Halo 3 beaten before unboxed

Some copies of the Xbox 360 game Halo 3 Limited Edition have been scratched inside the packaging.

Microsoft has managed to hook up one of the fastest product replacements ever, as limited edition versions of blockbuster Halo 3 arrived pre-damaged.

Some discs came loose from a pad inside the metallic cases and were scratched - so Microsoft has already set up a worldwide disc replacement programme for its biggest-ever Xbox game release.

It covers the Halo 3 Limited Edition game disc and accompanying Essentials disc.

A spokesperson for Microsoft in New Zealand says initial feedback shows only a small number of customers are affected.

The scratches are purely aesthetic, and are unlikely to cause any problems with gameplay.

- NZ HERALD STAFF