E3: Xbox 360 Elite Release Dated For Europe And Canada

Almost lost amongst Microsoft’s other pre-E3 announcements is confirmation of the Xbox 360 Elite’s release in Europe and Canada on August 24th, although no price has yet been announced in Europe for what is the most expensive version of the console. Unlike the Premium version of the console, the Elite includes a larger 120GB hard drive, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high definition (HD) cable and a new black finish color. The console was launched in the U.S. on April 29th at a price of $479, compared to $399 for the Premium and $299 for the Core. A Japanese release for the Elite was recently announced for October 11th, where the console will be priced at ¥47,800 ($390). The Core version of the console is not sold in Japan, where the Premium version sells for yen;29,800 ($243). In the UK the Core version of the Xbox 360 is priced at £199.99 ($407) and the Premium at £279.99 ($569). Although Microsoft has made no comment on price the cost in other regions suggests a price tag above £300/$600. A Canadian price for the Elite has been announced though, of CA$549 (US$519). The company has also confirmed further details of the recently announced Halo 3 Special Edition version of the console, which is scheduled for release at an unspecified point in September – presumably worldwide to accompany the release of Halo 3 itself. The console features a “Spartan green and gold finish” with a matching wireless controller, 20GB hard drive (the same as the Premium version), headset, Play & Charge Kit and exclusive Halo 3 gamer pics and theme for download via Xbox Live.