Microsoft has confirmed the rumours and announced a new wireless networking adapter for the Xbox 360.

The new dongle sports two antennae instead of the current model’s single prong. 802.11n tech is supported too, meaning that the unit will be fully up to the task of streaming 1080p movies and making sure your connection to Xbox LIVE is good n’ speedy at all times. That’s the theory, anyway.

According to a Microsoft spokesperson chatting to Joystiq.com, the new dongle represents “another choice to consumers”, which rather suggests that the current model won’t be ditched for the time being. Price and release date details are not forthcoming just yet, although we’re requested to “stay tuned” for more information arriving “soon”.

That may yet be sooner than you think too – recent, and apparently authentic Italian marketing materials for the Gears of War 2: Game of the Year edition show the new unit alongside the old one. We’ll keep ‘em peeled just in case the Italians know something we don’t. Otherwise a launch to coincide with the arrival of the Xbox LIVE ‘Zune’ video service later this year seems likely.