Microsoft is celebrating Xbox's anniversary with a dynamic background unlocked with the purchase of the newly-revealed Xbox Series X/S anniversary controller. The controller, along with a new special edition Xbox stereo headset, honors Xbox's upcoming 20th anniversary, celebrating 20 whole years of Xbox gaming.

The original Xbox console first released in North America on November 15 2001 and is still fondly remembered to this day. As well as being the very first Xbox console, the hardware introduced some of the biggest game franchises of all time, including Halo, with Halo: Combat Evolved making a splash as one of the console's launch titles. The next game in the Halo series, Halo Infinite, is set to debut this year. While originally planned to release in 2020, the game's new launch day is just a few weeks after the anniversary of both Xbox and Halo, making Halo Infinite's release timing close to perfect.

Announcing the news across social media, Xbox has revealed the new 20th Anniversary Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller, which pays homage to the original Xbox with a "fresh spin" on the translucent green of the original Xbox Debug kit. While the front of the controller features transparent black that harkens back to the long-forgotten translucent game devices of yesteryear, the back features the iconic Xbox green. The controller also has a nostalgic green button which, as the official Xbox website explains, "brings us back to the first green Xbox logo." Purchasing the anniversary controller will also unlock an exclusive 20th Anniversary dynamic background. Xbox explains:

"Connect your 20th Anniversary Special Edition controller to your friends Xbox Series X|S to gift them this dynamic background as well! Once you choose another background, however, this one will disappear, and you will need to re-connect the 20th Anniversary controller to unlock it again."
The $69.99 controller is up for preorder now and will be available on November 15.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1446116217622695945

As shown in the tweet above, Xbox's 20th-anniversary dynamic background likely won't want to be missed by fans of the original console. The classic black and green design, coupled with the anniversary branding, is a nice bonus to receive when purchasing the controller. Those who want to celebrate Xbox's anniversary without purchasing the controller can still give the latest consoles an OG Xbox makeover thanks to the original Xbox background now being available as a dynamic Series X/S theme.

With over a month left until Xbox's official 20th anniversary, it's hoped the company has even more in store to treat fans. While a number of classic Xbox games are available to play through Xbox Game Pass, there are plenty more nostalgic titles that could be introduced to the subscription service in celebration of the event. If not, Xbox fans still have a lot to look forward to thanks to the upcoming release of Xbox console exclusives including not just Halo Infinite, but also Forza Horizon 5. Both games will be available through the Xbox Game Pass service from the day of their release.