AfterDawn: Tech news

Rumored Black Xbox 360 makes appearance in gaming magazine

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 20 Mar 2007 8:54 User comments (36)

Rumored Black Xbox 360 makes appearance in gaming magazine Earlier this year, a picture of a prototype Xbox 360 console leaked on the internet and with it began rumors of a revamped 360 that would include an HDMI output and an upgraded scaling chip.
The newest issue of Game Informer adds fuel to the fire by showing an image of a black Xbox 360 and along side it, specifications that include a 120GB HDD, matching black accessories, HDMI output and an HDMI cable all for the reasonable price of $479 USD.

Matt Helgeson, a senior editor at Game Informer has reportedly confirmed that the story is not an April Fool's joke like many readers believe it to be.

Along with the pictures and the specifications, there is mention that existing owners can choose to purchase the larger HDD for "under $200 USD".

However, the current external HD-DVD drive will continue to be an external accesory and Microsoft official statements repeat that the console will never include an internal HD-DVD drive.

Chris Satchell, the general manager of the game development group for Microsoft had the following to say about the rumors: “We're always working on prototypes and new technologies and just playing with stuff in Redmond to see what's interesting. I think at the moment we have the widest available connections on the system. If you want to get great HD, I think we've got a good solution for that.”



“At the moment, everything you might have seen is just looking at our experimentation back in Redmond, not really a product that we're thinking about announcing,”


Source:
Dailytech

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36 user comments

121.3.2007 00:03

o.o hmm so if you already have a xbox what are the chances you will buy this one?

221.3.2007 02:12

Because its black!

Id buy it...if it had 120g, HDMI, faster cooler fan, better chip ect....

321.3.2007 03:42

Ya I think I might have to get it too---then I can mod my current 360's firmware to play backups Plus it being black and all it will look VERRRRY nice next to my PS3

421.3.2007 03:55

Originally posted by azndrake:
o.o hmm so if you already have a xbox what are the chances you will buy this one?

becuse the current model 1 has a near 30% fail rate.....
Sorry I don't like to pay for beta testing crap.

BTW you can sale off your old 360 on ebay for 150-250.

521.3.2007 03:58

I would buy it just because od not only it being black itself but because of the black accessories such as the contorllers. Also HDMI would be nice and 120GB HDD, I just wish they would have added the HD-DVD drive. But as of now I'm affraid that my current 360 is going to overheat and die so getting one that ran cooler would be good. It would also be conviennt to have 2 360s for halo 3 parties.

621.3.2007 04:04

Originally posted by Spenman91:
I would buy it just because od not only it being black itself but because of the black accessories such as the contorllers. Also HDMI would be nice and 120GB HDD, I just wish they would have added the HD-DVD drive. But as of now I'm affraid that my current 360 is going to overheat and die so getting one that ran cooler would be good. It would also be conviennt to have 2 360s for halo 3 parties.
the model 3 in 2-3 years will have the HDVD drive not this one.

721.3.2007 04:11

Quote:
Originally posted by azndrake:
o.o hmm so if you already have a xbox what are the chances you will buy this one?

becuse the current model 1 has a near 30% fail rate.....
Sorry I don't like to pay for beta testing crap.

BTW you can sale off your old 360 on ebay for 150-250.
There you go AGAIN ZIPPER.......complaining about something....we get it your a broke gamer....
I have had several problems with my 360 (This is my 3rd one)but I still love it. And my PS3 (no problems at all). I just spend the extra money for the extended guarantee.

821.3.2007 04:33

Quote:
[quote]
Originally posted by azndrake:
o.o hmm so if you already have a xbox what are the chances you will buy this one?

becuse the current model 1 has a near 30% fail rate.....
Sorry I don't like to pay for beta testing crap.

BTW you can sale off your old 360 on ebay for 150-250.
There you go AGAIN ZIPPER.......complaining about something....we get it your a broke gamer....
I have had several problems with my 360 (This is my 3rd one)but I still love it. And my PS3 (no problems at all). I just spend the extra money for the extended guarantee.

if you got money to burn fine by me,I don't have 300 to waste.
I try and maximize my spending money as best as I can to pour money into the 360 is a waste its not a computer and can only play movies and games,I am happy they made this model 2 and will be getting one soon ^^
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 Mar 2007 @ 4:35

921.3.2007 04:56

I saw this ad in Game INformer. It will not happen, you would think that if it were true, it would be on the front page, but it was way in the middle.

