retro translucent green tech is taking over

Xbox's 25th Anniversary has spawned a whole army of translucent green gaming gadgets, with brands from 8BitDo to GameSir and Razer getting involved with that iconic '90s aesthetic.

The best part is none of this stuff will cost you the $899.99 going rate of the full Xbox X25 limited edition console, with some special editions coming in cheaper than the X25 controller to boot. You can peer into the internal workings of a Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K gaming mouse, for example, or a simple controller charging dock. Everything carries that same see-through plastic throughout its design, with some kit nodding to those brightly colored face buttons for extra nostalgia.

Prices range from $39.99 for 8BitDo's Ultimate Charging Dock all the way through to $209.99 for Razer's hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. Each one comes with that official Xbox 25 stamp somewhere, so you know it's an officially licensed anniversary edition. What's more, while Xbox X25 console pre-orders continue to evade the shelves all this tech is readily available today. You'll be heading to Amazon for half of this collection, while Razer's gadgets are exclusive to its own store.

Xbox X25 controller

This is Xbox's own special edition Wireless controller, opened up for all to see with that classic green glow. Full-color face buttons make their return here as well, with the official gamepad hitting the shelves well ahead of its console companion.

8BitDo Ultimate Charging Dock

8BitDo's Ultimate Charging Dock has been designed to complement the official Wireless controller, continuing the translucent design through into a handy juicer. That means no more AA batteries.

GameSir X5 Lite

The GameSir X5 Lite is one of this popular controller brand's cheaper mobile controllers - just note that you'll need an iPhone or Android device with a centered USB-C slot for it to connect. Bathed in a brighter translucent green plastic (as well as those bright face clackers), this one keeps its official stamp on the lower right grip.

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35k

The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K isn't the best value gaming mouse on the market right now, only really making true financial sense for the more competitive among us. However, it's a comfortable design and it's the only rodent with that official Xbox seal for the anniversary.

Razer Blackwidow V4 75%

You're spending a lot more on the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% than you would if you opted for a simple black model, but if you're here for those '90s vibes it's still a worthy addition to a setup. The hot-swappable 75% deck can be found for as little as $105 without that Xbox branding at Amazon, though. Still, more invested Xbox fans will be pleased to see those face button colors translated to the arrow keys here.

Razer Razer Hammerhead V3 X Hyperspeed

The Razer Hammerhead V3 X Hyperspeed earbuds are the cheapest item in Razer's X25 repertoire, taking that retro design all the way through both the charging case and individual buds. Again, you're paying a $20 premium for the special edition design here - if you're just interested in a regular set of buds you'll normally find them at $99.99.

What about that X25 console?

The limited edition Xbox X25 console isn't due to hit the shelves until November 13 and pre-orders are incredibly difficult to find. This isn't just a special edition, it's a numbered limited release. That means there are only 25,000 up for grabs worldwide - getting one is going to be particularly difficult.

Why translucent green?

If you weren't around 25 years ago, just know that the world was gripped with the desire to see inside the tech we were buying. Vibrantly colored translucent plastic ruled the design trends of the original Xbox's day, covering everything from the GameBoy Advance to Mac computers. The trend lasted slightly into the early 00's, before it ultimately gave way to metallic preferences.

We're also rounding up all this year's best Xbox gifts ahead of the holiday season.