Microsoft officially adds HDMI to Xbox 360 Premium

Sorry early adoptors (both of the Xbox 360 Premiums and Elites), Microsoft finally made official what we've long since known: it's no fluke, and Redmond will be ("gradually") adding HDMI out to the 360 Premium models moving forward. Here's Microsoft's official statement:

"Yes, we are offering an HDMI port for Xbox 360 simply as another choice in Xbox 360 owners' games and entertainment experience. Retailers are gradually introducing HDMI-enabled Xbox 360s into the channel to meet demand."

How do you know if your new $350 Xbox 360 will have HDMI out? Simple enough: according to Microsoft PR, the applicable systems will now sport an HDMI logo, so keep an eye out for that and you'll be all set.

Update: We also asked if these new systems would ship with cooler 65nm chips and quieter DVD drives, but all we got back was the usual song and dance about "not commenting on details of specific components or manufacturing processes." In other words, if you want to see if Microsoft switched out their chips, you'll likely have to run to the store, buy another Xbox, and tear it down for yourself, because Xbox isn't engaging consumers otherwise.

[glucoseboy @ Aug 8th 2007 7:37PM]

So, can someone confirm that these new HDMI equipped 360 Premiums have the 65nm chipset and/or the new, quieter DVD drive?

[MRCUR @ Aug 8th 2007 8:29PM]

As soon as I can get my hands on an HDMI Premium, I will be opening it up to confirm that 65nm chips that I have been saying were started in July.

Now if only I could get paid for my current Premium that I just sold...

[MxSix @ Aug 8th 2007 7:45PM]

Don't worry Microsoft, it will catch up to the PS3 someday...

:)

[Rob @ Aug 8th 2007 8:02PM]

Don't worry, the PS3 will have a game lineup someday.

[Hobbes @ Aug 8th 2007 8:02PM]

Yep, once they bundle it with the HD-DVD drive and sell it for the same price. Until then it's PS3 1, XBox 0.

[c6insd @ Aug 9th 2007 3:46AM]

Shouldn't that be: XBox 11+ million, PS3 6 million?

[Dragod @ Aug 8th 2007 11:02PM]

Yes, I must have missed the part where PS3 sold 10m consoles, was cheaper, and had an amazing line-up of games...

[Phil @ Aug 9th 2007 5:56AM]

Oh dear.....you really think the end is near for the PS3? We'll see a year from now. And I predict that the Playstation brand will get stronger and stronger.

We shall see.......you do realise that the 360 has shipped 11 million units, not 110 million right? Don't get too comfortable. And don't forget, it was the only 'next-gen' console on the market for some time.

Furthermore, the extremely bad press Microsoft has had recently will hurt them. Probably already is.

PS - why is it that posts in favour of Playstation 3 get 'lowest ranked' on here?
Hmmmmm I wonder why that is......

[dsg @ Aug 9th 2007 7:10AM]

@Rob
The PS3's library is better than the Xbox 360's was after one year. The PS3's library after two years will easily be better than the Xbox 360's after two years.

@Dragod
The Xbox 360 is at 10 million because it had one year without competition. Since the other consoles have launched, Xbox 360 sales have plummeted. That's why Peter Moore left.

For the first six months of 2007, the Xbox 360 has shipped only 1.3 million worldwide (down 60% from 2006). The PS3 has shipped over 4 million. The Wii has shipped over 6 million.
http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=126688

The reason the Xbox 360 seems so popular on the geeky sites is because Xbox 360 owners are losers and resent anything cool or popular like Sony. The Xbox 360 is not a mainstream system and when the far cooler PS3 drops to $399 within less than a year it's going to stomp the Xbox 360 into the ground.

[AdvWar @ Aug 9th 2007 8:53AM]

Maybe it is just me, but Sony could have released the PS3 at the same time as the Xbox 360 if they knew what they were doing. Using, "Oh, but the Xbox has been out for a year longer" is an awful excuse.

[Phil @ Aug 9th 2007 12:00PM]

@ AdvWar ^^

Erm, do you honestly think Sony dos'nt know what it's doing when it comes to game consoles? Erm....yeh, good joke.

