Microsoft is commemorating Xbox’s 10th anniversary with a dynamic backdrop that can be unlocked by purchasing the recently unveiled Xbox Series X/S anniversary controller. The controller, along with a new special edition Xbox stereo headset, commemorates Xbox’s approaching 20th anniversary, which marks 20 years of Xbox gaming.
The first Xbox system was introduced on November 15, 2001, in North America and is still warmly remembered to this day. In addition to being the first Xbox system, the hardware launched some of the most popular gaming series of all time, including Halo, with Halo: Combat Evolved making an impact as one of the device’s launch games.
Halo Infinite, the next game in the Halo franchise, is slated to release this year. While the game was initially scheduled to be released in 2020, the game’s revised release date is only a few weeks after the anniversaries of both Xbox and Halo, making Halo Infinite’s release timing nearly ideal.
Xbox announced the new 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller on social media, paying homage to the original Xbox with a “fresh take” on the translucent green of the original Xbox Debug kit.
The front of the controller is transparent black, harkening homage to the long-forgotten translucent gaming controllers of yesteryear, while the rear is the classic Xbox green. According to the official Xbox website, the controller also has a vintage green button that “brings us back to the initial green Xbox logo.” When you buy the anniversary controller, you’ll also get a unique 20th Anniversary dynamic backdrop. According to Xbox:
“Connect your 20th Anniversary Special Edition controller to your friends Xbox Series X|S to gift them this dynamic background as well! Once you choose another background, however, this one will disappear, and you will need to re-connect the 20th Anniversary controller to unlock it again.”
https://twitter.com/Xbox/status/1446116217622695945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1446116217622695945%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fscreenrant.com%2Fxbox-20th-anniversary-controller-dynamic-background%2F
Fans of the original Xbox will most likely not want to miss the 20th-anniversary dynamic backdrop, as demonstrated in the tweet above. The controller’s iconic black and green appearance, along with the anniversary logo, is a pleasant surprise to receive when purchasing it. Those who wish to commemorate Xbox’s 10th anniversary without purchasing the controller may still give the current consoles an OG Xbox makeover, thanks to the original Xbox backdrop now available as a dynamic Series X/S theme.
With less than a month until Xbox’s official 20th anniversary, it’s believed the firm has even more surprises in store for enthusiasts. While a handful of vintage Xbox games are already accessible through Xbox Game Pass, many more nostalgic titles might be added to the subscription service in honor of the occasion. If not, Xbox fans have a lot to look forward to with the forthcoming release of Xbox platform exclusives such as Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5. From the day of their release, both titles will be available through the Xbox Game Pass program.
The $69.99 controller is currently available for presale and will be released on November 15.
