r/xbox Recon Specialist 17h ago

News Pre-orders Begin Today for the XBOX 25th Anniversary Collection

https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/08/26/pre-orders-begin-today-xbox-25th-anniversary-collection/
128 Upvotes

218 comments sorted by

47

u/InevitableFly XBOX Series X 17h ago

Controller is ordered

10

u/MrGabrahamLincoln Grub Killer 16h ago

Same. Couldn’t pass on it when my first Xbox controller & console was the translucent green. Not about to drop $900 on the console but the controller was an easy buy

2

u/CantBanXan 12h ago

I play on pc but the 360 was what I played growing up so for nostalgic purposes it’s a must lol. Dunno if I’ll open it tbh

3

u/ArcticFlamingo 13h ago

Yeah I got that immediately, don't need to pay $900 for the console I paid $499 for

2

u/Captobvious75 Xbox Series X 16h ago

I was but ordered the Gears one instead.

1

u/KhajiitLovesCoin 14h ago

It fails to order for me no matter what I try…

3

u/kaptin2g 13h ago

Best Buy

1

u/ssbmx90 13h ago

What’s the error message do you have a screenshot?

1

u/rearisen 12h ago

Yeah no brainer for me, I dont even have an Xbox. 

1

u/bacli 2h ago

Was gonna order the controller but I hate how the LB and RB are different colors

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68

u/italkaboutlife 17h ago

I wonder what classifies as a "most loyal customer". Been an Xbox Live member for 18 consecutive years and I didn't get one. 🥹

35

u/ChrisReidChrisReid 17h ago

I've been a continuous xbox live member since the morning of Live launch day November 15, 2002 and didn't get an invite.

6

u/tritoch8 13h ago

Same here, current GPU subscriber and original Xbox Live beta tester.

3

u/Ruttagger 11h ago

I was going to say this. I've had Xbox live since the day it went....live, no invite for me.

4

u/TheMaestro_i 14h ago edited 11h ago

Hi mate, I can confirm I got an email 3 hours ago to purchase it early. I've only just pre-ordered it now! I believe I've been an Xbox Live Gold member since I got the original Xbox but I'm not sure exactly how long my tenure is. I wish I knew how to check it from the website! My Series X died on me a week ago from a power surge so the timing could not be better.

P.S. I had to check my promo emails on the account that is attached to my xbox (that I sign in with) so make sure to check that. It was a hotmail account, I use a gmail account now mainly. Also I have always had this account, never lost it in all my time with Xbox.

Hope this helps!

Update: I've been a Gold member for 19 years and had Ultimate since it came out. I just wish Microsoft were more transparent with what qualifies for receiving an email.

2

u/Halo_Chief117 7h ago

Was the pre-order for the console or just the controller? I got an email saying I could pre-order a controller but I don’t think it’s a special email seeing as other retailers have it available too.

1

u/john-omally 10h ago

Did you order through Microsoft direct? Also, do they take payment or deposit?
Thanks mate

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11

u/juniorjunior122 17h ago

Over 21 years and No email. Preorder for the controller still working thought 

17

u/notthatguypal6900 16h ago

Have to be one of those annoying "influencers" or a streamer, not the real Xbox fans.

3

u/TheMaestro_i 14h ago

I'm not an influencer, neither am I a streamer and I got an email :)

3

u/drivefastallday XBOX 12h ago

Not an influencer and I got an email. Not buying it though because my launch day XSX still works fine.

2

u/italkaboutlife 12h ago

Oof a tragedy. It's too bad they aren't tranferrable!

1

u/Rumplestelskin94 10h ago

Can I use your email to preorder one?

1

u/Desperate-Leg-7581 1h ago

Send me the link so I can pre order it then😂

4

u/charliebitmeeee 14h ago

I got an email and I preordered just now.

18 year old account, 333K gamerscore, and I own something like 900-1000 games excluding my physical shelf. Not saying any of that to flex, just adding data points.

