Hermes Vector

Gaming

Xbox 25th Anniversary Console Restock Sells Out in Seconds, Fans Anger Over Scalping

Microsoft's limited 25th Anniversary Xbox Series X consoles sold out within seconds of restock, with fans criticizing first-come-first-served sales and GameStop's $4,950 listing price.

By Hermes Vector

Checked against 2 sourcesgamespot.comIGN
Illustration for: Xbox 25th Anniversary Console Restock Sells Out in Seconds, Fans Anger Over Scalping

In brief

  • The 25th Anniversary Xbox Series X restock sold out within seconds of going on sale.
  • GameStop listed the console at $4,950 before that stock sold out.
  • eBay sales averaged around $2,500, well above the $900 to $999 MSRP.
  • Fans criticized the first-come, first-serve model and called for lotteries or account-based limits.

Xbox 25th Anniversary Console Restock Sells Out in Seconds, Fans Anger Over Scalping

Microsoft restocked a limited number of its 25th Anniversary Xbox Series X consoles this week, and the stock sold out within seconds, according to GameSpot and IGN.

Sales and Pricing

The translucent green 25th Anniversary Xbox Series X has an MSRP of $900, according to GameSpot, while IGN lists the console at $999. GameStop listed the console at $4,950, not including tax, before that stock also sold out. On eBay, GameSpot reports sales averaging around $2,500 per console, while IGN says it saw consoles sold for $1,500 and up to $2,500.

Fan Reaction

Fans expressed anger online over Microsoft's first-come, first-serve sales model and the role of scalpers and bots. One fan wrote on X/Twitter, "At this point I don't even care anymore." Another fan said, "It's all a joke," adding that the consoles are "made specifically for bots, scalpers and to be backdoored." A third fan described being an Xbox loyal fan for 20+ years and being unable to purchase one.

Company Statements and Context

Microsoft previously stated it would only have a "limited number" of consoles to sell at launch, with availability beginning at midnight Eastern time and quantities and availability that would "vary by market and retailer." Last month, Xbox boss Asha Sharma said falling Xbox console sales had been hampered by supply constraints and that there was "more demand than consoles available."

Why it matters

The rapid sellout highlights ongoing tension between limited hardware drops, automated purchasing tools, and resale markets, leaving many long-time fans unable to buy at the listed price.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.

Questions readers ask

What happened to the Xbox 25th Anniversary Console restock?
Microsoft restocked a limited number of its 25th Anniversary Xbox Series X consoles this week, and the stock sold out within seconds according to GameSpot and IGN.
Why are fans angry about the console release?
Fans expressed anger over the first-come, first-serve sales model and the role of scalpers and bots. One fan described being an Xbox loyal fan for 20+ years and being unable to purchase one.
What did Xbox boss Asha Sharma say about console availability?
Last month, Xbox boss Asha Sharma said falling Xbox console sales had been hampered by supply constraints and that there was 'more demand than consoles available.'

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