Xbox to mark 20th anniversary with release of a transparent controller

By Otto Kratky Published October 7, 2021

The Xbox brand is turning 20 this year, and for anyone who feels ancient after having read that, the pain can be eased by a special controller marking the occasion. To celebrate 20 years of Xbox, Microsoft is releasing a special 20th-anniversary wireless Xbox controller, along with a matching stereo headset. Usually, these controllers aren’t anything special, but Microsoft decided to treat Xbox fans by giving both peripherals a transparent finish.

Inspired by our past, designed for your present.

Announcing the 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Stereo Headset: https://t.co/nNq6kj1bcY #Xbox20 pic.twitter.com/ar6kBiRiQG

— Xbox (@Xbox) October 7, 2021

According to a post on the Xbox Wire, both products will be available November 15, the same day the original Xbox was released 20 years ago. The 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller will cost $70, and while that price point indicates that it comes with some special features, it doesn’t. All but visually, it’s a standard wireless Xbox controller. Its body is transparent with a black finish, offering a retro-style view of its guts. Along with Xbox-green grips and a small Xbox 20th Anniversary logo on the bottom right of the body, the controller undoubtedly has a unique look.

Recommended Videos

As an added bonus, anyone who purchases an Xbox 20th anniversary wireless controller will unlock a dynamic theme for their Xbox Series X/S as soon as it’s connected.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

While the Xbox 20th anniversary headset isn’t fully transparent, Microsoft still managed to work in a bit of that style. The headset itself also features Xbox’s signature green and black colors, but the plastic rims on the outside of each earcup are translucent in keeping with the theme. Like the controller, the Xbox 20th anniversary headset doesn’t boast any additional bells and whistles and will retail for $70.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Otto Kratky is a freelance writer with many homes. You can find his work at Digital Trends, GameSpot, and Gamepur. If he's…

Gaming

3 new Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (November 22-24)

A cockpit view in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

While November has been a quieter month for Xbox Game Pass, this week saw three games launch on Xbox to the benefit of Game Pass subscribers. One is the latest entry in Microsoft's longest-running video game series, another is the long-awaited sequel to a supernatural horror cult classic, and the last one is a popular fantasy MMO that has finally made its way to Xbox Series X/S with bonuses for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. If you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, but aren't sure what you should be playing this weekend, these are the three most obvious choices.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Xbox Games Showcase 2024

Before Microsoft started releasing video game consoles, it made flight simulators. This storied hardcore flying simulation franchise is getting a new entry this year, aptly named Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The latest entry in the Microsoft Flight Simulator series builds upon the strong foundation of its revival in 2020. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 not only sees improved environmental simulation, visuals, and physics, but lots of new content as well. There are now missions where players can participate in aerial firefighting, search and research, and more. While the appeal of simulators like this one is someone niche, those looking for a new flight simulator will adore this game.

Gaming

Xbox is finally letting you cloud stream games you own, with some limits

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty's new character. She's in a security uniform leaning against a railing with a fiery cityscape in the background.

Years after Xbox promised that users could stream games they own through the cloud, the company is finally launching that functionality, albeit with some restrictions.

Starting Wednesday, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to use Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream games they already own, even if they're not in the Game Pass catalog. However, they can only stream from a list of 50 supported games right now. You can view the full list on Xbox's website, but it's a good mix of titles, ranging from AAA releases like Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to recent indies like Animal Well, Fear the Spotlight, and Dredge. This applies to any version of the game you own, like if you have Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.

Gaming

PS5 vs. Xbox Series S

ps5 vs xbox series s release date 710x400

Between the regular PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, buying a current-gen console is not as simple as it once was. However, you do need to make the right choice if you want to play the best PS5 games or best Xbox Series games, which is the most important factor in a gaming machine. Sure, many games are now cross-platform, but not all of them. We compared the PS5 to the Xbox Series X already, but what about the S? Let's pit Sony's console against the smaller Xbox and see which one is worth it for you.
PlayStation 5 vs. Xbox Series S: specs
Right off the bat, we need to point out that the PS5 and Xbox Series S are aimed toward slightly different audiences, and their specs do differ a considerable amount. The PS5 is aimed toward a "premium" audience looking for high-end visuals and performance, while the Series S is presented as more of an affordable option to get as many players on board as possible. You'll notice the PS5 is a more powerful system in many ways than the Series S, but that doesn't necessarily mean deciding between the two is easy. When it comes to specs, both offer custom SSDs (solid-state drives), meaning games and apps will load incredibly fast. This is a huge upgrade from the current generation's HDDs (hard disk drives), which are starting to show their age as games become much larger in scope.

The main difference between the two on the surface is that the Series S lacks a disc drive, while the standard PS5 will accept 4K UHD Blu-Ray discs. This could be a major factor for some, especially those with less reliable internet connections. The standard PS5 will cost more than the Xbox Series S, and a lower price point could prove to be the most enticing factor when choosing one over the other.