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10:06 PM on 01.02.2008

106 comments
Rumor: New Xbox 360 Ultimate to have 1080p HDMI, IPTV, HD-DVD, cure for cancer
Nick Chester

Rumor: New Xbox 360 Ultimate to have 1080p HDMI, IPTV, HD-DVD, cure for cancer screenshot

Not satisfied with your Premium, Elite, Arcade, or Core Xbox 360 systems? What say you about the luxurious Xbox 360 Ultimate? Stuff.tv is reporting (as fact, as if they know something we don't) that Microsoft is set to launch a new Xbox 360 SKU come Fall 2008.

Dubbed the Xbox 360 Ultimate, the new unit will contain everything but the cure for cancer (sorry if we got your hopes up). The Web arm of the UK tech magazine is reporting that the new unit will feature 1080p HDMI output, built in Wi-Fi, hi-def audio ouput, cooler hardware, an extremely quiet fan, and a built in HD-DVD drive. You know, everything you wanted from the system when it launched two years ago. 

Right now, we're regarding this as a rumor. But with CES right around the corner, we're likely to hear more on such a beast shortly. What are you guys doing on Sunday?



MORE IN OUR xbox 360 SECTION

Latest comment by Fading_Star |view all 106 comments
"Dubbed the Xbox 360 Ultimate, the new unit will contain everything but the cure for cancer (sorry if we got your hopes up)." DAMNIT! Seriously, this is good....




Dtoiders have posted 105 comments:

Y0j1mb0's Avatar
Y0j1mb0 at 01/02/2008 22:03

So they're gonna copy the PS3?

Oh, OK.
Spykron's Avatar
Spykron at 01/02/2008 22:04

fucking microsoft. i just bought an elite. and i knew this was coming. fuck. but itsnot like i didnt know. FUCK im still pissed.

if this is true.

balls.
Jerkbutt47's Avatar
Jerkbutt47 at 01/02/2008 22:05

god damn it...
microsoft is becoming the new nintendo with all their hardware revisions...
MrSadistic's Avatar
MrSadistic at 01/02/2008 22:05

Well I'm glad. The rash was beginning to annoy me, so maybe buying one of these babies will cure it all away.
GrayFox's Avatar
GrayFox at 01/02/2008 22:05

Kick in the pants to someone who bought an elite 6 months ago.
Aberrant Thought's Avatar
Aberrant Thought at 01/02/2008 22:07

Not to play monday morning quarterback here, but I had a feeling this was going to happen back when I heard that images of the 360 got leaked out. Microsoft was going to treat this just like everything else they make.

1. Release something only partially tested and that will become antiquated in a years time
2. Release 'fixes' (1 billion of them and counting)
3. Release service packs (Hardware upgrades in this case.)
4. just keep patching over problems until it's time to create the xbox 720

I suppose it's better than the Linux gaming console.
User: Uh hi I'd like to play FF21 now.
Linux machine: Got root?
User: What?
BuckF1tches's Avatar
BuckF1tches at 01/02/2008 22:17

Right before every show, some blog breaks some big news that was rumored to be happening. Then the company responds by saying they don't respond (or by threatening said blog). Then it turns out to be true.

Congrats, Destructoid. I think you were the first major gaming blog to point this out!
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 01/02/2008 22:18

I'm sorry, but as someone who recently got a 360, this is bullshit. I'm tired of consoles being outdated after not even two months. What happened to releasing a console, then maybe releasing one aesthetic redesign down the line?

@ Jerkbutt47

Nintendo doesn't add features with their revisions, though, so there's no pressing need to get a redesign. DS Lite does everything the DS does.

@ Aberrant Thought

The difference is that you're describing a software release, which is patchable, while I'd have to buy a totally new unit to get these upgrades.
Biltor's Avatar
Biltor at 01/02/2008 22:20

So there are how many choices now?

