Update 2: Microsoft has now confirmed that Halo 2 definitely headed for Platinum Hits. The shock of the confirmation nearly made us spew out our iced tea. Nearly.

After being on the market since 2004, earning an average metacritic score of 95 and selling millions upon millions of copies, Microsoft decided Halo 2 could sit among the Max Payne and Shark Tales of the world and officially become a Platinum Hit. Woohoo! Actually, we bet it was the other way around. Halo 2 finally decided it was time to lower itself to the Platinum Hits catalog and force Microsoft to quit milking its $39 retail price tag as its retail teets have become sore and gone dry (yeah, bad mental picture).

We confirmed Halo 2's Platinum Hits status after recently spotting the game's retail box art (viewable above) over on one of Microsoft's press websites. We also can't help but point out that Halo 2's Platinum Hits box is chalk full of marketing goodness including a "Plays on Xbox 360" stamp and a rather large blue inset that tells everyone that Halo 2 is the "Best Selling Xbox Game Ever". You know, just in case weren't aware. Anyway, the new Halo 2 Platinum Hits edition should be shipping to retailers sometime soon and will carry the typical Platinum Hits price of $19.99 even though we're sure you can find the game clearance priced for cheaper. But who wouldn't want a copy of Halo 2 in that iconic and oh so brag worthy silver jewel case. Right?