New Xbox Holiday Bundle (kinda weak) :(

[bingbangboom]

The new Microsoft Xbox Holiday Bundle is an odd choice. Basically starting I think in a week or so, all current Xbox's will get a copy of NCAA Football 2005 and Top Spin. While this is better than last years... it is basically 2 sports games. Kinda limited it down. Sure it is a $50 and $30... to me it is still kinda blah.

But that is the new bundle from the marketing geniues at Microsoft. So what happens if you are not a sports fan? Sucks to be you.

[Wario64]

NCAA Football 2005? Are you sure? I thought it was Amped 2 and Top Spin

[timmylamb]

AWESOME!! I was gonna buy topspin AND an xbox guess I am glad I kept waiting for a package. Hope this starts soon.

[sj41]

Top Spin makes sense, but NCAA really doesn't. Like Wario said, it might be Amped 2 since Amped is a Microsoft game. Something like that would make it better.

[zewone]

Better than Star Wars/Tetris.

[bingbangboom]

It said NCAA Football 2005 a few times on it. They want us to put it in the xbox's, reseal them and put a new sticker on the box.

[tubtub]

The actual X-box systems prepacked with the games are supposed to hit TRU around the end of the month(the 24th). I thought Microsoft was sending stores the NCAA/Top Spin 2-pack packages to be put in the X-boxes(like last year and the year before), and we weren't supposed to give out NCAA and Top Spin from our inventories already.

[Hair6a11]

So what exactly *doesnt* make sense about packaging ncaa 2005 when college football just started?

[schultzed]

Cool . . . I want to get Top Spin but have been waiting for lower prices . . . this should help bring it down.

$20 at Best Buy would mean $15 via GGC coupon.

[Goodtone]

This is the Holiday bundle in Canada:

http://www.xbox.com/en-ca/holidaypack/default.htm

[sj41]

So what exactly *doesnt* make sense about packaging ncaa 2005 when college football just started?It just seems like Microsoft would want to try and better promote the games that they have made and that are exclusive to the Xbox like Top Spin. That way, it will show what the Xbox really has to offer over the other systems.

[Eastsidecracker]

Europe has the halo2 xbox.

Japan has the platnium pack3, which has halo, blinkz2, topspin, and pgr.

And we get this....

[C_A]

We got hosed. :(

[timmylamb]

Well maybe they have to give more incentives to sell more xbox consoles in japan since it doesnt do too well from what i hear over there.

[msdmoney]

Damn I am going to pick up an XBOX but was waiting for a holiday bundle. This bundle is kind of disappointing. I guess they really don't have to include much since the system has been selling pretty well in the US.

[Eastsidecracker]

Well are the games going to be in different cases, or in same case and same dvd?

[GizmoGC]

This true. Game Rush receiving the same information as the orignal poster said. However, it says we will get it around when Halo 2 comes out.

[JesusisGod]

Is there a price yet for this bundle? Is xbox dropping in price before Halo2 comes out?

[aphasias]

thanks for posting this. i have been curious about what the holiday bundle would be because i plan on buying an xbox soon, but i have to say im very disappointed. i have never had any interest in sports games...

its better than nothing, though...

[LV-426RS]

IMO they should pack Halo 2 in with the xbox for a price of $190. Halo 2 will probably be a system seller so why not make a package deal for a few bucks cheaper than an xbox and halo 2 seperately to help to make it an even better system seller?

[Eastsidecracker]

IMO they should pack Halo 2 in with the xbox for a price of $190. Halo 2 will probably be a system seller so why not make a package deal for a few bucks cheaper than an xbox and halo 2 seperately to help to make it an eve better system seller?
http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/hsdemonz/halo2case/Halo2case.jpgThose luck ***** get that.

And does NCAA Football 2005 and Top Spin come in seperate game cases or the same?

[zewone]

^^^

I thought that was a fake picture.

[jmon22]

Jesus why are you people complaining. IMO packaging a 50 dollar new football game and a 20-30 dollar game (and both are very good) with the xbox that comes with nothing as of now is a pretty good deal.

[CaseyRyback]

if you knew how much games cost in Europe, you would not call them lucky

[Admiral Ackbar]

if you knew how much games cost in Europe, you would not call them lucky


you got that right!