Arcade
Core
Premium
Elite
Ultimate
Phone Book
Aberrant Thought's Avatar
Aberrant Thought at 01/02/2008 22:21

@ Necros

I totally get you and I agree it's crap. Just sayin' it's how Microsoft rolls
timtheterrible's Avatar
timtheterrible at 01/02/2008 22:21

Fuck all that, I already have a PS3.
qo_op's Avatar
qo_op at 01/02/2008 22:22

so its a ps3?
the GAMEGOBLIN's Avatar
the GAMEGOBLIN at 01/02/2008 22:25

BahamutZero's Avatar
BahamutZero at 01/02/2008 22:25

considering this is probably going to cost $600, the wireless is crappy and laggy, and I don't need an hddvd drive I don't feel bad about getting a first run elite. I swear.
Cunt's Avatar
Cunt at 01/02/2008 22:26

yay more features that will overheat the 360 and warp it's motherboard.
Redzie's Avatar
Redzie at 01/02/2008 22:28

I got my 360 from winning it at my highschool after prom party raffle from playing tons of blackjack. I guess it's time for me to go back.
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 01/02/2008 22:33

This rumor does not add up. If Microsoft were unleashing a high-spec Xbox 360 in Fall 2008, as the article says, do you think they would announce it in January of 2008, giving people 9 months to snub the models on shelves in favor of a better product down the road?
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 01/02/2008 22:35

Fuckers.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 01/02/2008 22:38

Thank you, MaxVest, for giving me a faint hope that this isn't true. I know that Apple releases its new products a few days after their announcements.
TheExit's Avatar
TheExit at 01/02/2008 22:48

Fuck, enough with the revisions. Maybe they should focus on fixing the current sku's so they stop overheating, and having drive failures, and being fucking loud as hell! Don't bring out another flawed sku, and sell the shit out of it. Fix your shit! And stop taking forever to fix 360's that get sent for repair!
AfroJoel's Avatar
AfroJoel at 01/02/2008 22:53

I think we should wait and see if it's true or not. Jumping the gun never helped anyone!

??
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 01/02/2008 22:59

@Necros: I just feel that Microsoft will only announce an Ultimate when they're close to bringing it to market, the same way both Sony and Microsoft have denied console price cuts up until retailers started leaking ads.

We haven't heard one reliable hardware manufacturer leak by HDD or HD-DVD manufacturers (and those guys always spill the beans early for advertising purposes); no IPTV leaks have sprung either, which would be amazing considering this would be the biggest IPTV development to land so far.

So the Ultimate may well be coming down the pipe, but I don't think it will be announced at CES or launch in the near future.
F Whipple's Avatar
F Whipple at 01/02/2008 22:59

But does it have cupholders???
Riser Glen's Avatar
Riser Glen at 01/02/2008 23:02

"Hey Riser! When are you getting a 360?"

"Come on, man. Get a 360 already."

"Riser, did you get a 360 yet?!"

"Can you afford a 360 yet?"

"Hurry up and get a 360, man!

I win.
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 01/02/2008 23:05

Jewish.
skullivan's Avatar
skullivan at 01/02/2008 23:07

The Fall? HD-DVD is going to be beyond saving at that point.

Why don't they just wait so they can put out a 360 with a Blu-ray drive? :p
mix's Avatar
mix at 01/02/2008 23:09

@ Riser, I'm in the same lol boat!

Crappy deal indeed this sucks BIG time for those 10 million with systems already as I'm sure tons of people will be moving over to this ultimate cash cow that M$ is releasing.

Anyone think they will once and for all fix the over heating issues and warping? I think Uber still comes after ultimate, better hold on to your monies.

With that being said, my PS3 for an expected 10yr life span doesn't sound so lame, sure it's got a few less titles but you only have to buy it once!
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 01/02/2008 23:11

One more thing (I should have written a blog...) -- to explain why I don't think MS would announce now, launch later, there are 2 options:

1. Don't announce launch specifics like price and launch window. If MS does this, people will hold off on buying 360s until they know more. They might also expect a price drop on older models, and hold off even if HD-DVD is not a priority. Not good for MS when they are a distant 3rd in Japan and may well slide to third place in Europe in 2008.

2. Do announce launch specifics. If the Ultimate is much more expensive than current models, people interested in HD-DVD will go buy a $399 40GB PS3 instead of waiting. Sony also has time to delay a price cut until it would most undermine the Ultimate launch. If the Ultimate is a comparative bargain, say goodbye to the sales of the Pro and Elite. And again, Sony will have first mover adantage on price. Any last minute price drop by MS to counter Sony will be seen as weakness.
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 01/02/2008 23:11

What if the the new Ultimate turns into the new Elite? Pricing wise. Would that be OK, because fall's a long time away.
Crunshii's Avatar
Crunshii at 01/02/2008 23:11

lol, gay.
Redzie's Avatar
Redzie at 01/02/2008 23:13

But will it float?
NightDehumidifier's Avatar
NightDehumidifier at 01/02/2008 23:33

I'm sorry, there is already an ultimate object in existance, and his name is Ultimate Warrior. Unless this 360 model can defeat Hulk Hogan, it's nothing but plastic holding inside it the parts and chipsets of failure.
greks224's Avatar
greks224 at 01/02/2008 23:39

