While Halo 5: Guardians is still a ways off in the distance, 343 Industries have tantalized potential buyers with pre-order bonuses for both digital and physical copies of the Limited Collector's Edition version of the game. While the commemorative statue and added map packs provide excellent added value for those Spartan fans with some extra money to sink into the franchise, there have been some people requesting flexibility in the pre-order business model.

Originally, 343 Industries had intended for those who pre-ordered Halo 5: Guardians to gain access to the game a full week ahead of its official release date, thus requiring those who pre-ordered the game to receive a digital copy. However, 343 Industries announced today that those who pre-order a digital copy of Halo 5: Guardians Limited Collector's Edition will now have the option to exchange their digital key for a physical copy of the game at no extra cost.

It's that last part of the news that is the most important, as fans eager to get their hands on Halo 5: Guardians ahead of time are no longer faced with the decision between a digital copy and bonuses or a physical copy and no unique Halo themed swag. Fan feedback on Twitter had been largely positive except for the inability to get collector's items with a physical copy of the game. Although Microsoft has yet to announce how the trade-in option will work, its mere existence should increase pre-order sales.

Microsoft announced the different editions and pricing for Halo 5: Guardians when the Halo 5 beta officially kicked off six months ago, with the Limited Collector's Edition coming in at a cool $250. These kinds of premium price tags haven't hurt sales any bit, as the Halo series recently eclipsed 65 million total units sold according to Microsoft. That's a gaming milestone that few other franchises can rival.

It makes sense that 343 Industries is willing to compromise on how they move physical copies of the game, since its being marketed as the premier reason to own an Xbox One come Christmas season, and pleasing the highest number of fans possible is good publicity for both the studio and the console. Given that Xbox One sales have spiked following a successful E3 campaign, it might be more good news for Microsoft as Halo 5: Guardians gets closer to launch.

Have your feelings on the Xbox One changed post-E3? Does Halo 5: Guardians make you more likely to purchase a system if you don't already own one? Let us know in the comments below.

Halo 5: Guardians launches October 27, 2015 exclusively for the Xbox One console.

Source: VG 24/7