[deathcabforcutie]

IMO they should pack Halo 2 in with the xbox for a price of $190. Halo 2 will probably be a system seller so why not make a package deal for a few bucks cheaper than an xbox and halo 2 seperately to help to make it an even better system seller?

why would MS do that? halo 2 is going to sell them TONS of xboxes, this way, they would lose $10 from everyone who planned to buy the xbox and halo 2.. on the other hand, $10 off for the consumer would not make much difference, because if someone didn't plan on buying halo 2 and an xbox at the normal price ($200), then 10 bucks would make no difference what so ever... IMO, if thats what you wanted, buy the xbox bundle, and halo 2, then for $200 bucks you'd have the system, ncaa 2005, top spin, and halo 2. pretty nice deal.

[KingDox]

well at least this means that I'll be able to pick up top spin for dirt cheap now. I'm sure that tons of people will trade it the moment they get it.

[slidecage]

when do these boxes hit.

[sblymnlcrymnl]

When I got my xbox it came with JSRF/Sega GT and Rallisport Challenge.

They should definitely pack in Halo 2 or even the original.

[slidecage]

i got an xbox what isnt loading up half the freaking time. I might wait for these boxes to hit before taking it back to BB and getting a new system

[Chacrana]

If I didn't have an XBox already, I definitely wouldn't be convinced to get one based on this bundle. I don't like sports games in general and I really think Microsoft should've included something that people would want to see bundled with an Xbox... like Halo or Ninja Gaiden or something good

[MetalGator]

I got jacksh-t with my Xbox, $300 Xmas of 2001

[PS2gamerGCN]

sweet. i want ncaa 2005 still and the combo disc should be re-selling cheaply once tons of people get this :)

[gza331]

SegaGT/JSRF FOR LIFE!

[Trakan]

2 free games is good with me.

[NateWhs152]

I work at GameCrazy and they are in my computer system it is toca racer 2 and colin mcrea rally

[Kaijufan]

Sports games. :roll:

[-Never4ever-]

Can't wait for the 2 pack to drop to like $10 next year, like the other 2 bundles.

[alfonsosoriano]

NCAA 05 rocks.

[alfonsosoriano]

Man, I so want that HALO 2 pack.

[mttakah]

I would concur that MS should be bundling Halo 2 for this coming xmas season. I would almost buy another Xbox for some system link action. :twisted:

[yeahokthenfu]

Can't wait for the 2 pack to drop to like $10 next year, like the other 2 bundles.
Or maybe we can pick them up for a penny again at circuit city

[zzl365]

Am I the only one who thinks that this is an awesome package. I mean maybe not everyone plays sports games, but the target market is 18-34 year old males, most of whom are sports fans. Couple that with the fact that they packed in two top notch games instead of two games that weren't selling really well (see last year) and I think you have a pretty darn good bundle. Maybe they should offer an alternative, but I think this thing will sell like crazy.

[soulwish2003]

nothing can top the tetris / clone wars combo...


;)

[Othergods]

If I just bought an Xbox from walmart will they exchange it for the bundle? Does the bundle cost more?

[dude2003]

hmm
my xbox just broke down a week ago so i might wait for this to come out to buy another. anyone knows someone will buy a broke xbox? i think i can be fixed but i'm too lazy to buy a hex-screwdriver to open it

[bingbangboom]

I think it would have been better if they offered Gamer's Packs. Basically there could be a sports, action or family pack. That way different gamers can pick what pack they want. Eh, it is whatever though.

[SaMiDaDrAgOn]

Dude2003 Just Ebay it. I see broken xbox's go for like 70 bucks. Just sell as is. People will buy it, even though it's broken.

Back to the topic. Is that pic fake, the one of the Halo 2 bundle. I'm looking into buyin' one. I'll wait prolly another month. Right before Halo 2 comes out.

[lain21us]

This bullshit holiday bundle makes me want to puke red and green.

[dracula]

Dude2003 Just Ebay it. I see broken xbox's go for like 70 bucks. Just sell as is. People will buy it, even though it's broken.

Back to the topic. Is that pic fake, the one of the Halo 2 bundle. I'm looking into buyin' one. I'll wait prolly another month. Right before Halo 2 comes out.

i am pretty sure it is the euro bundle

[marcos]

I got Jsrf/Sega GT for $2.99 the other day.

[-Never4ever-]

Dude2003 Just Ebay it. I see broken xbox's go for like 70 bucks. Just sell as is. People will buy it, even though it's broken.

Back to the topic. Is that pic fake, the one of the Halo 2 bundle. I'm looking into buyin' one. I'll wait prolly another month. Right before Halo 2 comes out.

