The game is the first in the series to include Kinect support. The original game engine was replaced by the Saber3d engine in campaign mode and the Halo: Reach engine in multiplayer. The game features several updates to the original title, including a complete visual overhaul, support for cooperative and multiplayer gameplay on the Xbox Live online service, remakes of several multiplayer maps from previous Halo games, and extras that do not affect gameplay such as achievements, terminals, and other hidden easter eggs. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is the first game in the Halo series to be developed by 343 Industries.

The game reached gold status on October 15, 2011, and was released a month later, on November 15, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the original title's launch.

Microsoft announced the game alongside Halo 4 at the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, also referred to as Halo: Anniversary, or Halo: CEA, is a first-person shooter video game set in the Halo universe and is an enhanced remake of Halo Combat Evolved.

Halo 5 combat evolved medal