MS preps black Xbox 360 as PS3 spoiler?

HDMI port and 120GB HDD too, allegedly

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

8th February 2007 17:41 GMT

Is Microsoft preparing a spoiler for Sony's PAL-region PlayStation 3 launch on 23 March? According to one report, Australian store chain Myer has been told to expect a black Xbox 360 complete with HDMI port an 120GB hard drive round about that time.

So claims a story on GamesReport.com, which also maintains Microsoft has confirmed as much. The beast will retail for AUD749 ($585/£299/€449), apparently.

the black xbox 360? no, an artist's impression

Maybe. But it's worth bearing in mind that Australia hasn't even had the Xbox 360 external HD DVD drive yet. That peripheral is due to ship down under on 29 March, a good time to ship as an alternative to the PS3, but not if there's a swanky new Xbox 360 just weeks away.