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Xbox 360 Elite Specifications & Features

The Xbox 360 Elite launched in 2008 as the premium tier of Microsoft's second console generation. Below are its complete specifications and distinguishing features.

Core Hardware Specifications

Component	Specification
CPU	IBM PowerPC "Xenon" tri-core @ 3.2 GHz
GPU	ATI "Xenos" @ 500 MHz (unified shader architecture)
RAM	512 MB GDDR3 (shared system/video)
Storage	120 GB 2.5" SATA HDD (standard); 250 GB model released later
Optical Drive	12x Dual-layer DVD-ROM (DL DVD support)
Network	10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi (built-in), Bluetooth 2.0 (for controllers/headsets)
Video Output	HDMI 1.2 (first 360 with HDMI), Component (YPbPr), VGA, Composite, S-Video
Audio Output	Optical SPDIF (TOSLINK), Analog stereo via AV
USB Ports	3 × USB 2.0 (2 front, 1 rear)
Dimensions	11.5" × 11.5" × 2.8" (29.2 × 29.2 × 7.1 cm)
Weight	7.2 lbs (3.3 kg)

Unique Elite Features

Matte Black Gloss Finish: Distinctive piano-black chassis vs. the standard "Xbox White" / "Arcade" white.
Matching Black Wireless Controller: Included a black wireless controller (standard models came with white).
Built-in Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g integrated—no separate adapter needed (unlike launch 360s).
HDMI Output: First 360 model with HDMI for 1080p video + digital audio over one cable.
Larger Standard HDD: 120 GB vs. 20 GB (Pro) or 512 MB (Arcade/Core).

Historical Context

Launch Price: $449 USD (vs. $349 Pro, $279 Arcade)
Discontinued: 2010 (replaced by Xbox 360 S "Slim" line)
Red Ring of Death (RRoD): Early Elite units used the same failure-prone "Xenon" motherboard as launch 360s. Later "Jasper" revision (late 2008+) significantly improved reliability.

Legacy: The Elite is remembered as the first "pro" console tier—setting the template for later premium models like PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, and PS5 Pro. Its HDMI, Wi-Fi, and large HDD became standard on the 360 S and all future consoles.

Xbox 360