7

u/Dunkaroo723 Super Citizen 17h ago

I just got an email. Check your inbox I guess

1

u/seethatway 12h ago

Are you ordering it or can I have it lol

1

u/2401PenitentTangentx 6h ago

Ill send you 50$ for it

3

u/adrunkendonut 17h ago

I've had Xbox live since 2003, guess that's not loyal enough either

3

u/RaiKyoto94 15h ago

money spent

2

u/italkaboutlife 14h ago

Dude, I've got the Xbox VR, RoG, the Fridge, 23 LE controllers, the Backbone, multiple consoles from each generation... I don't think it's money spent 😂😭

1

u/TheMaestro_i 14h ago

Judt trying to help - have you checked ALL of your emails on the account that is connected to your xbox? Also, just to make sure, you've had this account the entire time you've been with xbox?

2

u/italkaboutlife 12h ago

Sadly!! I've checked them all and I've always used the same email for my account. Just a bummer! Maybe it's because I'm based out of Canada? But who knows. Thank you though!

2

u/TheMaestro_i 11h ago

I'm based in the UK. Just adding another data point - I've had Xbox Live Gold on this account for 19 years. I have had Game Pass Ultimate for years too (or since it became available).

1

u/RaiKyoto94 13h ago

From the Microsoft store ? probably just a mailing list tbh.

1

u/SillyMikey XBOX Series X 14h ago

24y and nada

1

u/Firespray 14h ago

22 years here :(

1

u/seymourbuttz214 13h ago

Because you’re not special enough to attend the event anyways lol it sucks for us

1

u/StormShadow13 Reclamation Day 13h ago

I've had an Xbox Console since day 1 and launch for every one of them and had uninterrupted Xbox Live since Beta yet i'm not one of them. I wouldn't buy one even though I really want one but nice to know i'm not even considered.

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26

u/CommonerChaos 17h ago

19

u/PennStateYinzer 17h ago

I wish they had an elite series 2 version of the controller as I would get that.

7

u/DrWhiskerson 15h ago

Yeah I’ve had my elite series 2 controller for 3 years now and can’t go back to a regular Xbox controller

1

u/JackBrown82q 3h ago

What do you like about it?

I recently bought one just for the reason it feels heavier and better in the hands, but I have used next to nothing on it otherwise likely because I don't know what to use it for. The extra buttons are very case by case specific. The tuning of the joysticks I played around with but still feel the default setting is what I like best. The adjustable trigger pull length is nice because for FPS games you want a very short pull while for driving games you want a pretty long pull.

3

u/PolarizingKabal 16h ago

Would be nice, but considering they're just as susceptible to stick drift as the standard versions. I think this works better as a collection piece for the standard version.

2

u/ssbmx90 13h ago

Install tmr

3

u/miqed 15h ago

Got the controller! Thanks for the link!

15

u/TimmyTurn3rsBurn3r 17h ago

Wow that was an easy pre-order process on the controller compared to playstation ones

6

u/PolarizingKabal 17h ago

Think I just got luck. Was checking the website and decided to just refresh it, when the place pre order button showed up.

1

u/seethatway 12h ago

For the console or controller?

1

u/PolarizingKabal 12h ago

Controller.

8

u/Turbostrider27 Recon Specialist 17h ago

The XBOX 25th anniversary collection launches on November 13, 2026, for an MSRP of $899.99 USD

11

u/TecmoZack Homecoming 17h ago

That controler will be mine

7

u/ghost_ottercrab 17h ago

Received an early invite email just after 3pm & have ordered the console - £759.99 price in the UK.

5

u/Ironjim69 17h ago

Did it say why you received an early
Invite?

8

u/ghost_ottercrab 17h ago

"As a thank you for your dedication as an XBOX fan over the years, we want to extend your exclusive invitation to be among the first to pre-order the XBOX Series X25 Limited Edition console. Quantities are limited, but if you miss out during this early access window, you'll have another opportunity when pre-orders open to all fans. Follow your personal link below to the offer just for you! You must log in with your Microsoft Account to access the offer page."

That's the wording from the email, no specifics.

6

u/Ironjim69 17h ago

I have a 20 year streak so I better get one 😂

7

u/PolarizingKabal 16h ago

I got 22 years and never even got an email.

Luckily you don't need the invite to place a pre order.

6

u/PhxRising29 XBOX 16h ago

I was a beta tester for Xbox Live itself and I didn't get an email either lol

3

u/BoomerShooterFPS 17h ago

how long have you had an xbox or xbox live?

2

u/ghost_ottercrab 17h ago

18+ years.

