60GB Xbox 360 to bow at E3?

Microsoft's heavily rumored 60GB Xbox 360 Pro could make its appearance at the company's E3 keynote next month, claims a source for TrustedReviews. The upgrade would allegedly be announced at the start of the show and would at least replace the existing 20GB console when it ships in early August, providing a heavily requested boost to the storage of the default console without pushing users to the Elite model.

Whether or not the Elite will also see a capacity increase beyond its 120GB is unknown, as is the possibility of adding a 20GB drive to the basic Xbox 360. The leak also doesn't address whether or not Microsoft will pair these introductions with a potential price cut geared both at extending the Xbox's lead over the PlayStation 3 and putting it into closer contention with Nintendo's Wii.

Additionally, leaked images and details at Kotaku and other sites suggest Microsoft is adding avatars to Xbox Live, allowing supporting games to have 3D personas similar to the Miis from Nintendo's game system. Players would bring the avatars into supporting games and could also get themed accessories that tie in with certain games, such as an Incredibles shirt spotted in an example image. A launch for the avatars is unknown but may also coincide with E3.

Filed under: gaming, gadgets
Other story tags: Microsoft, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo, Wii