As you may already know, Microsoft is pretty strict about who it allows to make third-party controllers for the Xbox 360. So, instead of partaking in an extended licensing battle with Microsoft, some companies choose to come up with controller modifications instead.

I thought that the upgraded thumbsticks from Evil Controllers were already pretty neat, but the crazy kooks at KontrolFreek seem to be stepping it up to a whole new level with the FPS Freek and Speed Freek. Get ready to get your freak on.

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The console wars have just gotten a little more heated. Following SONY’s song and dance with their price drops and the introduction of their new PS3 SLIM model earlier on, Microsoft has responded with deals of their own for Canadian gamers.

First off, the Xbox 360 Pro console remains in the line up for a little longer, but drops to $279.99 CAD, which is a $20 savings. MS has stated that this is a limited quantity thing so it looks like once they’re gone from inventory, they’re gone. Its replacement looks to be the Xbox 360 Elite which will start going for $329.99 CAD right away, but MS has thrown us a little bone for once in the Great White North.

Starting tomorrow (August 28th) and for a limited time, Canadians that are springing for the Xbox 360 Elite will get a chance to pick up a rather decent bundle that includes the still fun to this day title, Halo 3 and to give SONY a swift punch to the head, they are including WiFi by throwing in their Wireless Network Adapter; something that used to be an advantage of the PS3 over the Xbox 360.

This bundle will hit stores for the price of the standalone Xbox 360 Elite which is $329.99 CDN. No end date for this special bundle has been announced, so I’ll assume that means “While Quantities Last”.

Other details of this limited time bundle include…

• 1 Black Wireless Controller
• 120 GB Memory Storage
• Xbox LIVE Wired Headset
• Network Ethernet Cable
• 30 day Free Trial of Xbox LIVE Gold Membership

There had been rumors that the Elite would be losing its HDMI cable in the box and I guess that rumor is reality. Seriously, this isn’t a big deal because an HDMI cable can be had for $10 bucks. Probably less if you shop around. Personally, I’d take the WiFi Adapter over the HDMI cable any day of the week.

So let me think…hmm… do I buy the Elite Bundle for $329.99 CAD? Or do I buy the Elite by itself for $329.99 CAD?

If you were one of the unfortunate few that got stuck with the gimped Xbox 360 Arcade help is on the way courtesy of Microsoft. A new bundle retailing for $109 CDN will give you all the Xbox Live action that you’ve been missing out on. That’s right. You no longer have to play with yourself.

The bundle includes…

• 60 GB hard drive… Download HD movies and games from Xbox LIVE directly to your 60GB hard drive
• Xbox 360 wired headset… Strategize with team mates or chat with friends over Xbox LIVE
• Three-month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription… Play your favourite games online with your friends
• Ethernet cable… Plug your Xbox 360 in and start enjoying Xbox LIVE

In other words, pretty much everything that you should have bought in the first place, before you were duped into the Arcade Bundle. I know that some of you were victims of uninformed gift givers. Simply buy the bundle, do the stealth install, and then tell people that the reason you didn’t join them on Xbox Live was because you didn’t have Internet (anything but the truth). They’ve shipped today so expect to see them soon at a store near you.

TORONTO, ON. – Sept. 3, 2008 – Imagine if friends and families had the ability to instantly watch movies from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, live out their musical fantasies through “Rock Band 2″ (Harmonix/MTV Games) and “Lips” (iNiS Corp./Microsoft Game Studios) and star in their own Hollywood classics with “You’re in the Movies,” – all from one device, starting at $199 (CDN). That device is Xbox 360, and Microsoft Corp. today announced it will offer the gaming and entertainment console, which offers the leading Xbox LIVE service, at a new low price in Canada. Beginning Sept. 5, Xbox 360 Arcade will retail for the estimated retail price of $199.99 (CDN), the Xbox 360 console for $299.99 (CDN) and Xbox 360 Elite for $399.99 (CDN).

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TORONTO, ON – September 2, 2008 – Microsoft Game Studios and Rare Ltd. invite you to return to the vibrant Pinata Island as “Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise” lands at North American retailers today. Rated “E” for Everyone and retailing for $39.99, this Xbox 360 exclusive transforms players’ living rooms into a tropical utopia filled with bright, exotic piñata animals that you attract and nurture as you create your own colourful garden paradise.

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