1021.3.2007 05:00

Originally posted by ottesen07:
I saw this ad in Game INformer. It will not happen, you would think that if it were true, it would be on the front page, but it was way in the middle.
its 60/40 because MS has not confirmed anything thats why its in the middle.

1121.3.2007 05:21

Would be nice if when they replaced the 360 that had problems with at least the faster and cooler CPU. They can sell the 120g separate with the HDMI hookup. But we know M$ loves to nickel and dime ya to death.

1221.3.2007 05:30

Originally posted by spydah:
Would be nice if when they replaced the 360 that had problems with at least the faster and cooler CPU. They can sell the 120g separate with the HDMI hookup. But we know M$ loves to nickel and dime ya to death.
probly will do that ocne they get the current stock sold.

1321.3.2007 05:43

Quote:
There you go AGAIN ZIPPER.......complaining about something....we get it your a broke gamer....
I have had several problems with my 360 (This is my 3rd one)but I still love it. And my PS3 (no problems at all). I just spend the extra money for the extended guarantee.
if you want to flame someone, do it in the console forums, not in the news comments. Final warning.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 Mar 2007 @ 5:44

1421.3.2007 06:45

if only they included the HD-DVD drive and free online, that price might seem reasonable. its nice they throw in an HDMI cord and even the larger HDD, but neither are really that expensive or hard to come by. hopefully this new unit if it ever hits the shelves fairs better than the beta 360s they released with at launch. i still think the whole design is ugly but black is a much nicer colour. but then again the whole black and neon green looks somewhat alien and cheesy. thats my opinion anyway.

1521.3.2007 07:14

My suggestion is to buy the earlier 360 because you can get it cheaper and its hackable. They're just covering their tracks on the exploits that get found. While you're at it, replace the stock fans with third party ones, and it will work fine. The real issue is whether they moved the chipset and processor away from the DVD drive. Its directly under the drive on the originals. This seems to cause the most problems with reading games, though the aftermarket fans are more quiet and makes the system run cooler.

The extra price for the HDMI, cable and larger HDD are justified in my opinion, but why through yourself into the PS3 price range without the HD-DVD capability? Its even black now too. I'm not sure this is such a great idea, with rumors abound that Sony will drop the PS3 price.

1621.3.2007 08:08

SProdigy
you do know Sony is taking a 300+ loss on the PS3? MS is just taking a normal 90-150 theres no way they can do it without making it 700-800$

At least MS lets you upgrade to high def better to have the next gen movie player a add on than make the console unsaleable.

MS should have done this with the premium console from the start but oh well.


As for selecting the Model 1 360,if you got money for upkeep thats reasonable if you dont want downtime and to spend 50$ every time it breaks down and then be left with junk out side of the warranty please get a model 2.

1721.3.2007 08:54

Originally posted by hade:
if only they included the HD-DVD drive and free online, that price might seem reasonable. its nice they throw in an HDMI cord and even the larger HDD, but neither are really that expensive or hard to come by. hopefully this new unit if it ever hits the shelves fairs better than the beta 360s they released with at launch. i still think the whole design is ugly but black is a much nicer colour. but then again the whole black and neon green looks somewhat alien and cheesy. thats my opinion anyway.
ALSO

Originally posted by Spenman91:
Also HDMI would be nice and 120GB HDD, I just wish they would have added the HD-DVD drive.
Very interesting how people think. Stating that the ps3 SHOULD NOT HAVE a internal blueray player and yet you people want the xbox to include a HD-DVD drive in the XBOX (hypocrites...)

