... where are they????

[gta_cb]

doubt anyone would actually read this, as there is over 147 comments, and i didnt read hardly any of them, but seriously what the hell is going on? why are you arguing like Sony and MS want you to? your missing the most valuable point! while your arguing or just putting your opinion on here, your missing out on playing on those systems you paid for.... ha!

[forget_123]

I didnt read the whole follow up posting from you guys , but actually i stopped after reading few comments about that this is a "more choice" / "option" that MS gives to us.

Ok here is what i thought about this. First.. get real... and think the reality. Even you consider yourself as a owner of one of the 9-10 million xbox360. How can you say that "i never need a HDMI cz i am good with what i have now and i dont have hdtv to support it." .. this comment is totally good for "yourself" .

what about others who purchased the system? how many of them are actually having hdtv ? how many of them actually would prefer the elite if and only if this elite make available last year when the box launch? I dont know and you dont know. but i am almost certain that there are some of those who had that enviornment and $$ ..etc to get elite at the first time launching of box.

So, does that still make sense of a choice? if it's just a modification of it's shape, it's color it's whatever cover or things does not have any affect of the original game experience. good this is option.

now, the thing is , they have made things that would "possibly" require "some" of the version 1 user regret for their purchase.. oh well if "you" said "they" wont. then i am pretty sure you really "mr. know it all"

nobody knows how many, but there 9-10 million users who get the box 1 should have some of those with "ready" hd environment. Oh well.. who knows , maybe even some of them changed their tv over time? or maybe.. say.. some of them get their box today but then find an ads in the box told them a hdmi version coming later well.. u know what i mean.

Many possible combination is out there.. get real, dont think what "you" think is reality.

I didnt want to credit my comment as 100% true, but that's what i think at this moment.

Personally this action of MS does not gives me a good impression.. moreover, it would make me think more than i have to, if they ever launch a xbox720 in the future.. well who knows if there is gonna be another elite xbox720 ?

who know..s...

and good day, everyone,

this is my second post to the forum ever :)

[OldSchoolGamer]

Glad to have you on board. I think for new customers of the xbox 360 this will be a wonderful option. For the older customers, they are going to fall into one of two camps: the I don't care camp, would be nice to have, but I don't have either HDMI or HDTV in general. For the I don't have HDMI, they have the option of picking up the hard drive at the outrageous price of $180 (which I call outrageous because you can get 500 gigs for less in a computer HDD). http://www.newegg.com/Store...
Those users can also use component and get very nice graphics a la Gears of War.

As for the users who feel left out, there should have been an upgrade option available to those users who want that HDMI functionality. For those users ALL IS NOT LOST! I would recommend trading your unit in to game store (depending on how much you can get for it), along with accessories or games for another older system and maybe even walking away with one for free or paying the difference in the cost of the Hard Drive alone. Another option sell it to a loved one,friend, or coworker at a discounted price, and then purchase the new one for little less than the hard drive. Option 3 keep unit pick up PS3, and use that with HDMI and compare the HDMI to component difference for Sh@ts and Giggles. Remember this is a hobby and not the end of the world.

-OldSchoolGamer
"The poop stops here"

[THAMMER1]

Are you M.J.? J/k LOL

On topic: M$ knows what they are doing. Misery Loves Company.....just reading the post above lets you see who is unhappy this generation. People have big @ss chips on their shoulders and trying to spread that $#!t on around. I bet they still stamp out ant hills like 5 year olds.

Good post makes a lot of since.

[forget_123]

Lol .. your video is nice. The moonwalker really makes me remember the good old days i play this game in some of those arcade center (um.. have the arcade version right.. if i did remember it wrong lol)

and ya, oldschoolgamer, i think there is always "solution" to whatever the outcome is. It justs gives me a sense of .. um.. should i purchase now or wait ?

anyway, it's no big deal to me, cz i didnt have a 360 or ps3 atm. not that rich for these thing yet and i am good with what i have now which is a ps2.

already too many games have to play.... i feel i should have 48 hours a day for gaming in order to finish them up .. before too much next gen game sunk me.. = = ... hahaha.

well this is a good forum reading some news, :)

although many people arguing... trying to tell others they are the only "truth"..etc haha .. but well, dont get too addicted to battel between platform... for me... spending too much time thinking evidence..etc is like take off my time from gaming lol... oh ya sure.. other things too lol...

