Microsoft announced earlier today that beginning on October 15th, the first batch of Platinum (ie. cheaper) Hits for the Xbox 360 will reach North American retailers at a price of $30, $10 more than previous gen Platinum/Greatest Hits games.

The first titles to get the discount treatment are as follows:

- Perfect Dark Zero

- Project Gothom Racing 3

- Kameo: Elements of Power

- Need for Speed: Most Wanted

I can already hear people complaining about the new $30 v. old $20 price, but really, who cares? You can either pay $30 or you can pay $60. Don't be a crybaby. 

The 2nd wave of cheap-o titles will arrive in Spring '07. And there was much rejoicing.

REDMOND, Wash. — September 20, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the debut of Platinum Hits lineup for Xbox 360 software titles, available October 15 at retail locations in North America. The first wave of Platinum Hits games includes "Perfect Dark Zero" (Microsoft Game Studios), "Project Gotham Racing 3" (Microsoft Game Studios), "Kameo: Elements of Power" (Microsoft Game Studios) and "Need for Speed Most Wanted" (Electronic Arts). The games will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $29.99 USD.

The Xbox Platinum Hits program accounted for more than sixteen million software sales - approximately 16 percent of all Xbox software sold. Platinum Hits titles for the first Xbox console included "Halo: Combat Evolved" (Bungie) and "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge" (Microsoft Game Studios), some of the best-reviewed games on the console.

"The Platinum Hits program allows existing gamers and new gamers alike to have access to great games at a great price," said Mitch Koch, corporate vice president of Worldwide Retail Sales for the Interactive Entertainment Business. "Xbox 360 will have a ten million unit head start by the end of 2006, and there will be plenty of new console owners eager to jump in to the best-selling Xbox 360 games."

"Not only does the Platinum Hits program offer games at a great value," Koch added, "it ensures that the platform's best games are available to new customers at an amazing price. And if you missed playing a game the first time around, now is a great reason to pick it up."

"The Platinum Hits program was extremely successful for the Xbox, and we are excited to see it continue on the Xbox 360," said Bob McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at GameStop Corp. "When you look at the Xbox 360's fantastic games library, and now the inclusion of the Platinum Hit program, it is easy to see the great value and choices that all gamers are able to tap into."