A life-sized, buildable replica of the original Xbox console is now available for preorder from Mattel. The collectible set comprises 3,509 pieces and aims to capture the iconic design of the 2001 launch hardware. It includes elements such as realistic lights and sounds, a fully functional "Duke" controller with working buttons, and three diorama pieces that can be slotted into the console.
When fully assembled, the replica controller is capable of activating four unique light and sound sequences through its buttons. The accompanying dioramas are themed after three original Xbox launch titles: Halo: Combat Evolved, Psychonauts, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Each diorama comes with a set of one-inch NanoWorld minifigures.
This release is timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Xbox brand. The replica is priced at $330 and is expected to begin shipping in October.
This is not the first time an Xbox console has been rendered in a block-based, physical format. A couple of years prior, Mega released an officially licensed replica of the Xbox 360. This smaller model included components to construct a detachable hard drive, an Xbox 360 controller, and a Halo 3 game box. It is currently available on Amazon for $180.
The announcement arrives amid a period of significant shifts for the Xbox brand. Microsoft recently reported a $1.7 billion decline in revenue for the last quarter and has undergone company-wide restructuring, including mass layoffs. Xbox aims to refocus its strategy on its core intellectual properties, such as Fallout and Gears of War, as part of a broader business reset.