Another New Xbox 360 Model....

Wow, did Microsoft really need to make a 4th model of their Xbox 360? Well, whatever. What it seems happened this time is that Microsoft took notice about how Nintendo's approach to families worked so well, so they made an Xbox 360 model for families.

This one is the Xbox 360: Arcade Edition. If you're wondering how it ranks compared to the other models, this one is in between the basic and premium Xbox 360s. What it generally is, is just a basic Xbox 360 with 256MB of internal storage and an HDMI output. Oh yeah, and Pac-Man Champoinship Edition, Luxor 2, Uno, Boom Boom Rocket, and Feeding Frenzy Live Arcade games are pre-installed into the system.

The Xbox 360 Arcade is already available for purchase in stores (way to build up the hype, Microsoft :P) and will cost an MSRP of $279.99.


Get the GamersCast Newsletter! All of the quality news you would find here can be sent directly to your e-mail's inbox or Wii's Message Board the instant news is posted here! Simply send an e-mail to GCnewsletter@gmail.com or register GCnewsletter@gmail.com into your Nintendo Wii's Address Book to subscribe!

More Xbox 360 Elite Details

Earlier this week, we posted about how Microsoft will be releasing the Xbox 360 Elite, and we got more details. First off, Japan will not be getting the new console (the current 360 is suffering there as it is) and it will be shipped on April 29, 2007. Microsoft has also confirmed that the Elite is not a limited edition model, as previously thought. Also, being contradictory to previous thought, the internal hardware of the console will remain the same, with the exception of an HDMI port in the rear, in addition to the already existing ports. The console is also bundled with:

- A 120GB Hard Drive
- An Ethernet Cable
- A black headset
- A cable to port data from your old 360 to your new one

Despite the new system, Microsoft says that all games will still be made to be optimized the 20GB HDD, so that nobody needs to buy any additional hardware.
Microsoft is also shipping some new Xbox 360 accessories on the launch date, which include:

- A wireless black controller ($50)
- A black Play & Charge Kit ($20)
- A rechargeable battery back ($12)

Though they are now launching this new console, Microsoft said they still feel that their Pro model will continue to sell the best.

Zephyr is Elite!

Well, the Zephyr is now real with an actual name! It is known as Xbox 360 Elite. Here's the specs:

- Comes in a limited edition black color
- Comes with limited edition black headset
- Despite Rumors there is no internal wifi or HD-DVD
- New Packaging
- Priced at $479

So, now all three Xbox 360 models are going to be sold in stores, though there is no word on any sort of price drop on the older models. Believe it or not, it is expected to come out in April! We're also going to be talking about this on episode 20 of GamersCast!

Pic:

Zephyr Confirmed

Well, Adam called it wrong, but Microsoft did finally comment on the Zephyr images, by saying they are real! (OMG!) However, they went on to explain that these are non-functioning prototypes, so there is still a chance that it won't even be released to the public, ever! They may not have announced it during CES, but nevertheless it was announced.

Xbox 360 Version 2?

Loads upon loads of pictures just began being leaked out to the internet showing a new Xbox 360 system in development. As of now, all we know about the new console is that, unlike the original Xbox 360, this new one will be able to output digital signals in 1080p HD to your television set, with an included HDMI port. This would definitely leave Nintendo behind in the dust, graphically speaking, of course.

When IGN pursued Microsoft on the topic, they were very evasive upon there answers, though the pictures of the new console look as legit as it can get. The new Xbox 360 is expected to be priced just a bit more than the current Premium Edition Xbox 360, which would disappoint the number of people who got a 360 for the holidays. Although, there isn't too much of an idea when the release actually is. One site said, "soon", but that doesn't exactly help now, does it? I do recall this is what was said about "Super Mario 128", back in the late 90's. And as Microsoft has not yet confirmed or even commented on anything asked, anything could happen.

But as it stands, the new console appears to have been already codenamed, "Zephyr". Personally, my guess would be it being named Xbox 720, but that's just my prediction. The big question on my mind right now is, if this is just a refurbished Xbox 360, then how will new games made in 1080p react under the use of the original Xbox 360? Or using composite cables, in an analog signal?

Of course, this will be one of the many topics discussed in episode 19 of GamersCast.

Below are some thumbnail images of the pictures mentioned earlier in the article. Click any of the thumbnails to expand the image in a new window.