Microsoft has officially launched preorders for its Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection, a limited-edition hardware bundle that pays homage to the brand's origins. The collection features a translucent "OG Green" Xbox Series X25 console and a matching wireless controller, both inspired by the rare Xbox Launch Team Edition system released in 2001. The console bundle is priced at $899.99 and includes a digital copy of the recently released "Halo: Campaign Evolved" remake. The controller is available for separate purchase at $79.99.
This release marks a significant milestone in the company's quarter-century history. "This collection is our way of celebrating the community that has made Xbox what it is today," said Jason Ronald, VP of Next Generation at Xbox, in an official blog post. The hardware design incorporates nostalgic elements, including a power button that glows green and a see-through chassis that reveals internal components, with each unit individually engraved with a unique production number.
Design and Nostalgia of the X25 Collection
The aesthetic of the Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection is a deliberate callback to the early days of the platform. The console's translucent housing allows users to view the internal hardware, a design choice that mirrors the aesthetic of the original 2001 Xbox Launch Team Edition. This visual theme extends to the X25 Special Edition Wireless Controller, which features ABXY buttons and bumpers modeled after "the Duke," the iconic, oversized gamepad that accompanied the original console launch.
Beyond the visual tribute, the hardware includes modern functional updates. The controller's power button illuminates in the signature green associated with the brand's heritage. By blending these retro-inspired design cues with current-generation hardware, Microsoft is targeting both long-term enthusiasts and collectors who value the brand's historical identity. The inclusion of "Halo: Campaign Evolved" further reinforces the theme, as the title serves as a modern remake of the game that defined the original console's launch library.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The pricing strategy for the anniversary collection reflects its status as a premium, limited-run product. At $899.99, the Series X25 console is priced $100 higher than the standard Xbox Series X. This price point arrives following three separate increases to the flagship console's cost since May 2025, with the most recent adjustment taking effect on August 1, 2026. The standalone controller is priced at $79.99, representing a $15 premium over the standard wireless controller model.
Market analysts note that such limited-edition hardware often serves as a strategic tool for brand engagement rather than mass-market volume. By limiting supply and tying the release to a significant anniversary, Microsoft aims to drive interest among its most dedicated user base. The decision to bundle the "Halo" remake provides added value, potentially softening the impact of the higher price point for consumers who might otherwise hesitate at the cost of a specialized console.
Preorder Logistics and Availability
Microsoft initiated the preorder process on August 26, 2026, through an email invitation system directed at a select group of dedicated fans. Public preorders opened the following day, August 27, at 10 a.m. ET. The collection is available through the official Xbox website and a range of major retail partners, including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart. The company has emphasized that the units are available only "while supplies last."
Demand for the limited-edition controller was immediate, with reports indicating that stock sold out rapidly across several major retailers, including the Microsoft Store, Amazon, Target, and GameStop. As of the latest reports, availability for the controller was restricted primarily to Best Buy and Walmart. The console bundle, while also limited, has seen varying levels of availability across the participating retail network. Consumers are encouraged to monitor retailer inventory closely, as the scarcity of these units is expected to persist given the nature of the anniversary release.
Broader Anniversary Strategy
The Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection is part of a wider initiative by Microsoft to commemorate its silver jubilee through various partnerships and product releases. In addition to the console and controller, the company has collaborated with IKEA on a gaming furniture collection and partnered with Razer to produce specialized, translucent green accessories for the Xbox ecosystem. These efforts suggest a coordinated marketing strategy designed to saturate the gaming space with anniversary-themed branding throughout the latter half of 2026.
These collaborations highlight Microsoft's focus on lifestyle integration, moving beyond hardware to encompass the broader gaming environment. By aligning with brands like IKEA and Razer, the company is attempting to capture a larger share of the consumer's gaming setup. Whether these efforts will translate into long-term brand loyalty remains to be seen, but the immediate sell-through of the anniversary controllers suggests that the strategy is resonating with the core demographic of Xbox users.
