In June 2011, Microsoft released the Gears of War 3 Limited Collector’s Edition Xbox 360 S, designed to coincide with the launch of Gears of War 3. The console featured a red-and-black custom shell, exclusive Gears-themed startup sounds, and two wireless controllers. Most notably, it included a 320GB internal hard drive — the highest storage capacity ever offered in an official Xbox 360 bundle. According to IGN, the console quickly became a fan favorite and sold out in many regions during pre-orders.
Design Speciality of Xbox 360 Gears of War 3 Edition
Microsoft went all-in while making this xbox console to make it a physical tribute to Gear of War 3 game. The console came in a special edition box with a red-and-black finish having complete battle-damaged patterns and the iconic COG emblem. Every detail reflected in console was having a war-torn atmosphere of the Gears universe.
Key design features:
It wasn’t just a themed console. It felt like a piece of the game itself.
Technical Specifications of Xbox 360 Gears of War 3
Beneath its striking exterior, the Gears of War 3 Edition was built on the Xbox 360 S with slim and more refined design of the console. This meant smoother performance, quieter fans, better heat management and built-in Wi-Fi. All of which made it one of the most reliable and future-ready Xbox 360 models of its time.
| Specifications | Hardware Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Xbox Xenon Triple-Core 3.2 Ghz CPU |
| Storage | 320 GB Internal HDD |
| Graphics | ATI Xenos GPU |
| Connectivity | HDMI, built-in Wi-Fi and USB Ports |
| Controllers | 2x Gears-themed Xbox 360 wireless controller |
| Games Included | Gears of War 3 (Standard edition) + DLC |
It was one of the most feature-rich bundles ever offered for Xbox 360 owners.
Community Reception and Collector Demand
The Xbox 360 Gears of War 3 Edition released in 2011 and was more than a special edition console due to its rugged textures, custom sound effects and battle worn aesthetic. It was designed to reflect the gritty atmosphere of the Gears of War universe and gained recognition among fans of the franchise.
According to Microsoft’s official Xbox blog, the Gears of War 3 surpassed 1 million pre-orders ahead of launch that makes it the fastest pre-ordered exclusive in Xbox 360 history at the time. This hype translated into strong demand for the limited edition console which quickly sold out during pre-orders. Moreover IGN highlighted this console’s with 320GB hard drive and themed controllers as one of the most complete bundles ever released for the Xbox 360.
More than a decade later in 2025, the Gears 3 console continues to generate interest among collectors and retro gamers and many of whom regard it as one of the standout limited editions of its generation.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
The Gears of War 3 Edition remains a recognized example of Microsoft’s way of marketing their hardware during the Xbox 360 era. Its launch alongside Gears of War 3 and the inclusion of a 320GB hard drive positioned it as one of the more distinctive package released for the platform.
The Xbox 360 Gears of War 3 Edition was more than hardware that makes part of a best gaming experience. For longtime players, it’s a reminder of late-night co-op sessions, LAN parties and the golden age of Xbox Live.
Editor’s Recommendation