1821.3.2007 10:49

Thats one sexy machine also calling people hypocrites because some prefer that ONE version of the xbox 360 would include the drive. Because we all know that the existing xbox machines would disappear and microsoft would cease production on them even though they actually make cash unlike Sony.Jesus the way some people think is mind blogging. Microsoft gaming divisiom is doing an excellent job giving people a choice. If you want to just game buy the Core version no probs. If you decide later you want HD for cheap get the add-on. If you want the drive built in wait for the 3 revision. Unlike Sony which is getting the shit kicked out of them in by both the big N' and M$ you have a choice. Imagine if all cars came with all the bells and whistle with no optional choices to remove them. You would price yourself out of the market and that my friends is the Ps3 in a nutshell. By the time the Ps3 is even anywhere near a reasonable price (300-400) will have a $99 Wii and 199 Xbox. How is Sony going to compete with that not mention blu-ray's paltry 2-1 lead in the HD wars due to spreading FUD, counting Buy one get one free BOGOs disc as a sale ( plus 50% off at Amazon), and also counting the Ps3 as a "standalone" Blu-ray player. Sniff,Sniff...Does anyone else smell a Chapter 11

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 Mar 2007 @ 10:50

1921.3.2007 10:51
riplord
Inactive

I really want one, but don't wanna re-spend the moola. I have a two-year extended warranty with wal-mart, for my 360 premium. If I just said it got the red ring of death, do you think I can exchange it for a black one?

2021.3.2007 12:10

I'll probably get this version, IF it's true. I never had a 360, but since this is the new one that's better and doesn't crash, I'll get it. Plus a bigger HDD would be awesome. You know I think that they'll come out with this one because I think I recall reading something about that Xbox Live is competing with AppleTV.

2121.3.2007 13:40

Quote:
Very interesting how people think. Stating that the ps3 SHOULD NOT HAVE a internal blueray player and yet you people want the xbox to include a HD-DVD drive in the XBOX (hypocrites...)
I never once said anywhere that Sony shouldn't have included the Blu-ray drive. I just think with the newest model of the 360 (especially supporting HDMI) that it would be nice if it had a HD-DVD drive for movies only. Then the people that wanted to but a new 360 with the HD-DVD drive could. The people who wanted to upgrade their current 360s could buy the external drive. And the people that didn't care wouldn't have to do anything if they didn't want to.

Personally I liked it better when PS2 and the original Xbox came out and DVD was new and you didn't have to worry about which format to go with. The Xbox and PS2 both included DVD capability and it was convienient for games and movies.

2221.3.2007 14:01

Spenman91
thats the main trouble with the new disc format,if you want it in your system you have to basically double the price,sony has allot riding on BR MS has less so they don't need to do it now,I feel they will in acouple years but for now a new model is a good thing.

2321.3.2007 14:20

Quote:
Originally posted by spenman91:

Very interesting how people think. Stating that the ps3 SHOULD NOT HAVE a internal blueray player and yet you people want the xbox to include a HD-DVD drive in the XBOX (hypocrites...)

Adding a HD-DVD player to a 360 increases the cost of the overall unit not to mention the size ,i can't see it happening and if what the boffins at microsoft have already stated last year it won't happen period

As for the PS3 lets assume the games will not be in blue-ray format it means you've spent an extra (insert cost of blueray player) for nothing , more so if you have no intention of using it to play movies,basicly what is being said is we would like options,me personally i could'nt give a toss as i won't buy either for another 2-3 years,it'll give em time to sort out the kinks and any future mods or improvements plus they'll be a dam site cheaper tho i will be buying games that i like so once i have the hardware i'll be ready to go,besides i have a stack of PS2 & XBOX-1 games i've never played ...lol...
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 Mar 2007 @ 2:23

2421.3.2007 14:33

scorpNZ

Price yes size no. the Drive unit is still almost a tipcail drive size.

AS far as I know all PS3 games are BR by default.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 Mar 2007 @ 2:45

2521.3.2007 17:22

Yes so far ALL PS3 games are BR I bought one one launch day so I know first hand. I had no problem shelling out the reasonably priced $600 for a BR player AND as a bonus it plays games,connects to the internet....and so on
The new 360 will have a warm welcome in my house, I have a spot right next to the old 360 that is beside the PS3

2621.3.2007 17:31

muccione
I disagree with you on the reasonableness of it but then I am assy like that:P


I think I just won a in "need of repair" 360 premium on ebay for 50$ 0-o

DOH!

ifs its true I might can hammer together a nice case mod and some parts...maybe resale it.

2721.3.2007 19:35

I got my xbox at costco i will return it get my money and then buy this one but no way would i buy another one.

