Xbox Series X 25th anniversary: limited edition sells for tens of thousands
Intelligence Summary
- See how the sold-out Xbox Series X 25th anniversary edition is fueling gamer frustration and scalping controversy.
In short
- Microsoft opened pre-orders for the limited-edition Xbox Series X 25th anniversary console, and it sold out in under a minute.
- Scalpers have listed the console on eBay for prices ranging from $2,200 to as much as $27,426.
- Microsoft’s original asking price was $900, which helps explain the huge markups on the secondary market.
GAME-scanner analysis
The recent launch of the limited-edition Xbox Series X for the console’s 25th anniversary has triggered unprecedented demand. The console sold out in under a minute, highlighting both its popularity and the scarcity of gaming hardware in today’s market. Scalpers quickly seized the opportunity, pushing prices on eBay to astronomical levels, with average sale prices ranging between $1,900 and $2,300. This raises questions about the ethics of scalping and the role companies like Microsoft should play in protecting customers from these practices.
What does this mean for players?
For gamers, it means the chance to get a limited-edition Xbox Series X has dropped sharply unless they’re willing to pay outrageous prices. That can lead to frustration across the gaming community, especially among those who want the console for personal use rather than as an investment. The situation also highlights the need for Microsoft to take stronger action against scalping, such as anti-scalping measures and better distribution processes.
Timeline
2026-08-27: Microsoft opens pre-orders for the limited-edition Xbox Series X.
2026-08-27: Pre-orders sell out in under a minute.
2026-08-27: Scalpers begin listing the console on eBay for prices ranging from $2,200 to $27,426.