![[Rewrite this title] Congratulations to the Free Games Giveaway Winners: Sorry We’re Closed (Switch + PS5)](https://www.intergamerz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Rewrite-this-title-Congratulations-to-the-Free-Games-Giveaway-Winners-360x180.jpg "[Rewrite this title] Congratulations to the Free Games Giveaway Winners: Sorry We’re Closed (Switch + PS5)")
A gamer with a love for nostalgia recently stumbled upon a hidden treasure in their attic—a special-edition Halo Xbox. This discovery brought back a flood of memories tied to the release date of November 15, 2001, when the original Xbox and Halo: Combat Evolved both hit the market. This day marked a pivotal moment in gaming history, as Halo set the standard for modern first-person shooters on consoles, and Master Chief became an iconic figure in the gaming world. The success of the Xbox established Microsoft as a major player in the gaming industry, a role it maintains today.
Microsoft chose Halo as a flagship series for its gaming brand, leading to several special-edition Halo Xbox consoles over time. The first special edition, launched in 2004, featured a transparent green console and matching controller with a copy of Halo: Combat Evolved. Only about 200,000 units were sold, and these rare items can now fetch over $3,000 in pristine condition on resale sites.
A Reddit user, vault13exile, was fortunate enough to find their own Halo: Combat Evolved Xbox bundle, still in its box. They shared this discovery with the community, prompting others to reminisce about their experiences with Halo multiplayer and the unique Halo-themed consoles they once owned.
As fans fondly remember Halo’s past, the franchise continues to evolve. Late last year, 343 Industries announced its rebranding to Halo Studios, planning to use Unreal Engine 5 for future projects instead of the Slipspace Engine. While no official announcements have been made, rumors suggest the development of a new game or a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved.
In parallel, Microsoft seems to be steering its strategy toward a wider platform reach beyond traditional consoles. The “This is an Xbox” campaign underscores a strong push for Xbox Game Pass availability on PCs and mobile devices. Speculation even hints at potential Halo releases for platforms like PlayStation 5 or the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Although there’s no indication that Microsoft will cease making Xbox consoles, the original Halo: Combat Evolved system stands as a cherished piece of gaming history.
