Microsoft's Xbox 360 Elite launches in the UK today. The console adds a paint job, HDMI slot and a larger hard drive to the standard 360 but is otherwise the same. The main attraction is the hard drive space, especially when the TV and movie download service launches later this year. I haven't had a chance to see if it runs any cooler or quieter yet - I've been in Leipzig all week - but I already have a problem. There is no immediate way to transfer your profile, saves etc from your current 360 to the Elite. If you want to do this - and anyone who is upgrading from a standard 360 will want to - then you need to go through the faff of ordering a data transfer cable from Microsoft. Yes, the cable is free but the inevitable delay means Elite owners will probably be using their older console for longer than they would like
Of course, you can buy the larger hard drive separately, it comes complete with cable, but then you'll miss out on the HDMI slot. Hmm. The problem has been caused by Microsoft foolishly pitching the Elite at new consumers rather than existing owners. The guys - and they invariable will be male - who will appreciate the extra hard drive space and improved HD connectivity will be hardcore 360 owners. Anyone who has waited for the 18-months since launch to buy a 360 is likely to be more than happy with the standard model.
There are other problems too. Assuming you get round to transferring all your data over you'll need to be hooked up to Live before you can play any of your previously downloaded games. Fine if your 360 is permanently online, hugely annoying if not. You can understand why Microsoft launched the 360 model. Compared to the PS3 the 360 was in danger of looking technologically underfed. But there are plenty of hurdles to jump before current 360 owners can benefit from the Elite's improvements.
