The wait is finally over! Microsoft’s highly anticipated Xbox Series X25 anniversary console is officially up for pre-order, and as expected, the internet has erupted. While many gamers are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of Xbox, a familiar foe has emerged: scalpers, ready to capitalize on the limited availability and high demand.
The Green Machine Goes Greed
As soon as pre-order pages went live yesterday, August 27th, 2026, they were immediately swarmed. The Xbox Series X25, boasting a unique translucent green design and themed controller, carries a retail price of $899.99 for the console itself and $79.99 for the controller. However, scalpers have already managed to list these consoles on eBay for exorbitant prices, with many successfully closing deals for over $2,000.
One particularly brazen scalper offering the complete package – including the “XBOX 25” branded 1TB console, controller, and a copy of Halo: Campaign Evolved – managed to sell their listing for a staggering $2,800. Numerous other listings have also sold for around $2,500, highlighting the insatiable demand and the willingness of some buyers to pay a premium.
Controller Chaos
The frenzy isn’t limited to just the console itself. The themed controller, featuring the original Xbox logo subtly hidden on the back, is also attracting scalpers. If you’re looking to snag one of these controllers from eBay, be prepared to shell out as much as $185, more than double its retail price. Many others are going for around $130.
“This collection is our way of celebrating the community that has made XBOX what it is today,” Microsoft stated when detailing its X25 collection earlier this week. “Thank you for being part of this journey.” Unfortunately, direct pre-orders from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy seem to be largely sold out, leaving many gamers with limited options.
This isn’t the first time scalpers have targeted highly sought-after gaming hardware. Valve’s new Steam controller and Steam Machine faced similar issues upon their launch earlier this year. Even the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 was hit by scalpers, despite Rockstar Games confirming its digital-only release.
The key difference with the X25 release is the strong possibility that Microsoft won’t be producing more anniversary consoles. This limited availability makes it a prime target for scalpers looking to quickly capitalize on the hype and demand. Each console also features its own unique engraving, adding another layer of collectibility.
The Xbox 25th-anniversary collection is scheduled to launch on November 13, 2026, with the standalone controller set to arrive earlier in October. In a desperate attempt to combat scalping, some retailers have resorted to drastic measures. Target reportedly had employees slicing open Pokémon card boxes, while one Disney store in London was forced to temporarily close after scalpers became “aggressive” towards other customers.
Xbox 25th Anniversary Console – Official Pre-Order Trailer
Source: IGN Gaming
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