That's a pic of the European exclusive Halo 2 Xbox bundle.

I was thinking about it, but the rumored cost is said to be near $400 :shock:

no thanks.

[dracula]

Dude2003 Just Ebay it. I see broken xbox's go for like 70 bucks. Just sell as is. People will buy it, even though it's broken.

Back to the topic. Is that pic fake, the one of the Halo 2 bundle. I'm looking into buyin' one. I'll wait prolly another month. Right before Halo 2 comes out.

That's a pic of the European exclusive Halo 2 Xbox bundle.

I was thinking about it, but the rumored cost is said to be near $400 :shock:

no thanks.

also, you would need a step up converter bc it would be on the wrong voltage

[Trakan]

I would concur that MS should be bundling Halo 2 for this coming xmas season. I would almost buy another Xbox for some system link action. :twisted:

Why wouldn't you just buy the new sports combo and pick up a copy of Halo 2? It's probably along the same price lines.

[magilacudy]

Top Spin is well worth the price of entry. More Top Spin on XBL is a good thing.

[vinsanity_2_k]

So is the rumor that this holiday bundle will hit the 24th of October, right around Halo 2's release or when? I need to buy a new xbox, so I need to know when would be the best time.

[SteveMcQ]

That's a hell of a deal.

[zewone]

Better than Star Wars/Tetris.
That combination was better then peanut butter and jelly.

So your saying you don't like PB & J that much?

[tubtub]

Vinsanity, the xbox reps are coming to TRU stores to package the current X-boxes in stores with the free game by October 29th(they start the 19th), so sometime between those dates the stores will have the bundles for sale, depending on when the reps make it in. Then the bundles that already have the games inside of them are supposed to hit TRU stores the last week of October, so some places could get them in even sooner. I'd say by November 1st they should be everywhere at the latest.

[Nephets]

This is a pretty good deal, I don't see why people are complaining that they're getting two free games.

[Sofa King Cheap]

What's the price on this going to be? $149.99? What price was the bundle they had last year compared to a non-bundled system? Same or different?

[aphasias]

it was the same price last year...

[Wshakspear]

I dont think some of you people are realizing that this bundle isnt meant for current owners. The Tennis game will end up being a fun game for people, but packing in an EA game, a newer one, is a big surprise. When was the last time a ps2 got bundled with an EA game?

Yes, "F-EA!!" i know, i know...but anyway you put it, this bundle has a better chance of grabbing new customers than almost "no name" games (sorry Sega) and crap on a stick (f-you clone wars).

[LeviathynX]

We get the pan of weak sauce because Microsoft yanks us around by the girly bitch link chain of ownership. Japan and Europe get better deals because their marketshares for XBOX are lower than the girly bitch chain of America!

[vinsanity_2_k]

Vinsanity, the xbox reps are coming to TRU stores to package the current X-boxes in stores with the free game by October 29th(they start the 19th), so sometime between those dates the stores will have the bundles for sale, depending on when the reps make it in. Then the bundles that already have the games inside of them are supposed to hit TRU stores the last week of October, so some places could get them in even sooner. I'd say by November 1st they should be everywhere at the latest.

Ok Thanks alot for answering my question. I'll probably wait until right before Halo 2 comes around. I just need to get a memory card to save the game saves that I can actually copy onto the memory card.

The only down-side is that I have to transfer my songs, and the game-saves that for some reason won't transfer via a memory card.

[Trakan]

Vinsanity, the xbox reps are coming to TRU stores to package the current X-boxes in stores with the free game by October 29th(they start the 19th), so sometime between those dates the stores will have the bundles for sale, depending on when the reps make it in. Then the bundles that already have the games inside of them are supposed to hit TRU stores the last week of October, so some places could get them in even sooner. I'd say by November 1st they should be everywhere at the latest.

Ok Thanks alot for answering my question. I'll probably wait until right before Halo 2 comes around. I just need to get a memory card to save the game saves that I can actually copy onto the memory card.

The only down-side is that I have to transfer my songs, and the game-saves that for some reason won't transfer via a memory card.

With just 2 Xbox's, songs won't transfer and most games won't transfer.

[SaMiDaDrAgOn]

Good look tubtub........ I'll wait til the end of the month

[Trakan]

I dont think some of you people are realizing that this bundle isnt meant for current owners. The Tennis game will end up being a fun game for people, but packing in an EA game, a newer one, is a big surprise. When was the last time a ps2 got bundled with an EA game?