^^

[rowdy 1]

They screwd up by making the wrong choice. I will not buy another damn 360. Sony seems to have made all the right choices al along.

[sajj316]

If the Elitists want to pick up the new SKU, go right ahead. You have a couple of options.

(1) Sell your premium and use the difference to purchase the Elite. Not sure how much you are out, I guess its worth it since you want to be 'Elite'.

(2) You could upgrade your existing premium to the 120 GB, making your existing 20GB HDD useless (could sell that). Is the transfer cable part of the package with purchasing the 120GB HDD since the transfer is a one time deal? If not, got to buy it. I guess its worth it since you want to be 'Elite'.

Option (2) still doesn't give me HDMI. What should I do there? If I don't have HDMI, I'm not Elite, and I really, really want to be Elite.

Oh wait, what do I hear? You are possibly giving me the option of Blu Ray if I 'choose' to be like the 'Elite of the Elite'. Thank you Microsoft for giving me that option. How nice of you!

Any Xbox fans willing to help a brother out and provide me with some advice on how I could be Elite?

[sajj316]

The sarcasm in my tone

[sandip787]

'yeh microsoft doesnt FORCE us to buy a HDD, we can if we want. microsoft say they dont need HDMI, or a bigger HDD. 360 fanboys say that blu-ray is completely unnecessary. '
i really cant believe the double standards that some (not all) people are showing to this whole elite thing. are you seriously telling me that if sony were to release a new SKU within the year, you lot wouldnt completely rip sony to shreds? And still at this point in time, you STILL diss the ps3??! this 'elite' system is 100% to counter the ps3. no doubt about it. but it still doesnt offer much new imo. sure it has bigger HDD. but why not get a 2.5" notebook HDD for around £70? surely thats choice? and what about inbuilt WI-FI? its there if you need it. you dont have to use it. surely thats choice too?
i know im going off on a tangent, and im probably not making much sense, but im just in awe at the hypocracy and double standards of certain people. and no, this isnt a completely biased opinion; i play my friends 360 almost every week, and i love it.
anyways, bless up to everyone

[Bonsai1214]

Haha. lots of hate here :-p

regardless of how you read this article , its hard not to think that M$ is trying to play "catch up." don't write me off for a fanboy (though i am slightly bias towards sony), but as of now, sony does have the superior console in terms of features. M$ is taking a step in the right direction by adding a larger hdd and hdmi connectivity.

and a wise man once said, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. by phasing out the core system, M$ is essentially cutting out their weakest link. the lack of a hdd hurt that system and developers cater to the base standards of any system. Now with a required hdd, they can cache data onto the hdd to make loading times faster and all the good stuff that comes with it.

however, you can't say it doesn't follow Sony's business model. they are pressing on HD, even if they don't want to say it openly. However, i think that the lack of a HD drive (of either type) will end up hurting them when developers fill up disks with uncompressed audio, visuals, and textures... but thats just my two cents :-p

[HalfFireWater]

I mean sheese, I am an 360 owner and I have an HD TV that has 1 HDMI port, 1 Composite, 1 Component, 1 DVI, and 1 S-video port. My TV does 720I/P, 1080I/P, as well as I can use it for a computer screen. And the Elite does not interest me in the least. How much better is 1080P over 720P to video gaming. There are not to many games that can push that resolution at a decent frame rate. But thang that larger hard drive I definitely like. And people are forgetting that the big advantage here is really the larger hard drive. 1080P is to 720P as S-Video is to Composite, better but not too noticable. So that HDMI point is really moot. But they you fan boys need something to flame about, flame on Micro-cost 360 and Fony Lame-station fans