Microsoft used the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 to celebrate a major milestone for the brand, officially unveiling the X25 Xbox Series X, a special limited-edition console created to mark 25 years of Xbox.
And for longtime fans, it’s packed with nostalgia.
The new console pays tribute to the original Xbox era by bringing back one of the most iconic designs in the brand’s history: transparent green hardware.
A Modern Tribute to the Original Xbox
The X25 Xbox Series X features a translucent green shell inspired by the legendary limited-edition original Xbox consoles that became fan favorites in the early 2000s.
Microsoft has also redesigned the accompanying controller to match the anniversary theme, creating a package that immediately stands out from the standard Xbox Series X hardware currently available.
For many longtime players, it feels like a love letter to the console that started everything back in 2001.
Celebrating 25 Years of Xbox
The launch of the X25 edition comes as Xbox prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026.
Over the past quarter-century, the brand has grown from Microsoft’s first gaming console into one of the biggest names in the industry, introducing iconic franchises such as Halo, Gears of War, Forza Horizon, Fable, and many more.
The anniversary showcase itself featured numerous major announcements, making the X25 reveal a fitting way to honor Xbox’s history while looking toward its future.
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Launching This November
Microsoft confirmed that the X25 Xbox Series X will launch in November 2026.
At the time of the announcement, the company did not reveal pricing information or production numbers, but given the limited-edition nature of the console, demand is expected to be extremely high.
Collectors may want to prepare themselves for a fast sellout once pre-orders become available.
One for the Collectors
While the internal hardware remains identical to the standard Xbox Series X, that’s not really the point.
The X25 edition is designed for fans who have followed Xbox throughout its entire journey, from the days of the original Xbox and Halo: Combat Evolved all the way to today’s lineup featuring games such as Fable, Gears of War: E-Day, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and countless Game Pass releases.
It’s a celebration piece as much as it is a gaming console.
A Nostalgic Highlight of the Showcase
The Xbox Games Showcase was packed with major game reveals and release dates, but the X25 Xbox Series X quickly became one of the most talked-about hardware announcements of the event.
For older fans especially, seeing the return of Xbox’s iconic transparent green aesthetic brought back memories of a very different era of gaming.
And now, 25 years later, Microsoft is bringing that look back for a new generation.
Whether you’re planning to add it to your collection or simply admire it from afar, the X25 Xbox Series X is shaping up to be one of the most desirable pieces of Xbox hardware released in years.
