Microsoft prices 25th anniversary Xbox Series X at $899
Microsoft has set the price for its special-edition translucent green Xbox Series X at $899. Preorders begin August 27th, with early access for some fans, and the console launches November 13th. Each unit is laser-etched and numbered, and includes a matching controller and a download of Halo: Campaign Evolved.
The anniversary console is a standard 1TB Xbox Series X wrapped in a translucent green shell that echoes the original Xbox's iconic colorway. Microsoft has paired the hardware with a matching "OG Green" controller, which is also available separately for $79 starting October 20th. Beyond the console itself, the company has released a broader collection of limited-edition accessories, including a keyboard, mouse, earbuds, and mobile controllers in the same color scheme.
The console's announcement came during the Xbox Games Showcase in June, where CEO Asha Sharma surprised FanFest attendees by giving free units to everyone wearing a "fan" badge. Each numbered, laser-etched unit includes a full download of Halo: Campaign Evolved, and preorders open August 27th at 10AM ET, with select dedicated fans receiving early access emails beginning today.
This $899 price point positions the anniversary console as a collector's item rather than a mainstream purchase, potentially widening the gap between casual gamers and devoted enthusiasts. While numbered, laser-etched units may appeal to nostalgic fans and collectors, the premium cost could reinforce perceptions that gaming hardware is becoming increasingly exclusive. The limited availability and early-access structure may also create uneven access, though the free units given to FanFest attendees suggest Microsoft is attempting to reward its most engaged community members.