Microsoft's 25th Anniversary Xbox Priced at $899, Preorders Open August 27

Microsoft's long-rumored 25th anniversary console finally has a price tag. The special-edition Xbox, unveiled earlier this year, will retail for $899 when it launches on November 13th, according to an announcement from the company. Preorders begin August 27th at 10AM ET / 7AM PT, though Microsoft says "some of XBOX's most dedicated fans" will receive early access preorder emails starting today.

The anniversary edition pays homage to the original translucent green Xbox, featuring the same "OG Green" colorway on both the console and its bundled controller. Each unit will be laser-etched and numbered, a detail Microsoft revealed during Gamescom on Wednesday, adding a collectible element to the release. Buyers will also receive a full-game download of Halo: Campaign Evolved, the anniversary-themed title that reimagines the original Halo campaign.

Under the special-edition shell, the console is otherwise identical to the standard Xbox Series X, according to The Verge's coverage of the announcement. That means buyers are paying a significant premium over the regular $499 price tag for the nostalgic design, the numbered etching, and the bundled game and controller.

The $899 price point puts the anniversary console in line with other premium collector's editions in the gaming industry, but it also raises questions about how far Microsoft can push dedicated fans' willingness to pay for nostalgia. The original translucent green Xbox, released in the early 2000s, remains one of the most sought-after collector's items in gaming, and Microsoft is clearly betting that the 25th anniversary edition will tap into that same demand.

Microsoft has not announced how many units will be produced, nor whether the console will be sold through retailers beyond Microsoft's own store. The company's Xbox Wire blog said only that preorders will open on August 27th and that some fans will get early access emails starting today. The limited nature of the release, combined with the numbered etching, is likely to drive significant demand among collectors and resellers alike.

For now, prospective buyers should mark their calendars for August 27th. Given the $899 price and the collectible angle, the anniversary Xbox is positioned more as a premium artifact than a mainstream console purchase — and it remains to be seen whether the nostalgia factor will justify the premium for most gamers.

Why This Matters

At $899, this is a major price premium over a standard Xbox Series X ($499), signaling that Microsoft sees collector value in limited-edition hardware.
The numbered, laser-etched units create artificial scarcity, likely driving resale prices and making this a test of how much nostalgia-driven demand exists for Xbox's 25-year legacy.
The launch date (November 13th) positions the console ahead of the holiday shopping season, potentially making it a high-profile gift item or a target for scalpers.

Background

The original translucent green Xbox debuted in the early 2000s as a limited-edition variant of Microsoft's first console. It became one of the most iconic and collectible pieces of gaming hardware, with prices on the secondary market often reaching well above their original retail value. Over the past two decades, Microsoft has periodically released special-edition consoles — including Halo-themed and other franchise-inspired designs — but the 25th anniversary edition marks the first time the company has directly revived the translucent green aesthetic at this scale. The anniversary announcement builds on Microsoft's broader celebration of the Xbox brand's 25th anniversary, which has included a remastered Halo campaign and other nostalgic releases. The console itself is a cosmetic refresh of the Xbox Series X, meaning the premium is entirely tied to its design, collectibility, and bundled extras.

Key Perspectives

Collectors and hardcore fans: For them, the $899 price is justified by the rarity of a numbered, laser-etched console in the classic OG Green colorway. The included Halo: Campaign Evolved download and matching controller add tangible value, and the nostalgia factor is high.

Mainstream gamers: Many will see the price as excessive for a console that is internally identical to the $499 Xbox Series X. The lack of any performance upgrade may make the anniversary edition a hard sell for value-conscious buyers who simply want a new console.

Critics and industry watchers: Some may question Microsoft's pricing strategy, arguing that $899 for a cosmetic special edition could fuel resale speculation and frustrate genuine fans who miss out on limited stock. Others may note that the premium mirrors broader trends in the gaming industry toward collector's editions and exclusive hardware.

What to Watch

How quickly preorders sell out on August 27th, and whether Microsoft announces production numbers or additional allocation rounds.
Secondary market prices on sites like eBay in the weeks following launch, which will indicate how much scalping pressure exists.
Whether Microsoft extends early access invitations to more fans if demand outpaces supply, or if the console remains a one-time limited run.
Any subsequent announcements about regional availability or retailer partnerships, which could affect access outside North America.

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