Aussie Gears of Wars 3 limited edition console bundle AU$549

Today, Microsoft Australia confirmed the arrival of a limited edition Gears of War Xbox 360 console bundle announced at this year's E3 in Los Angeles, launching in Australia on September 20, 2011, for AU$549.

Partly designed by Gears of War studio Epic Games, the console bundle commemorates the conclusion of the Xbox 360-exclusive franchise, which will end with the release of Gears of War 3 on September 20, 2011. The bundle includes a 320GB red-and-black Xbox 360 console with two custom-designed Xbox 360 wireless controllers.

The bundle also includes a standard copy Gears of War 3, a wired headset, and a download token for bonus game content, including the Infected Omen Weapon Pack and the Adam Fenix character for use in multiplayer. (The Infected Omen Weapon Pack includes the infected omen skin for use on the five starting weapons: lancer, retro lancer, hammerburst, gransher, and sawed-off shotgun.)

Aussie gamers will also have the chance to purchase the Gears of War 3 wireless controller separately for AU$89.95 starting August 11, 2011. The controller is designed with the Infected Omen symbol, and just like the bundle, it comes with five downloadable in-game weapon skins for the starting weapons. It also includes a new transforming D pad and a Gears of War 3 custom top case.

Gears of War 3 is out in Australia on September 20 this year and is available in three editions: Standard (AU$99.95); Limited (AU$129.95); and Epic (AU$199.95).

According to earlier reports, the Epic Edition of Gears of War 3 will contain a limited-run Marcus Fenix statue designed by Epic Games art director Chris Perna, as well as a behind-the-scenes book by Tom Bissell with 96 pages of interviews, photos, and concept art. The Limited Edition of the game will include the Octus Award Box with Octus Service Medal, a life-sized replica of the honor given to scientist Adam Fenix for his work on the Hammer of Dawn. The bundle also includes a code redeemable for the Adam Fenix skin in multiplayer, personal records of Marcus' father, and a fabric COG flag.