X25 Special Edition controller

The hardware is a calculated exercise in nostalgia. By wrapping the current generation’s power in a shell that evokes the early 2000s, Microsoft is targeting both the “legacy” gamer and the modern collector. The design isn’t just a color swap; it’s a structural callback to the era of translucent plastics that defined early consumer electronics.

Design Specs and the OG Green Aesthetic

The centerpiece of the collection is the Series X25, which brings a translucent OG Green color theme to the current Series X chassis. This is the first time Microsoft has utilized a translucent design for the Series X, mirroring the look of the original system. Internally, the machine remains a performance powerhouse. According to Kotaku, the console features a 1TB SSD, ensuring that the retro exterior doesn’t compromise modern load times or storage capacity. The visual experience extends to the boot sequence. When the power button is pressed, the top of the console emits a green glow, a direct imitation of the startup process from the original 2001 hardware. Key hardware features include:

• Chassis: Translucent “OG Green” plastic.
• Storage: 1TB SSD.
• Lighting: Green illuminated “X” on power-up.
• Branding: Xbox 25th Anniversary logo on the front.

The X25 Controller and “Duke” Influences

Accompanying the console is the XBOX Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition. While the internal tech is current, the aesthetics are a deep dive into the brand’s origins. The controller uses the same translucent green plastic as the console and restores the original ABXY button colors. One of the most specific nods to the past is found in the bumpers. The design honors the black-and-white buttons found on the original “Duke” controller, the oversized gamepad that shipped with the first Xbox. To complete the look, the back case and battery door are fully transparent, revealing the classic Xbox logo underneath. The controller serves as a versatile entry point for the anniversary collection, as it will be available as a standalone purchase in addition to being bundled with the console.

Pricing Uncertainty and Market Availability

Despite the hardware reveal, Microsoft has remained tight-lipped about the cost. The company has not yet released official pricing for the X25 bundle or the standalone controller. “We’ll have more to share on pricing and preorder availability at select retailers soon,” Microsoft, via official blog post This silence leaves the market speculating on a “nostalgia tax.” For context, the standard 1TB Xbox Series X currently retails for $650. Industry observers suggest that the limited-edition nature of the X25 could push the price higher, though some hope it remains under $700. The collection is slated for a November 2026 release in select markets, positioning it as a primary holiday offering. Preorder details are expected to follow shortly.

Connecting the X25 to a 25-Year Legacy

The X25 isn’t just a product launch; it’s a marker of how far the platform has evolved since its debut home gaming console was presented on January 6, 2001. That original launch, which featured a collaboration between the company’s then-CEO and a WWE superstar, led to a commercial release on November 21, 2001. Since then, the brand has shifted from being a newcomer fighting for space against Sony and Nintendo to a powerhouse focused on ecosystem longevity. This is evidenced by the company’s commitment to backward compatibility—a feature announced on June 15, 2015, which allowed players to bring original Xbox and 360 titles into the modern era. By releasing the X25 during the Xbox Showcase, Microsoft is effectively bridging the gap between its 2001 origins and its 2026 reality. The move signals a strategic pivot toward celebrating “heritage” as a way to strengthen community loyalty. The next 30 days will be critical for consumers. As the company moves toward the November launch, the reveal of the price point will determine if the X25 remains a boutique item for hardcore collectors or a widely accessible tribute to two and a half decades of gaming.