Xbox 25th Anniversary Console and Controller Revealed With Nostalgic Translucent Green Design
Microsoft has officially unveiled a special-edition Xbox console and controller to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Xbox brand, giving longtime fans a nostalgic tribute to the company’s gaming legacy. The announcement was made during the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, where the new hardware immediately became one of the most talked-about reveals of the event.
The centerpiece of the celebration is the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition, a unique version of the Xbox Series X that features a striking translucent green design inspired by the original Xbox console released in 2001. Microsoft said the special edition was created to honor the history of the platform while celebrating the community that has supported Xbox over the past quarter-century.
According to Microsoft, this marks the first time the Xbox Series X has received a translucent exterior design. The console incorporates the iconic green color associated with the original Xbox, instantly evoking memories of the brand’s earliest years. While the exterior has been redesigned, the hardware inside remains identical to the standard Xbox Series X, including its 1TB storage capacity and performance capabilities.
One of the standout features of the anniversary console is a green-illuminated “X” logo on the front panel. When powered on, the symbol glows in Xbox’s signature color, creating a visual callback to the original console generation. Microsoft also revealed that the system contains several hidden design elements and Easter eggs intended as a thank-you to longtime Xbox fans.
Alongside the console, Microsoft introduced a matching Xbox 25th Anniversary Controller. Like the console, the controller adopts a translucent green aesthetic that pays tribute to the original Xbox era. The design includes classic colored ABXY buttons, a feature many players associate with older generations of Xbox hardware.
The controller also incorporates several nods to the original “Duke” controller that launched with the first Xbox. Microsoft stated that the bumpers reference the black and white buttons found on the original controller design. In addition, the rear casing and battery compartment are fully transparent, allowing users to see internal components and a classic Xbox logo hidden beneath the shell.
The anniversary hardware arrives during a milestone year for the Xbox brand. Since entering the gaming industry in 2001, Xbox has evolved from a newcomer competing against established rivals into one of the world’s most recognized gaming platforms. Over the past 25 years, the brand has introduced multiple console generations, launched major franchises, expanded into PC gaming, and built subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass.
The reveal generated significant excitement among fans, particularly those who remember the original Xbox’s distinctive green branding. Social media quickly filled with reactions praising the nostalgic design, with many gamers describing the translucent shell as one of the most attractive Xbox console designs ever released.
Microsoft confirmed that both the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition console and the anniversary controller will launch in November 2026. However, the company has not yet announced exact release dates or pricing information. Those details are expected to be revealed closer to launch.
The announcement was part of a broader Xbox Games Showcase that featured major game reveals and updates, including the official unveiling of Persona 6 and several other high-profile projects. Nevertheless, the anniversary hardware stood out as a celebration of Xbox’s history and the loyal community that has supported the platform since its debut.
As Xbox approaches its 25th birthday, the limited-edition console and controller serve as a reminder of how far the brand has come. By combining modern hardware with a design inspired by its origins, Microsoft has created a collector’s item that appeals to both longtime Xbox enthusiasts and newer players looking to own a piece of gaming history.
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