Is Microsoft preparing a spoiler for Sony's PAL-region PlayStation 3 launch on 23 March? According to one report, Australian store chain Myer has been told to expect a black Xbox 360 complete with HDMI port an 120GB hard drive round about that time.

So claims a story on GamesReport.com, which also maintains Microsoft has confirmed as much. The beast will retail for AUD749 ($585/£299/€449), apparently.

Maybe. But it's worth bearing in mind that Australia hasn't even had the Xbox 360 external HD DVD drive yet. That peripheral is due to ship down under on 29 March, a good time to ship as an alternative to the PS3, but not if there's a swanky new Xbox 360 just weeks away.