Xbox is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. A long lifespan in which the manufacturer has built a special bond with players around the world. And thanks to its cult licenses, innovations that have changed the industry, or even a unique vision, Xbox has shaped its history. A story that is interrupted by four generations of consoles that the manufacturer has got used to designing them individually and offering them in very special editions.
For the 20th anniversary of the brand, we are offering a selection of these models. The 20 most iconic, rarest, or nicest Xboxes the company has offered. A selection from the expert Shishirux, who incidentally takes the time to tell us more about each iteration.
The 20 most notable Xboxes from Shishirux
In order to write this article, we therefore called on the expertise of a collector. The kind of person who knows all about Xbox consoles, who knows all the models, all the prices, all the stories. Of course you do Shishirux on his social networks to which you are invited to subscribe. He shares photos from his collection, views of his new pieces, and most importantly, his passion for Xbox. In other words, this is the right place to discover accessories, consoles and other somewhat rarer equipment and have a good chat. A big thank you to him for this selection and his dedication, without which this article would be much less noticeable
1 – Xbox Original Launch Team 2001 (Nov 2001)
If you’re a collector and you’ve followed the brand since its inception, it’s difficult not to mention this model. This is the very first limited edition Xbox, and it’s not just that. This template was intended for employees who worked on the project. Supplied with a Duke controller in the same color as the console, translucent green, it proudly features Bill Gates’ signature in the middle and the little word “GREAT WORK!” »… Quite a symbol!
2 – Xbox original skeleton (Feb. 2002)
This is the first derivative of the consumer limited edition console. Historic model, as it saw the light of day when it was first launched in Japan. It represents the first steps of the Xbox company in this country and the inauguration of the Controller S. Produced in 50,000 copies, a small key ring from Bill Gates with the edition number engraved on the back was included in the box.
3 – Xbox original tank Dragoon Orta (Dec. 2002)
Fan of the game at Dreamcast, I wasn’t insensitive to this pretty pretty model either. Its age and rarity make it one of the most sought-after Xbox 1st generation consoles.
4 – Xbox Original Pure White (Feb. 2004)
An anniversary model that celebrates the console’s 2nd anniversary in Japan. I doubt that there are still many of the 1,000 models produced on the archipelago. Model that to this day is the only one to benefit from a personalization service where you can have a small note engraved on the console cover. Another engraving also mentions the number of your console # xxxx / 1000, the class !! For comparison: For the 2 years Xbox in Europe we were entitled to a very limited Crystal Edition, which, due to its success, will be reissued a few months later in significantly larger numbers and thus inevitably also significantly fewer collector’s items. and limited …
5 – Original Xbox Halo (as of 2004)
This limited edition saw the light of day in the USA in April 2004. It’s hard to talk about Xbox without mentioning Halo. For fans of the saga, this first edition deserves a place with you! While this issue isn’t extremely rare, the success of the franchise has driven prices soaring. For a packaged version in very good condition, calculate around $ 350-400 (excluding shipping and taxes)
6 – Xbox 360 Launch Team 2005 (Nov 2005)
Console for the development team. The console’s launch date in the US is engraved on the green hard drive, but could also be personalized. Little novelty especially for the Xbox of this time, the removable facades; the one dedicated to the launch team was deployed outside of the console package.
7- Xbox 360 Reviewer Kit (Oct 2005)
A console that many people must have seen without being amazed at this model. A few months before the console was officially released, many images of these consoles appeared alongside 360 white ones. In fact, this version was sent to video game editors halfway between a development console and a classic console. Better known as the Debug Kit, among the previous generation it is nothing out of the ordinary aside from its charcoal gray color and how to play unfinished games. On the other hand, this model, which is more limited than the development kits, has for the most part simply disappeared. In question is the famous ROD, which is forcing MS to gradually replace its consoles with the demo kit, which is identical to the 360 retail. A model that, even if it has never been sold, has its place in a museum.
8 – Xbox 360 Halo 3 (Sept 2007)
Franchise that we no longer present! If you’re a fan, this console will find its place next to the legendary HALO 3 edition headphones. Small amber memories on the edges of the hard drive or DVD drawer and a green armor that we all know, simply sublime.
