Microsoft has just announced the new Xbox 360 Elite to challenge Sony’s PS3; launch is expected in April and will set you back a cool $479. A nice black case with chrome edging, some say it is too similar to the PS3. Sporting a 120 GB Hard Disk Drive allowing users to store far more games, black wireless live headset and controllers, HDMI Video outputs. Some ask whether the Xbox Elite has gone far enough to fight off the competition, without the HD Drive critics say not. Designed as a media centre as well as serious gaming console it has appeal for the whole family too. Microsoft says  that 40% of all Xbox 360  activity is spent on non-gaming activities such as downloading, meaning the 120GB HDD is bound to be welcome to most.

Microsoft has announced that the Hard Drive can be bought separately for $179 allowing existing users to keep up the pace, although they will miss out on the glorious HDMI Video output.

Darren Smith