Microsoft announced some major news items regarding the Xbox 360 platform yesterday at E3. Let’s try and recap some of the major announcements.

We all know that the Xbox 360 Elite console will be heading to Japan on October 11th. Now Microsoft has announced that the European availability of the black console will be on August 24th.

Microsoft also announced the following new products (some of which you already knew about).

First, we had the Microsoft Zune Halo 3 Special Edition, so it’s only natural to have an Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition too right? Gotta milk the Halo launch for all its worth! The new Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition console will feature:

• Halo 3 Special Edition Console
• Halo 3 Special Edition Wireless Controller
• Halo 3 Special Edition 20GB Hard Drive
• Halo 3 Special Edition Wired Headset
• Halo 3 Special Edition Gamer Pics and Theme (Exclusive download via Xbox LIVE)
• Component HD AV Cable
• Ethernet Cable
• HDMI Port
• Play & Charge Kit
• Xbox LIVE Silver Membership
• One-month Lbox LIVE Gold Membership

The special edition console will come out in September.

We knew about the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit from a few months back – now we have an actual launch date too. This device connects to an Xbox 360 controller and provides thumb-stroke chat capabilities while still allowing you to play your video games. The Xbox 360 Messenger Kit will include a chatpad and a headset and will be available starting on September 6th for an MSRP of $29.99.

Finally, Microsoft is adding splashes of color to their wireless controller – specifically three new colors. The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller will be available in pink, dark blue, and light blue for a price of $49.99. These controllers will be available in October.

Technorati Tags: Xbox 360, Halo 3 Special Edition, Xbox 360 Messenger Kit, Xbox 360 Wireless Controller