Microsoft Corp.'s new Xbox 360 250GB SKU that includes Activision Inc.'s Modern Warfare 2 is defying the video game recession with a premium price for limited edition hardware. Already a pre-order hit, fans are embracing the $400 bundle as a value rather than a money grab.

Video game sales declined 16 percent in Aug. U.S. sales from the year prior according to NPD Group Inc.

Despite the fact, this week the new Xbox 360 250GB Modern Warfare 2 bundle SKU ranked in the top 10 best-selling products at retailer Amazon.com within 24 hours. Modern Warfare 2 hype may have helped pre-order sales, however, the bundle itself isn't too costly for what it includes.

At $100 more than the $299 120GB Elite SKU, buyers will receive two wireless controllers, a copy of the standard edition of Modern Warfare 2, and a limited edition Xbox 360 with a 250GB hard drive.

An extra wireless controller and a copy of Modern Warfare 2 will retail for around $100 combined to make the 130GB hard drive space practically free.

Pairing a bundle with a hot holiday game title isn't rocket science, but the Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 bundle is a rare limited bundle that includes a hardware SKU not yet sold separately, an enticing factor for core fans and new buyers alike.

Typical console bundles may include a standard hardware SKU and an undesirable game, however recent bundles have included a top-tier titles to make the sale.

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