Updated

Updated · Forbes · Aug 25

Backbone Releases 3 Xbox 25th-Anniversary Pro Controllers in Blind Boxes at $179.99

Updated

Updated · Forbes · Aug 25

Backbone Releases 3 Xbox 25th-Anniversary Pro Controllers in Blind Boxes at $179.99

Q: Will the controversial blind-box presentation force dedicated Xbox collectors to gamble $180 multiple times just to secure their favorite retro colorway?

Not necessarily, but Backbone’s wording leaves that risk open. The company says the Backbone Pro XBOX 25th Anniversary Edition will come in retro-inspired variants including Crystal Clear, Iconic Blue and Bold Orange, with a “collectible blind box presentation.” Based on what has been announced, Backbone has not explained whether buyers can choose a color at checkout, whether the blind box is only outer packaging, or whether the controller color itself is randomized. If the blind-box element applies to the actual colorway, then yes: collectors who want one specific version could face repeated purchases near the expected $179.99 price point, or turn to the resale market and pay premiums there instead. That is why the blind-box framing is already likely to be seen as controversial for a high-ticket collector item. But it is too early to say Backbone will “force” that outcome. No price has been confirmed, no public release date has been given, and no purchase rules have been published beyond pre-orders beginning sometime through October 2026. Backbone also launched a separate translucent Xbox green Pro option, which appears to be a standard named color rather than part of the anniversary blind-box program. So the real answer depends on details Backbone has not yet disclosed. Until it clarifies whether the mystery packaging affects the actual controller color, dedicated Xbox collectors do face uncertainty—but not a confirmed $180 gamble.

3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Aug 25

Three Backbone Pro “heritage” editions—Crystal Clear, Iconic Blue and Bold Orange—are now on sale as part of Xbox’s 25th-anniversary rollout, with buyers unable to choose a color because each ships in a blind box.
The $179.99 mobile controller targets Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play, adding full-size joysticks, remappable rear buttons, Hall-effect triggers, USB-C, Bluetooth and up to 40 hours of battery life.
Backbone says the translucent designs echo the collectible look of early Xbox hardware, though the sticks still use ALPS potentiometers rather than Hall-effect modules.
The launch lands as Microsoft broadens its 25th-anniversary campaign and as rumors point to a $900 limited-edition transparent green Xbox and matching controller for Black Friday.

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With pre-orders looming in October 2026, does this translucent controller offer any real hardware upgrades over the standard model, or just pure nostalgia?

Will the controversial blind-box presentation force dedicated Xbox collectors to gamble $180 multiple times just to secure their favorite retro colorway?