Xbox One Elite Bundle and Lunar White Controller Announced

Microsoft has announced the Xbox One Elite Bundle. It's a 1TB console with a matte finish and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. While it might sound similar to its earlier 1TB announcement, the difference this around is that the hard drive in the Elite Bundle is a solid state hybrid drive.

"The Xbox One Elite Bundle includes a 1TB Solid State Hybrid Drive, which stores frequently-accessed files on a solid state partition and optimizes system performance so you can get to the action up to 20 percent faster from energy-saving mode," said Xbox's Director of Programming, Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb on his blog.

(Also see: Xbox One Gets a Price Cut in India; 1TB Console and New Controller Announced)

Sporting a retail price of $499 (around Rs. 33,000), the Xbox One Elite Bundle is one of the many options for those looking to get an Xbox One. From the standard 500GB console to collector's edition variants for heavy hitters like Forza Motorsport 6 and Halo 5, the Xbox One Elite Bundle is the most expensive of the bunch. But if you factor in that a Elite Wireless Controller on its own is $150 (around Rs. 10,000), it seems to be better value for money. It will be available worldwide from November and will be exclusive to GameStop and Microsoft Stores in the US.

Also announced was the Xbox One Special Edition Lunar White Wireless Controller. It has all the updated features of the standard Xbox One Wireless Controller such as the 3.5mm jack and adds a white and gold colour scheme and improved grip texture for more control and comfort. The company didn't mention if it will be available outside the US where it is exclusive to GameStop from September 1 for $64.99 (almost Rs. 4,320).