CONFIRMED! 'Limited Edition' ELITE Xbox360 bundle: Black console, HDMI, 120GB HDD

[mailman187666]

this would be a nice system to have, but I think I know how microsoft makes all thier money. They entrap people with thier schemes. Only over a year or so they after the initail release they are making a better brand new version? So what are they going to do when people want to upgrade to this version but you can't transfer over all your downloadable content to the new machine because they save the liscense for the game into the system you downloaded it on. In order to do that how is it going to work? This is kind of a good idea, but there are a lot of down sides to it too.

[Push Upstairs]

Aside from HD's and downloaded content:

How is what Microsoft is doing here ANY different than what Nintendo has being doing with its GBA/DS systems?

[ProgrammingAce]

this would be a nice system to have, but I think I know how microsoft makes all thier money. They entrap people with thier schemes. Only over a year or so they after the initail release they are making a better brand new version? So what are they going to do when people want to upgrade to this version but you can't transfer over all your downloadable content to the new machine because they save the liscense for the game into the system you downloaded it on. In order to do that how is it going to work? This is kind of a good idea, but there are a lot of down sides to it too.

Year and a half between launch and the upgrade. You can transfer your data to the new drive. Your data is tied to both your motherboard and your gamertag. The hard drive doesn't even factor into the equation.

[Oobgarm]

Some spy photos have surfaced.

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-elite-spied-in-assembly-line/

[gepeto]

Some spy photos have surfaced.

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-elite-spied-in-assembly-line/


I gotta admit that is one pretty machine. I really don't see what the hubbub is all about. In november the 360 will be 2 years old. I believe most all consoles in the last 10 years underwent a revision of some sort. It is only the nature of progression. I will be so jealous though.

[kaedesdisciple]

this would be a nice system to have, but I think I know how microsoft makes all thier money. They entrap people with thier schemes. Only over a year or so they after the initail release they are making a better brand new version?

As I am sure has been stated previously, this is no different from what game companies like Nintendo do already. We should not be at all surprised by anyone pulling crap like this.

[downfall]

I think the big difference here is that when Nintendo releases a revision to a system, the functionality doesn't change, it costs less, and it improves problems with the hardware (or upgrades components that have dropped in manufacturing price, ie. the brighter DS screens) - not costs more by adding functionality that the current hardware lacks. If they release a Wii that plays DVDs without offering a firmware upgrade to the launch Wii systems, then we'll talk.

With this, Microsoft left out the HDMI port to begin with, so all the people that paid $400 for their "high-def/next gen" gaming experience are rightfully miffed, because the only way they can get the HDMI port is to drop even more money this go around. $900 is a far cry from the $250 that you'd spend on two DS systems - and having two DS systems isn't that bad anyway.

[atari_overlord]

I sometimes feel like I must be the only person in the world that does not like the way Black Video game systems look. I have been holding off getting a 360 until I get an HD TV. I had a feeling that the rumored upgrade was going to be the final push. Seeing it though, does not really get the juices flowing enough to pry open the wallet.

[Anthony1]

I'm not really interested in a black one. I can wait for the normal (white) premium to get these features for $399.99. Supposedly later this year. Plus, I've heard conflicting reports on whether this one has the 90nm chipset or 65nm. I'm waiting for the one with 65 because I would like it to be much more silent during it's operation.

[Push Upstairs]

I think the big difference here is that when Nintendo releases a revision to a system, the functionality doesn't change, it costs less, and it improves problems with the hardware (or upgrades components that have dropped in manufacturing price, ie. the brighter DS screens) - not costs more by adding functionality that the current hardware lacks. If they release a Wii that plays DVDs without offering a firmware upgrade to the launch Wii systems, then we'll talk.

I recall the time when the SP came out after the GBA had been out a short while. And while the price isn't as much as we are talking with the 360 (it is a more complicated machine), I do recall a lot of people being burned about the fact that they had to buy a whole new system just to get the light screen they really should have got with the GBA.

Dropping $100 for a system and then having to drop another $100 to get the lighted screen function is not any different than what is being done here with the 360. Prices are different, but its pretty much the same.

