While I usually don't link to stories posted only in forums and none of my trusted sources, this link posted here last night by ariakaz seems to be legit. The specifics are this: according to this thread, on October 15th, Microsoft will sell a new Xbox package that includes the system, 1 Controller S, and two games from Sega -- Jet Set Radio Future and Sega GT 2002. While this isn't much of a huge bargain (both games can be found used relatively cheap) it's certainly a step up from the usual demo CD, and if the price is the same it's a worthwhile package. Still, I think Microsoft would have sold a whole lot more of these had they included Halo, or at least created a new set that includes the Xbox Live starter kit and one online title for $280. But like I said -- if the price is the same (and there's no reason why it shouldn't be), it's a good deal and worth checking out.

	Japanese Hardware Sales Because I know how much you all like these...here are the latest Japanese sales figures, as posted over at PlanetXbox. This week's list has the PS2 in its usual lead, followed by the GBA and GameCube, with the Xbox trailing behind the WonderSwan Crystal and PSOne with only 1,800 units.
	Phantasy Star Online I & II Details Sega has announced that as expected, Phantasy Star Online I & II will cost $8.95 a month, and will include new downloadable quests and items. What is surprising is that this game will not include a free month with the initial $50 purchase...strange. On a related note, new shots from the game can be found over at GameSpot.
	Nobunaga Online Beta Delayed More online nuttiness...Koei has announced that they have pushed their planned Japanese beta test for Nobunaga's Ambition Online back to mid-October. Hopefully console developers are starting to learn how difficult it is to launch a MMORPG, and by the time these games come out over here the biggest kinks will already have been worked out.
	Batman: Dark Tomorrow Preview A new preview from Batman: Dark Tomorrow is up at GameSpot tonight, looking at this GameCube title from Kemco, which unlike most recent Batman games is based on the current comics, not the animated series.
	Big Nintendo Announcement Coming? According to a Japanese magazine, a "mega-ton level" event is coming from Nintendo before the end of the year. What could this be? Damned if I know.
	GTA: Vice City Shots New shots from GTA: Vice City are up at PS2.IGN, showing off the level of 80's authenticity the developers have strived for...right down to the ugly-as-heck clothes.
	Malice Officially Delayed Well that didn't take long...just a day after reports surfaced online that Malice was being pushed into 2003 due to framerate issues, Sierra has confirmed that the game is now set for Q1 of next year.
	Return of the Cube Clubs Nintendo has announced that starting later this month, they will be touring the country with their Cube Clubs again. This year they'll be offering gamers the opportunity to sit down with Metroid Prime, Resident Evil 0, The Legend of Zelda and lots more.
	Misc. Screenshots Here's a whole ton of new screenshots: GameSpot has new shots from The Legend of Zelda (GC), Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (GBA), Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance (Xbox) and Medal of Honor: Frontline (GC), while IGN has new shots from Devil May Cry 2 , ZOE 2, Breath of Fire V and Clock Tower 3, all for PS2.