Yes, "F-EA!!" i know, i know...but anyway you put it, this bundle has a better chance of grabbing new customers than almost "no name" games (sorry Sega) and crap on a stick (f-you clone wars).

^This is exactly correct.

[godwheel]

I wish I could just buy the system for $99.99 instead :|

[Curien]

any new news on this bundle or any xbox price drops coming soon?

[BLarR]

The star wars/ tetris bundle was greatness. That sega gt/ jet set was garbage. This new one sounds pretty good, but w/o tetris, u can't sell a system imo, the story's that damn good.

[slidecage]

found out what was wrong with my system, IT has a crappy drive so im going to wait for the new packs to come out then take the system back to BB to get the XMAS Pack

[GundamFan]

speaking of drives, how can one tell what drive their Xbox has? I've heard the Samsung were the best, so will the new bundle include the Xbox with the Samsung drive?

[slidecage]

was a link somewhere i think

the U SHape is the crappie drive
the 0 shape is the avg
and the best drive has the 0 but 2 little o on the tray.... im sure someone can find that link


what is werid i got mine in APril and you would think you would get one of the better drives i got the U Shape drive

[SaMiDaDrAgOn]

So is there a probability of gettin' a certain drive? Is there any way to tell what drive is in the box. Like on the liscense, and jibberish on the side of the box or sumthin?

[DantheApe]

this xbox bundle come with a live trial?

my thompson drive in my jsrf/sega gt bundle xbox is starting to go and with getting a descent replacement drive costing upwards of $120 [i think, last time i priced] i might just try to talk my wife into lettin me get a new xbox to play halo 2 on

[GundamFan]

So is there a probability of gettin' a certain drive? Is there any way to tell what drive is in the box. Like on the liscense, and jibberish on the side of the box or sumthin?

I have the same question. If someone can answer this I would really appreciate it b/c I am considering purchasing an Xbox. And if someone could find that link I would be thankful as well.

[Monsta Mack]

Considering EA is packing in their own game, even if It's not madden, this is pretty big deal. Plus you get Microsoft's best (or second best) XSN sports game before they canned XSN; Top Spin, and some people have argued It's the best tennis game ever. Granted if they included Halo or Halo 2 with the bundle it would have been a no brainer for non xbox owners but this deal is still tight.

[SaMiDaDrAgOn]

So it's been confirmed. I'm not into sports games, but it's better than nuthin'. I'm still goin' to wait to see if TRU has better bundles.

[62t]

So is there a probability of gettin' a certain drive? Is there any way to tell what drive is in the box. Like on the liscense, and jibberish on the side of the box or sumthin?

I have the same question. If someone can answer this I would really appreciate it b/c I am considering purchasing an Xbox. And if someone could find that link I would be thankful as well.

There really isn't anyway to tell. Two Xbox produced in the same month might have different drves. With the newer dvd drive, it actually doesnt matter that much. If you want a certain drive, consider getting a used one.

[mmn]

Yeah, 62t is right, there's no way to tell. As far as I know, the boxes don't have any differences in the UPC or anything to tell you which drive is in there. But I always figured most drives these days are Samsungs. I think all the Xbox console boxes have the date they were manufactured printed on the outside of the box somewhere - get the one manufactured the latest and you should get a good drive.

Although I think this whole "Thompson drives suck" thing is ridiculous. I have a refurbed Xbox with a Thompson that's lasted me well over a year and a half and have never had a single problem with it.

[GundamFan]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll try and find the manufactured date and hope i get a good drive.

[GundamFan]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll try and find the manufactured date and hope i get a good drive.

[brainstorm]

bundle is up for pre order on eb

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/245721.asp

comes with xbox live 2 months free, and the 2 games mentioned, 149

imo, i think that the bundle is definetely worth it, u figure if your dont like the sports games u can bring them to eb or something for a trade in and put that money towards games you would rather have, and u still get 2 months of xbox live free, esp compared to the fact that u get nothing with an xbox now its not a bad deal by any means

[slidecage]

bundle is up for pre order on eb

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/245721.asp

comes with xbox live 2 months free, and the 2 games mentioned, 149

imo, i think that the bundle is definetely worth it, u figure if your dont like the sports games u can bring them to eb or something for a trade in and put that money towards games you would rather have, and u still get 2 months of xbox live free, esp compared to the fact that u get nothing with an xbox now its not a bad deal by any means

its a double Cd meaning most stores will not buy it back or if they do it be for a buxk or two its not like selling them Top spin and Ncaa 2005....... Good thing about this This should make Ncaa 2005 for the xbox Very very cheap

[ananag112]

I was looking for Top SPin for a while. I guess I will pick this up and get NCAA 2005 again and sell my PS2 Copy.

