There’s nothing like the value of a limited edition bundle. Not only are you buying a swell gaming machine at a good price, but you’re also getting something that’s on a limited run of sorts. Sure, the Halo: Reach systems are everywhere now, but months from now, they’ll probably be going for a good amount of cash, just in time for the Christmas rush. With that, we’ve decided to take a look at the best special edition bundle deals out there, starting with the most obvious choice…
Halo: Reach Bundle
Recently released, the Halo: Reach bundle packs quite a bit for the $400 price tag. Packed in with the limited edition Xbox 360 S console are customized Halo sound effects (we have to admit, they’re neat), along with two limited edition Halo controllers, a headset, all the hook-ups (you’ll still need to buy the HDMI cable) and a copy of Reach. So far, the bundle’s been selling pretty well, although a few folks are holding out for the forthcoming Kinect bundle due for release in November. It’s just a good a deal, although you don’t get the cool-looking silver system. Seriously, just look at it.
Halo 3 Bundle
Well before the 360 S was conceived, Microsoft had a different Halo bundle in mind. Back in September 2007, the company released a limited edition Halo 3 package, complete with a 20 GB system, headset, controller and the hook-ups. It was priced at $399.99, but the funny thing was, it didn’t come with a copy of the game for some reason (unlike the Reach bundle). Regardless, Halo fans flocked to it, and it remains a cool little collector’s item today, despite its age.
Final Fantasy XIII Bundle
To celebrate the colossal release of Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix prepped this limited edition console, complete with an unprecedented (at the time of release) 250 GB hard drive and a copy of the game. Unfortunately, it was only sold in Japan for a hefty 41,600 yen, and now only exists in the hands of avid collectors. You can probably still track one down, but just a word of warning—you’ll be paying a pretty penny on eBay.
Mario Nintendo DS Bundle
Released in time for the holiday rush of 2008, the Nintendo DS Mario bundle consisted of a limited edition red Nintendo DS with the Mario emblem printed on the front, along with a copy of New Super Mario Bros. DS. It was sold exclusively through Toys R’ Us for a little while, before eventually making its way to other retailers. It sold quite well, and it’d be wise for Nintendo to figure out a similar bundle for when (or if, rather) it releases its Nintendo 3DS later this year. Let’s cross those fingers for a Mario Kart package.
Star Wars Battlefront Squadron PSP Bundle
The Force is with you, young Skywalker…especially if you pick up this cool Star Wars bundle. Not only do you get a system with Darth Vader’s mug embossed on the back of it, but you also receive a copy of the moderately entertaining Star Wars Battlefront Squadron as well. All that’s not a bad deal for $180, especially if you’re a Star Wars fan. Still, wouldn’t Vader been more at home with a black-colored system with a red-shaded lightsaber tint on the top? Just sayin’...
God of War PSP Bundle
Back in 2008, when Kratos made his bloody portable debut with Chains of Olympus, he received a system to go right alongside him, a beautifully red-shaded system packed in with a copy of the game and a copy of the movie Superbad for only around $180. Not a bad deal, and many fans picked up on it. However, if you missed out, don’t worry. Sony’s planning an all-new bundle to go along with Ghost of Sparta when it releases in November. And, yes, it’s mostly red, too. Bring on the blood!
Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Bundle
Bring on the Warfare! To celebrate the iconic release of the latest Call of Duty game for Xbox 360, Microsoft prepped a special edition console with military print on the body, along with two black Xbox 360 controllers, a copy of the game, a headset and a whopping 250 GB hard drive (now an industry standard) for $399.99. Fans flocked to it immediately, making Modern Warfare 2 one of the biggest sellers of all time. Frankly, we’re surprised that Microsoft’s not doing it again this year with Black Ops. Hmmm, it must be pushing to get Halo: Reach units out the door.
Metal Gear Solid 4 PlayStation 3 Bundle
In June 2008, Konami was pushing the release of the revolutionary Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, big time. So much, in fact, it teamed up with Sony to produce an 80 GB PlayStation 3 gunmetal console, packed in with a copy of the game, for around $500 (!). Fans picked it up almost immediately, due to its very limited production numbers and glossy finish. You can still find one today, but, similar to most of the rare special edition consoles out there, you’ll be paying out the nose for it. Is Snake really worth that much to you? Your call.
The Simpsons Movie Xbox 360 system
To commemorate the release of The Simpsons Movie into theaters, Microsoft prepped a limited edition Xbox 360 console featuring the top of Homer Simpson’s head, along with an image of the logo and a bright yellow paint job on both the system and the controller. It became a real hot commodity, since it was sold in very limited numbers—only 100 were made. Sure, it didn’t include a copy of the game, but it’s still a must among avid Simpsons fans. If you somehow missed out…d’oh!
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep PSP system
Finally, we have this awesome Square Enix-powered collectible, a cool Kingdom Hearts system that comes with a Mystic Silver-colored system, a copy of the game, a free downloadable movie of your choice and a 4 GB Memory Stick Pro for around $199.99. That’s an outstanding deal for fans of the ongoing role-playing series, and the best part is, you can still track one down in stores now. Do it before the demand overpowers the supply and you’ll find yourself yearning for one later. C’mon, Mickey Mouse would want you to have one.
