A source close to Microsoft has downplayed rumors of an equipped-to-the-hilt “Xbox 360 Ultimate.”
An article in UK-based gadget mag Stuff said that by August 2008, Microsoft will release what the publication called the “Xbox 360 Ultimate.”

This machine would outdo the current Xbox 360 top SKU, the Xbox 360 Elite, by including “1080p HDMI output, built-in Wi-Fi, hi-def audio output, cooler 65nm hardware architecture and a near-silent fan,” as well as a 320GB disk drive and a possible built-in HD-DVD player.

When contacted by Next-Gen, Microsoft declined to comment on the rumor. However, a separate source close to Microsoft who wished to remain anonymous said that the rumored “Ultimate” is simply not on the cards.

For Microsoft to introduce yet another SKU at this point in the Xbox 360’s life cycle would be a questionable move. The current Xbox 360 lineup consists of three models that already address audiences ranging from the more casual to the hardcore gamer. With a top-of-the-line 120GB hard drive-equipped Xbox 360 Elite already priced at $450, the purported “Ultimate” would undoubtedly be priced higher (probably considerably higher) than a top-tier PS3 model.

News-Source: Next-Gen