Xbox Turns 25: Anniversary Celebration Brings Free Gamer Badges, Game Pass Classics, FanFest Tour and New Gear
Xbox is going all-in for its 25th anniversary, launching a major celebration packed with community-created designs, a new anniversary profile badge, curated Game Pass collections, a worldwide FanFest tour and an official Xbox merchandise store.
The celebration comes ahead of Xbox’s 25th anniversary on November 15, marking a quarter-century since Microsoft’s gaming brand first set out to bring players together through the games and worlds they love.
Xbox Gives Players New 25th Anniversary Designs
To celebrate the milestone, Xbox is teaming up with community creators Klobrille and Ben Kenobi to release a collection of gamer pictures, backgrounds and a dynamic Xbox console theme.
The designs are inspired by the Xbox community and the relationship between players, creators and the games that have defined the platform.
Players can customize their profiles and consoles with the new designs through Xbox settings, while PC users can access the gamerpic and theme options through the Xbox app.
Xbox is also encouraging fans to share their own creations using #Xbox25 and tag @Xbox.
Every Player Can Get an Xbox 25th Anniversary Badge
One of the biggest anniversary perks is a new Xbox 25th Anniversary profile badge.
Starting now, players who sign in to their Xbox account on console, PC or the Xbox mobile app will receive the badge.
The badge will remain available through the end of 2026 and can be displayed directly on a player’s Xbox profile.
That gives millions of Xbox users a simple way to show they are part of the platform’s 25-year history.
Game Pass Gets a Trip Through Xbox History
Xbox is also turning Game Pass into a celebration of its gaming legacy.
Specially curated collections will highlight memorable titles from different generations, including the original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Players can revisit classics and fan favorites including:
- Fable Anniversary
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Fallout 4
- Psychonauts 2
- And many more
The collections are designed to showcase the franchises and games that helped define Xbox across its 25-year history.
Xbox FanFest Is Going Global
The Xbox FanFest Tour is also expanding into a worldwide celebration featuring fan-focused events built around gaming and local communities.
The announced stops include:
- Cologne, Germany — August 26, during 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 details coming soon
Fans can enter city-specific sweepstakes for a chance to attend the events.
Xbox Launches Official Merchandise Store
Xbox is also entering a new era of branded merchandise with the launch of Xbox Gear.
The official store features collections inspired by Xbox’s history, design and community.
Three collections are available at launch:
- Gloss
- Est.01
- Blood Gulch
Xbox says additional merchandise drops are already planned, meaning the new store will continue expanding throughout the anniversary celebration.
The 25-Year Xbox Celebration Is Just Getting Started
Microsoft is making clear that the anniversary won’t be limited to a single event.
With community-created designs, a collectible profile badge, Game Pass retrospectives, international FanFest events and new merchandise, Xbox is turning its 25th anniversary into a months-long celebration.
For longtime players, it’s a chance to revisit the games and memories that shaped Xbox. For newer gamers, it’s an opportunity to explore the franchises and experiences that built the platform over the past quarter-century.
Xbox turns 25 on November 15 — and the celebration is already underway.