Xbox 20th anniversary controller revealed, November release date

A new Xbox controller celebrating the 20th anniversary of the company’s Xbox gaming console is on the way, Microsoft announced Thursday. The controller has a translucent face – so you can see some of the inner workings – and keys in Xbox’s signature bright green color.

The controller first leaked Thursday morning from Best Buy Canada, but Microsoft provided more information on its design in an Xbox Wire article. Xbox Product Marketing Manager Jessica Tsujikawa said the clear controller shell was a variation of the original Xbox Debug Kit, which was translucent green.

Image: Microsoft

The 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller is slated for release on November 15. The front half of the controller is translucent black, so the silvery inner workings are visible. The back of the gamepad remains a solid black, with bright green panels on its handles. The controller also features a small 20 – with the Xbox logo delimited by zero – for the console’s anniversary, which Microsoft has been celebrating all year.

Gamers can also unlock a 20th Anniversary Xbox Series X dynamic background by connecting the controller to the console – and share the background by connecting to friends consoles as well.

Microsoft’s 20th Anniversary Special Edition Controller will retail for $ 69.99. The latest Special Edition – Aqua Shift – also sold for $ 69.99, $ 10 more than the standard MSRP for an Xbox gamepad. Xbox Wireless Controllers are compatible with both Xbox One and Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as Windows PC, Android, and iOS devices.

Microsoft will also be selling a Special 20th Anniversary Edition Xbox Stereo Headset, with bright green highlights and a translucent black shell. The headset, which is wired, is also expected to be available on November 15 for $ 69.99.