Microsoft has decided to unify the black finish on its Xbox 360 models. The 250GB black model that previously had a shiny finish will no long have it. Starting this fall, the 250GB will join its 4GB brother and also sport a matte finish.

It is unknown what prompted the move to a matte finish for both units, but Microsoft isn’t talking, that is for sure. Some retailers tell us that it has to do with customers complaining about fingerprints and other things that affect the shiny finish.

Some are also theorizing that it is possible the upcoming Bluetooth headset and new Media Remote both are going to sport a matte finish, and Microsoft would like the 250GB console to match these new peripherals. We find that explanation sketchy at best; and we suggest that it is more than likely a cost savings move that unifies the build process to save money on using two sets of plastics with two different finishes.