Gears of War 3 is a big deal. So big, that Microsoft is bringing back the limited edition custom consoles we’ve last seen for Halo: Reach.
Using the Xbox 360 S hardware, this is a full-console design, not just a faceplate or accent the old Xbox 360 custom consoles saw. The console and controllers have a killer Gear logo that looks to be corrupt, in much the same way the locust have become corrupted as the series has gone on.
The bundle retails at $399 and gives you the following:
- Themed Xbox 360 S which includes custom Gears of War sound effects for the eject and power buttons
- A 320 GB hard drive
- Two themed wireless controllers with the new twist-able D-Pad
- A wired headset
- Gears of War 3 (Standard Edition)
- A redeemable code for additional game content, including the Infected Omen Weapon Pack and the Adam Fenix character for use in multiplayer. The Infected Omen Weapon Pack gives fan the infected omen skin for use on the five starting weapons: Lancer, Retro Lancer, Hammerburst, Gransher, and Sawed-Off Shotgun.
The largest hard drive has previously been the 250 GB drive first seen in console bundles. This might indicate larger hard drives are on the horizon again. While the new d-pad has been around for almost a year now, this is the first time it’s being used in controllers included with a console.
The wireless controllers will be available standalone for $59.99. If my understanding is correct, they will include a play-and-charge kit with the controller.
While I’m in the market for another 360, I don’t think I can justify another console/game bundle after getting the Halo: Reach console.
[Source: Xbox Live’s Major Nelson]