[Mr. Smashy]

I think the big difference here is that when Nintendo releases a revision to a system, the functionality doesn't change, it costs less, and it improves problems with the hardware...

When you say that the functionality doesn't change, I take it that you're not talking about composite output, S-video output, component output, a headphone jack, or hinges that don't crack.

[downfall]

Yeah yeah. ;)

I was in a hurry, and couldn't think of specific examples - let me explain further.

What I'm trying to say is that when Nintendo has released a revision, the functionality doesn't change upward. If you're an early adopter of a Nintendo system, (except for the original GBA and to a much, much lesser extent, the DS), you're not going to be getting the shaft when they release a revision of a console. You'll be paying less, and you'll be getting less. Sometimes, you'll be paying less and getting more if you desire (as is the case with the DS/DS Lite.)

Examples:

NES = Dropped composite output, system was smaller, cost less. Yeah, I know that it was more reliable, but the NES was on the way out - it's not like it was released two years after the original model.

SNES = Same, without the reliablity issue of the NES.

N64 = Upgrade was an additional purchase (RAM Jumper pak thing, whatever it was called), which is fine. It's not like it was a mystery that there might be an expansion - and aside from what, 4 games, one of which was packaged with the expansion (DK 64), you didn't even need it. You can't exactly buy an HDMI output for your original 360. Not that you need an HDMI output, but you don't have the option if you were an early adopter.

Gamecube = Dropped component output around the time the system cost dropped. They may or may not be related, but the fact of the matter is very few people had the component cables anyway, so it's not like they did a huge disservice to the general gaming public. If the component cables were widely available, I'd say it was an issue, but I cast my vote into the "no" pond on this one.

GBA = This is their major error in this department - though I'm assuming that it was still an issue of cost regarding the screen technology at the time. And who knows what they were doing regarding the headphones. Terrible ideas all around.

DS Lite = Nintendo replaced people's cracked DS Lite systems, much like their customer service always does. And why wouldn't they? I'd hardly consider a fixing a manufacturing error that most Joe Somebodies didn't even know about a revision. Didn't exactly cost the consumer anything either, much like the Wii wrist straps.

What I'm trying to say is that, with the exception of the screens on the handhelds, the Nintendo revisions of consoles are always revisions downward, both in price and capability - in the sense that there's no need for you to have to buy the revision if you already own one (again, save for the GBA). And even with the DS, the cost was still less. Not to mention that I know plenty of people who prefer the original style.

With this new Xbox 360, Microsoft is revising upward, currently leaving out all the people that said "Hey Microsoft, I am willing to spend $400+ on your next gen console." Now they only have the option to buy another $400+ console if they want that feature.

A bit more clear now I hope.

[GM80]

Details are out now on Kotaku.com, among others ... many sites getting hammered and crashing, though.

[dgdgagdae]

So - people are angry because there's an upgraded XBox 360 coming soon that will have more features than were available at launch? I'm still trying to understand how that's a bad thing. Funny that I just read this thread after reading the DMC4 petition thread - there are similarities here.

And I also don't like the black. It would look just like everything else in a home theater setup.

[MegaDrive20XX]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6168182.html

gamespot is confirming it to be released in Europe and North America on April 29th now.

[geneshifter]

I was going to get one but the fact that they did not switch to the 65nm processors and the remark that it's the "same components as the current 360" make it a big fat NO for me. I want cooler running and a new manufacturing process before I buy one with the horrible failure rate. I would buy a core one if they dropped price to 199, but I doubt it.

[zektor]

The unit is featured on Xbox.com. 100% official. Nice to hear that they are making the 120GB drive for sale individually as well (not that I would not expect them to anyway), not so nice that it is at a $179 pricetag. Oh well.

[s1lence]

The unit is featured on Xbox.com. 100% official. Nice to hear that they are making the 120GB drive for sale individually as well (not that I would not expect them to anyway), not so nice that it is at a $179 pricetag. Oh well.

Yeah thats a bit high for cost considering you can get a 500gig external HDD for around 200 bucks these days.

[Kejoriv]

Do you guys think this will be hard to find when it goes on sale? I think it could be depending on how many units are in the first shipment. I don't think many people will be camping out though.

