Xbox 360 Elite dated and priced down under

The Xbox 360 Elite that Microsoft announced back in March and shipped to US gamers in April has finally been dated and priced for gamers down under. The black Xbox 360 will go on sale in Australia on August 30 for A$729.95 (US$574.34).

The new Xbox 360 Elite bundle includes the Black HDMI-enabled Xbox 360, HDMI cable, and 120GB hard drive. Other accessories included are an Ethernet cable, one month free Xbox Live Gold subscription, a black wireless controller, and an Xbox Live headset. Additional black controllers and rechargeable battery packs are also available for gamers who want their accessories to match their console; however, there has been no word on a matching black HD-DVD drive.

The 120GB hard drive will continue to be available for existing customers for A$229.95.

The announcement comes less than a day after Microsoft announced the special-edition Halo 3 Xbox 360 Pro console and a few days after they lowered the price of the Xbox 360 Core and Pro systems in Australia. The Core systems are available for A$399.95, while Pro consoles retail for A$579.95. The special-edition Xbox 360 goes on sale on September 20 and will be available for A$679.95.