With E3 approaching on July 14th, the rumour-mill is gathering pace regarding speculation that Microsoft will announce a new Xbox 360 SKU.

Following on from a report from Trusted Reviews last month, who claimed to have an anonymous tip stating that a 60GB Xbox 360 will be launched before August 2008, a number of sites are reporting what they think is a leaked email that was sent to buyers who represent retail chains, Blockbusters and Gamestop.

The email reads:

With the introduction of the 60GB Pro console in July, we have research that suggests it is very important to have a 60GB stand alone Hard Drive to go along with it to allow the consumer a full range of choices and values. In late October/early November (exact date TBD but most likely last week in October or 1st week in November), we will ship the Xbox 360 60GB Hard Drive, tentatively called the “Xbox 360 60GB LIVE Starter Pack”. This will be an excellent value price at and ERP of $99.99 with an 18% retail margin that contains:

· 60GB Hard Drive
· 3 Months of Xbox Live
· Xbox 360 Wired Headset
· Xbox 360 Ethernet Cable (same one that is included with Pro and Elite)

Positioning: For Xbox 360 Arcade and Core console owners, the Xbox 360 60GB Live Starter Pack offers all of the components to get onto Xbox LIVE and jump in to on line multiplayer gaming and Marketplace content downloads at an incredible value.

With the end of life of the 20GB Hard Drive and the price drop of the 120GB Hard Drive to $149.99 in September, this new 60GB hard drive will fit very well into our “Choice and Value” pillar and will fit nicely into our accessory line up. Exact SKU/UPC/Set up info will come soon and once we nail down the exact MSD, I will let you all know immediately.

The knock-on effect of a new model could mean a price cut for the existing arcade and premium editions.

We won't know for sure until E3 kicks off later this month.

Source :: Xbox Family