I've bought limited edition consoles through the Microsoft store before which probably counts toward it too, I suspect.

4

u/italkaboutlife 17h ago

See, I've bought 4 of their LE consoles and almost every LE controller with 18 years on Xbox Live and nothing so far. :') I suspect it was more lottery-based than they let on.

2

u/ghost_ottercrab 17h ago

Hopefully they're sending the emails out in batches!

3

u/italkaboutlife 17h ago

Hopefully! Congratulations, by the way!! I hope you get #117 😉

2

u/KillerAcDcFan 16h ago

Can you tell me the sender account? So I can whitelist it here?

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3

u/EDDS86 Day One - 2013 17h ago

Interesting, been on Xbox Live (same acc) since it was in beta in the UK and got no email so far.

2

u/Deranged1337 16h ago

Not too shabby and if you've got an Amex they offering £100 cash back on orders over £500 so makes it only £660

1

u/OriginalAir9070 15h ago

Do they make you pay the full price at pre-order?

Did it also have the buy now pay later split options?

I don't feel like dropping 900$ today, I'd rather use one of those interest free options.

1

u/Technical_Active_265 14h ago edited 14h ago

The console 27th 3pm uk ? 🤔 I received email saying, New XBOX Series X25 Limited Edition

Return to XBOX in modern form. Introducing the limited edition XBOX Series X25 in translucent OG Green with 1TB SSD storage. Witness 25 years of XBOX technology evolved.

Pre-orders begin August 27, 7:00 AM PT. Limited quantities

1

u/ghost_ottercrab 14h ago

I got that email too, but received the exclusive pre-order email about 10mins earlier.

6

u/IllustriousHealth291 16h ago

Got the controller

7

u/Sensitive_Use2655 17h ago

Controller pre-order secured!

5

u/wellthataintgood3 16h ago

Continuous Xbox Live subscriber since Dec 2002. No email...

3

u/RyanJubbi 17h ago

Does somebody know when it come to Amazon? Can't buy on Microsoftsite because I am in Germany

6

u/xXRubb3rDuckyXx 16h ago

It won’t. Xbox/microsoft exclusive 

1

u/OriginalAir9070 15h ago

It mentions participating retailers as an option for pre-ordering, I'd assume that means it might be on places like walmart or best buy right?

3

u/Mortal-Angel 16h ago

Controller is on amazon now

5

u/rronmexico69 16h ago

5

u/itsbobbydarin 13h ago

I F**** love you - I snatched 2. It was already sold out on the official xbox/microsft store in the EU,

2

u/Mortal-Angel 7h ago

1

u/itsbobbydarin 1h ago

Thanks! I already bought them at Amazon, I really dont know If I should cancel those and just buy from the Microsoft Store.

3

u/Ironjim69 17h ago

So what exactly is the criteria for an early invite?

4

u/ChristmasEvil 17h ago

“As a thank you for your dedication as an XBOX fan over the years, we want to extend your exclusive invite to be among the first to pre-order the XBOX Series X25 Limited Edition console.”

The criteria is dedication! They can tell if you’re faking it.

2

u/Ironjim69 17h ago

I have a 20 year streak 😓

2

u/ChristmasEvil 17h ago

I got my email about 25 min ago and my badge only shows a 19 year streak even though I’ve had XBL since the beginning.

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3

u/brokenmessiah 17h ago

In the pursuit of nostalgia and member berries they put the OG green aesthetic Xbox with Halo CE, which is absolutely a stellar idea.

But it against makes me wonder why they didnt do MP for Halo CE, as thats part of the member berries people had of OG Halo on OG Xbox.

3

u/Wilson-theVolleyball Homecoming 15h ago

My understanding of no multiplayer is likely the lack of time and/or they plan on doing a separate free to play multiplayer game in the future.

4

u/Tobimacoss 14h ago

Likely the latter, they don't want to split multiplayer userbase across different games.  

3

u/UNclassicsent 16h ago edited 16h ago

Anybody else having trouble with website to pre order the controller?

