Microsoft announced the release of an "Xbox Elite", the "Elite" is a supped up version of the regular Xbox 360. The new model addresses most consumer complaints about the Xbox 360 and has added what the 360 previously lacked. We get the idea that there is something new and different, which is supposed to "wow" non-Microsoft owners being an all black system with new black accessories such as headsets, batteries/chargers, and controllers. But is that going to be enough to woo potential buyers?

With a 120 GB hard drive, HD/HDMI output, and heating problems addressed, the Xbox 360 Elite sounds like a great deal, but is it really worth the hefty $480 price tag? It seems that to most Microsoft fans it is more than worth it. For those who have been eager to buy a 360, but have lacked the funds are now finding themselves in a bargain with this opportunity. For those who already have a 360, well, expect to see a lot of their Xbox's on Ebay and Craiglists throughout. It is fortunate for people who cannot afford an Xbox 360 that some used ones may be sold near the release of the Xbox Elite.

Currently, Microsoft is attempting to leave the Nintendo Wii, and Microsoft's arch rival, the Sony Playstation 3, in the dust by setting better prices for more well rounded products. The home of Sony and Nintendo (Japan) has proved reluctant to the American Xbox 360, but some believe this is a result of poor advertising on Microsoft's part in Japan. Also, some people even believe that the Japanese still hold a grudge from World War II, though this cannot be supported by any facts whatsoever, and is completely ludicrous. Others believe that Microsoft's products are unoriginal and seem to be copying too many other companies. Though this may be true to some, it seems that trying to be too different such as using the Blu-Ray may be the wrong move as well, as Playstation gains a lot of negative feedback about the price of the unit, which corresponds with the Blu-Ray feature.

The Playstation 3 has already sold more units than the Xbox 360 in Japan, though the 360 has been out much longer. Xbox does have one big edge in the race though, which is the hugely popular FPS series "Halo" and with the release of Halo 3, within months of the release of the Elite, Microsoft can hope that the new game will push more unit purchases as well.

It is believed that if Microsoft will promote the Elite well in Japan, that some may switch from Playstation to Xbox. The first version of the Xbox 360 sold less units in Japan than did the original Xbox, selling just a bit over 1,000 units in the first week of Microsoft's "big" release. Some believe this may be a result of the large amounts of shooter games that Xbox 360 has, as many Japanese games are not so, and Playstation and Nintendo have prevailed without as many shooters.

Europe will likely find the Xbox Elite to be a "big deal" just as most American gamers do, as the first shipment of 360's sold out just as fast in Europe as they did in the US. Europe sales on the original Xbox 360 went well, and if the trend continues, the Elite should be just as well off (keeping in consideration it's the 2nd generation console).