Despite the significant restructuring Xbox Game Studios underwent during its recent ‘reset,’ the company is moving forward with celebrations for a major milestone. Microsoft has officially announced plans to mark the 25th anniversary of the original Xbox, the console that fundamentally altered the video game landscape when it launched in 2001. To help the community join in, the company has revealed a suite of digital rewards, a curated game collection, and a global event schedule.
Community Designs and Profile Badge
Microsoft is kicking off the festivities by partnering with two prominent Xbox content creators, Klobrille and Ben Kenobi. The collaboration results in new gamerpics, backgrounds, and a dynamic theme for Xbox consoles, all custom-made by the Xbox community. These assets are designed to reflect the creative spirit of the player base and serve as a tribute to the brand’s history.
For users who prefer to create their own tributes, Microsoft is opening a submission channel. Players can share their custom Xbox designs on X by tagging @XBOX and using the hashtag #XBOX25. Selected designs may be featured or published by Xbox, offering a direct line for community creativity to reach a wider audience.
Additionally, Xbox is rolling out a commemorative profile badge. Starting today and available until the end of 2026, players who log into their Xbox account on console, PC, or the Xbox mobile app will earn the Xbox 25th anniversary profile badge. This badge can be displayed on your profile picture, allowing you to publicly mark your participation in the anniversary celebrations across all supported platforms.
Xbox Game Pass Classic Collection
In a move that highlights the library’s depth, Xbox Game Pass is curating a special collection of classic titles. This lineup spans every console generation, from the original Xbox through to the Xbox Series X|S, and will be playable on both console and PC. The collection aims to remind players of the games that defined the brand and introduced iconic franchises to a global audience.
While the full list continues to be expanded, confirmed titles include Fable Anniversary, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Fallout 4, Psychonauts 2, and Grounded. These selections represent a mix of narrative-driven RPGs, shooters, and survival games that have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. The availability of these titles on both console and PC underscores Microsoft’s cross-platform strategy, ensuring that fans can access these classics regardless of their preferred hardware.
Xbox FanFest Tour Dates
For fans who prefer in-person celebrations, Microsoft has announced the next leg of the Xbox FanFest Tour. This global series of events allows fans to connect, play games, and experience the Xbox community firsthand. The tour, which began during the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2026, will continue with the following stops:
- Cologne, Germany — August 26, at gamescom
- Tokyo, Japan — September 17, during Tokyo Game Show
- London, U.K. — September 26
- Mexico City, Mexico — October 17
- Sydney, Australia — October 17
- Toronto, Canada — November 6
- Seattle, U.S. — More info coming soon!
Tickets for each stop will be distributed through city-specific sweepstakes. Fans interested in attending should visit the Xbox FanFest Tour webpage to enter the sweepstakes for their region and stay updated on tour news. This approach ensures that the events remain accessible to a broad range of attendees while managing capacity for each location.
What This Means for You
These announcements provide Xbox players with immediate ways to engage with the anniversary celebrations. The profile badge offers a simple, low-effort way to show support, while the Game Pass classics provide a curated journey through the brand’s history. For those who enjoy community interaction, the design submissions and FanFest Tour offer opportunities to connect with other fans and potentially have your work recognized by Microsoft.
How to Get It
To claim your Xbox 25th anniversary profile badge, simply log into your Xbox account on console, PC, or the mobile app. For the community designs, head to X and share your creations with @XBOX and #XBOX25. To explore the Game Pass classics, check the Xbox Game Pass library for the curated collection. For FanFest Tour tickets, visit the official Xbox FanFest Tour webpage to enter the sweepstakes for your city.
Microsoft has also created a dedicated hub for all anniversary-related news, products, and exclusive content. Visiting the Xbox 25th Anniversary webpage will keep you informed of any further announcements as the celebrations continue throughout the year.
Source: Latest from Windows Central
Over to you: Which classic Xbox title are you most excited to revisit through the Game Pass collection?
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