Ethan Crossfield 
Microsoft’s Xbox X25 Special Edition Wireless Controller is reportedly set to launch on October 20, 2026, giving fans a confirmed-looking date for one of the brand’s most nostalgic accessories. A Dealabs report claims pre-orders will begin on August 26 during Gamescom, with the controller priced at $79.99.
What Happened With the Xbox X25 Controller?
Xbox first showed the X25 Special Edition Wireless Controller at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2026. The accessory was presented alongside the Xbox Series X25 console as part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebration.
Its defining feature is a translucent green design that recalls the look of the original Xbox. That visual identity makes the controller more than a standard color variant: it is designed as a direct callback to the platform’s early hardware and its place in Xbox history.
The initial reveal did not include a launch date. According to the new report, that uncertainty has now been narrowed to an October 20 release, although the details remain based on reported information rather than a confirmed announcement described in the source.
Why the Release Matters to Xbox Fans
The X25 controller is aimed squarely at players who value Xbox hardware history. Its changes are primarily aesthetic, but the translucent green shell gives it a distinctive presence that standard controllers do not offer. It should also pair naturally with the similarly styled Xbox Series X25 console, though Microsoft has not confirmed whether both products will launch together.
Availability could be important. The source does not state how many units will be produced, and anniversary-themed hardware can attract buyers beyond the usual controller market. Fans interested in the design may therefore want to watch the August pre-order window closely rather than assume the accessory will remain easy to find after launch.
What to Watch at Gamescom 2026
The key date on the immediate calendar is August 26, when pre-orders are reportedly expected to open during Gamescom. The event may also clarify how Microsoft plans to handle the Xbox Series X25, whose release timing remains unknown according to Dealabs.
The controller is not the only Xbox hardware story linked to the event. An insider has claimed that Xbox has a surprising Gamescom 2026 announcement planned, while a separate leak has reportedly outlined new features for an Xbox Elite Series 3 controller. Neither development has been officially announced in the source, so the X25 remains the clearest item to monitor.
Key details for buyers
- Reported release date: October 20, 2026.
- Reported pre-order date: August 26 during Gamescom.
- Reported price: $79.99.
- Design: translucent green, inspired by the original Xbox.
- Xbox Series X25 console timing has not been confirmed.
Xbox X25 Controller at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Product | Xbox X25 Special Edition Wireless Controller |
| Launch date | October 20, 2026 |
| Pre-orders | August 26, during Gamescom |
| Price | $79.99 |
| Design | Classic translucent green finish |
Expert View
The X25 controller is a smart anniversary release because it turns Xbox nostalgia into a highly visible accessory without requiring a new feature set. Its success will depend less on innovation than on availability: if supply is limited, the pre-order window could become the main story. Gamescom should also reveal whether the controller is a standalone collectible or the first part of a broader X25 hardware launch.
