Xbox will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the brand in November 2026 with a limited edition Xbox Series X and a separate controller in the transparent design of the very first console from 2001.
Microsoft is leveraging turn-of-the-millennium nostalgia to revitalize its current hardware portfolio. The technical foundation remains unchanged; the focus is purely on the visual transformation of existing components.
Transparent optics and technical stagnation
The Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition is technically identical to the standard console available since 2020. It features the familiar 1TB hard drive and the same processing power. Microsoft has opted for a factory-modified chassis. The chassis is made of a transparent plastic in the color "OG Green." When powered on, the "X" logo on the front lights up green, reminiscent of the original Xbox's boot sequence.
Additionally, the official 25th anniversary logo is printed on the front. It is purely a collector's item and offers no performance benefit.
The X25 Controller in detail
The separately sold Xbox Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition takes the historical references a step further than the console itself. The top of the casing is also transparent green, while the back and battery compartment are completely colorless and transparent. This reveals a classic Xbox logo on the circuit boards inside.
The button layout adapts the color scheme of the original 2001 controller. The primary ABXY buttons use the original colors. The shoulder buttons (bumpers) feature colored accents reminiscent of the "Black and White" auxiliary buttons on the legendary, bulky "Duke" controller. Technically, the controller is based on the current Series generation, offering a Share button, USB-C, and a modernized D-pad.
Missing details regarding price and availability
The official announcement by Jason Ronald is missing crucial details. No concrete prices were given for either the console and controller bundle or the standalone gamepad. The release date is vaguely set for November. The limited production run is also not specified, which regularly leads to problems with resellers for such collector's items. Microsoft promises details regarding pre-orders in the coming weeks.
This anniversary edition focuses purely on the emotional aspect of the gaming experience. There are no technical reasons to buy it. Anyone who already owns an Xbox Series X will find no rational added value here, as storage space and performance remain absolutely identical.
For collectors and fans of the original Xbox look, the transparent green color is a strong selling point, provided Microsoft doesn't drastically reduce production. The controller is the more economically sensible option here, allowing you to grab a piece of nostalgia without having to buy two expensive hardware items.
It will of course be illuminated.
Perfect for chain smokers, they can see better when the thing is full 🤣
It's definitely a visually better edition than the last special edition. Unfortunately, it's unnecessary for me as an owner since it only changes the appearance and offers no added value like more storage. If the controller is available separately, I'll buy it.
Christian Daniel Weinhart
And 🤷🏻 it's not interesting at all, only the color is nice, everything else underneath is a normal Series X, they didn't even give the console a little more storage 🙄
The scalpers can argue about it... I'm only interested in the controller.
I hope Aliexpress will sort this out, this exclusive crap is getting on my nerves.
How much will it cost?
Kevin Marcel Marian Scheiba, I wonder that too.
I always think transparent hardware is great. But it's not worth swapping for.
Stefan Pohl points out that it's not actual hardware you can see, but simply a design. You can see that immediately if you look closely.
Tim Blessin, yes, that's why they advertise with transparency. The other Xbox controllers were transparent too 🙂
Stefan Pohl's "transparent" implies that you actually see the components and not an image that has been glued on behind them.
Tim Blessin: Correct. Exactly as it is and will be. I don't know why people have to spread lies again. Just hold a transparent controller in your hand or watch the new videos here and you'll see it perfectly clearly. What's the point of lying?
Why do I need junk? I already have a gaming PC and a PS5 Pro 🎊😅
Daniel White, on which you then play Xbox games or use MS software
Microsoft says thank you ✌🏻
Frank Schneider, I have nothing against Microsoft, I just don't need a console without power, by which I mean Xbox.
Frank Schneider: It's not about Microsoft itself; the Xbox simply wasn't a worthwhile console for the last 10+ years, and that's all it's about. But if you have no other arguments…
Daniel White: If you already have a gaming PC, why would you need a PS5?
Because of the games?
Leon Lion, yes, I play a lot on both, I'm glad I still have the PS5 Pro.
Daniel White Oh, I'm more of a PC gamer, so a console doesn't make sense.
Leon Lion: Not all of my friends have a good gaming PC, so I also have a console.
I have the Classic in that design, I thought it was cool back then.