Xbox 360 Elite: Microsoft's Next-Current Gen Console

Many gamers already own an Xbox 360 because the console has been out for over a year. Now, Microsoft is breaking the trend of the console lifecycle and releasing a mid-life product that's more money and has more features.

Why? Is this a competitive attack on Sony and the PlayStation 3 or are customers really demanding HDMI capable products now.

What does this "Elite" console have that the normal premium console is missing:

• HDMI port
• 120GB hard disk
• A black case

That about wraps it up. The HDMI port will only be useful to those gamers that have HDMI ports on their HDTV's (a small percentage currently), the 120GB disk can be bought stand-alone and the black case is just a color... you can buy a case mod if you really wanted a black one.

The data migration from your current Premium console to the Elite isn't perfected yet due to some digital rights management (DRM) and other protections that are based on your hard drive serial number. Switching hard drives isn't a snap.

For new buyers, the Elite offers you a third tear of buying power more equivalent to that of the PS3 with any high-definition movie viewing (Blu-Ray or HD-DVD).

To clear up confusion, this new Elite console will not have a cooler/quieter DVD player, a cooler 65nm processors, HD-DVD player or IPTV capabilities any more advanced than the other 360 consoles.

You feel the need to rush out and buy one? Their not limited editions, so take your time.

The end result, which we fear, is this move creates a stir in console release cycles, causing Sony to retaliate in a few years with another re-spin of their product and for Nintendo to do the same.

Before you know it, you're in the PC realm of upgrading products every two years. Let us hope it doesn't come down to that.

source: 2old2play.com - launch details

2old2play.com - what you're buying

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