For over 20 years, Halo has been one of the dominant franchises in the video game landscape. In a year already full of special merchandise, Xbox has teamed up with Riddel to create a limited edition Halo football helmet inspired by none other than Master Chief.
It's the 20th anniversary of both Xbox and Halo, and to celebrate there has been a litany of exclusive items released. Well before Halo Infinite's debuted, Xbox launched a lineup of special 20th-anniversary gear, some of which prioritize Xbox iconography, with others incorporating Halo graphics as well. Halo specifically has seen many neat collaborations like the Swarovski crystals that look like Master Chief and an energy sword, and a limited-edition Master Chief Lakers jersey. One of the coolest items available is probably the Nerf replica of the Halo Needler, looking like it was ripped right from one of the games (aside from the dart slots at the end).
Xbox has unveiled a new piece of exclusive Halo merchandise, a Master Chief-inspired football helmet from Riddel. The news comes from a recent Xbox Wire post by James Monosmith, the Senior Sales and Marketing Manager of Xbox Consumer Products, who discusses the interesting collaboration between Xbox and Riddel. "To celebrate the iconic helmet and launch of Halo Infinite, Riddell and Xbox have teamed up to create a limited production, commemorative Master Chief-inspired helmet to celebrate the recent launch of the game," Monosmith writes. Riddell Sports is one of the leading manufacturers of football head protection.
The helmet takes heavy inspiration from Master Chief's armor and helmet. From the large "117" text emblazoned on the side of the helmet, to the plasma-damaged green paint job, and the Oakley Pro Shield eye protection that resembles Master Chief's signature golden visor, it isn't quite Master Chief's Mjolnir armor, but it is the next best thing. This helmet is available for purchase in limited quantities from Riddell for $1,000, and can be won through the Halo Gear sweepstakes currently happening on Twitter. Those looking to get this helmet should be aware "the Master Chief inspired helmet is for display use only and is not designed or intended for actual play or use," as Monosmith states.
This piece of commemorative Halo merchandise is perhaps one of the most fascinating collaborations that Xbox has done yet. It sits in a weird middle area as a piece directly inspired by Halo, but is also not quite a direct piece of memorabilia in the same way that some other merchandise has been. For example, Rockstar Energy Drink released a Master Chief helmet that was adorned with the exclusive Halo Infinite artwork done in a recent promotion for the game. One doesn't need to be a football fan to go after this Halo helmet, but it definitely makes more sense if they were.
Source: Xbox Wire