Research firm BrandIntel says that hardcore gamer sentiment for the new black Xbox 360 Elite is not positive and that Microsoft "might want to change the perception" of the new console offering with the critical hardcore crowd. Citing research on 25 popular message boards and blogs, reports Next-Gen, opinion of the $479 unit is below favorable levels.

Popular complaints from gamers were the system's price and the timing of the Elite's release. But convert detractors to supporters, says BrandIntel, and they'll positively influence the more casual market.

We know that our commenters went so far as to liken the Elite to forced anal sex, which, I'm pretty sure, is a negative. Still, there were plenty of positive statements and publicly announced intentions to buy, so I suppose we'll have to wait and see. Michael McWhertor

BrandIntel: Elite's Fate in Hardcore Hands [Next-Gen]

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