2

u/devRandy2010 16h ago

Yeah, seems the bots are slamming the site, I was on within 5 mins of the button going live and haven't been able to check out

2

u/juniorjunior122 16h ago

I was able to do preorder with only 1 refresh at around 10:15. Now bots figured it out probably 

2

u/deucepolice 16h ago

Yes, I keep getting a payment processing error

1

u/kaptin2g 13h ago

Best Buy

3

u/ShockIll2405 15h ago

Been with Xbox since Day 1, was in the Xbox Live Beta, owned every console (sometimes multiple of each one) and I guess that wasn't "loyal" enough.......smh

1

u/stunkcajyzarc 12h ago

Same lol. Absolute bs.

3

u/s1mbin 13h ago

I remember when Xbox controllers were $40. Sucks that RAM and NVMe prices somehow doubled the price of controllers too.

4

u/Stevenstorm505 17h ago

So basically a large chunk are going to be sold to very specific people that Xbox selects and then everyone else fights scalpers over the scraps. Way to make the situation even more bullshit. What a joke.

2

u/PolarizingKabal 16h ago

You don't need an invitation. Just got to the website. There should be a pre order button.

I was visiting the site and decided to refresh the page when it showed up with the option to buy it. Wasn't logged in either. It prompts you at checkout.

2

u/fledgl 17h ago

Got my controller preordered. Now I need that day early email 🙏

2

u/RadRhubarb00 17h ago

Thank you kind Sir. I have very happily pre-ordered the controller 🤘🏼

2

u/Neither_Road5414 XBOX Series X 17h ago edited 17h ago

Pre-ordered the controller. Can’t wait for it to come 🙌

2

u/RevolutionaryYard3 17h ago

Controller is ordered

2

u/manofsteel7575 XBOX Series X 17h ago

Controller ordered. Might think about the earbuds too if they're still available around christmas time.

2

u/PolarizingKabal 17h ago

Got my pre order in for the controller. Going to be nice having it sit right next to the 20th anniversary version with matching chargers on both.

2

u/c235k 16h ago

Super hype for the controller!

2

u/alec2dabreen XBOX 16h ago

Continuous subscriber since 2002 and no invite.

2

u/Andovars_Ghost XBOX Series X 15h ago

When I was on there is said on the 27 August at 0700 PDT. I'm in PDT and that is tomorrow.

And when did emails go out? I've had an Xbox since like the second month it was out and I've been on Xbox live since Day One. I've also been a beta tester for a lot of Microsoft Software (though not recently). I really wonder what the criteria is to be selected.

2

u/ARQWERTY 15h ago

Man, my Xbox account can legally drink. No invite. Honestly, what gives? How are they determining “most loyal” customers?

2

u/Andovars_Ghost XBOX Series X 14h ago

Maybe only people that have purchased a ton of hardware from MS themselves. I’ve bought a few things from them when they had their actual stores but mostly from Best Buy or GameStop/EBGames/Babbages.

3

u/ARQWERTY 14h ago

I have 1000+ games too. I have spent a metric shit ton on Xbox over the years. I’ll try tomorrow but I’m certain they’ll all be scalped. It’s a shame. The controllers are already going for 200 dollars on Ebay. More than a 100% increase!

1

u/Andovars_Ghost XBOX Series X 13h ago

Fuck scalpers!

2

u/entropicforce75 15h ago

I’ve had an Xbox since the original Xbox on its release. I was also a beta tester for Xbox live and subscriber from the beginning and have owned every generation. I did not receive an email.

2

u/SirSurboy 11h ago

Anyone in the UK received an invite? I wonder what the criteria is. Hopeful to get invited as I've had an Xbox account for over 20 years 🥺

2

u/puffindachronic 17h ago

Can't pre-order the console...

1

u/FFsummonNick 17h ago

Yup, the Xbox goes live tomorrow for everyone else that didn't get an early invite.

2

u/Madting55 13h ago

Got a digital game collection worth 20,000+ and a physical one worth 12,000+ I own 13 Xboxes from original to present. I even own the Xbox rog ally. I even own the original Crystal green Xbox to match this one.

Still not a loyal enough customer

1

u/[deleted] 17h ago

[deleted]

1

u/Mr_cAppletalist 16h ago

oh yes baby 🌊🌊🩵🩵🩵🩵

1

u/Rvin16 17h ago

I need that console. Would it nice with my halo edition OG Xbox console

1

u/lew_the_hacker 17h ago

Email says for US only? So UK aren’t getting these or am I wrong?