I really wish it came in white too.

I think I'm just going to pick up the hard drive and sell my 20gb.

[agbulls]

The unit is featured on Xbox.com. 100% official. Nice to hear that they are making the 120GB drive for sale individually as well (not that I would not expect them to anyway), not so nice that it is at a $179 pricetag. Oh well.

$179? Hell no. There is no way I'm paying seperately for that. I'm curious as to how much Gamestop will give on their upgrade to the Elite reserve. I'm going to guess $200...which still means you have to put out $270.

[johno590]

This sucks, I just bought a 360 2 months ago, now I wish I would have waited...

[GillianSeed]

Aside from HD's and downloaded content:

How is what Microsoft is doing here ANY different than what Nintendo has being doing with its GBA/DS systems?

It's going up in price, not down.

[Anthony1]

If you really want to upgrade to the Elite, I suggest this strategy:


1. Sell your current 360 on craigslist around April 10th or so. Don't wait too long, considering others will be thinking the same thing. You'll have to live without a 360 for a couple of weeks, but big freaking deal.

2. How much can you get for it? Well, let's take a look at that. A brand new 360 with tax is around $431 or so. I'm guessing that it would be possible to get $300 for the 360. This would save somebody $131 off buying a new one. Also, since you aren't selling it on Ebay, you don't have to pay any bullshit fees, or any shipping charges or any of that crap. You sell it locally for 300 snappers, and get paid in cash. Bada Bing.

3. Now you take that $300, along with an extra $217 and buy an Elite.

4. You go to cragislist and Ebay and search for a 20 gig 360 HDD for cheap. Many people will be selling them, because they will upgrade to the seperate $179.99 120 gig one, and will have their old 20 gig one to sell. For the sake of argument, let's say you get one for $50 shipped.

5. You put your 120 gig Elite hard drive on Ebay or Craigslist and try to get $150 for it.

6. You use the 20 gig HDD on the Elite, and you save $100 by selling your 120 gigger. Thus, you basically paid $117 to upgrade to an Elite with HDMI.


This is exactly what I would be doing IF the Elite had the 65nm CPU. Since it doesn't, I'm not going to bother with it. I'm also not too thrilled to have a black 360. I'd rather just wait for the white version with the 65nm CPU. I honestly have zero need for a larger HDD, cause I'm not going to be Microsoft's bitch, buying overpriced TV shows and HD movies ($6 for a freaking 24 hour rental you have to be kidding me!!!) as well as buying "virtual" games that are overpriced and that I can never resell to somebody else. 20 gigs are perfectly fine for me.

[Push Upstairs]

It's going up in price, not down.

Perhaps a look at some other posts and even my post after that one is in order.

As pointed out by Mr. Smashy when Nintendo does a revision more often then not it loses something instead of gaining something. Which is why the price drops.

But as I said before, if you bought a GBA system before the SP was rolled out and then you suddenly wanted a GBA with a backlight (and not a mod) you still had to drop $100+ to get a lighted screen. I'd also point out that the $100+ bucks you dropped for the SP also got you a system without the ability to plug in headphones (pending the purchase of an external adapter).

So I view this 360 business to be nothing that different than what Nintendo pulled years ago with the SP. Buy the new 360 or don't, it doesn't really matter.

[downfall]

People are mad because they spent $400+ on a NEXT GEN video game system and the only way that they can get a new one with the new features without going through the extremely time-consuming and uncertain process that Anthony1 posted is to drop another $400+.

I'm personally not mad - I waited, because I wanted to see how things shook out - but I think it's especially shitty if Microsoft doesn't throw a bone to the people that made their system a success - and at this point, it doesn't look like they will.

[kaedesdisciple]

People are mad because they spent $400+ on a NEXT GEN video game system and the only way that they can get a new one with the new features without going through the extremely time-consuming and uncertain process that Anthony1 posted is to drop another $400+.

I'm personally not mad - I waited, because I wanted to see how things shook out - but I think it's especially shitty if Microsoft doesn't throw a bone to the people that made their system a success - and at this point, it doesn't look like they will.