2822.3.2007 13:02

I think Microsoft made the right decision on letting people decide if they wanted HD-DVD or not. I thought it would be nice if they added an HD-DVD in the new 360, but I didn't even think of the price increase it would cause, I would say that Microsoft made the right decision on not putting an HD-DVD drive in the new 360 and waiting until we can tell more about the winner of the format war.

2922.3.2007 13:05

Originally posted by Spenman91:
I think Microsoft made the right decision on letting people decide if they wanted HD-DVD or not. I thought it would be nice if they added an HD-DVD in the new 360, but I didn't even think of the price increase it would cause, I would say that Microsoft made the right decision on not putting an HD-DVD drive in the new 360 and waiting until we can tell more about the winner of the format war.
thats what I think as well,the new format discs are uneeded and not worth the 200-300 extra.

3023.3.2007 06:32

Has anyone successfully taken the xbox360 external HD-DVD drive and put it inside an xbox360 to replace the drive that came with it?

3123.3.2007 06:36

Originally posted by vwmike:
Has anyone successfully taken the xbox360 external HD-DVD drive and put it inside an xbox360 to replace the drive that came with it?
No because its encrypted.

3223.3.2007 12:20

Originally posted by vwmike:
Has anyone successfully taken the xbox360 external HD-DVD drive and put it inside an xbox360 to replace the drive that came with it?
My first thought i had when i saw your post was to take a base ball bat to you and knock some sense in to ya but then i though maybe,just maybe ,you really think it could be done,well the problem begins with how much available space is inside the 360 to begin with even with the drive removed,you then have the problem of installing all the necessary electronic boards that make the HD-DVD work ,the drive itself with all it's cogs and wheels etc would make it impossable unless you were to hack the case to bits leaving some internals exposed,then there's the fact the 360 was not designed with an internal HD-DVD in mind even at a later date so space is not available,primarily it's a gaming console


PS: I'm currently going thru anger management and posts like yours don't make it easy...lol... :p
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 23 Mar 2007 @ 12:26

3323.3.2007 13:30

scorpNZ
a cable size adapter was made not to long ago the trouble remains is encryption and fooling the 360 into thinking its the HD of the 360 and not a 2ndry storage device.

3423.3.2007 13:41

Quote:
Originally posted by vwmike:
Has anyone successfully taken the xbox360 external HD-DVD drive and put it inside an xbox360 to replace the drive that came with it?
My first thought i had when i saw your post was to take a base ball bat to you and knock some sense in to ya but then i though maybe,just maybe ,you really think it could be done,well the problem begins with how much available space is inside the 360 to begin with even with the drive removed,you then have the problem of installing all the necessary electronic boards that make the HD-DVD work ,the drive itself with all it's cogs and wheels etc would make it imposable unless you were to hack the case to bits leaving some internals exposed,then there's the fact the 360 was not designed with an internal HD-DVD in mind even at a later date so space is not available,primarily it's a gaming console


PS: I'm currently going thru anger management and posts like yours don't make it easy...lol... :p
Not only that......You can't play the GAMES through the HD drive...so if you spent the money for the external HD drive and have it pluged into the 360..It will only play the HD DVD movies...you still need to put the games into the 360 in order to play GAMES..you know thats why I bought it.....Who cares about HD DVD BR is and will win the format war...all because of the reasonably priced BR player that also plays games......the SONY PLAYSTATION 3........

3531.3.2007 16:29

Hmm.. sounds cool, i guess. I'm trying to save up for a 360, but i won't be getting the black one because all it is is marketing. If 120 gigabytes really matter that much to go out and buy another machine, why not mod or something and just personally install laptop hard drive or whatever? The only benefit it will have for me is that the current 360's out will probably have a price drop, i hope. Does anyone have new of a price drop?

3631.3.2007 16:34

Originally posted by JNagy129:
Hmm.. sounds cool, i guess. I'm trying to save up for a 360, but i won't be getting the black one because all it is is marketing. If 120 gigabytes really matter that much to go out and buy another machine, why not mod or something and just personally install laptop hard drive or whatever? The only benefit it will have for me is that the current 360's out will probably have a price drop, i hope. Does anyone have new of a price drop?
Because this is being put into the premium later this year with a new CPU,399/400 is the premium price,and they might jsut put a 20GB in that >>.

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