So I know this topic has been generally discussed a few times, but I really want to emphasize the importance of how xbox goes about announcing the inevitable Infinite themed xb series x + collector’s edition for the game. Right now there is little to no discussion on the marketing strategy of MS in regards to the limited edition stuff, so I figured i’d lay out my concerns/suggestions for the next coming months.
Infinite themed console:
So I really hope that they announce this edition and put it up for pre-order alongside the initial wave of series x preorders, and not later on close to launch. It would be a huge bummer if people pre-ordered a series x, only to have to cancel it to secure an Infinite version instead. It’s not the biggest deal on earth, but knowing that the series x will most likely sell out this holiday in general makes it just that much more stressful. Plus, these consoles are supposed to run $500-$600, so purchasing/refunding one for another back and forth sounds like a headache waiting to happen. I also hope that its not terribly more expensive than the standard console.
Collector’s Edition of the game:
I’m also hoping that the marketing team realizes that there is a good amount of people like myself who are willing to actually shell out money for both limited console and collectors edition of game, and make some sort of bundle that completely marries the two. When I bought the console, it came with everything except the statue which is not a huge deal, but it would have been nice to have had the option of getting it all in one purchase. I would hope that they don’t repeat the same steps, considering that the collectors edition was originally $250 on its own. Lastly, put a DISC inside of the steelbook dude! That, to me was one of the biggest burns when getting the console bundle. The whole appeal to a COLLECTOR’S edition is the tangibility of the offer! I know during that time companies were really pushing digital everything, but if you are selling a collector’s edition why would you think that would be a good idea? Perhaps to save an ‘x’ amount of $ on plastic? Who knows, but please Microsoft, Xbox, 343i: do not repeat these same mistakes. Please deliver something that communicates to the customer that a lot of care and effort went into it. H3 and Reach Legendary editions are a good marker to aim for.
I don’t recall there being collectors edition consoles at the start of a new generation. Those usually come later, I’m not against it though, I’m sure many fans would like them. We should know soon enough.
Haven’t heard anything about collectors edition consoles because they haven’t even announced a date for unveiled the game. I also think the 500-600 price point is a bit steep, I hope we don’t see that, that would hurt sales so so much.
Maybe they will be a Infinite themed console, maybe not. If anything they’ll probably release a “Day One Edition” or a “Scarlett Edition” like they did with the OG Xbox One & One X.
Id expect a console bundle for sure. I don’t think we’ll see any crazy limited editions of the game. But I guess we’ll see soon enough
I just hope they have an edition of the console that already has halo infinite downloaded on it.
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> I just hope they have an edition of the console that already has halo infinite downloaded on it.
I think you’ll probably get a downloadable code that you’ll need to download the game with, like the Halo 5 Console.
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> I don’t recall there being collectors edition consoles at the start of a new generation. Those usually come later, I’m not against it though, I’m sure many fans would like them. We should know soon enough.
As far as my research shows, this is true. The first themed edition of the Xbox One was the Forza 6 edition, which wasn’t until nearly two years after the Xbox One launch. And for 360, it looks like the Halo 3 edition was first as well.
Would be cool to have an Infinite themed one, but I’d rather have a smooth launch than a sweet themed console.
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> > 2533274796080930;4:
> > I just hope they have an edition of the console that already has halo infinite downloaded on it.
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> I think you’ll probably get a downloadable code that you’ll need to download the game with, like the Halo 5 Console.
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> > 2592250499819446;2:
> > I don’t recall there being collectors edition consoles at the start of a new generation. Those usually come later, I’m not against it though, I’m sure many fans would like them. We should know soon enough.
>
> As far as my research shows, this is true. The first themed edition of the Xbox One was the Forza 6 edition, which wasn’t until nearly two years after the Xbox One launch. And for 360, it looks like the Halo 3 edition was first as well.
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> Would be cool to have an Infinite themed one, but I’d rather have a smooth launch than a sweet themed console.
Well, the last time Halo released with an Xbox release was Combat Evolved. So its probably safe to say that they aren’t following their typical release patterns from the last 10-15 years. Hopefully they really take their marketing approach in a different direction this time around. And honestly, they don’t get a pass from me and a pat on the back if they skimp out on their largest and most popular title. That not only means that we should expect a content rich and functioning game day one, but we should also expect nothing less than what they have done in the past: collectors editions for the game and console at launch. They’ve had five solid years to realize their missteps from H5, and to plan a well thought out and impressive launch.
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> > 2533274850493408;5:
> > > 2533274796080930;4:
> > > I just hope they have an edition of the console that already has halo infinite downloaded on it.
