On 27 March, Microsoft Corp. said it will begin selling a new version of its Xbox 360 console that transmits high-definition video and is packed with a larger hard drive to position the video game machine as a “Digital Media Hub”.

Microsoft’s new Xbox 360 Elite will be available on 29 April in the US and Canada for $479.99. It comes along with a 120-gigabyte hard drive that is six times bigger than the current high-end Xbox 360 model, which retails for $399.

“Today’s games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft.

For existing users of Xbox 360 systems, Microsoft is ready to offer detachable 120-gigabyte hard drive for $179.99.

Packed with components and accessories for the ultimate high-definition entertainment experience:

Xbox 360 Elite console
Xbox 360 120GB hard drive
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black)
Xbox 360 headset (black)
Xbox 360 HDMI cable
Xbox Live Silver Membership
One-month subscription to Xbox Live Gold

The following accessories for the Xbox 360 Elite console will only be sold:

Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit
Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack (black)

Xbox 360 Elite