One of the biggest reasons why the Xbox 360 has sold as many systems as it has done over the last few years, is because of the Halo franchise. The series solidified the console as a legit player in the gaming industry, and it all started with the original Halo which was released back in 2001 for the first Xbox. It proved Microsoft didn’t just have to rely on third-party titles and much like Sony and Nintendo, they could come out with exclusives of their own.

Now Microsoft has another idea and they think this could be just as big as their Halo series — if not bigger. During E3, the company showed-off for the first time, Project Natal. Unlike Halo, this concept is not a game, but a controller-free motion censor. While the unit certainly looks cool, many hardcore gamers have their doubts and it probably stems from the lack of presentable games taking advantage of the accessory. However, it now seems like there is a chance Microsoft might be combining their biggest title with Project Natal.

While speaking with the Seattle Times, Bungie Studio President Harold Ryan teased the idea that Halo: Reach, the company’s next Halo game after ‘ODST,’ could support Natal.

“I absolutely think ‘Reach’ could be enabled with it,” Ryan said, while asked if if the game could be used with Project Natal.

This could be the perfect storm for Microsoft. As of now, Halo: Reach is expected to be released at the end of 2010. Some are also suggesting that Project Natal will be shipped to stores around the same time. If these dates end up being legit, what better way to promote Natal than saying it will launch with Microsoft’s biggest franchise?