Microsoft brings back Xbox exclusives and announces 25th Anniversary Series X Console and Controller

During their Xbox Showcase in the wee hours of yesterday morning, Microsoft announced a slew of new games, including a return to exclusive game launches on Xbox. They’ve also announced a new limited edition Xbox Series X console and controller in the OG green colour for the 25th anniversary. 

After launching a large number of titles on PlayStation 5 over the past few years in a bid to expand availability. Microsoft has pulled back the flood, returning to launching exclusives on Xbox, starting with Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution.

The announcement included a new gameplay demo video for Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel which is set 14 years before the original Gears of War game. 

We also got a look at Clockwork Revolution, a very interesting first-person action RPG with what appears to be some neat time manipulation mechanics. 

The announcements included a slew of new games including a new Spyro game, as well as a new Fable trailer, an upcoming expansion for first-person shooter DOOM: The Dark Ages called Revelations.

Microsoft also showed release dates and new trailers for Halo: Campaign Evolved (July 7) and Minecraft Dungeons II (September 25) and a bunch of new content for Sea of Thieves, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Age of Empires IV and a load more.

One that caught my attention was Magicians: The Devil’s Deal – a game from Uppercut Games, a local Canberra studio. It’s a first person game with you as Jacob an illusionist and looks awesome – count me in.

The Xbox Showcase also saw the announcement of a 25th Anniversary Xbox Series X console and Controller. 

The design of the controller and console both adopt the original translucent green from the original special edition consoles. 

The console, called Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition looks awesome, and includes a light-up green XBOX 25th Anniversary logo and 1TB of onboard storage. 

The XBOX Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition controller shares the complimentary translucent design including the original ABXY colors of the original “Duke” controller, as well as the bumpers. The back case and battery door are also fully transparent so you can see the classic XBOX logo. 

Microsoft says you’ll be able to nab the console and controller together in ‘select markets’ as a limited edition collection in November. The XBOX Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition will also be available separately for those that want to grab one.