Halo 4 now has a release date, Microsoft have announced that Master Chief will return with a worldwide launch beginning on November 6. Halo 4 is set four years after the events in Halo 3, with Master Chief returning to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe.

Halo 4 will be the first outing in the Halo universe to be developed by a company other than Bungie, with 343 Industries taking the wheel. Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios says:

We are beginning a new saga with 'Halo 4' and embarking on a journey that will encompass the next decade of 'Halo' games and experiences. Millions of fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to step back into the boots of Master Chief, and, with 'Halo 4' leading the charge, we're confident 2012 will be the most successful year in Xbox history.

That's not all. Tonight, Conan O'Brien will help celebrate this fall's launch of Halo 4 with a special segment on CONAN on TBS at 11pm PDT/10pm CDT.