And why would they? They've already got our money, and they will continue to take it when we renew our Live subscriptions. Call me blind, but I honestly don't see what MS could gain by doing this other than the publicity of a hardware "release."

[Oobgarm]

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/new-xbox-360-hdd-comes-overloaded-with-content/

Lots of content on the new drive, it seems.

Also, GameStop is already pushing the system with their weekly newsletter, hoping pre-orders will line up.

http://www.dustincarter.com/gs.jpg

[Ed Oscuro]

Still waiting for the 65nm die process chips on this one. It looks nice and the features are good, but if I get a 360 it at least better be quieter and cooler than the old one.

[cyberfluxor]

I've been watching this thread and reading some articles including the interview in EGM. Truthfully I believe MS already had plans to do this and was awaiting the PS3 launch to see what they could do, then come out with their new hardware. It may sound silly but why produce what was more expensive a year or so ago at that higher price before getting a user base. It'd be typical MS, just like when they want people to go over to Vista they'll cut off XP/2k/ME support, then companies will hault tech support, ect. It's one big game and MS doesn't want Sony to enter other markets, same with Apple... One big game Mr. Softy, one big game.

:)

[Gamereviewgod]

People are mad because they spent $400+ on a NEXT GEN video game system and the only way that they can get a new one with the new features without going through the extremely time-consuming and uncertain process that Anthony1 posted is to drop another $400+.


It has one new feature. ONE. The hard drive is sold seperately. The 360 can do everything via its current video ports. The highest resolution it supports, 1080p, can be done with both component or VGA. It also upscales standard discs.

You don't need the HDMI port. At all. Unless you're a mega videophile or audiophile, this upgrade is rather pointless for you. They're not screwing anyone.

[Mr. Smashy]

It has one new feature. ONE. The hard drive is sold seperately. The 360 can do everything via its current video ports. The highest resolution it supports, 1080p, can be done with both component or VGA. It also upscales standard discs.

You don't need the HDMI port. At all. Unless you're a mega videophile or audiophile, this upgrade is rather pointless for you. They're not screwing anyone.

That said, there are many 1080p HDTVs out there that don't accept 1080p over component and don't have any kind of VGA port (like plenty of Sharp Aquos sets out there).

[chrisbid]

i dont see the point, sony is lagging behind, and now would be the perfect time for ms to put more distance between sony and themselves with a lower price point on current hardware.

releasing this just keeps the door open and gives sony more time to catch up

[roxybaby]

Where be my pink 360? :)

[Gamereviewgod]

That said, there are many 1080p HDTVs out there that don't accept 1080p over component and don't have any kind of VGA port (like plenty of Sharp Aquos sets out there).

You can't take that out on Microsoft though. If it's a feature you wanted, then you need to check this stuff before you buy the TV.

[Push Upstairs]

Where be my pink 360? :)

That will be in the 2nd wave of "Color Designs" 360 series, right after leopard print.

[swlovinist]

Well, this is cool I guess for the high end gamers who dont own a 360 yet(how many are left?). I have to agree with chrisbid and Like I have said before, MS needs to focus on the core value gamers in the 300+ range. Upgrades are a part of the usual business cycle. For the first time in a long time(since the saturn, 3DO, and Neo Geo) we are seeing multiple systems priced above the 300 dollar range. I just hope that MS does not forget about all the little people who dont have lots of money to burn on a new console. One thing is for certain, this definately makes me want to buy a Wii more, considering it like 230 dollars less and in a more reasonable ballpark of spending for me(on a new system). I still stand behind this being a bad market move for them. The $179 for a new drive is pretty steep, I dont think I see this selling well for them either. Looks like my 20 gig hard drive on my system is looking better all the time. Looks like MS is still learning the hard way.

[Push Upstairs]

You don't need the HDMI port. At all. Unless you're a mega videophile or audiophile, this upgrade is rather pointless for you. They're not screwing anyone.

I agree with this assessment.

So the real point of griping is either not getting that sexy black system or the larger hard drive cost.


I do have to wonder how many would actually be able to use the HDMI port to its full potential anyway...