BioWare announces "Rise of the Hutt Cartel" digital expansion for SW:TOR

Here we are. It's the eve of the eve of the first anniversary of the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic and what do we wake up to? Presents!

Today, BioWare announced the very first-ever Digital Expansion pack for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Entitled "Rise of the Hutt Cartel," the announced features so far include:

• Experience 5 new levels, including story-driven missions, as the level cap increases to 55!
• Face-off against a frightening new enemy when you battle the nefarious Hutt Cartel.
• The fate of the new planet Makeb is at stake... and in your hands.

At long last, players will be able to experience the continuing SWTOR universe storyline and explore the much-heralded planet of Makeb! 

"Rise of the Hutt Cartel", scheduled to release in spring of 2013, is available for pre-order right now. But there's a few pricing options depending on your subscription status:

Subscriber - $9.99

• 50% off regular price

Non-Subscriber - $19.99

• Automatic upgrade to preferred status

All pre-order types will receive 5 days of early access if the order is placed before January 8th Central Standard Time.

Head on over to SWTOR.com for more details and to place your pre-order. There's also a handy FAQ right here. And whatever you do, don't forget to tell us your thoughts on the expansion in the comments below!