Xbox Console History: Full Release Date Timeline

Xbox, one of the three major console brands, has been a driving force in gaming innovation since its 2001 debut. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a household name, encompassing TV, multimedia, and the popular Xbox Game Pass subscription, Xbox's journey is a compelling story. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, let's explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

Which Xbox had the best games? ------------------------------

Original XboxXbox 360Xbox OneXbox Series X|S

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How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

There have been a total of nine Xbox consoles across four generations. Since the original Xbox launched in 2001, Microsoft has consistently released new consoles with enhanced hardware, controllers, and features. This count includes console revisions offering improvements like better cooling and faster processing speeds.

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Every Xbox Console in Order of Release

Xbox - November 15, 2001

Launched in November 2001, the original Xbox competed against the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This marked Microsoft's entry into the console market, and the success of its launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, established the Xbox brand and its enduring legacy. Even today, many original Xbox games remain fondly remembered.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

The Xbox 360, released as an established brand, focused on multiplayer gaming and introduced innovations in accessories and peripherals, most notably Kinect. With over 84 million units sold, it remains the most successful Xbox console, and many of its best games continue to be appreciated today.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The slimmer Xbox 360 S addressed the infamous "Red Ring of Death" issue of its predecessor through a redesigned cooling system. It also boasted increased hard drive storage options, up to 320GB.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Released shortly before the Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E featured a design that foreshadowed the aesthetic of the next generation. It was also the last Xbox with a pop-out disc tray.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One ushered in Microsoft's third console generation, offering increased power and expanded application possibilities. It launched with Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller, which continues to influence controller designs today.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

The Xbox One S supported 4K output and acted as a 4K Blu-ray player, establishing it as a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console's size was reduced by 40%.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

The Xbox One X delivered true 4K gaming, featuring a significantly more powerful GPU and improved cooling. It enhanced performance across numerous Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

The Xbox Series X, announced at The Game Awards 2019, supports 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and frame rate/resolution boosting for older games. Its Quick Resume feature allows for seamless transitions between games.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

The Xbox Series S, launched alongside the Series X, provides a more affordable entry point to the Xbox ecosystem as a digital-only console. A 1TB model was released in 2023.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific details have been released, Microsoft has confirmed work on at least two new consoles: a next-gen Xbox and a handheld Xbox. Microsoft aims for its next home console to represent "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation."