Every Xbox Console: A Full History of Release Dates

Xbox: A Retrospective Look at Nine Generations of Consoles

Xbox, one of the three major console brands, has significantly impacted the gaming landscape since its 2001 debut. Initially an underdog, it's now a household name, expanding into TV, multimedia, and the popular Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of the current generation, let's explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

Which Xbox boasted the best game library?

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The Xbox Family: A Complete Timeline

A total of nine Xbox consoles have been released across four generations. Starting with the original in 2001, each iteration has brought advancements in hardware, controllers, and features. This count includes revised models with improved cooling, speed, and other enhancements.

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A Chronological Look at Each Xbox Console

Xbox – November 15, 2001

Launched in November 2001, the original Xbox competed with the GameCube and PlayStation 2. Halo: Combat Evolved was its flagship title, establishing both the game and the console's legacy. Many classic original Xbox games remain fondly remembered.

Xbox 360 – November 22, 2005

Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360, capitalized on its established brand recognition, focusing on multiplayer gaming. Innovations included the Kinect motion sensor. With over 84 million units sold, it remains the most successful Xbox console, and its game library continues to be celebrated.

Xbox 360 S – June 18, 2010

The slimmer Xbox 360 S addressed the infamous "Red Ring of Death" issue with improved cooling and offered increased hard drive storage (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 next generation, with a sleeker profile and an internal disc drive.

Xbox One – November 22, 2013

The Xbox One ushered in Microsoft's third generation, boasting increased power and expanded application capabilities. Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller were key features. The controller's design remains influential today.

Xbox One S – August 2, 2016

The Xbox One S supported 4K output and acted as a 4K Blu-ray player, expanding its entertainment functionality. Its compact size was another notable improvement.

Xbox One X – November 7, 2017

The Xbox One X delivered true 4K gaming with a significantly enhanced GPU and improved cooling. It boosted performance across many existing Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X – November 10, 2020

Revealed at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X supports 120fps, Dolby Vision, and features like Quick Resume. It remains Microsoft's flagship console.

Xbox Series S – November 10, 2020

The Xbox Series S provides a more affordable entry point to the Xbox ecosystem, offering digital-only gaming at a lower price point. A 1TB model was released in 2023.

The Future of Xbox

While specifics remain unannounced, Microsoft has confirmed work on at least two new consoles: a next-gen Xbox and a handheld model. Microsoft aims for a "largest technical leap" with its next home console.