If the presales for the Xbox 360 Elite are any indication, Microsoft might have a serious seller on its hands. Although its name sake is only the second bestselling next-gen console, this bigger and better version is kicking up some real interest.

Punch Jump is reporting the Elite, which features a 120GB hard drive and HDMI, has sold out on preorders via Amazon.com.

The preorders have put the Elite in the "No. 5 position in the best-selling products for Amazon's Computer & Video Games division on Thursday."

While that's not necessarily the No. 1 spot, it does look as if the Elite is garnering some serious attention. With the PS3 still floundering and the upcoming release of Halo 3 drawing closer (we all hope), the Elite might bring only good things to Microsoft.

The new console releases April 29.

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Labels: microsoft, ps3 elite, xbox 360, xbox 360 elite, xbox elite

The folks over at Microsoft have a pretty good sense of humor. This Mother’s Day they’ve rolled out a contest where kids ages 13 and up can win themselves a brand new Xbox 360 Elite. They also get $100 in flowers for mom.

The idea is for kids to write an essay about their “gaming mom” that runs between 250 and 500 words. Kids are encouraged to keep the 360 and pass the flowers on to the lady who gave birth to them. Essays can be e-mailed in to xlmail@microsoft.com by May 6 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. “My Mom’s a Gamer” needs to be in the subject line along with a player’s gametag.

Here’s what they’re looking for: “We'll be evaluating the essays for creativity and originality, appeal to Xbox.com readers, and ability to effectively show respect and admiration for his/her mother/female legal guardian.”

So, where do I see the humor?

As a “gaming mom” myself, I have to wonder how many entrants would actually think they would get away with keeping the console?

I mean, we’re talking an Elite here. Come on!

If only my oldest were 13!

On the upside, Moms that want to enter a contest themselves, can get in on our PS2 title giveaway.

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Labels: microsoft, xbox 360, xbox 360 elite, xbox elite

Sony’s decision to discontinue the PlayStation 3 20GB version in North America doesn’t come as a huge shocker. The way it’s being spun, however, is pretty interesting.

Sony’s PR guy, Dave Karraker, has said the $499 version will go by the wayside in favor of the $599 60GB model because that more expensive model has been preferred 10 to 1 by consumers.

Here’s, the spin: That buying trend “supports the notion that consumers are willing to pay more for advanced technology in a gaming console.”

Considering the sluggish PS3 sales overall, I’m not quite sure how they managed that particular take on the situation. But, it does stand to reason that if a gamer decides to fork over $500 for a console the extra $100 to get the better drive isn’t all that much more.

At any rate, 20GB owners will still get full PlaySttion support, which will no doubt be welcomed news to those who have purchased one.

Rumors of the 80GB version persist, but no confirmation has materialized as of yet.

It will be interesting to see how well the Xbox Elite will do now, since it will be cheaper than the cheapest PS3.

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Labels: PlayStation 3, ps3, sony, xbox 360, xbox elite

As is sometimes the case with video game speculation, the rumors surrounding the Xbox 360 Elite have panned out as accurate. The new version of the 360 will hit North American retailers on April 29.

The new console will sell for $479 and feature a beefed up 120GB hard drive. The new 360 will also have an HDMI output port and will come with a HDMI cable and a component video cable, too.

A data transfer cable will not be included, but a data transfer cable can be purchased with a standalone $179 120GB drive that will provide for the transfer of downloads and saved games from an older 360 to a the new hard drive.

A full comparision of the three 360 systems is available on Yahoo to help potential buyers decide which works best for them.

Meanwhile, speculation is starting to mount about Sony’s plans to upgrade its PlayStation 3. A new 80GB is being rumored, based on a patent application filed by the company. Sony has yet to confirm this, but it’s lashing back at the Elite’s lack of high-def playback built in considering its pricing.

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Labels: hdmi, PlayStation 3, ps3, xbox 360, xbox elite