E3 '07: Microsoft readying Halo-themed Xbox 360, HDMI-ready

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--While the Xbox 360 has assembled a library of highly regarded titles including Gears of War, Dead Rising, and Forza Motorsport 2, for many, the entire point of the system is the upcoming sci-fi first-person shooter Halo 3. For those gamers, Microsoft's Peter Moore announced a Halo-branded version of the Xbox 360 at its E3 Media and Business Summit press conference tonight.

Dubbed the Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console, the console will be colored Spartan green with golden trim and be accompanied by a matching wireless controller. The console will include a 20GB hard drive, a headset, and a play and charge kit. An exclusive Halo 3 theme and gamer pics will be available to purchasers over Xbox Live when the package goes on sale worldwide this September. [UPDATE] Speaking to Bungie content manager Frank O'Connor, GameSpot has also confirmed that the Halo 3 Special Edition Console will support HDMI output. Microsoft has subsequently updated the product announcement on its official site to reflect the HDMI compatibility.

This is not the first time Microsoft has decked its console out in Spartan garb. Gamers might remember that a translucent-green Halo-branded edition of the original Xbox was released in 2004. That system was limited to 200,000 units and came bundled with a similarly colored controller, as well as the original Halo: Combat Evolved.

Aside from a few special-edition models, gamers have been thus far limited to stark black and white Xbox 360 gamepads. Microsoft also sends word today that it will be diversifying its palette with three new colors for its wireless controllers: pink, dark blue, and light blue. Available in October, the controllers will retail for $49.99.