Halo 2.5 On Xbox Next?

Rumor has it that Microsoft and Halo developer Bungie will be releasing an updated version of Halo 2, dubbed Halo 2.5, on the Xbox 2 upon system launch. According to various online sources, the retooled Halo 2 will feature updated graphics and will support HDTV resolutions.

Gaming website TeamXbox noted that Halo 2.5 would be pre-installed on the hard drive based Xbox 2, which from the look of things will be optional. Here’s a snip from the TeamXbox article:

Sounds crazy to us but that’s what we have been told. Interestedly, if this is true, the rumor confirms the existence of, at least, two editions of the Xbox successor. Last month, we reported about the supposed Microsoft plan to release three versions of the Xbox successor. Although never in console history has an add-on sold enough to represent a large percentage of the install base, the inclusion of Halo 2.5 would probably sell millions of hard drives and/or other peripherals that includes this special edition.

What about all the Halo 2 fans who stood in line at midnight on Nov. 9 to pick-up their copy of the game? Will these guys feel duped for having purchased an inferior version of the game? It is also interesting to note that it was also rumored earlier this year that an updated version of the original Halo would be released. And as we all know, the title never showed-up on store shelves.