[flaprabbit]

I thought I'd let people know, I just picked up the Xbox Bundle with Top Spin and NCAA 2005. Well I open it up and discover it's one of the old xboxes, with the old huge controller and a phillips drive. They just slapped a sticker on the box and put the game inside and resealed it. Just be on the lookout, the outer box is all black, while the newer xboxes have a green picture on the front. Maybe this is their way of getting rid of older xboxes with non S controllers.

[blackjaw]

I thought I'd let people know, I just picked up the Xbox Bundle with Top Spin and NCAA 2005. Well I open it up and discover it's one of the old xboxes, with the old huge controller and a phillips drive. They just slapped a sticker on the box and put the game inside and resealed it. Just be on the lookout, the outer box is all black, while the newer xboxes have a green picture on the front. Maybe this is their way of getting rid of older xboxes with non S controllers.

where you get it at?
Pre-Order: Ships on 10/27/2004....per ebgames.com

[supadupacheap]

I thought I'd let people know, I just picked up the Xbox Bundle with Top Spin and NCAA 2005. Well I open it up and discover it's one of the old xboxes, with the old huge controller and a phillips drive. They just slapped a sticker on the box and put the game inside and resealed it. Just be on the lookout, the outer box is all black, while the newer xboxes have a green picture on the front. Maybe this is their way of getting rid of older xboxes with non S controllers.

Ive heard they do this (not just M$). It gets old units out the door faster. Im not sure how I want to handle this... 2 free games or newer xbox. Hmm. Decisions decisions.

[Drico]

I thought I'd let people know, I just picked up the Xbox Bundle with Top Spin and NCAA 2005. Well I open it up and discover it's one of the old xboxes, with the old huge controller and a phillips drive. They just slapped a sticker on the box and put the game inside and resealed it. Just be on the lookout, the outer box is all black, while the newer xboxes have a green picture on the front. Maybe this is their way of getting rid of older xboxes with non S controllers.

God.. Please tell me this isn't the case with all of them. I'll be fucking pissed if I get a shitty controller and Thomson drive!

[Sofa King Cheap]

I thought I'd let people know, I just picked up the Xbox Bundle with Top Spin and NCAA 2005. Well I open it up and discover it's one of the old xboxes, with the old huge controller and a phillips drive. They just slapped a sticker on the box and put the game inside and resealed it. Just be on the lookout, the outer box is all black, while the newer xboxes have a green picture on the front. Maybe this is their way of getting rid of older xboxes with non S controllers.

I think I read from a TRU employee that Microsoft reps come into the stores, open up the inventory of the Xboxs at hand, and insert the games. Of course, any new Xboxes that come in will have the games already bundled (I think).

Still, it's weird that there's still unopened Xboxs out there with the huge controller.

[Trakan]

I thought I'd let people know, I just picked up the Xbox Bundle with Top Spin and NCAA 2005. Well I open it up and discover it's one of the old xboxes, with the old huge controller and a phillips drive. They just slapped a sticker on the box and put the game inside and resealed it. Just be on the lookout, the outer box is all black, while the newer xboxes have a green picture on the front. Maybe this is their way of getting rid of older xboxes with non S controllers.

That sucks. It's normal though. They want to get rid of their older Xbox's so they just pack the 2 games in there.

[ChrisXE]

I work at toys r us in Norflk, VA, We recieved the new Xbox holiday bundle TODAY(still in shipping box so i have no clue what games are in it. they will be put out tommorow

about old Xbox's we actually have one of those star wars/tetris bundles and a Halo Bundle, but they been in the inventory room forever :( no love for halo

[Drico]

You should rip some open and tell us if they all have shitty controllers. :)

[supadupacheap]

Dang, now I really getting Shaq fu-ing pissed. As if theres not enough garbage to deal with, now I gotta be looking out for old xboxs too. Grrr

[doubledown]

I just say the HOLIDAY BUNDLE with NCAA & TopSpin at Best Buy today when I picked p Dawn of the Dead. Thy also had a buttload of GTA:SA