I don't see this being announced. MAYBE IPTV though.
icarus's Avatar
icarus at 01/03/2008 00:05

I just got a premium system for Christmas, am I pissed? Not at all. Would it be nice if my system had all of those things? Sure it would, but it would have come with a bigger price tag. Most of the extra features (wifi, hd-dvd player) can be bought separately. Having them built into the console will just boost the price comparable to a PS3. I can't imagine someone being pissed at having an option to either buy the hd-dvd drive separately with a premium system or buying it built into the system.
tgammet's Avatar
tgammet at 01/03/2008 00:08

Yeah, no sale. I'm still waiting for the inevitable day my 360 dies though.
Promagnum's Avatar
Promagnum at 01/03/2008 01:10

Jump through the hoop! - whores.

ArrestedDeveloper's Avatar
ArrestedDeveloper at 01/03/2008 01:22

If this is real they should only sell it through sharper image.
Corak's Avatar
Corak at 01/03/2008 01:35

I'm gonna call bullshit on this rumor. Just because I'm laughing right now if this turns out to be true I need more laughs later when its announced. Someone said it earlier, THIS IS HOW MICROSOFT ROLLS.

1. Release a product thats full of "bugs" forcing people to upgrade for years
2. Market it to everyone so you have a big customer base.
3. Release a "new" or "updated" version of same said product maybe in a shinier wrapper or 1 added feature that people wanted when it was first released.
4. Profit

I can't remember what publication but I could have sworn that Vista was named one of the biggest blunders of 2007. And this, while a nice option for those considering a new gaming console, is really 2 years behind where it needed to be released.
kaz's Avatar
kaz at 01/03/2008 01:40

HD Audio? If i'm not mistaken the current HD DVD drives (for the xbox) don't do hd audio, so not only does this antiquate the Xbox 360 but also the stand alone HD DVD Drives? Will this be a totally new drive or is the current drive capable it just needs HDMI?
kaz's Avatar
kaz at 01/03/2008 01:41

Damnit I didn't mean stand alone drives as in stand alone, I meant the add on, you know.......damnit why can't we edit our comments?
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 01/03/2008 01:44

I'm all for this. Still, I won't buy it. I have no need for it. I just want an Elite. It sounds like a good console, though. And it's not like anyone needs to upgrade, if they have an Elite. No one's forcing you to get a new one.
brainderailment's Avatar
brainderailment at 01/03/2008 02:10

I don't think that making this type of a hardware revision would benefit them at all, sure there would be a few more features and what-not, but if it has to go up in price again, not many people will buy it. It will just cause more confusion. What's the point in putting HDDVD in it anyway?

And what ever happened to the motion control rumor?
Wedge's Avatar
Wedge at 01/03/2008 02:34

Meh? I'm still not getting a new console anytime soon =D.
method47's Avatar
method47 at 01/03/2008 02:39

If this turns out to be true, we'll have every Xbox fan who bitched about the PS3 price and "forcing" features on users going to the store and happily drop the 600$. Not only is 600$ "overpriced" for a console with so many features, this is also at least the second time you'll be buying a 360 in 2 years. Enjoy.

Me, I'll stick to my Premium. I didn't bother with the Elite and I won't bother with this. I won't go for a 360 upgrade until they actually make one that works.
Hiltz's Avatar
Hiltz at 01/03/2008 02:39

What's next, Xbox 360 Elite Ultimate ?
bottled dark's Avatar
bottled dark at 01/03/2008 02:49

im going to wait until the xbox ultimate is old, mega is old and pick myself up the xbox supreme.

it's going to kick ass compared to this shit.
narcosis219's Avatar
narcosis219 at 01/03/2008 02:52

Does it come with RROD?

You know what would be awesome? If MS patched and all the consoles would only do 2 red lights instead of 3 red lights so that warranty thing means jack.
Boolean's Avatar
Boolean at 01/03/2008 03:14

FOR FUCKS SAKE STOP RELEASING SO MANY GODDAM SKU'S!!!!!!!
Steel Squirrel's Avatar
Steel Squirrel at 01/03/2008 03:26

But will it give worms to exboyfriends?
Rainbowblack's Avatar
Rainbowblack at 01/03/2008 03:29

indeed STOP WITH THE SKU'S. this better be a rumor

I wanted to buy a Elite after the holidays. Now I can't because of this news. if indeed this is true. then fuck it. I'm buying a PS3

see what you did there MS?
Burnt Meatloaf's Avatar
Burnt Meatloaf at 01/03/2008 03:45

I'm not sure why people are so ticked off. None of the "new" features render older systems obsolete.

