Xbox Series X25 vs Series X is really a choice between a limited-edition collectible and the standard console. The £759.99 Xbox Series X25 brings back the original Xbox’s green look, adds individual engraved numbering and comes with a special controller and Halo: Campaign Evolved download. Its gaming performance is the same as a regular Series X.
The ordinary 1TB Carbon Black model is £669.99 at Microsoft’s UK reference price, making it £90 cheaper. If you already own a Series X, you are buying anniversary design and bundle extras rather than more power. Here is the full hardware comparison, including what happens if you play games from discs.
Xbox Series X25 vs Series X specifications
Both machines belong to the Xbox Series X family. They have 1TB custom NVMe SSDs, 4K UHD Blu-ray drives and the established Series X processor and graphics architecture. They can deliver true 4K and up to 120fps, depending on the game and display. Neither has an announced advantage in raw performance.
| Xbox Series X25 vs Series X | X25 Limited Edition | 1TB Carbon Black Series X |
|---|---|---|
| UK reference price | £759.99 | £669.99 |
| SSD | 1TB | 1TB |
| Disc drive | Yes | Yes |
| Series X gaming performance | Standard Series X | Standard Series X |
| Case | Translucent OG Green, engraved number | Carbon Black |
| Included controller | X25 Special Edition | Standard Xbox Wireless Controller |
| Halo: Campaign Evolved | Full-game digital download | Not included as standard |
In the Xbox Series X25 vs Series X table, the price gap comes entirely from the anniversary bundle, not additional storage. There is a separate 2TB Galaxy Black model, and Microsoft currently lists it at £589.99 on its UK comparison page. Check current retailer prices if you would prefer a larger SSD to a collector’s finish.
Does the X25 have a better CPU or GPU?
No. Microsoft specifically describes the X25 as offering Series X power and performance. It uses the same Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 graphics family, so you should not expect extra frames per second simply because of the green shell.
The Xbox Series X25 vs Series X performance comparison also covers loading. Both use the Xbox Velocity Architecture and fast custom SSD storage. Microsoft has not announced an X25-specific speed increase, and neither model gives you the entire advertised 1TB for games after system files.
Can you use physical Xbox discs in both consoles?
Yes. Both the X25 and the 1TB Carbon Black Series X have optical drives for compatible Xbox games and supported Blu-ray media. The £619.99 Robot White Series X is a different all-digital model, and it cannot take a disc.
A compatible Xbox game installed from a disc generally still needs that disc inserted to verify ownership. The two disc-drive consoles support thousands of titles across Xbox generations, but backward compatibility is limited to supported games. An old Xbox or Xbox 360 disc is not automatically compatible.
For Xbox Series X25 vs Series X, disc ownership works the same way. The X25’s included Halo: Campaign Evolved is a digital download and does not use the disc drive. A physical drive and a digital bundled game are two separate features.
What is different about the X25 anniversary design?
The translucent OG Green housing, lit-up green X, anniversary branding and individual engraving are the biggest differences. Microsoft confirms each X25 has a unique engraved number but does not reveal a fixed worldwide production count. The numbered case is a collector feature, not proof that a particular total was manufactured.
The matching X25 wireless controller has original-style ABXY button colours and references to the classic Duke pad. If you prefer the controller to the console, it can also be bought separately for £74.99, subject to stock.
Does the standard Series X include Halo?
Not as part of its ordinary console package. Microsoft’s Xbox Series X25 vs Series X bundle comparison gives the X25 a full-game digital copy of Halo: Campaign Evolved, while the Carbon Black package includes its standard wireless controller and console. The game is not a Halo disc and it is not described as a Game Pass trial.
Microsoft has not yet explained exactly how the bundled game is redeemed on the X25. Buyers should use the official instructions supplied with the collection rather than assume a code is printed in the box.
Which Series X is better value in the UK?
The £669.99 Carbon Black model is the better buy if you want Series X performance and a disc drive for less. The £759.99 X25 makes sense when you genuinely want the special case, matching pad and Halo download. Shop discounts can widen or narrow the difference.
Xbox Series X25 vs Series X will come down to what you want to own, not which is the faster machine. X25 launches on 13 November 2026, although Microsoft’s UK store showed it as out of stock on 1 November. Confirm availability before deciding.
Official source: Xbox Series X models and official comparison.
