As you may have heard Microsoft are bringing out a black 120GB HDD model of the Xbox 360 along with a built in HDMI port for those people who require it - it is to be called "The Elite". They are also bringing out various black accessories to match the new case. It is aimed at people who download and save lots of films via the video marketplace or who want a HDMI connection. This new black 360 isn't out over here in Europe for quite some time unfortunately.

What I thought would be a fun project is to see how easy it is to turn a regular Xbox 360 into a “black one” far cheaper than having to buy a whole new console. Not everyone would want or require a 120GB Hard drive (which can be bought separately anyway once it is launched although the price isn't very cheap) or the HDMI port but they do like the look of the black chassis.

A black 360 is much more desirable for me as it matches all the other things in my computer room and as it sits on my black amplifier, then is hooked up to my black Dell 2405FPW LCD monitor beside my black PC. it would make much more sense to be colour co-ordinated!

Chosen for review is the 'Black Knight 360 case' made by XCM priced at around £35, there are many other colours available should you not want black, including some cool ones with LCD lights on the top in a shape of an X.

I should point out that replacing the standard case will void any existing warranty your console may still have outstanding so bear that in mind before starting. Ours had already been voided long ago as we replaced the stock 360 fans for superior versions, but bear this in mind before ordering.

The replacement case arrived very well packed. Bubble wrap around a box which then contained individually protected pieces in foam covers to prevent damage. It is nice to see that the company made an effort with this so that it doesn't get scratched even though the plastic is fairly hard.

Inside the box you get:

The top part of the case
A DVD eject button
A DVD drive faceplate
Front faceplate of the case
Right vent side panel

Replacement cover for the hard drive slot
Left vent side panel
The bottom of the case

Xbox 360 Opening kit (which normally would cost you £5 on its own) which also includes a Allen key.

I was quite surprised that you don't get any instructions in the kit. There are guides online detailing how to open a Xbox 360, however we feel the inclusion of a small manual or guide would certainly be a reassuring addition, and it wouldn’t cost much to product either.

The finish of the case is more matt black than the gloss black of the Playstation 3 or PSP. While not being as “pretty”, it is however much less susceptible to finger print issues and looks better when paired up with most home consumer electronics. The inside of the case is surprisingly glossy!

For the price of the case the quality of the plastic looks very good I didn't see any blemishes on the surface plastic and it seems strong.

When looking at a 360 case you may be wondering how you get inside it. I did at first too as it doesn't actually have any screws on the outside surface. No need to worry as the 360 case clips together via a number of sneakily hidden clips which I will explain below.

To start with it is best to remove any game in the 360 DVD drive as well as the Xbox hard drive (if you have one installed) and unplug any cables from the back.