The Xbox 360 Elite is coming.

Microsoft's updated console is expected to launch in the UK towards theend of next month. Anticipation is growing - and for good reason.

As the oldest of the three major consoles, the Xbox 360'sfortunes really need the shot in the arm that the 360 Elite will represent.

For one thing, HDMI connectivity is a huge plus (even if itis only HDMI 1.2). And while there's no internal HD DVD drive, buying an Xbox360 Elite plus an external HD DVD drive is likely to cost little more than thepricey PS3. And we all know the Xbox's games are better.

Of course, the 360 Elite has been out in the US since theend of April, giving users over the pond plenty of time to form their opinions.

The folks over at CNET call it the "current game console ofchoice". But with most of the pros and cons of the original Xbox 360 carriedover, they also point out that it's not a "must-have upgrade".

ARS Technica takes a similar view , arguing that you almosthave to view it as two different products, depending on whether you're alreadya Xbox 360 owner or not.

For first-timers: "a solid choice". For existing owners:"Microsoft is punishing you for being a repeat buyer". And a word on the colourscheme: "Black is the new... black".

Armillary Observations has an excellent in-depth review after a month-long test, and concludes that the 360 Elite is "the winner of this round of the PS3-Xbox 360 war".

A common thread through all the reviews is that anyone expectinga revolutionary upgrade is in for a disappointment. The HDMI connection makeshigh-def gaming possible, and there's more storage, which is only of use if youuse the console to download media. Oh, and it comes with loads of cables, whichis great but shouldn't be the last of a short list of improvements.

The overall impression is that while it's a very good gamesconsole, very few criticisms of the original Xbox 360 have been addressed.