New Xbox Series X controller is a must-have for original Xbox fans
Inspired by the original Xbox debug kit
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Microsofthas announced that a brand-newXbox Series X controllerand wired Xbox stereo headset will be released on November 15 to mark the 20th anniversary of the original Xbox console.
Both the20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controllerand20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Stereo Headset– to use the products’ official titles – take design cues from the original Xbox debug kit, which was a translucent green.
The new Xbox Series X controller sports a striking translucent black finish, with silver internals, so you can ogle everything inside. The Xbox button features the same acid-like green color that was used on the first Xbox, and the iconic color can also be found on the back grips and around the controller’s hybrid D-pad.
The new Xbox controller also comes with a nice birthday bonus, too. Connect the controller to yourXbox Series XorXbox Series Sconsole, and you can unlock an exclusive 20th Anniversary dynamic background.
What’s nice, though, is that if you connect your controller to a friend’s console, they’ll also get to use it. However, if they grow bored of it and change it, it will disappear and only return once the controller is reconnected.
The Xbox Stereo Headset also features the same black translucent body and green accents, like on the microphone. Oddly, theXbox Wireless Headsethasn’t received the same anniversary treatment, only the wired version.
If you really want to get into the birthday spirit, Microsoft is also selling aRazerUniversal Quick Charging Stand for Xbox, which matches the controller, and some 20th anniversary Xbox gear.
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The 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller and 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Stereo Headset will be released on November 15, 2021, and are priced at $69.99 / £59.99.
Analysis: Xbox has come a long way in 20 years
The original Xbox might have been a commercial flop compared toSony’s PlayStation 2, but it helped cement Microsoft into the console space, something which many analysts thought wouldn’t be possible. It also helped fill the gap left behind by Sega, who pulled out of the console race after releasing the Dreamcast.
Original Xbox games like Halo: Combat Evolved,Forza Motorsport, Jet Set Radio Future, and Jade Empire all helped the console attract a loyal fanbase, and many titles like Forza Motorsport soon became permanent fixtures in Microsoft’s games lineup.
While theXbox has always struggled to break ground in Japan, and Microsoft made one too many missteps with itsXbox Onelaunch, things are certainly looking up for the green team. With the success ofXbox Game Passand blockbuster titles on the way likeHalo InfiniteandForza Horizon 5, it’s a good time to be an Xbox gamer.
Of course, if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can still play original Xbox games on the Xbox Series X/S, some of which now run at4K resolutionand supportAuto HDR.
Adam was formerly TRG’s Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.
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