Xbox Unveils 25th Anniversary Badge, FanFest Tour, and Gear Store

Key points

• A limited-time Xbox 25th Anniversary badge is available for players who sign in on console, PC, or the mobile app, with the claim window closing at the end of 2026.
• Xbox has released community-created gamerpics, dynamic backgrounds, and themes designed by creators Klobrille and Ben Kenobi.
• A curated Game Pass collection features classic titles like Fable Anniversary, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and Fallout 4.
• The Xbox FanFest tour begins in Cologne, Germany, on August 26, with subsequent stops in Tokyo, London, Mexico City, Sydney, Toronto, and Seattle.
• A new official merchandise store, Xbox Gear, has launched with three initial collections: Gloss, Est.01, and Blood Gulch.

Background

This announcement is part of a broader 25th-anniversary celebration that includes a limited-edition Series X console, a special controller, and a Mattel building set. Earlier updates also introduced features like voice capture in game recordings and a 1,000-game wishlist.

How outlets are covering it

TrueAchievements and Xbox Wire both highlight the new badge and community designs, but Xbox Wire provides the full FanFest tour schedule and details on the new Xbox Gear store. The National News offers historical context on Xbox's 25-year legacy, noting its initial commercial struggles against PlayStation 2 but its lasting impact through Halo and Xbox Live.

Why it matters

These initiatives reinforce Xbox's brand identity and community engagement as it approaches its 25th anniversary on November 15, 2026, while also expanding its merchandise and event presence globally.

What to watch

Fans can claim the badge through the end of 2026, attend FanFest events starting August 26, and explore the new Xbox Gear store. Further details on the Seattle FanFest stop are expected soon.