And you say Sony should/could have released the PS3 at the same time as the XBox360? Maybe Sony did'nt want to have chronic hardware problems and took their time to ensure the consumer got a high quality and dependable piece of hardware.....

[the_boo @ Aug 9th 2007 12:36PM]

Yeah, cause it's a solid system with an awesome lineup. It's so good they haven't even sold 5 million yet, the Wii just broke 10 million and is only a few hundred thousand behind Xbox. Nintendo haven't even released any of their big games yet, this Christmas should be fun!

[Phil @ Aug 9th 2007 1:10PM]

@ boo ^ ^

And your point is?

PS3 games for 2007 release : http://www.psu.com/PS3-2007-Upcoming-Releases--a878-p0.php

Possibility of Sony buying Rockstar Games : http://www.psu.com/Rumor-Control--Sony-To-Buy-Rockstar-News--a928-p0.php

Bioshock now coming to PS3 : http://www.psu.com/Rumor-Control--Bioshock-For-PS3-(Spring-2008)-News--a927-p0.php

My point is that Playstation 3 will sell many consoles when Sony floods the market with games. That much is obvious, why do you not see that? Or do you choose not to?

[AdvWar @ Aug 9th 2007 2:33PM]

Phil

Am I right in thinking that Sony somehow believed that they would be able to use the Cell processor for graphics, but decided after years of time wasting that it was never going to work and shoved a GPU in at the last moment. Apart from this, the only other thing which held it back was the inclusion of Blu-Ray, and the shortage of diodes. As I said, if Sony knew what they were doing they would never have made these juvenile mistakes, and wouldn't have to use that excuse.

[Drew @ Aug 10th 2007 3:38AM]

I LOVE how half the crap Phil posted is RUMORS.


I am no fanboy, but come on.

[Phil @ Aug 10th 2007 5:58AM]

@ AdvWar

If you think RSX was simply slapped inside the box at the last minute you're living in dreamland. RSX was designed and optimised to work in sync with the Cell processor. Do you honestly think something like that just dropped out of thin air at the last minute? Those things take years to develop from conception to integration within a complex system such as Playstation 3. That goes for all electronic hardware.
The blu-diode was an issue to begin with but those are hurdles that you face when dealing with new technology. It certainly dos'nt mean a company dos'nt know what it's doing!
Sony was perceived to look bad by some people due to the fact that Microsoft got the jump on them by releasing their product to market too early. An early release that they are now, quite literally, paying for. Furthermore, it is only in recent months that Microsoft has gone back and added ommissions such as HDMI, etc. Honestly, you've got the wrong company if you say Sony have no clue, you really have.

@ Drew

1. The games set for release in 2007. How is that a rumour?
2. Sony possibly buying Rockstar. Yep i'll agree with you on that one. Probably won't happen.
3. Bioshock on PS3. It's in production. Only a timed exclusive for Microsoft.

So that makes only a third of my post being rumour.

[dfjet @ Aug 16th 2007 11:39PM]

Who cares? It is HDMI 1.2, not 1.3 on the PS3. So you can't get 1080p or 7.1 surround.

[Phil @ Aug 10th 2007 3:37PM]

@ dfjet ^ ^

Wrong.....completely.......next.

[sdman @ Aug 11th 2007 2:53PM]

@Phil

"The RSX was designed to work in parallel with the Cell processor"

I love it when people argue about the PS3's GPU. For one thing, PC graphics are improved at least once a month, meaning that NVIDIA and ATI are constantly coming out with new and better products, products that are better than the RSX. If you own a PC, you can upgrade the graphics card yourself, simple. If you own a PS3 however, you're stuck with the soon-to-be-outdated RSX. Same thing for CPUs as well. They may clame the PS3 to be "the future", but it will soon be outdated, that's when PS4 comes in

[Shmoe @ Aug 8th 2007 7:46PM]

Now if they would add the other piece of equipment they should have from the start, a gigabit ethernet port, and lower the price another $50, I'll buy.

[Clayj @ Aug 8th 2007 7:51PM]

Why in the world would you need gigabit Ethernet? Windows Media runs just fine with the existing Ethernet.

[Shmoe @ Aug 9th 2007 12:09AM]

The 360 needs gigabit ethernet for faster, more reliable intranet streaming from upcoming homeservers and existing Media Center PCs. Wireless isn't always reliable, and you can only stream Media Center to one wireless device at a time.

