Xbox 25th Anniversary Console: Design, Features, and Where to Pre-Order

It's hard to believe it's been 25 years since the original Xbox launched in November 2001 and changed the gaming landscape forever. To celebrate a quarter-century of Xbox, Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox 25th Anniversary Console — a stunning limited-edition system that blends nostalgic design cues with cutting-edge hardware. Whether you're a day-one Xbox fan or a newcomer to the ecosystem, this console is shaping up to be one of the most collectible and capable gaming machines ever released. Here's everything we know about its design, features, specs, and — most importantly — where you can actually get one.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

When Microsoft entered the console wars in 2001, few predicted the brand would become the powerhouse it is today. From Xbox Live revolutionizing online multiplayer to the Xbox 360 era dominating a generation, from the ambitious pivot of the Xbox One to the raw power of the Xbox Series X|S, the journey has been remarkable. According to Microsoft's own figures shared at the 2026 Xbox Showcase, the Xbox ecosystem now boasts over 200 million active users across console, PC, and cloud gaming.

The 25th Anniversary Console isn't just a fresh coat of paint on existing hardware — it's a carefully crafted tribute to every era of Xbox, packed into a machine that's ready for the future.

Design: A Love Letter to Xbox History

Exterior and Colorway

The first thing you'll notice about the Xbox 25th Anniversary Console is its translucent green shell, a direct homage to the iconic "Halo Edition" original Xbox and the beloved see-through green controller from 2001. The casing allows a peek at the internal components, which feature subtle LED lighting that cycles through the signature colors of each Xbox generation:

Green — Original Xbox (2001)
White/Silver — Xbox 360 (2005)
Black/Green accent — Xbox One (2013)
Matte Black/Velocity Green — Xbox Series X (2020)

The console's front panel is embossed with a metallic 25th Anniversary badge, and the power button features an etched version of the original Xbox "jewel" logo. It's a design that feels modern and premium while unmistakably celebrating the brand's roots.

The Controller

The bundled Xbox 25th Anniversary Wireless Controller matches the translucent green aesthetic and includes rubberized grips with a subtle "25" pattern. It also ships with swappable D-pad caps — one classic cross-shaped and one faceted — representing old-school and modern Xbox controller philosophies. The controller is fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S, PC, and mobile devices via Bluetooth.

Features and Specifications

Under the hood, the 25th Anniversary Console is built on the Xbox Series X platform, so you're not sacrificing performance for aesthetics. Here's what's inside:

Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU — 8 cores at 3.8 GHz
12 TFLOPS RDNA 2 GPU — delivering native 4K gaming
16 GB GDDR6 RAM — with 10 GB at 560 GB/s for the GPU
2 TB Custom NVMe SSD — double the storage of the standard Series X (1 TB), a significant upgrade for collectors and Game Pass enthusiasts
4K UHD Blu-ray drive — because physical media still matters
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 — for faster, more stable connectivity
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support — immersive visuals and audio out of the box

Exclusive Software Extras

This is where the Anniversary Console really shines for long-time fans:

Xbox Legacy Dashboard Themes — Boot up your console with dynamic themes inspired by the original Xbox, Xbox 360 "Blades," and Xbox One dashboards. These are exclusive to the Anniversary Edition and cannot be purchased separately.
25th Anniversary Game Pass Collection — A curated library of 25 landmark Xbox titles, fully optimized for Series X hardware. Think Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Fable II, Gears of War, Forza Horizon 5, and more — all playable day one.
Exclusive Digital Art Book and Documentary — A behind-the-scenes look at 25 years of Xbox hardware and game development, accessible directly from the console's media apps.
Anniversary Achievement Badge — A special Xbox profile badge that permanently marks you as a 25th Anniversary Console owner.

Pricing and Editions

Microsoft has confirmed the following pricing structure:

Xbox 25th Anniversary Console (Standard Bundle) — $599.99 USD
- Includes the console, one Anniversary controller, 2 TB SSD, and a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Xbox 25th Anniversary Console (Collector's Bundle) — $699.99 USD
- Everything in the standard bundle, plus a second Anniversary controller, an exclusive display stand with LED lighting, a physical art book, and a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Both editions are confirmed as limited production runs, meaning once stock is gone, it's gone. Microsoft has not disclosed exact unit numbers, but community analysts estimate production between 500,000 and 750,000 units worldwide.

Where to Pre-Order

Pre-orders opened on June 1, 2026, and demand has been predictably intense. Here are the best places to secure yours as of today:

Retailers Currently Accepting Pre-Orders

Microsoft Store (online and physical locations) — The most reliable option. Microsoft has reserved dedicated stock for its own storefront, and orders here often ship earliest.
Amazon — Available for both standard and collector's bundles, though the collector's edition has already sold out once and restocked.
Best Buy — Offering in-store pickup options, which is ideal if you want to avoid shipping anxiety.
Walmart — Online pre-orders available with free shipping.
GameStop — Accepting pre-orders in-store and online, with a trade-in bonus toward the purchase.
Target — Limited allocation available online.

Tips for Securing a Pre-Order

Getting a limited-edition console isn't always easy. Here are some practical strategies:

Set up alerts — Use stock tracking tools like HotStock, NowInStock, or the Telegram/Discord restock alert channels dedicated to Xbox.
Have accounts ready — Create accounts and save your payment information on all major retailer sites before stock drops. Seconds matter.
Check regional availability — If you're outside the US, Microsoft has confirmed pre-orders through regional partners in the UK, EU, Japan, Australia, and Canada.
Avoid scalpers — Resist the temptation to buy from resellers at inflated prices. Microsoft has indicated additional waves of stock will arrive through the holiday season.
Follow @Xbox on social media — Official restock announcements often come through Xbox's Twitter/X and Instagram channels first.

Is It Worth the Hype?

If you already own an Xbox Series X, the Anniversary Console is essentially the same machine with double the storage and an extraordinary design. For collectors and die-hard Xbox fans, the exclusive software extras, limited production, and gorgeous translucent aesthetic make it a no-brainer. The upgraded 2 TB SSD alone addresses one of the most common complaints about the standard Series X.

For newcomers, the $599.99 price point is competitive when you factor in the included Game Pass subscription and expanded storage — you'd spend close to that configuring a standard Series X with a storage expansion card anyway.

Final Thoughts

The Xbox 25th Anniversary Console is more than a marketing exercise — it's a genuine celebration of a brand that has shaped modern gaming in profound ways. From the translucent green shell that takes you back to 2001 to the forward-looking specs that will carry you through the next generation of games, this is a console built with love for the community.

If you're planning to grab one, don't wait. Pre-order stock is moving fast, and the limited nature of this release means hesitation could cost you. Happy 25th, Xbox — here's to the next quarter-century.