Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite - Expert Reviews

Pros: 120GB hard drive ; HDMI ; sleek black chassis

Cons: Still just as noisy ; no built-in Wifi

Verdict: HDMI and storage boost for the popular console

Review summary: THE XBOX 360 ELITE is the latest incarnation of the Microsoft gaming console. The first model shipped late 2005 and in two skews, the basic Core and System/Premium which includes a 20GB hard drive

Pros: HDMI, 120GB HDD

Cons: Noisy DVD drive, cost

Pros: HDMI support, 1080p resolution on HD-DVD, 120GB hard drive, Black finish

Cons: Expensive, No dedicated optical out port, No remote control, restrictive hard drive transfer procedures

Verdict: The Xbox 360 Elite is an attractive new shell for an already impressive gaming console. We would have liked to see the new features handled a little better but overall, it's still the same as the original Xbox 360.

Review summary: After nearly two years on sale in the UK, Microsoft today launched the first major update of the Xbox 360. The Elite is slicker, it's snazzier, and it's a little more expensive at £299. But is it any better?

Pros: Improved storage, HDMI support and included cable, Small price premium over standard 360

Cons: No Wi-Fi as standard, HD DVD drive still an add-on extra

Verdict: An attractive and well-priced option if you're a first-time buyer, but if you already own an Xbox 360, there's not enough reason here to upgrade

Review summary: Apart from a sneaky bit of Xbox 360 gaming at lunchtimes in the Register Hardware offices, we've always been fairly hardcore PlayStation fans, having grown up with the Sony console series since its 1995 launch. Could Microsoft's new machine, the Xbox ...