Xbox recently decided to honor Microsoft’s 50th birthday by gifting fans with an array of customization options for consoles and PCs. With the big day on April 4, these items are available just in time to celebrate the tech giant’s rich history.
Microsoft has always offered a treasure trove of customization options through Xbox’s platforms. From a slew of uniquely designed controllers—which players can even personalize—to limited edition consoles and dynamic software extras like Gamerpics, the brand lets gamers make their setup truly theirs. As we hit this milestone, Xbox is reveling in Microsoft’s journey, which began back in 2001.
Right now, Xbox users can access several anniversary freebies, including a fresh dynamic background for Xbox Series X/S, a Solitaire theme for Windows, new profile themes with three nostalgic Gamerpics, and a new badge. While most goodies are instantly accessible, the anniversary-themed badge is exclusive to those enrolled in the Xbox Insider Program, which might take a couple of days to show up on their profiles.
This newly-released dynamic background is steeped in Microsoft’s gaming legacy, showcasing iconic figures like Master Chief from Halo, Marcus Fenix from Gears of War, Skyrim’s Dragonborn, and Juno from Overwatch 2, among others. Moreover, the nostalgic Gamerpics celebrate cherished memories featuring the unforgettable Clippy from Microsoft Office, the classic Windows cursor, and a symbol of early tech—a floppy disk.
As Microsoft marks half a century, Xbox seems to be moving towards focusing more on software rather than hardware, with its first-party games now available on other platforms. Plus, there’s buzz about a potential partnership with Asus for an Xbox portable console, promising an exciting future for fans.