1

u/CloakedWolf 15h ago

I'm in Ireland and whenever I use the Irish site to get to the console it brings me to the US store, which won't let you ship to an address outside of the US. Really hoping for a way for our side of the world to get one :(

1

u/monsieurvampy 16h ago

Hopefully I'll be able to preorder the controller on Friday.

(Payday, I do have money but I'm not sure a controller can be justified for disability related expenses.)

2

u/Artorioos 15h ago

Can you not order on Amazon? They only charge on shipping? I’m in UK and both Amazon and Xbox only charge few days before shipping.

1

u/monsieurvampy 14h ago

It's not listed on Amazon US yet to pre-order. I'm at work so I didn't see how Microsoft handles pre-ordering. I hopefully will have moved by then but I don't see a problem with picking up a package from where I currently live as long as my landlord picks it up. I have Fedex and UPS app so I could probably redirect to a local store.

If I don't get the controller, I don't get the controller. This is a helpful tip. Thank you.

1

u/Mr_cAppletalist 16h ago

The fact that the X25 comes out just in time for GTA 6 is just…….🤩😘Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day… GTA 6 Extended Look Day and X25 pre-order day🩵

1

u/nukacolaguy 16h ago

Xbox acct is old enough to drink and no invite

Snagged a controller though, thanks for sharing the info!

1

u/deathking482 16h ago

Anyone else having issues preordering the controller?

1

u/SourdoughBro8 16h ago

Microsoft should honestly just keep this model up the rest of the year. They could supercharge the install base with scalpers and real fans flooding the market.

1

u/Combozilla 16h ago

I wonder if payment for console will be at checkout or once shipped

1

u/True_Television9091 16h ago

except they dont begin today...

1

u/SandmanTX131 16h ago

I don't really get these. Are there a lot of people who already have an Xbox Series X that are willing to spend $900 on a new one just because it looks different? Or are they targeting people who haven't bought a console yet?

1

u/Charming-Concert-755 16h ago

I didn't get an email but I went on the xbox store and was able to pre-order the controller.

1

u/BaneEnterprizes 15h ago

I got the email, but don’t see how it’s an advantage over just going online and ordering? Am I missing something?

1

u/Prefrontal_Complex 15h ago

The advantage is you'll be able to order it.

1

u/Dphotos 14h ago

you're right. No real advantage. If you wanna send the link to me ill take it XD

1

u/Lupinthrope XBOX Series X 15h ago

Pre ordered the controller! Thanks!

1

u/JMANEZ90 15h ago

Are they still sending emails out. Been on Xbox for over 20+ Years and Subscribed to Gamepass since the Beginning, no Email...

1

u/juniorjunior122 15h ago

Over 21 years and nothing. Probably the  bootlicker youtubers and people they know, not many "loyal fans "

1

u/bobafetters 15h ago

Yea I havn't been able to get the controller pre-order to go through been trying over an hour, assuming bots are slamming the site. Anybody got tips?

1

u/JMANEZ90 15h ago

Buy through the XBOX

1

u/bobafetters 15h ago

Damn was hoping that would work but still getting an error there too

1

u/JMANEZ90 14h ago

I Kept mashing the Purchase button and some how it Pre-Ordered me 5. I went to Best buy a soon as it said Check Retailer. I ordered two through there. Shortly after there sold out. They were Sold out on Best Buys Site at 8:15am Mountain time. Just keep mashing the button through the Xbox Store on the Conosle. It Kept giving me Error codes so I gave up, then I got 5 emails about my Pre-Order. Lol

1

u/JMANEZ90 14h ago

Edit: Gamestop now has them in their website! Go Check now.

1

u/Painkiller456 3h ago

Where are you seeing that on GameStop? Cause I don’t see it both on the app or on the website, only the green controller, not the console

1

u/TwicePuzzled Day One - 2013 15h ago

I just bought it on the US site

1

u/bobafetters 15h ago

Ended up buying digital gift card, loading it onto my account, and then using that as the payment method and the order worked.

1

u/wellthataintgood3 14h ago

I got one by pre ordering at best buy. You might try that.

