E3 2010 - Microsoft's Worst Kept Secret
posted Monday Jun 14, 2010 by Scott Ertz
We have known for months now that Microsoft had been working on a new version of the Xbox 360 hardware. We have seen photos, we have seen screen captures of POS systems at retailers with the new SKUs, we have even seen future ads for the product. What we didn't know were the details, and today at Microsoft's Press Briefing at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, Microsoft waited until the very end to show us the goods.
Although the console had been sitting on stage all day and we had been looking at it the whole time, we had no idea it was there. Clever Microsoft hiding it in the shell of Classic White right in the middle of the stage. Right before he closed the briefing he lifted the shell and revealed the new shiny black case.
Hit the break for all the details on the next generation of our faithful friend.
Sporting a new glossy body and smaller frame, Microsoft managed to pack in even more features than the Classic White we all know and love. A 250GB hard drive, built-in 802.11N Wi-fi and the same Elite price point make it obvious Microsoft is replacing the Classics with the new one.
The biggest surprise, however, was that Microsoft had already begun to ship the new console this morning and they are expected to be available later in the week. Retailers have no idea when their shipments will arrive, so they have no real idea when they will be able to get them to stores, but I would expect retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart and RadioShack will find a way to get them to the stores by Friday. However, you can always order your new console direct from us and have it before stores even see them by clicking the Microsoft link at the top of the site!
So, are you going to rush out and get your new Xbox 360 or is your Classic White good enough for you? Let us know in the comments section!
Also, don't forget to check out PLuGHiTz Live! Radio Tuesday night @ 9PM Eastern for our Microsoft and EA recap show!