GSBot

Microsoft's VP of Interactive Entertainment Business in Europe Chris Lewis tells GI.biz that the removal of the HDMI cable from the Elite packaging was to give more "flexibility to consumers who can then decide which type of cable they want for their specific gaming and TV screen set-up." Pardon us, but that's like saying Sub-Zero ripping out your spine gives your body more "flexibility." Of course, the drawback is that you're dead.

Adding insult to injury, the new Elite bundle isn't just sans HDMI cable, it has no HD cables at all; meaning that consumers now have even more flexibility to purchase better cables. While any old HDMI cable will do (they're cheap too!), the Xbox 360 component cable is proprietary and priced at $40 (as is the VGA cable). Want optical audio with your HDMI? That adapter's proprietary, too -- and $50. In fairness, PS3s don't ship with HD cables either (they do have an optical audio port, though), which is a joke -- a joke that Microsoft is now in on.
Gallery: Xbox 360 Elite / Arcade Bundles (August, 2009)









read full article on joystiq...

fat spartan

As much as I've supported the MS and the XBox 360 this generation, I hope this move generates a backlash for them in sales, eventually causing them to include the HDMI cable again or giving them free to people who buy the console.

coOoLBreeze

they are gonna loose big time.. now..

fat spartan

I wouldn't be so sure of that just yet. The PS3 after all also didn't include component or HDMI cables. This does take down the value of the XBox 360 Elite. They should have at least kept it with that SKU, unless they're be coming out with a new higher end one. While I really don't like it, I don't know how much this move affect the average consumer's choice of buying an XBox 360 over the PS3.