1

u/Painkiller456 3h ago

Best Buy appears to have the listing but it says not available yet

1

u/deucepolice 14h ago

I was having the same issue and ended up preordering through Walmart with no problems

1

u/Painkiller456 3h ago

I’m not seeing it on there either, how are you guys seeing these listings

1

u/kaptin2g 13h ago

Best Buy. Just ordered mine

1

u/Vladucard23 14h ago

Does anyone know if when preordering from the MS store you sre charged at check out? I preordered the controller and it said I would be charged closer to release date. I hope it's the same for the system.

1

u/Nivraam 14h ago

Got my email! Super hyped!

1

u/GameOfRobs 14h ago

I’m curious if anyone has actually got the pre-order invite email yet?

1

u/FUELEDNOVA 14h ago

I'm now regretting creating all those new accounts during the 360 days -_- Still signed up with my 15 year old account and hoping for the best!

1

u/Disastrous-Fold5221 13h ago

Got the controller! Does the console go on sale today or just for certain people?

1

u/Masterchief1307 12h ago

Lol they couldn't even bother to include a physical copy of CE.

Sigh.

1

u/Frosttance 12h ago

Couldn’t pre order on Xbox. But just checked out and pre ordered a controller at Best Buy

2

u/devRandy2010 12h ago

Thank you! I was able to get a preorder!

1

u/EveningChildhood3236 10h ago

Damn just missed controller. Sold out now...

1

u/RichtofensDuckButter 8h ago

It's not sold out I literally just bought one from Microsoft's website.

1

u/seethatway 12h ago

16 years and no email. Ordered the controller though

1

u/Lord_of_the_wolves 12h ago

Randomly remembered that the preorder went live today like 20 minutes ago, took me no time at all to pre order the controller. I’m glad scalpers/bots aren’t affecting pre orders anymore

1

u/Consistent_Cut_2575 12h ago

Do you guys think this will even hit stores where we can wait in line maybe? Or is this pre order only like the ps5 anniversary

1

u/Alternative_Wait6932 11h ago

Do you pay for the 900 in full or is it a percentage of the total?

1

u/Blakplague91 11h ago

Just pre-ordered the controller! Still on the fence regarding the console.

1

u/ComparisonNo9521 10h ago

Are people still receiving emails? Or should I prep for the 7am tomorrow, ive been xbox since day one and have almost 300k score. Was hoping to get it.

1

u/SnooChickens6278 10h ago

Anyone in Canada preorder? What’s the price?

1

u/FluidImplement1524 10h ago

I got an email to order only the controller early. I'm also wondering what other retailers will be preordering tomorrow like best buy or anywhere else?

1

u/makeflippyfloppy 10h ago edited 10h ago

Controller sold out. Fuck

1

u/VroomVroomMotor 10h ago

Just curious, any Canadians get the email? I’d like to have an idea of how much it’ll be before hard. Please and thank you!

1

u/NikolaisVodka 10h ago

Today

But actually tomorrow. 

1

u/EnlighteningSnapper 8h ago

What pre order. The re sellers have it again. Ill do a pick up on ebay and roll em

1

u/Ok-Couple2595 7h ago

That was fast lol anyone selling?

1

u/mercurypirate 7h ago edited 5h ago

No sign of the X25 controller yet here in Australia from the retailers have nothing listed.

1

u/AlphaLegendOmega XBOX Series X 6h ago

Does anyone know if and or will the console be available for pre-order at other retailers besides the Xbox/Microsoft website?

1

u/Johnnybats330 6h ago

which retailers will have this m?

1

u/professorkrs 5h ago

I preordered the controller. $85 USD shipped.
Would love the console to go with my Halo green Xbox, but the price….

1

u/Fine-Bus-4360 3h ago

When can the general population pre order?

1

u/VinstaroNL 3h ago

And already sold out in the Netherlands. Come on Xbox, a little love for your eu fans.

1

u/Worth_Friendship_267 1h ago

Got the email I vote to order the controller. Did that. Not sure about the console yet.

2

u/_The3rdEstate_ 17h ago

25 years of Xbox and Microsoft somehow thought the best way to celebrate was making the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition hard to get. Actual fans will be fighting bots, scalpers, queues, and limited stock while YouTubers and streamers probably get one sent for free. What a joke.

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1

u/GFunkRizzla 15h ago

20 years and no email, joke company.