Platinum Hits is a term used to refer to a line of select Xbox games that were considered by Microsoft to have sold considerable units on the platform in the nine months after release,[1] and have dropped in price from their original MSRP to a newer, lower price, generally that of $19.99,[2] although multi-game packs may sell for more. A similar budget range in PAL markets is known as Xbox Classics for £19.99 and Best of Classics for £9.99. In Japan, they are known as Platinum Collection games and generally cost ¥2,800, with a number of games such as Grand Theft Auto IV and Dynasty Warriors 6 at a higher price point of ¥3,800. Sales requirements may vary by region.
On September 8, 2006, Microsoft announced the Platinum Collection would be extended to the Xbox 360 platform.[3] On September 20, 2006, at Microsoft's Pre-Tokyo Game Show conference, they announced Platinum Hits for the Xbox 360 in North America, priced at $29.99 and Classics in the UK for £24.99.[4] A second wave of titles was released in early 2007, with additional games being added periodically.[5]
Platinum Family Hits are special Platinum Hits that have been designated appropriate for all ages. All current Platinum Family Hits are rated "E" by the ESRB, except for T-rated X-Men Legends and four E10+ rated games -- Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Unleashed, Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Not all Platinum Hits offerings that receive an E rating are labeled with the Family Hits designation, however. As with Platinum Hits, the new suggested retail (MSRP) is $19.99.
Best of Platinum Hits are select best-selling Platinum Hits that have a suggested retail price of $9.99 and a slightly different "Best of Platinum Hits" logo on the package design. Best of Platinum Family Hits are chosen from the Platinum Family Hits line.