Scalpers Resell Xbox 25th Anniversary Console for Over $2,000 on eBay
Pre-orders for Microsoft's Xbox Series X25 anniversary console sold out quickly, and scalpers are now listing the $899.99 bundle on eBay for more than $2,000. One listing reportedly closed at $2,800, while individual controllers are going for over $180. The console includes a translucent green design and a copy of Halo: Campaign Evolved.
The X25 bundle marks a significant premium over standard Xbox hardware, pairing a translucent green 1TB console with a themed controller and a copy of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Microsoft has confirmed each unit carries a unique engraving, and no restock plans have been announced, which likely fuels the secondary market frenzy. The controller's hidden original Xbox logo adds collector appeal. This scalping wave follows similar patterns seen earlier in 2026 with Valve's Steam Machine and even the digital-only Grand Theft Auto 6 release, suggesting automated purchasing tools remain a persistent problem across gaming hardware launches.
This trend could deepen frustration among everyday gamers who face dwindling chances to buy limited-edition hardware at retail, potentially pushing more consumers toward resale platforms and normalizing inflated pricing. Collectors and dedicated fans may feel increasingly alienated, while scalpers profit from artificial scarcity. The lack of restock guarantees could also influence how Microsoft approaches future anniversary releases, possibly prompting stricter purchase limits or reservation systems that other industries have adopted to curb resale abuse.