Microsoft is selling Minesweeper-inspired ugly holiday sweaters

Microsoft has released its latest ugly holiday sweater just in time for the Christmas season, paying homage to old-school puzzle game Minesweeper.

Microsoft is currently selling the “mine-blowing” new Microsoft Minesweeper Ugly Sweater on its Xbox Gear gift shop for $75.

Back in 2019, Microsoft also released a Windows XP ugly sweater paying homage to the iconic operating system originally released in 2001.

The blue and white sweater is a definite throwback to the ’90s, featuring the iconic squares on a tree-shaped game screen and large mines on the sleees in knitted sweater form, perfect for geeks planning holiday get-togethers or those looking for cool retro outfits for their themed ugly sweater parties. 

?Knits finally here!?Get the Minesweeper-inspired #WindowsUglySweater and help us support @AbleGamers. Feeling good while you’re looking good; that’s a win-win.

— Windows (@Windows) November 30, 2021

The puzzle game, which involves uncovering squares on a grid and avoiding getting blown up by mines, was first released as part of the Microsoft Entertainment Pack 1 in 1990 and included in the standard install of Windows 3.1 in 1992.

This year, Microsoft is supporting AbleGamers, a charity that helps combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. The tech giant is contributing $100,000 to the organization.

Sweaters aren’t the only items up for grabs. In its “Holiday Soft-Wear Shop,” Microsoft is also offering throwback Windows game-inspired and "Ugly Virtual backgrounds" anyone can use for their team chats and virtual parties.

The shop also has downloadable and printable crafts for Solitaire as well as a playable version of the original ’90s game version of Minesweeper to satisfy everyone's nostalgic cravings this holiday season.