Every Xbox Console: A Full History of Release Dates

Xbox has become a household name since its debut in 2001, evolving from a newcomer to a dominant force in the console market. Microsoft's commitment to innovation has seen the Xbox brand expand into TV, multimedia, and the revolutionary Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of this console generation, it's the perfect time 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 spanning four generations. Since the original Xbox launched in 2001, Microsoft has consistently released new models, each bringing enhanced hardware, updated controllers, and other improvements. This count includes console revisions, which feature upgrades like better cooling systems and faster processing speeds.

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 launch of the first Xbox, entering the market as a competitor to the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This initial foray by Microsoft not only introduced the Xbox brand but also set the stage for its future dominance. Halo: Combat Evolved, the launch title, became a defining hit that helped Xbox capture a significant market share. Both Halo and Xbox have since built a legacy that spans over two decades, with many of the original Xbox's best games still fondly remembered today.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360, hit the market in 2005 with an already established reputation. It emphasized multiplayer gaming and introduced groundbreaking accessories like the Kinect, which revolutionized motion tracking in games. The Xbox 360 remains the brand's most successful console to date, selling over 84 million units. Its extensive library of games continues to be celebrated for its quality and innovation.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S brought a sleeker design and crucial internal upgrades to address the infamous "Red Ring of Death" overheating issues. It featured an improved cooling system and increased hard drive capacity, with models offering up to 320GB of storage.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

Launched just before the next-generation Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E sported a design that aligned aesthetically with the upcoming model, featuring sharper edges. It was also the last Xbox console to have an external disc drive, as subsequent models would have internal drives.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

Marking the start of Microsoft's third console generation, the Xbox One introduced increased power and a broader range of applications. The Kinect 2.0 enhanced motion and voice control, while the redesigned controller offered greater comfort and functionality, setting a standard that persists with minor tweaks in later models.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

With the introduction of the Xbox One S, Microsoft added 4K support and a 4K Blu-ray player, transforming it into a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console's size was reduced by 40%, making it more compact and easier to integrate into home setups.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

As the final model in the Xbox One series, the Xbox One X offered true 4K gameplay. Its GPU was 31% more powerful than the original Xbox One, and new cooling methods were employed to manage increased heat. It significantly improved performance for many titles, including Halo 5: Guardians, Cyberpunk 2077, and Forza Horizon 4.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Revealed at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X boasts capabilities like 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and enhanced frame rates and resolutions for older games. The standout feature, Quick Resume, allows seamless switching between games. Currently, it remains Microsoft's flagship console, with a variety of top Xbox Series X games available.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched simultaneously with the Series X, the Xbox Series S offers a more affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem. This digital-only console, priced at $299, comes with 512GB of storage and supports gameplay up to 1440p. In 2023, a 1TB version was released to offer more storage for gamers.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific Xbox hardware has been announced beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft has revealed plans for at least two new consoles: a next-generation home console and a handheld Xbox. Both are expected to be years away. Microsoft aims to deliver "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation" with its next home console.