Halo 3-Inspired Accessories Available September 4

Published August 31, 2007

Xbox 360™ fanatics are invited to accessorize this holiday season with Microsoft’s new Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controllers and Headset, and the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit, all available beginning September 4.

Gear up for the release of Halo® 3 on September 25 with two new high-quality Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controllers. Legendary comic book artist and Spawn creator, Todd McFarlane, has masterfully designed these controllers featuring both the Covenant Brute and Master Chief themes.  Both fade and scratch-resistant controllers come with a Limited Edition Halo 3 Master Chief figurine designed by McFarlane himself for an estimated retail price of $69.99.

The Spartan green and gold Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset provides the mobility and communication essential for soldiers in their fight against the Covenant. With high-quality voice connections over Xbox LIVE®, this accessory will be available for an estimated retail price of $69.99.

The Xbox 360 Messenger Kit, which includes a Chatpad and Xbox 360 headset for an estimated retail price of $34.99, allows you to easily chat with friends or family on Xbox LIVE and Windows-based PCs. The automatically backlit Chatpad quickly connects to any Xbox 360 controller and can be easily controlled with simple thumb strokes so you can simultaneously chat and play games with ease.

Halo 3 Released to Manufacturing

Published August 29, 2007

The wait is almost over. Halo® 3, the final chapter in the groundbreaking Halo trilogy and the most anticipated game release of 2007, has been released to manufacturing.

Three years in the making by renowned developer Bungie Studios, Halo 3 is now finished and will begin its journey to store shelves around the world in less than four weeks. Halo 3, which has already set new records as the fastest pre-ordered game in history, has exceeded one million presales in North America alone. The title is set to shatter day-one entertainment sales records when it is released worldwide beginning Tuesday, September 25.

"This is a huge milestone for us and a big cause for celebration at Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios," said Harold Ryan, Studio Head at Bungie Studios. "This is the game we've always wanted to make and certainly the best game our studio has developed. We can't wait for gamers to get their hands on it on September 25."

In November 2004, the world's view of video games changed forever with the release of Halo 2, which generated a record-setting $125 million (U.S.) in sales within the first 24 hours and changed the way people think about interactive entertainment. Three years later, it remains the most-played game on Microsoft's Xbox LIVE® online gaming and entertainment network, with nearly 1 billion hours of online gaming logged to date.

And now, Halo 3 is at the manufacturing plant. Get ready folks, it's on its way!

Halo 3 Preorders Pass One Million Mark

Published August 9, 2007

Redmond, Washington—As the countdown continues for the entertainment event of the year—the launch of Halo® 3—the video game continues to set records and establish new precedents for an entertainment launch. Today, Microsoft announced that preorders in North America for the exclusive Xbox 360™ title have exceeded the one-million milestone.

In addition, Microsoft unveiled the first exciting details of upcoming promotions from leading consumer brands, including Mountain Dew, 7-Eleven, Pontiac, Comcast, and Burger King Corp.

Master Chief is ready to shatter sales records.

Retailers around the world have begun taking preorders, giving you the opportunity to make sure you get your hands on one of the three versions of Halo 3—Standard Edition, Limited Edition, or the ultra-collectible Legendary Edition.

Presale Records
In fact, demand has been so strong for the Legendary Edition of the game that it is expected to be sold out by the time the game launches on September 25. Retailers have also noted that the presales for Halo 3 are the fastest in videogame history.

"What we've experienced is nothing short of phenomenal," said Bob McKenzie, senior vice president of merchandising at GameStop Corp. "Halo 3 has eclipsed many previous records and will prove to be one of the must-have items of 2007."

"The excitement for Halo 3 is incredible," said Jill Hamburger, vice president of movies and games at Best Buy. "From our preorders online and the buzz we're hearing in our stores, we know this release is going to be one of the biggest entertainment events of the year. We're thrilled to be able to bring it to our customers."

"Finish the Fight" on September 25.

For the first time in videogame history and on par with the scope of major movie releases, some of the world's biggest companies have aligned to support the launch. Many plan to offer a variety of promotions that give you the opportunity to obtain unique Halo 3 products and prizes and participate in one-of-a-kind Halo 3-themed events.

"This September, Halo 3 will push videogame entertainment into the forefront of mainstream culture," said Chris Di Cesare, director of creative marketing at Microsoft. "Teaming up with some of the world's strongest and most recognizable brands is trailblazing new paths and cementing video games as big entertainment on par with major event films, and is a testament to the excitement and anticipation intrinsically linked to Halo 3."

Halo 3 Console Announced

Published July 10, 2007

In anticipation of this year's largest blockbuster game launch, Microsoft will offer the Xbox 360™ Halo® 3 Special Edition Console in September 2007. The console features an exclusive "Spartan green and gold" finish and comes bundled with a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, 20GB Hard Drive, Headset, Play & Charge Kit, and exclusive Halo 3 Gamer Pics and Theme (available via Xbox LIVE® download). 

Join the Halo Nation with the Special Edition Console.

Look for this new console in September. This new Special Edition contains these components:

• Halo 3 Special Edition Console
• Halo 3 Special Edition Wireless Controller
• Halo 3 Special Edition 20GB Hard Drive
• Halo 3 Special Edition Wired Headset
• Halo 3 Special Edition Gamer Pics and Theme (Exclusive download via Xbox LIVE)
• Component HD AV Cable
• Ethernet Cable
• HDMI Port
• Play & Charge Kit
• Xbox LIVE Silver Membership
• One-month Lbox LIVE Gold Membership
• Halo 3 game not included—sold separately