Every Xbox Console: A Full History of Release Dates

Xbox stands as one of the three major console brands dominating the market today. Since its launch in 2001, Microsoft has consistently pushed the boundaries with each new console release, transforming from a newcomer to a household name. The brand's evolution has extended beyond gaming into TV, multimedia, and the revolutionary Xbox Game Pass subscription. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, it's the perfect 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 spanning four generations. The journey began with the first Xbox in 2001, and since then, Microsoft has continuously innovated, introducing new hardware, controllers, and features. This count includes console revisions, which offered enhancements like improved cooling 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 debut of the Xbox, entering the market as a competitor to the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. This was Microsoft's inaugural foray into gaming hardware, laying the foundation for the Xbox brand's enduring legacy. Halo: Combat Evolved, the console's flagship launch title, became a blockbuster hit, securing Xbox's foothold in the gaming industry. Both Halo and the Xbox have since built a legacy that spans over two decades, with many of the original Xbox's best games still cherished today.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

With the Xbox 360, Microsoft's second console, the brand was already well-known by the time of its launch in November 2005. This console emphasized multiplayer gaming and introduced several innovations, including the Kinect motion-sensing accessory. The Xbox 360 became the best-selling Xbox console to date, with over 84 million units sold, and its library includes some of the most iconic games that continue to resonate with players.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S introduced a sleeker design and addressed the infamous "Red Ring of Death" issue with a revamped cooling system. Launched in June 2010, it also offered larger hard drive options, up to 320GB, providing more space for games and media.

Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013

The Xbox 360 E, released just months before the next-generation Xbox One, featured a design that echoed the upcoming console's aesthetics with slimmer and less rounded edges. It was the last Xbox to include a pop-out disc drive, a feature that was internalized in subsequent models.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One marked the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation. Launched in November 2013, it offered increased power and new applications, enhancing possibilities for game developers. The system included the Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller for enhanced comfort, a design that has remained largely unchanged with minor updates in later generations.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

Introduced in August 2016, the Xbox One S was the first Xbox to support 4K output and play 4K Blu-ray discs, positioning it as a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console itself was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, making it easier to fit into modern living spaces.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

Closing out the Xbox One family, the Xbox One X, released in November 2017, was the first Xbox to offer true 4K gaming. It featured a 31% increase in GPU performance compared to the standard Xbox One, with new cooling technology to manage heat. The console significantly improved the performance of many Xbox One titles.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Unveiled at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X launched in November 2020. Capable of 120 frames-per-second and supporting Dolby Vision, it also introduced Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between multiple games. The Series X remains Microsoft's flagship console, with a lineup of standout titles.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

Launched concurrently with the Series X, the Xbox Series S offered a more affordable entry into the Xbox ecosystem at $299. As a digital-only console, it lacks a disc drive but provides up to 1440p gaming and 512GB of storage. In 2023, a 1TB model was introduced to cater to those needing more space.

Future Xbox Consoles

While no specific hardware has been announced beyond the Series X|S, Microsoft is actively developing at least two new consoles: a next-generation Xbox and a handheld model. These are expected to launch in the coming years. Microsoft aims to make its next home console the most significant technical leap in gaming hardware history.