GameSir and Backbone launch special edition mobile controllers to celebrate Xbox at 25

In addition to 8BitDo, Backbone and GameSir are two other third-party brands that have released products to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Xbox. Both manufacturers have released anniversary editions of their mobile controllers.

The Backbone Pro was released over a year ago. It was first available in Black, and then in November 2025, it received an Xbox Edition that has a translucent green shell. There was also a limited edition made in collaboration with the fashion brand, Kith.

For Xbox's 25th anniversary, rather than relaunch a translucent green version that matches the special edition Xbox Series X and special edition Xbox controller, the Backbone Pro Xbox 25th Anniversary Edition comes in Iconic Blue, Crystal Clear, and Bold Orange, all of which have a see-through design.

What's more interesting is that Backbone won't let you choose a specific color, as it has adopted a blind box format. This means you don't know what color you are getting until you open the box.

The limited edition controller can be pre-ordered now for $159.99 and it comes with a free 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This makes it cheaper than the standard edition and Xbox edition, which are priced at $169.99 and $179.99 respectively.

GameSir is also joining the celebration with a special edition of its X5 Lite controller. Officially called the GameSir X5 Lite for Xbox 25th Anniversary Edition, the telescopic mobile controller has a translucent green shell like the original Xbox console. This limited edition also has an Xbox button below the right thumbstick, unlike the original colors (Wasabi and Translucent Black), which have a GameSir button.

The GameSir X5 Lite for Xbox 25th Anniversary Edition isn't only cosmetically different from the standard X5 Lite, it also has different features such as support for Apple Devices (MFi certified) and Android, whereas the standard version only works with Android devices. The Xbox edition also features Hall Effect joysticks, Hall Effect triggers, and physically swappable ABXY buttons.

However, it is more expensive at $44.99 compared to the $34.99 price of the standard version (available on Amazon). That price increase is further justified with the addition of a storage case, a button clip, and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate voucher. It is available to pre-order now and will be released in October.