Special Edition Zunes
last updated on September 16, 2009
For some reason the guys and gals at Microsoft seem to love releasing different revisions of their products and Zune as it turns out is no exception (Don’t worry they usually all cost the same price). Below you’ll find a complete list of all the special edition Zunes we know about to date, with a short description of the reason for it’s creation and it’s release date. Click on the images for a full album of each edition in our photos area. If you know of any special edition Zunes that aren’t listed email us at theteam@zunespring.com with a picture and description.
Zune 30 special editions
Released June 10, 2007 the red Zune 30 was originally designated as a “limited edition” however, it has remained on store shelves in Target stores and Amazon’s web site.
Zune 30 Ambassador Editions (Brown, White, & Black)
Released December 23, 2006, the ambassador Zunes (one design logo in all three original colors) were distributed via the Zune Ambassador Program. Each college Zune Master was given a Ambassador Edition player along with party supplies, to promote the Zune brand. The program was not reinitiated for the following academic year.
Zune 30 Launch Orange
Released November 14, 2006, Launch Orange was given out to members of the Zune team by Microsoft as a shipping gift to honor their commitment to the brand and launching the product to the public.
Zune 30 Warriors in Pink
Released October 18, 2007, Warriors in Pink was designed for Breast Cancer Awareness Month teaming the Ford Motor Company and Microsoft to sell the devices for $249.99 (USD) with all of the profits going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Zune 30 Launch Pink
Released November 14, 2006, Launch Pink was given out to members of the Zune team by Microsoft as a shipping gift to honor their commitment to the brand and launching the product to the public.
Zune 30 Halo 3
Released May 11, 2007, the Halo 3 Zune 30 was created in honor of Microsoft’s blockbuster game Halo 3 by Bungie Software and was made available through GameStop and EB Games retail outlets as of June 15, 2007.
The special edition comes loaded with a collection of “Halo” content, including videos, soundtracks, trailers, ads and artwork.
Zune 30 [Adult Swim]
Released April 30, 2007, [Adult Swim] Zune, has the Adult Swim logo and preloaded content from their upcoming new season. Members of the press were each handed one of the 500 players produced.
Zune 30 Nylon Pink
Released Sometime in 2007, Not much is known about the Nylon Pink Zune except that it was made for the fashion magazine Nylon.
Zune 30 Military Halo
Released August 6, 2007, Microsoft announced that it was offering a brown Halo Zune exclusively for military personnel and their families, at discounted rates through military retail stores. They are also gave away 300 of these to a group of soldiers leaving for active duty in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Zune 30 Wisen & Yidel
Released October 29, 2007, latin “reggae” act Wisen & Yidel became the first musical performers to receive their own custom Zune player. The device was sold preloaded with music videos, music, and artwork from the duo.
Zune 30 Orchard Street
Released September 28, 2007, with a limited production of 40, Orchard Street & Microsoft came together to design this exclusive design available in only their retail location. The Zune also included a matching t-shirt and windbreaker.
Zune 30 Live at the BBQ
Discovered September 28, 2007, it was reportedly distributed as prizes during the Zune “Live at the BBQ” events during summer 2007.
Zune 30 Special Intern Edition
Discovered August 2007, on the Flickr web site, it was given to Microsoft interns during Summer 2007.
Zune 30 Binary Backing
Discovered August 13th, 2007, by tipsters, this Zune remains one of the most mysterious of the entire Special Edition line.
Zune 30 DJ Outreach Program
Discovered September 2007, by this site on Flickr, this Zune remains one of the most mysterious of the entire Special Edition line. Most web sites have yet to include this model on their roster of Special edition Zunes due to there being nearly no information about it.
Zune 30 Auction 2006
Released October 29, 2006, Prior to the official Zune launch on November 14, 2006, three of the most influential stores on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles – Stussy, Union, and Undftd – auctioned off customized Zune media kits. The kits contained a Zune MP3 player, Shure E5c earphones, JBL on tour portable loudspeakers, and Zero Halliburton black aluminium attache. Two kits per store were prepared: a red Union, a black Stussy, and a black Undftd, each sporting the logo of the store and custom playlists.
Special Edition Flash Zunes
Released in November 2007, and discovered on Flickr, Launch Lemon marked the first time the Zune Team had received a model before it had went into production for the public. Given as a launch gift to Zune Team members it has a custom capacity of 16 GBs.
Released in mid 2009, this Zune was released during the last season of the hit television series that also bares it’s name. A model was given to Zune community member DilPickle1 by Zune and music blog InsidetheCircle, as well as other websites & blogs.
Made espcially for and given away by the Zune Team to Gizmodo.com readers at a Ski Meetup on April 4, 2008!
Zune 4 Warriors in Pink
Announced on October 16, the Ford Warriors in Pink, was released to benefit the Susan G. Kollman foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Zune 120 Special Editions
Announced on October 1, 2008 and available for release on November 6th, the Gears of War 2 special edition includes 240 pieces of exclusive media preloaded for Gear of War Fans and is available from Walmart and Amazon.