Retailers like EBGames are hoping to take some guesswork out for consumers wanting an Xbox 360 but are not willing to juggle the costs of consoles, games and accessories by offering some customized retail launch bundles for pre-order.  It should be noted that neither of the original Xbox 360 hardware bundles that Microsoft already announced (standard/premium and Core) are available for pre-order on their own.  So be warned: if you thought $399.99 US for the standard Xbox 360 bundle was expensive already, wait until you see what these packages cost.

EBGames will sell both an "Xbox 360 Ultimate Bundle" and an "Xbox 360 Core Bundle" for $699.92 US and $599.93 US, respectively.  The Ultimate bundle includes the fully-featured "standard" Xbox 360 kit which retails for $399.99 on its own, plus an extra wireless controller, a rechargeable battery pack for the controller and finally the "Play & Charge Kit" that allows wireless controllers to recharge from a power outlet while you continue to play.

The Core bundle meanwhile packages the $299.99 Core Xbox 360 kit (surprised?) alongside an extra wired controller and memory unit.  They must really want to drive home the point that "Core" means "no Xbox 360 hard drive", no matter where you're looking.

Both retail bundles include 4 launch gaming titles: Perfect Dark Zero Limited Edition, Dead or Alive 4, Kameo: Elements of Power and Project Gotham Racing 3.

Early adopters may get some encouragement when they discover that these retailers are also offering first party Xbox 360 launch titles for $49.99 US.  Unfortuately, pricing for third party published game titles is still expected to be around the initial $60-70 US prices that were previously rumored for future next-gen gaming titles.

If you were never really a fan of store-made bundles because of the extra stuff they tend to pack in and make you pay for, you might want to wait until the hardware-only Xbox 360 consoles go on sale on their own.  As it stands now, someone who just wants an Xbox 360 and Dead or Alive 4 (for example) will need to save up a lot more money than they expected to.