In their pre-E3 keynote Microsoft has debuted a new version of the Xbox 360 console. The new “modern” enclosure sports some nice perks over current models (in-built 802.11n for starters) whilst, what’s the most important update for many, delivering a far quieter machine. In un-boxing videos currently clogging up gaming sites world wide a distinct lack of noise emanated by the machine putting today’s whirring banshee to shame.

The new Xbox 360 will be available in Australia July 1 for A$449, the same price as today’s Xbox Elite. The console includes 1xHDMI (no cable), 5xUSB, 1xcomponent, in-built 802.11n Wi-Fi, Kinect port and a 250GB (Xbox proprietary) hard drive. Of significant notice, the new model will only include a 1 year warranty, not 3 like the current models with the red-ring-of-death.

In conjunction with the updated console Microsoft also announced the official release of their “Project Natal” full-body-controller accessory to be named “Kinect”. Whilst we’re yet to see anything particularly exciting (in my opinion) bare fruit from this a group of sport/exercise related launch titles were shown along with mention of Forza 3 support upcoming.

Australian delivery and pricing has yet to be set for the Kinect however the US have been set a holiday release of November.

For detailed information on the new Xbox & Kinect accessory visit Xbox Australia’s hardware pages here:
http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/kinect/default.htm