Microsoft have today let their worst kept secret out of the bag, confirming that the 'Elite' will launch stateside on April 29th, boasting a 120GB hard disk, hi-def HDMI port and will come in a fetching shade of black. The new 'third option' for 360 purchasers will for 479.99 USD (that's approximately 245 GBP or 360 Euro).

Microsoft have been unable to confirm PAL region plans, though its a reasonable guess that we'll be waiting longer and paying more, blogger pointing to a late summer release as most likely (a dating echoed by retailer HMV today). The charcoal black system will come equipped with a HDMI cable, wireless controller, Live headset and one month's gold membership - all in black (apart from the one month's 'gold' subscription, of course).

The new 120GB hard drive will also launch around the same time as the Elite, and will come complete with a data transfer cable for those wanting to upgrade while keeping hold of their files. The drive will cost 179.99 USD (90 GBP or 135 Euro).

"Today's games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content," beamed Peter Moore. "Xbox 360 Elite's larger hard drive and premium accessories will allow our community to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer."

The Core and Premium models will continue, and insist the new Elite model won't become their main focus, despite its obvious PS3-combatting elements.

The new 360 hard disk will hit on June 7th, though no debut for the Elite system has been mooted. Perhaps because no one in Japan seems to care, anyway (ooh, you cynic - Ed).

More as we we get it.

By Luke Guttridge