Microsoft Unveils Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition Console for 25th Anniversary
If you grew up gaming in the early 2000s, you definitely remember the absolute chokehold that translucent plastic tech had on the industry. From clear handhelds to neon-hued controllers, seeing the internal circuitry of your favorite gear was the ultimate badge of cool.
Now, Microsoft is weaponizing that exact aesthetic to celebrate a massive milestone.
To honor a quarter-century of gaming history, the company officially pulled back the curtain on the Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection. Headlining the drop is a stunning, highly collectible piece of hardware that leans entirely into old-school sentimentality: the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition console.
It is a brilliant, high-effort tribute that honors where the platform started, giving long-time fans a beautiful piece of functional nostalgia for their gaming setups.
The Return of XBOX's Translucent 'OG Green'
For the first time since the console launched, Microsoft is bringing a translucent shell design to the boxy Xbox Series X form factor. The entire aesthetic is heavily inspired by the look, feel, and "OG Green" hue of the original 2001 Xbox console.
Under the hood, the machine packs all the standard, heavy-hitting performance of a traditional Xbox Series X, including 1 TB of storage. On the outside, however, it is a completely different beast.
The attention to detail starts the second you boot up the system. The iconic "X" power button lights up in a vibrant green-a direct, intentional nod to the classic, swirling green animation that played during the original Xbox startup sequence. The front facade is also cleanly stamped with the official Xbox 25th Anniversary logo, alongside several subtle, hidden design surprises scattered throughout the hardware as a secret "thank you" to the community.
2001 meets 2026
— XBOX (@XBOX) June 7, 2026
Introducing the XBOX Series X25 Limited Edition console and Special Edition controller: https://t.co/w9XoIM2LJ0 | #XBOXShowcasepic.twitter.com/l1Ba2mzcmJ
A True Homage to 'The Duke'
The nostalgia trip doesn't stop at the console itself. The collection also introduces the Xbox Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition, which will be bundled with the system and also sold as a standalone accessory.
The controller is a masterclass in deep-cut fan service. Wrapped in matching translucent OG Green, the face buttons completely ditch the modern monochromatic style to bring back the original, vibrant ABXY color layout from the early 2000s.
The top bumpers have been specifically redesigned to honor the timeless black and white auxiliary buttons found on the original, notoriously massive "Duke" controller. To top it all off, the back case and battery door are completely transparent, proudly revealing a classic Xbox logo stamped onto the internal components.
XBOX X25 Release Window and Availability
You won't have to wait too long to get your hands on this trip down memory lane. Microsoft confirmed that the limited-edition console and controller bundle will officially launch in select global markets this coming November.
Because this is a strict, limited-edition run aimed squarely at collectors and hardcore fans, inventory is expected to move incredibly fast. While exact retail pricing and official preorder dates haven't been locked down just yet, Microsoft promised that more details regarding retailer availability will be shared very soon.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 8:40 PM.