Xbox Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Xbox has emerged as a powerhouse in the gaming industry since its launch in 2001. Microsoft's commitment to innovation has propelled the brand from obscurity to a household name, expanding beyond gaming into TV, multimedia, and the highly acclaimed Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's an opportune moment to 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?

In total, there have been nine Xbox consoles released across four generations. From the first Xbox in 2001 to the latest models, Microsoft has consistently introduced new hardware capabilities, improved controllers, and a host of other enhancements. This count includes console revisions that offer improved cooling systems, faster speeds, and other significant upgrades.

Latest Budget Option### Xbox Series S (512GB - Robot White)

1See it at AmazonEvery Xbox Console in Order of Release

Xbox - November 15, 2001

November 2001 saw the debut of the original Xbox, which entered the market to compete against the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This pioneering console from Microsoft laid the foundation for the Xbox brand. The launch title, Halo: Combat Evolved, was a resounding success, securing Xbox's place in the gaming world. The legacy of both Halo and Xbox continues to thrive over two decades later, with many of the original Xbox's best games still cherished by fans.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

With the release of the Xbox 360, Microsoft introduced its second console to a market already familiar with the Xbox brand. This console emphasized multiplayer gaming and introduced several innovations, including the Kinect motion-tracking system. The Xbox 360 became the most successful Xbox console to date, selling over 84 million units. Its library of games remains influential and beloved.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 S addressed the notorious overheating issues of its predecessor with a slimmer design and a revamped cooling system. It also offered increased hard drive space, up to 320GB, enhancing user experience and addressing the "Red Ring of Death" problem.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 E, released just before the next generation Xbox One, featured a design that complemented the upcoming model. It was the last Xbox to include a pop-out disc drive, marking a shift in console design.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox One marked the start of Microsoft's third console generation, offering increased power and new applications for developers. The launch of Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller enhanced the gaming experience, with many of these design elements still in use today.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

With the Xbox One S, Microsoft introduced the first Xbox console capable of 4K output and 4K Blu-ray playback, transforming it into a versatile entertainment system. Its games were upscaled to 4K, and the console itself was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, making it more space-efficient.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

As the final model in the Xbox One series, the Xbox One X offered true 4K gameplay. It boasted a 31% increase in GPU performance and new cooling methods, significantly enhancing the performance of numerous Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Unveiled at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X brought advanced features like 120 frames-per-second capability, Dolby Vision, and Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between games. It remains Microsoft's flagship console, delivering a top-tier gaming experience.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched alongside the Series X, the Xbox Series S serves as a more affordable entry point into the Xbox ecosystem. Priced at $299, it's a digital-only console with 512GB of storage and capabilities up to 1440p. In 2023, a 1TB model was released to offer more storage options.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific details have been announced for new Xbox hardware beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft has confirmed it is developing at least two new consoles: a next-generation Xbox and a handheld model. These consoles are likely several years away, but Microsoft promises a significant technological leap with its next home console.