Limited Edition Xbox Series X "X25" Reportedly Launching for Black Friday
A leaked report suggests a limited edition transparent green Xbox Series X, dubbed the "X25," will launch in Europe for Black Friday, retailing at approximately €900.
A limited edition version of the Xbox Series X, featuring a transparent green design and codenamed "X25," is reportedly set to launch in Europe in time for Black Friday this year, according to a report from French publication Dealabs. The console is expected to carry a price tag of €899.99, which would translate to roughly $900 to $1000 in the United States and £800 to £900 in the United Kingdom. This positions the special edition at a €100 premium over the standard Xbox Series X, which currently retails for around €800 in Europe. The X25 model maintains the standard 1TB of storage and includes a disc drive, mirroring the specifications of the regular Xbox Series X. The accompanying controller will also feature a matching transparent green finish.
The Dealabs report indicates a launch date of November 27th, coinciding with Black Friday week. It remains unclear whether pre-orders will be available before the official release. While Black Friday officially kicks off on November 23rd, many retailers have extended their promotions to encompass the entire month. The arrival of this limited edition console is notable, especially considering it comes late in the current generation's cycle and is expected to be impacted by rising component costs, potentially exacerbated by a current AI-driven flash memory price crisis.
Context and Potential Market Impact
The Xbox Series X, first released in November 2020, has seen consistent demand, with its standard model priced at £670 via the Microsoft Store UK and $898 via Amazon US at the time of this report. The introduction of a premium, limited edition model like the X25, particularly at a higher price point, signals Microsoft's strategy to cater to collectors and enthusiasts seeking unique hardware. The transparent design, a popular aesthetic in previous console generations, often appeals to users who appreciate the visual representation of the technology within their devices. The decision to launch such a model now could also be a strategic move to generate excitement and sales during the crucial holiday shopping period, leveraging the exclusivity and aesthetic appeal to drive consumer interest against competitors.
Further hardware leaks and rumors surrounding Microsoft's gaming division have surfaced recently. Reports suggest that an announcement for the X25 might be made at Gamescom next week, an event where Microsoft is also rumored to be planning a collaboration with IKEA. Additionally, leaks concerning an Elite Series 3 controller and a cloud-enabled controller have emerged in recent months, indicating ongoing development and potential releases in the hardware gadgets space. These developments collectively suggest a busy period ahead for Xbox hardware, with multiple new accessories and potentially special edition consoles on the horizon to complement the existing Xbox Series X offerings.