There will be a "significantly less" amount of Halo 4 Limited Edition copies at launch than previous Halo releases, 343 Industires confirmed.
If you intend on purchasing the limited edition which comes packed with additional multiplayer maps, Specializations unlocks, and a UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet, you may want to do so as soon as possible.
Halo 4 development director Frank O'Connor told fans that only a "small percentage" of the total manufactured units will be the limited edition version.
As a reminder, here's what the Halo 4 Limited Edition includes:
War Games Map Pack Access
The competitive multiplayer modes of Halo 4 are known as War Games. The Limited Edition includes access to nine maps – three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations, available for download post-launch on Xbox LIVE. Yes, you read that correctly; you get nine maps in the form of future DLC with the purchase of the Halo 4 Limited Edition. Score!Specializations
Everyone will have access to select Specializations, but those that purchase the Halo 4 Limited Edition will receive the ability to unlock six Specializations early, available at launch on Xbox LIVE. You can use them, one at a time, to achieve higher ranks in your Spartan career. In addition to gaining access to new ranks, Specializations unlock new customization options. We’ll be releasing more information about Specializations at E3, so expect additional details about this particular feature then.UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet
The UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet includes a Spartan armor customization schematic, information about UNSC weapons, an introduction to the massive ship UNSC Infinity, and insight into what it means to be one of humanity’s finest warriors: The Spartan-IVs. Story lovers will especially enjoy this in-fiction offering that provides a glimpse into the indoctrination of Spartans aboard the Infinity.Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Special Edition
The Special Edition of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn is a 90-minute extended version of the live-action digital series which will take fans back to the terrifying beginning of the Human/Covenant war, when the Master Chief inspired a young cadet who would eventually become a leader aboard the UNSC’s greatest vessel ever: the UNSC Infinity.
Digital content also includes in-fiction bonus content that expands the characters and stories of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, special featurette Bringing Gaming into Reality, and a behind the scenes look at the making of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.Bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE
The Limited Edition includes the following bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE: unique in-game Spartan-IV armor skin, unique in-game weapon skin for the Assault Rifle, an exclusive in-game emblem, Xbox LIVE Avatar prop, and Xbox LIVE Avatar Spartan IV armor set.
The Halo 4 Limited Edition version is actually available for pre-order now for $99.99. Only the standard version and the limited edition version will be the only two options available at retail for Halo 4 so if you want the bonuses, then there's really no sense in waiting and risking missing out.
Then again, this could just be fodder to increase the sense of urgency in pre-ordering. We really have no idea how many copies will be available at launch and I have a hard time believing Microsoft or 343 will limit their potential revenue by only making a certain amount.
