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Since 2020, Hallmark started a line of video game ornaments that reference classic consoles not only with their appearance, but with lights and sounds, and the Xbox 360 is the one for 2025. As usual, it’s designed to bank on nostalgia and capitalize on the concept of continuing to collect each entry year-after-year for a full line-up for a tree. The good news is, this year’s replica still looks as accurate as you’d expect. The bad news is, it isn’t as exciting as the Dreamcast or NES ones.
The Xbox 360 ornament from Hallmark is based on the original model that debuted in 2005. This means you see the silver metal hard disk drive at the top, the silver disc drive, and the white face plate on the front. When you press the power button, it lights up green and plays the standard start-up sounds for the system. After that, it will play music from Halo 3. This is all in keeping with the standards for this collection. You get a system replica, it plays the startup noises if there are any, and then you hear music from one of the most popular or memorable games from it.
In general, the Xbox 360 replica is a solid one. The console design is accurate. All the ports are properly represented. The colors are accurate. The power button especially is works exactly how you’d expect on the console. I will admit the music didn’t immediately scream Halo 3 to me, but it is probably the best choice. The only major criticism I have is that I’m not exactly a fan of the wireless controller depiction. It’s fine and is recognizable. However, I felt it looked a bit cartoonish compared to the past replicas with other Hallmark video game ornaments. Especially when compared to the console itself with its accurate reactions of vents and ports. I almost wished it actually didn’t include the controller or that the controller was a small, separate ornament included with it, so someone could display the system vertically on a shelf with the controller on top.
I do think some of the other Hallmark console ornaments did seem a bit more detailed than the Xbox 360. The initial NES one from 2020 felt special, since we had the cords leading to the controllers on the top and the ability to open the lid and see the Super Mario Bros cartridge inside. The 2023 Dreamcast edition, which included a light-up VMU in the controller with Sonic on the screen, is an absolute standout. While the 2021 SNES model didn’t feature any moving parts, I again appreciated the idea of the controller positioning and cords. Of course, this Xbox 360 ornament incurs the same problem as, say, the 2022 Genesis and 2024 Xbox, as both are systems with fairly solid color schemes.
The Hallmark Xbox 360 console ornament for 2025 is a detailed one that features the sort of lights and sounds we expect from one of these video game ornaments. People with nostalgia for that older system will likely be pleased. Also, if you’re already invested in this line, it’s going to be another staple. I do think in terms of quality and special features, it can’t top the NES or Dreamcast ornaments.
The Hallmark Xbox 360 video game ornament is available now.