If people want to flex their e-penis to the tune of $600, let them. I still get to play all the games on my regular model.

The instant they start releasing games on HD-DVD that don't work with the standard DVD drive -- THEN I'll be pissed.
Kairiaku's Avatar
Kairiaku at 01/03/2008 04:54

Big time waste for people with the Elite,
making people with the console already feel well ripped off,

they're laughing all the way to the bank with this one.
Gridl0k's Avatar
Gridl0k at 01/03/2008 05:34

Umm, I'm fairly sure my Premium does 1080p through component...

As for HD-Audio, I downloaded The Matrix in HD yesterday and it had pro logic soundtrack.. FFS, I can download it for free with DTS so wtf MS?
free touch's Avatar
free touch at 01/03/2008 05:42

I bet its something a lot less that most people are thinking. When was the last time a major game company told everyone they have super awesome news, and it turns out to be actually super awesome. I believe Stuff TV, what ever the fuck that is, is talking out of their ass.

My guesses (in no particular order)

1: motion sensing controller
2: Multiple colors for the premium/elite/arcade
3: Add-on BluRay player, much like the HD Player

No company would release info on a new device so far away from a launch date. It basically spells murder for their other consoles.
Samit Sarkar's Avatar
Samit Sarkar at 01/03/2008 06:14

Yeah, I agree with MaxVest and the others who have noted that it doesn’t make sense for MS to announce a new SKU now and say it won’t be out for 8–10 months. I still don’t see any reason for them to put an HD DVD drive in the damn unit, considering they wouldn’t put games out on the format (that would obviously piss off everyone who didn’t have the “Ultimate” model). Also, why would they come out with something that’s priced higher than the PS3’s lower-priced configuration?
thisissami's Avatar
thisissami at 01/03/2008 06:33

oh wow sony is gonna rub this in microsoft's face if they ever announce it!!!!
snapperdragon's Avatar
snapperdragon at 01/03/2008 06:47

Wouldn't it be cool if this box is actually intended to be an option for cable companies.

Instead of them installing one of their own set top boxes for their cable systems, they could offer instead a 360 like this one which not only does HD-DVD's, but also IPTV and DVR and Games. With all the features of the 360, I could see where that could be possible. But then again, everyone is so greedy that the royalties/licensing fees would be setup so that cable companies would want to do their own thing as usual...
Orionsaint's Avatar
Orionsaint at 01/03/2008 06:49

I just got a 1080p HDTV too, grrr!

TorpedoTed's Avatar
TorpedoTed at 01/03/2008 07:00

Like i said before, its gonna be cooler chipset and a price drop! Makes no sense to release a new SKU with HD-DVD especially when MS are all for downloads etc!! You gys are dumb! Maybe a bigger HDD will be realesed too for all those new films we got in the UK and Europe.
TorpedoTed's Avatar
TorpedoTed at 01/03/2008 07:02

OR they will announce HDD file transfer for games, so you dont get stupid texture pop ups and shite loading times!! now that would be Schweet!
Orionsaint's Avatar
Orionsaint at 01/03/2008 07:06

What is this gaming era all about, when we get remixed versions of consoles or something. It used to be you'd buy a console and it's abilities never changed for the entire run, unless you added a peripheral to it, but that was rare and often failed. The most they'd do is change the outter covering and call it like - The Sega Genesis mark II or something, but nowadays they're revamping systems, like they gave it to Xzibit on Pimp my Rides. WTF I mean, I have to buy the system again? This is crazy. Bill thinks consoles are computers or something. Where they evolve every few years.
dvddesign 's Avatar
dvddesign at 01/03/2008 07:09

Yeah, I don't think MS believes enough in HD DVD's long term viability to release it in a console.

If anything it'll be the long rumored IPTV platform. Maybe a 200GB drive. Have it be silver colored.

Or hot pink.
DOOM's Avatar
DOOM at 01/03/2008 07:11

SWEET!!!
xdonniex's Avatar
xdonniex at 01/03/2008 07:14

If true, as a recent Premium owner, it doesn't make me angry. At all.

1. I have HDMI and HD-DVD (attached).

2. I wouldn't use the wireless if it was there (hard cabled - ALL THE WAY!).

3. My Comcast DVR is good enough.

4. 1080p? My plasma is 720p (50" Panasonic).

