Microsoft has confirmed the existence of the Xbox 360 Elite version of the console and said it will launch next month in the US.

The new version, which will be decked out in black, will boast a 120Gb internal hard disk drive - a massive boost over the puny 20Gb drive in the current Xbox 360. Even better, the drive will be made available as a standalone add-on too so that existing Xbox users can take advantage of the long awaited storage boost.

The console will also feature a HDMI port for watching high-definition games, movies [HD-DVD format] or high-def downloads on a HDTV. More importantly, Microsoft will be bundling the required HDMI cable – something Sony has failed to do with its expensive PS3.

The black wireless controller has a range of 30-feet and will run for 30 hours off two AA batteries. There’s also a wireless black headset, power charger and two other cables: component video and composite. The US price is $480, just $80 more than the current Xbox 360 Pro version which is very good value.

The downside for existing Xbox 360 owners is that the standalone 120Gb hard drive will cost $180. The Elite launches on April 29 but there are no details yet of when it will launch here in the UK or, how much it will cost.

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