Today is the release of the eagerly anticipated Halo 3 game, which is expected to be the biggest game of the year and could have a massive impact on the next-generation console war itself.
In the US, 10,000 stores opened at midnight to sell the game. And experts expect the Halo 3 to bring in $150m in the first 24 hours – more than any Hollywood movie. Similarly, stores will be opening at midnight tonight in the UK.
Ever since the first Halo was launched on the Xbox, gamers have been waiting to play the sequels in high-definition on the Xbox 360. It could be the biggest selling title in video game history – and that’s good news for Microsoft.
Many reviewers are claiming that the high-definition image quality of the game is good enough to buy the Xbox 360 – sparking renewed interest in the games console itself.
Nintendo’s Wii still leads in global console sales but the Xbox 360 is still the biggest selling console in Europe and the US – and Microsoft will be hoping that Halo 3 gives it another shot in the arm.
Related stories
Halo 3 becomes fastest ever selling video game - and it's not even out yet
Xbox 360 Elite will arrive in August - but no price cuts
Wii sells almost as many as Xbox 360, despite one year head start
From: Battle of Bannockburn educational film to be made in high definition