Microsoft couldn't let the gory, highly-anticipated launch of Gears of War 2 (chainsaw duels! Rhhhahaararggg!) pass without bloodying a Zune or three in the process, Halo 3-style. Specifically, Microsoft has laser-etched that pesky little "Crimson Omen" onto a glossy black Zune 120, pre-loaded the device with 244 pieces of "Gears of War" media -- the soundtrack, concept art, behind-the-scenes vids and so forth, nothing you won't be able to find elsewhere -- and squeezed it all into some "collectible" Gears packaging, featuring our testosterone-addled protagonist pondering the meaning of life. The whole kit will run you $280, with pre-orders at Walmart.com and Amazon.com (and a whole mess of Canadian shops) starting at 3AM PT / 6AM ET. It'll start shipping on November 7th. And still can't sync to your Xbox. Close-ups after the break.

According to an interview with Epic Games' senior producer Rod Fergusson, developers for the Xbox 360 may be reaching the outer edges of what is graphically possible with the console. In an interview with Gamasutra, the Gears of War / Gears of War 2 head says that recent advances and refinements are pushing the system further than expected, though he still believes there's some room to grow. In Fergusson's words: "I think we're certainly approaching the upper end of it, as far as what developers are able to do with it, but just looking at all the demos we saw today -- ours and others -- it's clear that all the games just keep improving, and keep pushing that bar." Of course, there's a long gap between pushing a system to its limits and starting to look around for its replacement, though since we all know another iteration of the Xbox is inevitable, none of this news should come as any surprise. They have a name for things like this... progress.

[Via GameDaily]

If you haven't seen it by now, behold, the Gears of War, Nerf Lancer modification. Forsaken_angel24's genius is rooted in the combination of a regular Nerf Longshot and toy chainsaw. Neither of which would cause the average Wal-mart parent cause for concern. Combined, they take on the form of this foreboding assault rifle with working chainsaw bayonet, LED lighting and sound effects... which shoots squishy balls at little girls. Full instructions for modders are posted over at the Nerfhaven forums. We've added a video after the break -- not so much a how-to as a loving tribute to man's god-given right to war.

[Via Hack n Mod, thanks Nick L.]

Ah c'mon, we all knew this day would come, but the sooner the better, right? While an Xbox 360 price cut has likely been in the works for some time now, it's no surprise that it hasn't happened quite yet. With Sony's latest gig coming in well over what Microsoft is asking, there's been no reason (yet) for Microsoft to take an even bigger loss (at launch, at least) on each console sale. Nevertheless, it seems the time is drawing nigh, as Microsoft's own Robbie Bach has stated that bringing down the costs associated with the console is "the first order of business." He also boasts about the 360's "larger installed base," and claims that its "fundamentally easier to manage on costs," insinuating that those price reductions would soon be passed onto the consumer as the Xbox 360 hits its second holiday season in full stride. This latest round of price yapping comes on the heels of European stores slashing bundle prices (history repeats itself?), offering the Premium console and Gears of War for an "unprecedented" £269.99 ($520). Although we aren't certain as to when Gates and company will indeed chop prices on its next-generation machine, we'd suggest holding off just a bit longer if you're already leaning this direction.

[Via MCV]

Love Engadget? Want to game with us to help Save Darfur? Hate Engadget? Want to get a tax writeoff for the privilege of curb stomping us in Gears of War? Well, now's your chance. In part one of this year's Engadget charity festivities, we're auctioning two hours of game time with Major Nelson and the editors of Engadget. You and your pals can choose to play with (or against) as many of us as you want -- just as long as you don't skip out on the charity end of business. Some details:

• Real bids only people, this is for charity!
• One week auction, no reserve.
• Game will be held Saturday, the 2nd (or Saturday the 9th, if necessary).
• Payment will go directly to Save Darfur, and will be expected to be made within two days of the auction's close.
• BYO Xbox 360, Live account(s), and Gears of War.
• Plan on us posting the final scoreboards on Engadget when the dust settles, even if we're humiliated pathetically.

100% deductible and 100% of the proceeds go to Save Darfur, so, what do you say? Let the bidding begin!

P.S. -No, the irony of a Safe Darfur charity Gears of War deathmatch isn't lost on us (hence the name). All we can say is, you guys picked the charity, we already planned out the event.