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> > I think you’ll probably get a downloadable code that you’ll need to download the game with, like the Halo 5 Console.
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> > > 2592250499819446;2:
> > > I don’t recall there being collectors edition consoles at the start of a new generation. Those usually come later, I’m not against it though, I’m sure many fans would like them. We should know soon enough.
> >
> > As far as my research shows, this is true. The first themed edition of the Xbox One was the Forza 6 edition, which wasn’t until nearly two years after the Xbox One launch. And for 360, it looks like the Halo 3 edition was first as well.
> >
> > Would be cool to have an Infinite themed one, but I’d rather have a smooth launch than a sweet themed console.
>
> Well, the last time Halo released with an Xbox release was Combat Evolved. So its probably safe to say that they aren’t following their typical release patterns from the last 10-15 years. Hopefully they really take their marketing approach in a different direction this time around. And honestly, they don’t get a pass from me and a pat on the back if they skimp out on their largest and most popular title. That not only means that we should expect a content rich and functioning game day one, but we should also expect nothing less than what they have done in the past: collectors editions for the game and console at launch. They’ve had five solid years to realize their missteps from H5, and to plan a well thought out and impressive launch.
I agree. I hope they come out firing on all cylinders, and there’s a sick Halo Infinite console that comes out with the game bundled with it. I really want that to happen.
Will it? Ehhhh…I have my doubts.
Honestly I don’t see an Infinite themed console coming on launch. The Halo CE console didn’t launch till 2004 just a few months before Halo 2’s release. And obviously other Halo games were launched well after the initial launch of the console. If I was a guessing person, I’d expect one in 2021 depending on what 343 and MS does for Halo CE’s 20th Anniversary.
As far as collectors edition, I felt $250 was too much for what we got with Halo 5 collectors edition. I was actually fine with it being disc-less, now more than ever being I’m getting it for PC and my PC doesn’t even have a disc drive. But for consoles, you should have the option.
MS would be doing Halo fans a solid if they offered a limited edition console at launch alongside the regular console. Hopefully they are not going to do a “launch edition” console this time around (e.g., Scorpio Xbox One X). If they announce one of those next month then there definitely will not be a Halo edition at launch.
I can see MS doing one of two things here. I think the first would actually benefit MS a lot more if executed properly.
- Limited Halo edition console at launch. Halo fans (and Xbox fans more generally) will flock and it would surely sell out quickly. If MS is smart, they would limit production of this edition to a reasonable amount. This creates hype and all of a sudden people are talking about the console (people want what they can’t have the most). If you do this right, it increases awareness about the console launch in general along with Halo Infinite. All of a sudden you have more people lining up for just a normal console and Halo Infinite at launch because they’ve heard all the hype around the limited edition console. This Halo edition console will essentially be the “launch edition” console, and there is nothing wrong with that. For some Xbox players like me (since November 2001), Halo and Xbox go hand in hand - I can’t think about one without thinking about the other. If you asked me, nothing beats a Halo-themed launch edition console. - Limited Halo edition console post-launch. @speedyjr11 pointed out an obvious option here: 20th anniversary edition in 2021. It’s a great milestone to celebrate with a special edition console, but I fear it would be too soon post-launch. It would be ~1 year following the console launch (depending on ultimate release date of new console and Infinite). At that time, all the die-hard fans have already purchased a console and the game. It’s also a bit early in the console’s life cycle to get a jolt of new sales by offering a special edition. I doubt you’re going to get a lot of loyal fans lining up to buy one even if it’s a special Halo edition (given they just shelled out a decent amount of money a year ago). I would probably go for it if it looks good (and just take a L on my existing console by reselling it). I just don’t think 1 year post launch is a great time - it’s a wasted opportunity on a limited edition console.MS should seriously look at the recent Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch as a case study here. I bought one of those for my fiancee earlier this year (she’s loved AC since the original game). I was able to preorder one without a problem. Fast forward a few months and that console had so much hype around it (selling for at least 2x retail online; attracting sneaker heads to get in on the resell game). That console alongside the AC NH release did wonders for the Switch. Nintendo couldn’t have timed that game’s release any better (not that they had predicted COVID-19 and stay at home orders).
MS needs to do two things if they are doing a Halo console. 1) Make sure it looks good. People went crazy over the AC Switch simply due to its looks, including people who never played AC. I thought the H5 edition Xbox One console was very underwhelming. 2) Time the release right. Don’t waste the opportunity and actually make the “limited” in limited edition worth something. As I said above, doing this at launch could actually greatly benefit general console and game sales. This is the most valuable and highest brand value IP in the Xbox portfolio - I really hope they don’t mess this up.