Microsoft Corp is offering to replace damaged discs of its just-launched Halo 3 game for the Xbox amid reports that special limited-edition packaging is scratching them.

On its Xbox Website, Microsoft says the disc replacement program covers the Halo 3 limited edition game disc and essentials disc at no charge through the end of the year.

Microsoft began selling Halo 3 on Tuesday, and the acclaimed alien shooter game is seen as the $30 billion video game industry's equivalent of a new Harry Potter book.

The Associated Press said that blogs were brimming with reports that special limited-edition packaging is scratching the videogame discs.

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