The rumours have been swirling for a while and continue to gather strength. Microsoft is apparently working on a higher-end version of its Xbox 360 gaming console. The Xbox 360 Elite is expected to add an HDMI connector, a bigger 120GB hard drive, IPTV capabilities and a retooled motherboard sporting a 65 nanometer processor (rather than the 90 nanometer one in previous Xbox 360s). It will also come in a black casing unlike previous Xbox 360 versions. It will not come with a built-in HD-DVD drive but an external option (already on sale) will remain available.
Lending further credence to the rumours are pictures of racks of black Xbox 360 units still at the factory.
The Xbox 360 is expected to be available in limited quantities and sell for $479 USD. The exact release date has not been revealed yet but could be as early as this Wednesday.