9 – Xbox 360 Slim Gears of War 3 (Sept 2011)
When we talk about Xbox, we think of Halo. Yes, but Gears of Wars has also made a name for itself. Unsurprisingly, the consoles in the colors of these 2 blockbusters have their place in the top Xbox consoles and the prices are “reasonable” so why not start with this one!
10 – Xbox 360 Slim Star Wars (Avr. 2012)
Fan of the original saga, I couldn’t miss this edition. The details are numerous and sometimes well hidden, especially the message “HELP ME OBI-WAN KENOBI …” that becomes visible when the DVD drawer is opened. A fun console like the 2 characters it represents, R2D2 and C3P0. It’s a shame we didn’t have any other models …
11 – Xbox 360 Slim 10th Anniversary Xbox Live (Nov 2012)
These consoles were presented to early Xbox Live subscribers as a reward for their loyalty. An anniversary to bring back all the good memories, in this case the 10 years on Xbox Live. This console represents the importance Microsoft attaches to its community.
12 – Xbox 360 Slim Halo 4 (Nov 2012)
One style that is making a comeback on the Xbox 360 is the translucent covers. Few models have been rejected in this way since 2006 and until now. Some like it, some don’t. Personally, I think this aspect is very nice and pretty. It’s also a Halo edition!
13 – Xbox One Launch Team 2013
The last “Launch Team” console so far, as MS chose the current generation of “Project Scarlett” controllers to thank the many internal players who took part in the “Series” project, is on this Xbox for the second time Marked this time with the inscription This, “As for the 2 previous generations, it’s a small piece of the Xbox division’s internal history that is worth preserving.
14 – Xbox One Titanfall (2014)
This console captivated me when I discovered it. The Xbox One had just landed on our shelves, and it’s already released in a limited edition on the theme of the game … Pretty surprising! A few days later, multiple media outlets reported that this console was not intended for the general public but only for game developers, and given its bundle, I think this console should be marketed but for reasons that j ‘ignore, Microsoft has been marketing a Titanfall -Packages with a classic black console that accompanies the game and a limited edition controller available separately are preferred. Controller that also corresponds to that of the package offered to respawn teams. If there’s a Fat Collector’s Xbox One, it is definitely this one!
15 – Xbox One Halo 5 (Oct 2015)
Xbox / Halo, Halo / Xbox … they go hand in hand. Nice little details, engravings, a respected subject … what a Halo console! In combination with the green Spartan controller, you get a perfect combination on your shelf
16 – Xbox One S Gears of War 4 (Oct 2016)
In the same spirit as the Elite GOW controller, this console has great engravings. This is the first time MS has been so detailed on a collector console.
17 – Xbox One X Project Scorpio (as of 2017)
Through this console, MS was able to show that it is listening to the community. This special edition is dedicated to more fans of the brand.
18/19 – Xbox One X Taco Bell 2018 & 2019
As with the first Xbox, collector’s editions limited to certain geographic areas have become rare. These versions of the One X were part of competitions organized by the American fast food chain Taco Bell. Two collector’s models have been created in two consecutive years. Each comes with a controller, ELITE white like the console in 2018, ELITE V2 black in 2019!
20 – Xbox One X Gears of War 5 (Sept 2019)
Aesthetically, this console would even have taken its place in the top 3 of all home consoles. The finish and details brought to the max, with transparency effects that give the appearance of a layer of ice, is impressive. Personally, it has more of a place in a window than under your television.
While we wait for future models
So much for choosing the most beautiful Xbox machines to see the light of day! We admit that we discovered the existence of certain models and now we have a wild desire to own some. We hope you do too!
And even if it is going to be difficult to get our hands on a Panzer Dragoon or a 360 Launch Team, we console ourselves by telling ourselves that it is never too late! Especially since Microsoft will certainly continue to offer us beautiful models in the future. Starting with an absolutely great Xbox Series X that just released and deserves a bonus spot on this selection! After all, it is not every day that a brand and its most iconic license turn 20 years old. So we’re leaving you on Kentaru’s house photo. Just to admire this beauty.
Thanks again to Shishirux for his time and love for the <3 brand
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