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Microsoft woos gamers with Surface Pro 2 bundle

The tablet bundle, which starts at $899, includes two downloadable PC games and an Xbox Wireless controller for Windows.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
2 min read

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Surface Pro 2 Sarah Tew/CNET
Microsoft is using a Geek & Sundry bundle to entice gamers to snag a Surface Pro 2 tablet.

The bundle, which starts at $899, offers gamers the Surface Pro 2 with 64GB of storage, as well as an Xbox Wireless controller for Windows. Microsoft also includes two downloadable PC games: War Thunder Mustang Advanced Pack and Farming Simulator 2013.

The offer, which is available only at MicrosoftStore.com, saves customers who would buy the products separately $104, Microsoft says.

Geek & Sundry is a YouTube-focused production company providing "geek-focused" video content. The company has a new series called "Unplugged" featuring Microsoft's Surface tablet. This bundle appears to be a way to promote that Web series through gaming -- a focus in Geek & Sundry programming.

Microsoft, meanwhile, has been trying to find ways to attract more customers to its ailing tablet. While the iPad, Amazon Kindle Fire HDX, and other slates continue to sell well, Microsoft has faced troubled attracting consumers. This latest effort is an attempt to find customers through strategic partnerships. Whether it will bear fruit remains to be seen.

The Geek & Sundry bundle is available with most Surface Pro 2 tablets. The company's 512GB option, which goes for $1,799, however, is not currently available. However, all other Surface Pro 2 models, ranging in storage size from 64GB to 256GB, can be included in the bundle. The 256GB Surface Pro 2 bundle will go for $1,299, while the 128GB option will retail for $999.

The Geek & Sundry bundle is available until May 1, or until supplies last. The deal is offered only on the Surface Pro 2, and customers are limited to one tablet per bundle purchase.

Microsoft shares are up 14 cents to $41.15 in pre-market trading.

CNET has contacted Microsoft for comment on the bundle. We will update this story when we have more information.