Well, while many of our friends and the foolish among us are doubtlessly lining up outside of Gamestop while I speak, the rest of us can patiently run our slimy hands over the exclusive free content that Microsoft is giving its customers to celebrate the launch. Starting from midnight tonight, a limited-time only theme and gamerpic can be downloaded to all Xbox Live Gold accounts. You read that right -- Microsoft is actually going to give stuff away.

Furthermore, this Thursday will see the release of Inside Bungie: Halo 3 -- The Story, a behind-the-scenes look at this year's biggest game release with staff interviews that will be available via the Marketplace. On Friday you'll be able to get Inside Bungie: Halo 3 -- New Features which looks at all the, well, new features in Halo 3. 

You'll be able to nab this free stuff until September 30th, so Halo obsessives shouldn't delay. If you have a Gold Account, revel in the idea that The 'Soft is actually giving something out for free, and realise that the release of Halo 3 is truly an event, whether you love the game or hate it. 

[Thanks to TheGoldenDonut]