Details of the Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition X25, inspired by the original Xbox, have surfaced ahead of official confirmation, including pricing, preorder timing and a planned October launch
Microsoft's next limited-edition Xbox controller appears to have leaked ahead of schedule, with pricing and release details surfacing online for the translucent green Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition X25. The controller, which draws clear inspiration from the original 2001 Xbox console, is reportedly set for release this autumn, with official confirmation expected imminently.
Leaked Details and Pricing
According to information published by Dealabs' billbil-kun, the Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition X25 is scheduled to launch on 20 October 2026. The controller is expected to retail at $79.99 in the United States, £74.99 in the United Kingdom, and €79.99 across Europe. These figures place the X25 at the higher end of Microsoft's controller pricing, reflecting its limited-edition status and distinctive translucent design.
Preorders are reportedly due to open on 26 August, coinciding with the start of Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. While Microsoft has not yet issued an official statement, the timing aligns with the company's recent pattern of hardware reveals around major industry events. The X25 controller is designed to evoke the look of the original Xbox, featuring a translucent green shell that exposes the internal components, a design choice that has become increasingly popular for anniversary hardware releases.
Console and Controller Bundles
The X25 controller is not the only hardware celebrating Xbox's 25th anniversary. Microsoft previously announced a limited-edition Xbox Series X console variant, also featuring a translucent green finish reminiscent of the original system. This special console is expected to launch in November and will include a matching X25 controller in the box, though the controller will also be available for separate purchase.
At present, there is no indication of a standalone X25 Special Edition console release beyond the previously announced bundle. Microsoft's approach mirrors recent trends in commemorative hardware, offering both bundled and individual options for collectors and players seeking a nostalgic design. The company has yet to confirm whether additional accessories or themed hardware will accompany the X25 range.
Gamescom Plans and Showcase Line-up
Microsoft is not holding a traditional press conference at Gamescom this year, but will instead host two days of livestreams highlighting upcoming titles. The first day, 26 August, is set to feature in-depth looks at games such as Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons 2, and Fable. The following day will focus on updates for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and other major releases.
While the X25 controller leak has drawn attention, Microsoft's Gamescom presence is expected to centre on its software line-up rather than hardware. However, the company may use the event's Opening Night Live showcase to confirm the controller's details and potentially reveal further surprises. For context on how digital distribution is reshaping the industry, Capcom's recent report that over 93% of its game sales are now digital offers a useful comparison: Capcom's digital sales milestone.
What Remains Unconfirmed
Despite the detailed leak, Microsoft has not officially announced the X25 controller's release date, price, or preorder arrangements. The company's silence leaves open the possibility of last-minute changes or additional features not yet disclosed. There is also no word on whether the X25 design will be extended to other Xbox accessories or if regional availability will differ from the leaked information.
Players interested in the X25 controller should monitor Microsoft's official channels during Gamescom for confirmation and further details. As with previous limited-edition hardware, demand is likely to be high, and preorder windows may be brief. Until Microsoft provides formal confirmation, all details should be treated as subject to change.
Translucent hardware designs, such as the X25 controller and matching Xbox Series X, are part of a broader trend in anniversary and commemorative gaming products. These designs typically feature see-through shells that reveal the internal circuitry and components, offering a nostalgic nod to earlier console generations. While visually striking, such editions are usually produced in limited quantities and are often targeted at collectors and long-time fans of the platform.
