Xbox Celebrates 25 Years with Special Edition Console and Controller
Xbox has unveiled a new special edition console and controller, commemorating 25 years since the brand's inception. This release, dubbed the Xbox Series X25, draws inspiration from the classic translucent green design of the original Xbox, catering to a sense of nostalgia among long-time fans. The announcement was made during the recent Xbox Games Showcase, highlighting a blend of historical aesthetics with contemporary gaming power. This celebratory hardware emerges at a time when the gaming industry is experiencing a noticeable upward trend in console pricing.
The newly introduced Xbox Series X25 is a tribute to the brand's enduring legacy. Its design harks back to the iconic translucent green special edition of the original Xbox, a console that captivated gamers in the early 2000s. The clear casing, reminiscent of devices like the Game Boy Advance, allows a glimpse into the console's internal workings, merging past and present design philosophies. The accompanying reveal trailer for the Series X25 also featured gameplay from a reimagined "Halo: Campaign Evolved," further solidifying the nostalgic connection to the year 2001, when the original Halo game first launched.
A statement from Xbox emphasized that the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition "respects our history, with the power and performance of the Xbox Series X, including 1 TB of storage, and a design that reflects where we’ve been and the community that’s been with us along the way." This sentiment underscores the company's appreciation for its loyal fanbase and its commitment to blending heritage with modern technological advancements.
In addition to the console, a special edition translucent green controller was also announced. This controller features ABXY buttons styled with the original Xbox controller's color scheme, and its bumpers are designed in black and white, echoing the classic controller's distinctive button layout. The Xbox Series X25 will be offered as a bundle with this unique controller, which will also be available for individual purchase. Both are slated for a November release, with further details regarding pricing and pre-orders to be disclosed at a later date.
The launch of these commemorative Xbox products coincides with a broader industry trend of increasing hardware prices. Xbox itself saw a price adjustment in September 2025, with the Series X digital edition now retailing for $599.99 and the standard edition at $649.99. Other major players in the console market, such as Sony with its PlayStation 5 and Nintendo with the upcoming Switch 2, have similarly adjusted their pricing, indicating a widespread shift in the cost of gaming hardware.
The Xbox Series X25 and its accompanying controller represent a significant milestone for the brand, celebrating a quarter-century of innovation and gaming experiences. This special edition serves as a nod to the past while integrating the robust capabilities of current-generation hardware, offering a unique collector's item for enthusiasts. The release also contextualizes the current economic landscape of the gaming industry, marked by rising console costs across various platforms.
