Microsoft announces ‘Game of the Year’ Xbox 360 edition

Microsoft confirmed it plans to release a new "Game of the Year Bundle" Xbox 360 that will include the 120GB Xbox 360 game console along with copies of Halo 3 and Fable 2.

Specifically, the Xbox 360 console will use the 65nm Jasper chipset, which is more reliable and runs at a cooler temperature than older Xbox 360 units.

Microsoft published Halo 3 in 2007, with Fable 2 becoming a smash hit a year later in 2008.  Some of you may be quick to point out that Gears of War should be included in the bundle, but it’s possible Microsoft is working on a GoW Xbox 360 bundle that will be released later this year, or early in 2010.

Both Halo 3 and Fable 2 are Xbox 360-exclusive titles, and have received rave reviews since they launched to the market.  Some of you probably found Halo 3 to be a bit overrated, but it’s still a good move on Microsoft’s part to include it in the bundle.

The Xbox 360 Game of the Year bundle will retail for $399, and should be available as early as next month.

It should be interesting to see if consumers are willing to drop the cash for a new Xbox 360 refresh with a couple of games.  The Xbox 360 Elite model currently retails for $399 — the most expensive Xbox 360 model.

Microsoft originally faced the Red Ring of Death (RRoD) hardware problem, and now is dealing with a new hardware issue that is bricking Xbox 360 units.  In fact, Microsoft extended Xbox 360 warranties due to the E74 Error that has plagued numerous Xbox 360 game consoles.