They all play the same games!
Orionsaint's Avatar
Orionsaint at 01/03/2008 07:21

I dunno, I'm no expert, but before buying my TV. I did my homework as best I could. I know that 1080p isn't as widely supported yet and some say you can't tell the difference, but what I did notice. After having so many store clerks test out TVs for me. Is how the 1080p models. At least the LCD ones I saw, had no breakup in the picture when fast motion or quick action and explosions occured. Now I don't know if 1080p had anything to do with this, I did watch 1080i on 1080p sets and still no breakup, yet the 720p's all had pixelazation, blocky artifacts occuring when any fast motion occured. So basically what I noticed is, no 1080p models I saw did this, but the 720p models did. That's when I was sold on 1080p.
SkaGoblin's Avatar
SkaGoblin at 01/03/2008 07:21

Gridl0k:

Component can't do 1080p. The media companies worked with the electroniics companies to ensure that, because component doesn't include all the anti-piracy tech that HDMI does. The highest component can go is 1080i, not that there is any noticable difference on TV's less than 60".
cryocide's Avatar
cryocide at 01/03/2008 07:24

I didn't catch the part where it has a web browser. What, you mean it doesn't? Hell, even the Wii does. It kinda sucks, but at least it's there.

It's pretty sad that iPods and cell phones got built-in wifi before the Xbox did.
Orionsaint's Avatar
Orionsaint at 01/03/2008 07:34

SkaGoblin is right on! Supposedly though, some HD channels are gonna start broadcasting 1080p signals in Feb of 09. I have an HDMI cable for my Comcast box. So I'm ready.

[url=https://www.dtv2009.gov/]411 DAYS LEFT FOR ANALOG TV[/url]
TorpedoTed's Avatar
TorpedoTed at 01/03/2008 07:34

@SkaGoblin, didnt madCatz release a HDMI cable for all versions of the 360?? think they did.

@orionsaint 720p should be a smoother picture than 1080i as it draws twice, if there was break up it shoul dbe on the interlaced model...just the way it works.....

i have a samsung 1080i LCD i cant notice the difference between 720p and 1080i so i lef tit on 1080i, looks great..

@cyyocide theres no webbrowser as its connected to live servers not the www, if you open it to the web you are gonna have to do what PS3 is thinking about....antivrus....slowdown will entail! You have a pc for the web, stick with it!
Orionsaint's Avatar
Orionsaint at 01/03/2008 07:35

Does anyone know why some HD signals look like shit and others looks utterly amazing, like for example Good Morning America, The Today Show. ESPNHD. They look stunning. Regis & Kelly recently switched to HDTV. It looks like utter shit!
GeneralWong's Avatar
GeneralWong at 01/03/2008 08:36

I know there making and replacing broken 360 with 3ROD with ones that run quieter and don't cook the consoles components. But to throw all this shit into basically the same console is a massive pile of shit. If its the case then they can take my current xbox 360 and replace it with this new one. I dont think they will do it considering they have got a HD-DVD player add on out, they must be dumb to make their own products obsolete.

Just wait for your current 360 to 3ROD and then they will probably send you a updated one. Thats what im hoping for, if not then...

"Hello Mr. GAME, yeah id like to buy a PS3.... oh and trade in 20 360 games and a the 300£ worth of accessories and console. SOOOO how much i owe you for the PS3? 300£!! WHAT THE FUCK!"
Ha-Puken's Avatar
Ha-Puken at 01/03/2008 08:49

Will it blend? that is the question...
JonDarkwood's Avatar
JonDarkwood at 01/03/2008 09:00

"god damn it...
microsoft is becoming the new nintendo with all their hardware revisions..."

Don't you mean they're becoming the new Sony?

Also, will live be fixed by the time this comes out?
Snoopy's Avatar
Snoopy at 01/03/2008 09:02

well , i have had the same launch box for about 2 years now, and i was waiting for this to come, i wonder why they just didnt do this with the elite, but whatev, i hope it has a badass color, i will prolly grab this up
Hitogoroshi's Avatar
Hitogoroshi at 01/03/2008 09:06

Maxvest's logic seems pretty spot on.

Though I wouldn't mind having this unit.
mtsmylie's Avatar
mtsmylie at 01/03/2008 09:31

I've got an old-school 360, so would jump at the chance to get one with HDMI and built-in WiFi and HD-DVD play.

As long as you can flash the DVD drive, that is.
Rpg_Worshiper's Avatar
Rpg_Worshiper at 01/03/2008 09:46

Hey man, d