Halo 3 Launch

New Yorkers were the first consumers in the U.S. to get their hands on Halo® 3 after hundreds of eager fans lined up ahead of the midnight extravaganza at Best Buy near Times Square.

The first two in line at Best Buy in New York City finally get Halo 3.

In addition to day-long activities, some fans in line had the chance to play Halo 3 against on-site celebrities, with a new personality arriving every hour. A number of Bungie team members, local professional athletes, and celebrities were on hand for launch activities and there was a surprise spectacle at the stroke of midnight.

Seattle fans couldn't wait to get their hands on the action-packed Halo® 3, and hundreds of eager hometown Halo fans turned out for the midnight extravaganza at Best Buy in Bellevue, Washington.

A lucky Halo 3 fan rewarded for his commitment.

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates was on hand to give out the first copy of Halo 3 at the store, where the crowds mingled with some senior Microsoft executives, the Bungie Studios team and local professional athletes.

Adding to the excitement were contests and prize giveaways in the run-up to the 12:01 A.M. launch.

With the biggest entertainment launch in history, more than 10,000 retailers hosted midnight madness events, giving fans the opportunity to be a part of history in the making.

In New York City, customers at Best Buy near Times Square were among the first in the U.S. to get a copy of Halo 3.