Leaks reveal Xbox 25th-anniversary controller price and console release date

Key points

• The Xbox 25th-anniversary controller is rumored to cost $79.99, £74.99, and €79.99, with pre-orders opening on August 26, 2026.
• The Xbox Series X25 console is expected to release on November 27, 2026 (Black Friday), with a rumored price of 899 euros or $899 USD.
• Both items feature a translucent green design inspired by the original 2001 Xbox, with the console including 1TB of SSD storage.
• Microsoft is scheduled to hold two Xbox showcases at Gamescom 2026 on August 26 and 27, where these hardware items are expected to be officially revealed.
• The controller and console were previously announced at the June Xbox Showcase, but pricing and release dates were not disclosed at that time.

Background

Xbox has been celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2026 with various initiatives, including free dynamic themes and avatars, a 25th-anniversary badge for active users, and a Game Pass spotlight featuring classic titles like Fable Anniversary and Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Microsoft also released a 25th-anniversary system update adding features like voice capture in game recordings and a 1,000-game wishlist. Additionally, Mattel is releasing a 1:1-scale Xbox building set in October 2026, and Microsoft recently unveiled Gears of War: E-Day controller bundles. The 25th-anniversary hardware represents the latest major physical product in this ongoing celebration.

How outlets are covering it

TrueAchievements and Insider Gaming both rely on the same leak source, Dealabs, but emphasize different aspects. TrueAchievements focuses on the controller's pre-order date (August 26) and pricing across multiple regions, noting it is slightly above standard controller prices but typical for limited editions. Insider Gaming highlights the console's release date (November 27, Black Friday) and its 899-euro price point, noting the lack of confirmed USD pricing. Both outlets caution that the information is unconfirmed until Microsoft's official announcement at Gamescom. ixbt.games provides context on the broader Gamescom 2026 schedule, confirming Xbox will hold showcases on August 26 and 27, but does not specifically address the hardware leaks, instead focusing on game announcements like Gears of War: E-Day and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

Why it matters

The Xbox 25th-anniversary hardware represents a significant collector's item for long-time fans, with the translucent green design directly referencing the original 2001 Xbox. The pricing and release dates will impact consumer decisions, particularly given the premium cost of the console (899 euros) compared to standard Series X models. The timing of the console release on Black Friday may influence holiday shopping trends, while the controller's pre-order date aligns with Gamescom 2026, potentially driving early sales. These items also reflect Microsoft's strategy to leverage nostalgia and brand heritage to drive hardware sales in a competitive console market.

What to watch

Microsoft is expected to officially announce the Xbox 25th-anniversary controller and Series X25 console at Gamescom 2026, which runs from August 26 to 30 in Cologne. The controller is rumored to go up for pre-order on August 26, while the console is expected to release on November 27, 2026. Following the Gamescom announcements, Microsoft will likely provide more details on pricing, availability, and any additional features or bundles associated with the 25th-anniversary hardware. The broader Gamescom 2026 schedule includes two Xbox showcases on August 26 and 27, which may also reveal other hardware or software announcements related to the anniversary celebration.