[speedyrulz8 @ Aug 9th 2007 10:33AM]

Who said anything about wireless?

[glenn @ Aug 8th 2007 8:07PM]

I wonder if ou send in a console with the RRoD if you'll get a box with HDMI on it?

[Clayj @ Aug 8th 2007 8:55PM]

Only if they replaced the console instead of repairing it... and they're not really doing that anymore. When I had to send mine in a few months ago, they repaired it.

[John W. @ Aug 8th 2007 9:21PM]

I sent mine in a couple weeks ago, and just got it back Monday (they replaced it instead of repairing). It has the new heatsink......but no HDMI.

[scabies @ Aug 8th 2007 8:09PM]

whoa, how did I, the elite adopter, get the shaft?

[dan @ Aug 8th 2007 8:18PM]

you're another Microsoft sucka, that's how!

[scabies @ Aug 9th 2007 3:15AM]

re: Dan
ps3 20gb (120gb mod, out for repairs to HDMI port [audio issues])
Xbox360 Elite
Wii

sucka that

[scabies @ Aug 8th 2007 9:00PM]

Oh? I own all three next-gen platforms. Sucka that.

[fenix @ Aug 8th 2007 9:18PM]

I think all 360 buyers got the shaft - while adding features is definitely nice for new customers, why didn't they just do things right the first time? And, yeah, I know you could say thats what they are trying to do now - and maybe your right, or maybe they'll add HDDVD in a year and you'll be pissed you spent the money you did.

[Ryan Smith @ Aug 8th 2007 11:23PM]

It's terrible, two years after a product has released they are making improvements! How dare they, I feel so ripped off. Thank goodness Apple hasn't released a new Ipod in a while, when they do it better not be better than my two year old model. Why can't they just make technology perfect from the beginning. You guys are a bunch of idiots by the way.

[michael @ Aug 9th 2007 3:48PM]

@Ryan Smith:

If Microsoft didn't improve it's products, then people will complain.

Of course, if Microsoft does improve it's products, it makes the first adopters feel bad.

No matter, what, there's always going to be progress. You can't stop there, or we wouldn't have products.

Like Microsoft didn't release a new OS for like 5 years. People complained.

IE wasn't updated for a long time, people complain.

Now the the Xbox 360 got updated, people are angry? Seems a bit unfair to always get mad and blame all the time, if you ask me. Just be happy that they did.

[Euri @ Aug 9th 2007 12:50AM]

My opinion...people didn't put enough pressure on M$ and dove into the console...thus, shafting themselves. I held out, initial reason was price. Then, who would buy a first version of anything M$ (or any version)? Then, 90nm was what year's (2005?) technology with them refusing to update it until now? I think it comes down to lack of innovation and passion in the product by management (I'll use the unveil of the Halo box as an example...at least show it in some case 'stead of picking it up by hand like some baby or something...Steve Jobs didn't pull an AppleTV or iMac out of his ass, it was showcased). Then rrod...I mean it just goes on. Waiting sucks, but I think it was well worth it. Sorry, I like to have confidence in the products I buy.

Side question? Anyone know if the power cinder-block is any smaller!?

[fenix @ Aug 12th 2007 9:50PM]

@Ryan Smith - point taken - however I'm not complaining about improvements, those are always good. I'm complaining about obvious features that MS didn't add to start with and then start adding now. Was Sony just lucky by guessing features like built-in WiFi and HDMI were good to include from the start? maybe.

[Mark G @ Aug 8th 2007 8:10PM]

Well they getting pretty close to my sweet spot. 65nm chipset, hdmi, and premium for $300. then I will take the plunge. Until then, I'll enjoy my Wii (which to be honest, the novelty is starting to wear off, the game selection is h@rsesh1t!

[Bobby @ Aug 8th 2007 8:11PM]

The comments that PS3 has no games as well as the PSP are utter garbage and hold no merit, your pathetic fanboys, you just need something to hate to grow your little e-penis. That is all.

[Mr. Vage @ Aug 8th 2007 8:30PM]

I've yet to find a good game for my PSP. I have 2 games (which sucked so much, I never finished them) and I've had the PSP since it came out.

