Remember the see through gadgets of the early 2000s, where you could spot every wire and chip inside? Xbox just brought that look roaring back, and it is gorgeous.
Meet the Xbox Series X25, a translucent green limited edition console that celebrates 25 years of Xbox. Microsoft revealed it on June 7, 2026, and it lands this November with a matching controller. Here is everything you need to know, in plain English, plus a simple way to decide if you should buy it.
The Fast Facts
In a hurry? Here is the entire story at a glance.
| Question | Answer |
| What is it | A limited edition translucent green Xbox Series X, plus a matching controller |
| Why now | Xbox turns 25 this year, since the first Xbox launched in November 2001 |
| When | Console in November 2026, with the standalone controller shown as October 2026 |
| How much | Not announced yet, which is the one big unknown |
| Power | Same as a normal Series X, with 1TB storage and a disc drive |
1. What Exactly Is the Xbox Series X25
The full names are a mouthful, so let us keep it simple. There are two products in this anniversary set.
- The Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition, which is the console.
- The Xbox Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition, which is the matching pad.
That X25 name is a neat little math trick. Since the first Xbox arrived in November 2001, adding 25 years lands you on 2026. Microsoft announced both on its official Xbox Wire blog, presented by Jason Ronald, the VP of Next Generation at Xbox.
2. The Design Is Pure Early 2000s Nostalgia
This is the first time Xbox has ever given the Series X a see through shell. The whole look is a love letter to the original Xbox era, and the details are lovely.
On the Console
- A translucent OG Green body, so you can see the parts inside.
- The famous X on the front lights up green when you switch it on, just like the original Xbox boot.
- An Xbox 25th Anniversary logo on the front, with a few hidden surprises for longtime fans.
On the Controller
- The original colored buttons are back, with a green A, red B, blue X, and yellow Y.
- Black and white bumpers, a wink to the chunky original Duke controller.
- A fully clear back case and battery door, an Xbox first, showing a classic logo inside.
Fun Fact: That translucent green is not random. Back in 2002, Xbox released a rare see through green console in Japan that collectors have chased ever since. The X25 brings that cult classic look to a modern machine.
3. Under the Hood, It Is a Normal Series X
Here is an important reality check. Microsoft did not secretly upgrade the hardware. This is a cosmetic collector edition, and the specs match a standard Xbox Series X.
- The same powerful chip and graphics as the Series X.
- A 1TB solid state drive for storage.
- A full disc drive, which fans were happy to see kept in.
In short, you are paying for the looks and the collector value, not extra speed. If you want raw power above all, this is not a different beast under the shell.
4. The Price, and Why Nobody Knows It Yet
Here is the honest part. As of the reveal, Microsoft has not announced a price. The official post simply says more on pricing and preorders is coming soon.
For a rough sense of scale, the standard Xbox Series X sits around 650 dollars in the US after recent price changes. Special editions usually cost a little more than the regular model. So a higher sticker would not be a surprise, though that is an estimate, not a confirmed figure.
The Honest Caveat: Treat any exact price you see floating around as a guess until Microsoft confirms it. Pricing is the single detail most likely to change here, so wait for the official number before you judge the value.
5. When Can You Actually Buy It
There is one small wrinkle worth knowing, and both pieces of information come from Microsoft itself.
| Item | Timing |
| Console plus controller bundle | November 2026, per the official press release |
| Standalone controller | October 2026, per Microsoft’s own reveal trailer |
| Where | Select markets only, not a worldwide day one launch |
| How many | Limited quantity, with no number confirmed |
The takeaway is simple. The standalone controller may arrive a month before the full console bundle, and supply will be capped, so this will likely sell out fast.
6. Should You Buy It? A Quick Step by Step
Limited consoles sell out in hours, so a little planning helps. Walk through these steps before launch day.
- Decide what you want. If you already own a Series X, the standalone controller gives you most of the nostalgia for far less money.
- Set a budget now, before any hype. Pick the most you are willing to pay, since the price is still unknown.
- Set stock alerts on the Microsoft Store and your favorite retailers, because limited Xbox gear vanishes quickly.
- Wait for the official price and preorder date, and ignore any leaked numbers until then.
- On launch day, buy from Microsoft or a major retailer first, and skip resellers charging a markup.
Quick Tip: If you only care about the look on your desk and already have a console, just grab the controller. It ships first, costs less, and still shows off that gorgeous see through green.
7. It Was Part of a Big Xbox Showcase
The X25 was one reveal in a packed Xbox Games Showcase 2026 on June 7. The show leaned hard into nostalgia and the return of big exclusives, which made the anniversary console fit right in.
Among the headline games shown were Gears of War E-Day, a remade Halo Campaign Evolved, the long awaited Fable, and a tease for Persona 6. It was also the first showcase under new Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma. She surprised in person fans by giving them the new console for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Xbox Series X25
The Xbox Series X25 is a limited edition translucent green Xbox Series X, made to celebrate 25 years of Xbox. It comes with a matching controller, the same power as a standard Series X, 1TB of storage, and a disc drive. Microsoft revealed it on June 7, 2026.
When Does the Xbox Series X25 Release
The console and controller bundle launches in November 2026, in select markets. Microsoft’s reveal trailer shows the standalone controller arriving separately in October 2026, a month before the full bundle. Both dates come from official Microsoft sources.
How Much Does the Xbox Series X25 Cost
Microsoft has not announced a price yet, and says pricing and preorder details are coming soon. A standard Series X is around 650 dollars in the US, and special editions usually cost a bit more. Still, treat any specific figure as a guess for now.
Is the Xbox Series X25 More Powerful
No. It has the same hardware as a standard Xbox Series X, including 1TB of storage and a disc drive. The X25 is a cosmetic collector edition, so you are paying for the translucent design and anniversary details, not extra performance.
Can I Buy Just the Controller
Yes. The Xbox Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition is sold separately, and Microsoft’s trailer shows it arriving in October 2026. It works with Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, PC, and mobile, and is the cheaper way to enjoy the anniversary look.
Why Is It Called the X25
The name marks 25 years of Xbox. Since the original Xbox launched in November 2001, a November 2026 release lands exactly 25 years later. That translucent green also revives a rare collector console that Xbox first sold in Japan back in 2002.
