Xbox launches 25th Anniversary controller and console bundle

Xbox launched the translucent green 25th Anniversary Special Edition wireless controller on October 20, 2026, to match a special edition Xbox Series X console arriving November 13, 2026.

The $899.99 console includes the system, a matching controller, 1 TB of storage, individual numbering with a unique laser engraving, and a free Halo: Campaign Evolved download. Polygon described it as a limited, individually numbered edition for dedicated fans. Pre-orders opened August 27, 2026, at 7 a.m. PDT and 10 a.m. EDT, beginning with exclusive email invitations for dedicated fans and capped at one per customer.

The console costs $100 more than the standard disc-drive Xbox Series X at $799.99 following a recent price hike, and IGN said the $100 premium bundles one of Xbox’s biggest games of the year. Halo: Campaign Evolved retails for $49.99, and an Xbox Game Pass subscription includes it. Polygon cited the game’s retail value while describing the free download bundled with the console.

The standalone controller costs $79.99 in the United States and £74.99 in the United Kingdom through the Xbox Store. It includes an exclusive dynamic background inspired by the original Xbox, built around a large Xbox 25 logo and a bright green edge vignette. Pure Xbox called the background a subtle freebie matching the new peripherals and noted its resemblance to the existing Original dynamic background. It also carries the classic Xbox logo, original ABXY button colors, and bumpers molded in white and green plastic.

The official 25th Anniversary accessory collection uses the classic translucent green shell of Halo special edition Xbox hardware and displays the Xbox 25 logo on each accessory. The original Xbox console launched in November 2001 with Halo: Combat Evolved as a launch title, and GameRant used that date to frame the 25th anniversary accessory collection.

Xbox is recommitting to exclusives under new CEO Asha Sharma, with Gears of War: E-Day and Fable as upcoming Xbox console exclusives. Microsoft confirmed it will detail the next Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, later in 2026, with a likely fall 2027 release. IGN included the next-generation outlook in its report on the anniversary console’s price and release date.

Microsoft also unveiled a disc-to-digital feature for physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games. Xbox partnered with Razer, 8BitDo, and PowerA on 25th Anniversary accessories available for pre-order on manufacturer websites. GameRant said the partnership covers console, PC, and mobile players.

PC accessories include the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K mouse, Razer BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard, Razer Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed earbuds, and the 8BitDo Ultimate Charging Dock for the anniversary controller. The PowerA Xbox sling bag carries ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds and adds four accessory compartments. GameRant called the sling bag the final accessory in the 25th anniversary lineup.

Mobile accessories include Backbone Pro grips in Crystal Clear, Iconic Blue, and Bold Orange sold only as blind boxes, plus the GameSir X5 Lite in translucent green without blind-box purchase. Backbone Pro anniversary units ship as blind boxes with equal one-in-three odds, no advance color choice, and final-sale terms subject to applicable law.

The Backbone Pro Xbox 25th Anniversary Edition costs $159.99, takes pre-orders, and starts fulfillment October 20, 2026. It supports wired USB-C phone play plus Bluetooth wireless use on other devices and claims up to 40 hours of wireless battery life. The Gadgeteer described the Backbone Pro as a pricier controller meant to follow games across screens instead of staying wrapped around a phone.

The controller has ALPS thumbsticks, Hall Effect triggers, remappable rear buttons, and laser-etched grips. It includes one month of Game Pass Ultimate for new members, with the offer ending January 31, 2029. The Gadgeteer noted the battery figure is a manufacturer rating and that the Game Pass offer auto-renews at the applicable paid rate unless canceled.

The GameSir X5 Lite costs $44.99, is Xbox-licensed and Apple MFi certified, and supports iOS and Android devices. It ships in October 2026 and includes one month of Game Pass Ultimate for new members only. The Gadgeteer positioned the X5 Lite as the lower-cost mobile option in Microsoft’s Designed for Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection, sold via Xbox.com. The X5 Lite has Hall Effect sticks and triggers, a telescoping body from 105 to 213 mm, silicone padding, pass-through charging, a movable USB-C connector, and app-customizable ABXY glyphs.

It fits devices from smartphones to an iPad mini.