I've had my DS for just over a year and I have 10 games for it and I've finished all of them.

All I use my PSP for now is homebrew.

[Ryan Smith @ Aug 8th 2007 11:26PM]

Well something is wrong with the PS3, I've bought nearly every console made for the last 15 years, usually on release date, and I haven't even wanted a PS3. I don't know what it is that turning me away, it has such great games right now.

[Phil @ Aug 9th 2007 6:45AM]

@ Ryan Smith

Maybe these PS3 server clusters for Warhawk will change your mind... ;-)

Can't wait for this one!

http://blog.us.playstation.com/

[Fruition @ Aug 9th 2007 3:36PM]

@ Vage

You mean you haven't discovered LocoRoco? Or Daxter? Or Ratchet and Clank? What about Lumines? Murcury?

[sdman @ Aug 11th 2007 2:36PM]

Some of the people who replied here need to realize something. Both the PS3 AND 360 are good consoles but neither of them did anything innovative, just better graphics/hardware. The reason the Wii is so successful is because it is expanding the market and reaching age groups/demographics that MS and Sony can't reach. People do not play a console for it's graphics or for what the tech specs are, people want new experiences. So no matter how much you argue about it, Nintendo will probably have the most sales this gen.

Before you call me a blatant Nintendo fanboy, I'll say that I love the 360(Halo 3) and *like* the PS3(Home) but I sort of agree with Nintendo when MS vs. Sony is like strong and powerful dinosaurs fighting each other, but eventually forcing their own extinction.

[joe @ Aug 8th 2007 8:16PM]

Calm down Bobby. Your PS3 and PSP are super cool.

[reductant @ Aug 8th 2007 8:18PM]

Okay, so now the inevitable price comparison.

$350 Xbox 360 w/ HDMI and 20 GB
$15 Play 'n Charge kit
$180 HD-DVD Player + Remote
$545

$500 PS3 w/ HDMI and 60 GB
$25 Remote
$15 Headset
$540

Now they are equivalently priced.

[why not the LS2LS7? @ Aug 8th 2007 8:27PM]

PS3 has Wi-Fi, 360 doesn't at your price.

Also, the PS3 has no HD output cable still, although you can get one for as little as $10.

[010111 @ Aug 8th 2007 9:06PM]

$350 Xbox 360 w/ HDMI and 20 GB

$500 PS3 w/ HDMI and 60 GB

are the only numbers that really matter. you might as well go :

$350 Xbox 360 w/ HDMI and 20 GB
$150 of Jellybeans and Cotton Candy

$500 PS3 w/ HDMI and 60 GB

contrary to what you might imply you do not need the HD-DVD drive to *play games*.

[Penguin Warlord @ Aug 8th 2007 9:12PM]

THE CANADIAN COMPARISON for us canucks

PS3 w/80gb hd and HDMI - $650
Remote - $40
Headset - $30
HDMI Cable minimum - $80-150 at futureshop (largest Canadian electronic retailer)
300 (the movie for Blu Ray (comes with hddvd drive)) - $30
Total - $800-$870

Xbox 360 Elite w/hdmi, 120gb & cable - $500
HD DVD addon - $199
Play&Charge Kit - $30
Halo 3 (a much better game but same price as motor storm) - $70

[Steven @ Aug 9th 2007 11:08AM]

I'm sorry, Canada matters to me how?

[Fruition @ Aug 10th 2007 4:00AM]

@010111

Well dear sir, I implore you to give these comparisons their due. The idea behind them is to match up all the features, along the lines of, "anything yours can do, mine can do cheaper".

You're spot on when you say the system cost is really all that matters, because each case is different. Some people don't need wifi, so the 360 saves them money. Some don't like Blu-ray, so the 360 also saves them money. Some people don't like to buy many games, so the PS3 saves them money. Haha, I kid, I kid. But in all seriousness, some people want wifi and blu-ray, so the PS3 is the natural choice. But to say one is cheaper than the other when you throw in peripherals, it just doesn't work, as you suggest.

TLDR: Santa's elves are actually gnomes.

[Hesham Noah @ Aug 8th 2007 8:19PM]

I just picked mine up 45 minutes ago from bestbuy, mine was manfactured on the 6 of july.And yes it does have hdmi :P