The Xbox 360 Elite (codename Zephyr) has been the worst kept secret in gaming in recent weeks, and Microsoft has finally officially unveiled it, to a mixed reaction. The Elite is going to be a 3rd, top tier SKU, with both the Core and Premium packages remaining on sale.

So what's different?

It's black.
It has HDMI 1.3 (and comes with a HDMI cable, as well as component and composite)
120gb HDD
Black accessories

Like the Premium system, there's still no built in Wi-Fi, and it doesn't have the new 65nm CPUs that are being developed for future use, which would be cooler and thus more reliable. The 120gb hdd will be available as an accessory for existing users, for the price of $179, and the Elite package will set Americans back $479. I think, but I haven't seen it confirmed, it will be £349 here.

Do you really want/need those extras for that price? If you already have an Xbox 360, like I do, the answer is probably no. You can already do HD output over component. You only need HDMI if really want 1080p and don't have a tv that accepts 1080p over component. The 120gb hard drive will be excellent if you use your 360 as a media hub, something that is more prevalent in the US because they have the Video Marketplace. It's also going to be used to good effect on the IPTV service when that starts.

It may turn out Microsoft regrets the price point. If they'd brought in the Elite at only slightly more than the Premium, say maybe $449/£299, it would have been a much easier upsell. Time will tell.

The Elite is out in US/Canada on the 29th April, no date for Europe yet.