Over the years, Microsoft has released several versions of Xbox consoles ranging from the original Xbox to the Xbox Series X|S systems. A majority of these have been a part of promotions for different Xbox-related franchises that were being released at the time, certain timed events, and even movies.
With every console that was released, some were either sold or given away in limited quantities. Because of this, we have certain Xbox consoles that have earned the status of being limited editions. On this list, we’ll highlight some of the rarest Xbox consoles that are extremely hard to find to this day.
10 Taco Bell Platinum Xbox One X
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Starting with a fast food promotion, we have the Taco Bell Platinum Xbox One X. In October 2018, Taco Bell hosted a giveaway with Microsoft, giving away the platinum-colored console. In order to enter the giveaway, you had to purchase one of Taco Bell’s $5 combo boxes between October 18 to November 21.
On the box, you’d receive a code you could enter on the contest's website to see if you’d won. There were 5,000 units of the Platinum Xbox One X made, so if you know somebody having this one, consider them to be very lucky.
9 Xbox 360 Launch Team Edition
The Xbox 360 Launch Team Edition console was given to those who worked on and were a part of the system's launch back in November 2005. The system itself was customized to represent the hard work that the team put into the system. It includes not only their autographs but drawings of the team and a statement saying “Launch Team ’05.” It also says “I Made This” on the USB door.
It’s a given that this is a rare console, as only a select few have this. While the number of how many were made is unknown, there is a faceplate for the console being sold on eBay for $3,500.00.
8 Xbox One Launch Team Edition
While we’re on the topic of launch teams, following their tradition, Microsoft had an Xbox One Launch Team Edition console to give to staff members. The console has a white and silver color scheme, and the phrases “I Made This” and “Launch team 2013” are written right next to the eject button.
Once again, it’s unknown how many of these systems were made, but it is currently sold on eBay for $500. If you’re interested in getting your hands on it, you have a better shot at this one instead of the Xbox 360 version. No pun intended.
7 Original Xbox Launch Team Edition
To finish the launch team saga, we need to return to its roots with the original Xbox Launch Team Edition console. The system is a translucent green color and has the message “Great Work!” with Bill Gates’ signature on the very top and the message “Xbox 2001 Launch Team”.
The thing about this console was that it wasn’t given away. 1,000 units were made and sold only to employees. There’s no idea how much they were being sold for, but there have been some models that sold on eBay for the thousands.
6 Cuphead Xbox One S
To celebrate the launch of Studio MDHR’s Cuphead, Microsoft held a launch party for the game. During the launch party, 4 different attendees received limited edition consoles based on the game. The system was an Xbox One S with a bright yellow color, along with a few decals related to the game. Even the controller itself was designed.
One of the consoles, along with a set of the game’s music on an LP, was given away during a Twitter contest. Considering that only 4 exist, you’d have to be extremely lucky to see one in person.
5 Xbox Atari Edition
You may not know this, but there was a special Xbox Atari edition that was given away back in 2004. At the 2004 Leipzig Game Convention, attendees were sent on a scavenger hunt to collect 5 different pins that spelled out ATARI during the event. Once they did, they entered a contest to win the console along with some Atari gear.
The console is bright orange with the Atari logo in the center, with the name written diagonally from it. There are supposedly only 5 units in existence, so who knows where they are right now?
4 Hello Kitty Crystal Xbox
The Hello Kitty Crystal Xbox has to be not only one of the rarest Xbox but the cutest one as well. The console was released in Singapore to go along with the release of Hello Kitty: Roller Rescue on the Xbox. The only way to get it was to purchase a $5,000 Samsung TV and throw in S$99 SGD to get the edition.
The Xbox is translucent with a pink and orange Hello Kitty on top of the system. The system itself is adorable and only has 550 units made.
3 The Simpsons Movie Xbox 360
One of the most memorable movie collaborations that Xbox has done is The Simpsons Movie Xbox 360. In July 2007, Microsoft hosted several giveaways and contests for the console to promote the movie. 100 units of the system were made, and despite The Simpsons' popularity, none were made for sale.
The console and the controller are a bright glossy yellow, with the top half of Homer's head peeking up from the side of the system. On the front is The Simpsons Movie logo, with a hand reaching for a donut.
2 Pure White Xbox
The Pure White Xbox is rare not only due to how many units were made but also because it was only sold in Japan. It was created to celebrate the Xbox’s 2nd anniversary in Japan. As the name suggests, the system has a pure white color with grey accents in certain areas.
This system was even rarer because the buyer had the option to engrave up to 20 letters on the system itself, making it unique to them. 1,000 units were made, and some can even be bought on eBay if you’re lucky to find one.
1 Shadow Of The Tomb Raider Xbox One X
The last console on this list is the Shadow of the Tomb Raider Xbox One X. Not only is this console extremely rare, but it is also the most expensive one on this list. Square Enix and Microsoft collaborated on this system and put it up on eBay as a charity auction.
The console sold for $8,300, and all the earnings went to the Best Friends Animal Society charity organization. The system is extremely detailed in its design and is even autographed by Lara Croft actress Camilla Luddington. Now how’s that for a treasure?