Possibly the worst kept secret in gaming history, but finally the Xbox Elite has been announced. On Channel 10 last night Albert Penello showed off the black matte console, featuring HDMI output and a 120GB Hard Drive. The console will not be limited edition, as some had been suggesting, and will be released to the US and Canadian markets on the 29th April for $479.99 USD.
A HDMI cable will be included in the box, along with other black accessories; both component and composite cables, an audio adapter for use with HDMI and a black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox Live headset. There will be no rumoured HD-DVD drive, in-built wi-fi capabilities, nor will the console use the smaller 65nm chips.
For existing 360 Core and Premium owners, Microsoft is offering the chance to upgrade your hard drive to 120GB for $179.99, making the cost for Premium owners $580 if they include the original price of the console. Microsoft are currently working on a way to transfer existing data from a 20GB Hard Drive to a new 120GB one.