Skip to main content

Xbox 360 Elite Review

Xbox 360 Elite
MSRP $479.99
“The Xbox 360 Elite is a solid system worth owning, but only if you can take advantage of its features...”
Pros
  • Large 120GB hard drive; HDMI output; includes HDMI and component cables
Cons
  • No integrated Wi-Fi or HD DVD player; DVD drive is still loud during movie playback

Summary

Come this fall, two years will have passed since the original Xbox 360 was first introduced as the first of the “next-generation” game consoles. Nearly a year after the Xbox 360 launch, Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii game systems hit the scene, but by that time the Xbox 360 already had a decent user base and formidable game library. Since then, the Xbox 360 has enjoyed impressive growth, now boasting a game catalog over 500 titles strong. The Xbox Live Marketplace has also evolved to add a stronger purpose to the system, allowing users to download games, videos, and interact with each other.

This year we get a small update to the Xbox 360 in the new Xbox 360 Elite. While it is arguably a minor evolution to the game console, the Xbox Elite does add some appealing features including an HDMI port and larger hard drive. Priced at $479 USD ($80 more than the Xbox 360 Premium), read on to see if this new system is worth the higher price of admission.

*Note – This is an updated review of the Xbox 360 game system reviewed 11/22/2005. Please read that review for more detailed information.

So What’s New?

There are three major factors that separate the Xbox 360 Elite from the Xbox 360 system. First of all, the system is black as opposed to white, the Elite features HDMI output as opposed to just the Component output on the other models, and a larger hard drive measuring in at 120GB compared to the previous 20GB. That’s what an extra $80 USD gets you. The graphics, user front-end and software library (note that Xbox 360 Elite plays the same games which run on prior Xbox 360 editions) and other features are all nearly identical.

We were told that Microsoft started using a different brand DVD drive (reportedly BenQ) in their Xbox systems last fall (November ’06) that are supposed to be quieter than the drives featured in the launch systems. And while the new drive is quieter, the system still runs louder than the PlayStation 3 both while playing games and watching movies.

The big advantage that HDMI gives you is increased 1080p compatibility with HDTV capable TVs. Most TVs will only support 1080p resolutions using the HDMI connection. With HDMI you also get audio through the same cable, so you can bypass that spiderweb of cables running from your Xbox 360 system to your TV. The downside to this system, however, is that Microsoft chose to go with an older HDMI version than the recently released 1.3 spec. This means that you will only be able to get Dolby Digital sound from the Elite instead of the new Dolby True HD or Dolby Digital Plus audio codecs. So really, the Xbox 360 struggles when it comes to movies; you have a loud drive in the system and poor sound. In comparison, the Sony PlayStation 3 pummels the Xbox 360 Elite in this department.

The larger hard drive was a smart move by Microsoft. With the Xbox Live Marketplace growing in game and media content, the 20GB drive included with the other model fills up fast. The 120GB drive will give your system some longevity, but for how long?

Probably the most disappointing caveat for us would be the lack of integrated WiFi out-of-the-box. The PlayStation 3 and Wii both have this feature built-in, so there should be no excuse on Microsoft’s part.

Conclusion

The Xbox 360 Elite is a solid system worth owning, but only if you can take advantage of its features – and if you do not currently own an Xbox 360 system. If you currently have an Xbox 360, then you will want to pass on the upgrade as there are only a few minimal gains. The addition of the HDMI port and larger hard drive are nice, but in order to be a true next-gen system, we would have liked to have seen integrated Wi-Fi and HD DVD player. You can buy both of these for an added expense, but Microsoft should have integrated them and charged the same price. This would make the system a true “elite” and cater to the dedicated gaming enthusiast. You can read our more in-depth review of the original Xbox 360 here.

Pros:

• Larger, 120GB hard drive
• HDMI output
• Semi-quieter DVD drive
• Includes HDMI and component cables

Cons:

• No integrated Wi-Fi
• DVD drive is still loud during movie playback
• Integrated HD DVD player would have been nice

Editors' Recommendations

The best indie games on Nintendo Switch
hades best builds key art new cropped hed 1244036

Although the Nintendo Switch has some of the best AAA titles, the system has become known as an indie machine to many people. The portability of the Switch and Switch Lite makes them ideal for some of the best indie games, and dozens of small developers seem to love releasing their games on the hybrid console.

Better yet, plenty of previously released indie games, such as Hollow Knight, have received increased attention and acclaim after landing on the Switch. It's become a win-win for developers and Switch owners. If you're a new Switch owner or are simply looking for the best Switch games to play during your morning commute, we've put together a running list of the best indie games on the Nintendo Switch.
Action

Read more
Minecraft Legends: Release date, trailers, gameplay, and more
Minecraft Legends artwork featuring dozens of characters on a blue and red background.

Minecraft Legends is yet another Minecraft spinoff in development by Mojang. The action strategy game was first revealed during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase 2022 and is now almost upon us.

From gameplay and release date to trailer information and more, here’s everything we know about the upcoming Minecraft Legends.
Release date

Read more
Crash Team Rumble is coming out sooner than you think
Other players attack Crash Bandicoot in Crash Team Rumble.

The release date for Crash Bandicoot's competitive multiplayer game Crash Team Rumble has been revealed, and it is not that far away. The game will launch in just three months, on June 20, and a Closed Beta for it will be held in April.
Video Games Chronicle confirmed this date and additional launch details following years of leaks surrounding the game and its official announcement at The Game Awards 2022. Crash Team Rumble is a 4v4 multiplayer game where players fight to get more Wumpa Fruit than their opponents, clashing with each other in the process. Ultimately, it looks like Crash Team Rumble is trying to spice up Crash Bandicoot's trademark collectible-driven 3D platforming with elements that would not be out of place in a competitive hero shooter. Not much of the game has been seen since its announcement, but we have a clear idea of when and how we'll see it in action now.

VGC's report also confirms that Crash Team Rumble will support cross-play, have at least two seasons with premium battle passes, and let players who preorder play a Closed Beta featuring Crash, Coco, Tawna, Neo Cortex, and Dingodile between April 20 and April 24. The Standard Edition of the game will cost $30 and comes with the first season's battle pass. There will also be a $40 Deluxe Edition, which instantly unlocks 25 tiers of that Season 1 battle pass, comes with Season 2's battle pass, and gives players "Blocky skins and items from the Digital Proto Pack DLC. 
Crash Team Rumble will be released for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on June 30.

Read more