Microsoft reveals translucent green Xbox Series X anniversary edition

Microsoft used the Xbox Games Showcase to celebrate 25 years of Xbox by unveiling a new limited-edition console and controller inspired by one of the rarest versions of the original Xbox. The Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition and matching Xbox Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition are scheduled to launch later this year as part of the anniversary celebrations.

The console takes direct inspiration from the original Xbox’s translucent green design. Its standout feature is the return of the iconic green-lit "X" logo, which illuminates when the system powers on, recreating a signature element of the first Xbox console. The system also features a translucent green chassis adorned with a special X25 anniversary logo, giving it a distinctive collector’s-edition appearance.

Despite the new look, the hardware itself remains unchanged. The Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition includes the same specifications as the standard Xbox Series X, including 1TB of storage, meaning the anniversary model is focused entirely on aesthetics rather than performance upgrades. Microsoft has also hinted that fans may discover a few hidden details and Easter eggs incorporated into the design.

Accompanying the console is the Xbox Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition, which adopts the same translucent green finish. The controller pays tribute to the original Xbox by restoring the classic colored ABXY buttons and incorporating black-and-white bumper accents inspired by the iconic "Duke" controller. Microsoft confirmed that the controller will also be available as a standalone purchase, allowing existing Xbox owners to join the celebration without buying a new console.

The Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection, including the limited-edition console and controller, is set to launch in November 2026. Pricing and pre-order details have not yet been announced, though the collectible nature of the hardware suggests it will likely command a premium over the standard Series X.

The release may also provide insight into Microsoft’s future hardware plans. With the anniversary console occupying the company’s major holiday hardware release for 2026, it appears increasingly unlikely that the rumored next-generation Xbox platform, often referred to as Project Helix, will arrive before 2027.

For longtime Xbox fans and collectors, the X25 collection offers a nostalgic tribute to the brand’s origins. While it doesn't introduce new hardware capabilities, it serves as a fitting celebration of a quarter-century of Xbox history.

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