The original Xbox with a skeleton (translucent) body isn’t just photogenic—it also preserves the air of its era, making it a machine that irresistibly appeals to collectors.
With its see-through black shell and heavy, imposing hardware design, it’s packed with that unmistakable early-2000s “high-tech” vibe.
And if it comes with the box labeled “SPECIAL EDITION,” it stands out with a presence on a completely different level from the standard model.
In this category, the more complete the set (pack-in items and accessories), the more highly it tends to be valued—and differences in condition often translate directly into market value.
In this article, I’ll break down what this “Special Edition” actually is, organized in a way that’s useful before you buy.
Product Overview
Product Name
Xbox Special Edition (Skeleton / Translucent Black type)
Release Date (Japan)
The original Xbox launched in Japan on February 22, 2002.
How It Was Sold
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Japan-only: 50,000 units
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Sales channels: major electronics retailers and game shops nationwide (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, GEO, TSUTAYA, etc.)
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Sales format: a mix of in-store sales and lottery sales (reportedly sold out quickly due to demand)
Included Items / Contents (Accessories)
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Xbox Special Edition console (black skeleton body)
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Dedicated “Xbox Controller” (black skeleton version) ×1
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Xbox standard AV cable (composite output)
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Xbox power cable
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Xbox Component AV Pack (for higher-quality output; typically sold separately, worth about 5,000 yen)
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Special white-themed packaging (the standard model uses a black box)
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Limited bonus: serial-numbered keychain (00001–50000) is not included with this item
Why It’s Called a “Special Edition”
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Japan-only production (50,000 units): a special model sold exclusively in Japan
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Commemorative model: a limited edition celebrating the Japanese Xbox launch (February 22, 2002)
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Premium extras: collector-oriented bonuses such as a Bill Gates–signed keychain, etc. (not included with this item)
Differences vs. the Standard Model (10 points)
① Exterior Design
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Console: black translucent skeleton body (internal parts visible)
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Controller: black skeleton version (the standard model is described as a green-ish, non-translucent look)
② Logo “Jewel” Area
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Standard model: green base + silver lettering
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Special Edition: black base + silver lettering
③ Pack-in Controller
Both include one controller, but the Special Edition comes in an exclusive skeleton design.
④ Component AV Pack
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Standard model: sold separately (about 5,000 yen)
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Special Edition: included as standard (supports higher-quality output such as 480p/720p)
⑤ Limited Keychain (Not included with this item)
Special Edition only: a silver plate with a serial number (00001–50000) plus a Bill Gates signature engraving.
⑥ Packaging
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Standard model: black box with green logo
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Special Edition: special white-themed packaging
⑦ Price
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Standard model: 34,800 yen
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Special Edition: 39,800 yen (5,000 yen more, but effectively a good value considering the included accessories)
⑧ Production Quantity
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Standard model: unlimited production
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Special Edition: limited to 50,000 units
⑨ Surface Finish
Special Edition: a textured finish with a slightly rough, premium feel.
⑩ Collectibility
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Special Edition: often said to range from around 100,000 yen to 300,000+ yen depending on condition
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Standard model: from a few thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen
The performance and core specs are exactly the same (CPU, HDD, DVD drive, etc.). What makes it “Special Edition” is purely the look and the richness of the included items.
Other Special Models
Mountain Dew Xbox
Source:Reddit
The Mountain Dew Xbox is a limited model that appeared around 2001–2002, shortly after the original Xbox launch, primarily in the United States as a prize for Mountain Dew promotional campaigns. Because it was distributed via sweepstakes-style giveaways, the number in circulation is extremely low, and it’s still discussed among collectors as “one of the rarest original Xbox variants.” The console and controller feature a lime-green translucent skeleton look with special logo styling. Performance-wise, it’s equivalent to a standard original Xbox—the value is driven by the exterior design and the story behind its release.
Transparent Green Xbox
Source:PRICE CHARTING
The Transparent Green Xbox is a translucent green skeleton variant said to have been released around 2002–2003, sometimes as a region-limited item or for promotional/campaign use. The main markets are often described as North America and Europe, and it’s treated as a separate line from Japan’s black skeleton “Special Edition.” Some units were sold at retail, while others are said to have been distributed via promotions or bundled releases—either way, it’s generally considered less common than the standard model. Its appeal lies in the bold, unmistakably “skeleton” look where the internal structure is visible. Specs are the same as the standard original Xbox; the value centers on exterior design and relative scarcity.
Xbox One X White Special Edition
Source:Amazon
The Xbox One X White Special Edition is a limited model released on November 8, 2018. It was offered across multiple regions including Japan. In some markets it was sold as a bundle with Fallout 76, while in Japan it circulated primarily as a standalone console. Its signature look is a two-tone chassis (off-white on top, black on the bottom) plus a matching white wireless controller. Internally, it’s the same as the standard Xbox One X—no differences in performance such as 4K/HDR support or the 4K UHD Blu-ray drive. In other words, it’s a straightforward “limited colorway + limited quantity” special edition.
Xbox Series X Galaxy Black
The Xbox Series X Galaxy Black is known as a special edition that appeared around 2024 featuring 2TB of storage. It has been sold in major markets including North America and Japan. Compared with the standard model, its larger storage capacity (2TB) and limited color/design drew attention, and some regions reportedly saw lottery sales or shortages even at the reservation stage. Visually, it’s based on the Series X’s black tower form, with a galaxy-like pattern that looks like scattered stardust across the chassis. Performance is otherwise equivalent to the standard Series X; the key differences are the exterior design, the storage capacity, and the limited nature of the release—making it a “special edition” that’s satisfying both practically and as a collectible.
Notable / Talked-About Xbox Games
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Source:Amazon
Often credited as the original Xbox’s defining killer app, with global sales commonly cited at over five million units. It introduced the iconic Master Chief and delivered a blockbuster-scale sci-fi combat experience. Overseas, many fans still treat “Xbox = Halo” as a shorthand identity.
Ninja Gaiden (2004)
Source:Amazon
A brutally challenging action game by Team NINJA led by Tomonobu Itagaki. It’s frequently celebrated overseas as an action masterpiece, and some fans speak of it with a “cult classic” level of reverence—especially for its speed, precision, and difficulty.
Dead or Alive 3 (2002)
Source:Amazon
A graphics-forward fighting game from Team NINJA that helped showcase the original Xbox’s power early on. In overseas communities, online play via Xbox Live is often cited as one reason the title stayed memorable for the platform.
Overseas Fan Comments
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“Just being transparent (skeleton) makes it unfairly cool.”
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“It’s frustrating that I can’t get it in my country.”
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“Just owning it makes it the centerpiece of a collection.”
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“The rarity itself is the value—more than the signature, the fact that it’s a limited model is what matters.”
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“If you let it go, you may never get the same condition set back again.”
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“The original Xbox is pure nostalgia.”
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“Halo’s presence is just too big.”
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“Collector culture runs deep—limited consoles are ‘history worth preserving.’”
Conclusion
The skeleton-style Special Edition for the original Xbox is a collector’s item that feels like “good fortune” just to find today.
Its early-2000s design language and sheer physical presence—something modern consoles don’t replicate—can instantly become the star of a display shelf.
And because limited models from that era were produced in small numbers, well-kept units tend to become harder to encounter as time goes on.
If the box and accessories are included, that completeness can further strengthen its collectible appeal.
If you’ve ever thought “someday I want one,” then meeting a good example right now might be exactly the moment to decide.
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XBOX Original Game Console Body Special Edition Skeleton 2002 Microsoft
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