Xbox stands tall as one of the three major console brands dominating the market today. Since its debut in 2001, Microsoft has consistently rolled out innovative consoles, each boasting unique features that have not only solidified Xbox as a household name but also expanded its footprint into TV, multimedia, and the revolutionary Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, let's embark on a journey through the rich history of Xbox consoles.
AnswerSee ResultsLooking to save on an Xbox or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best Xbox deals available today.How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?
In total, there have been nine Xbox consoles spanning four generations. Microsoft first introduced the Xbox in 2001, and since then, they've continued to innovate with new hardware, controllers, and features. This count includes console revisions, which are updated versions with enhanced cooling, increased speeds, and other improvements.
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 console gaming, setting the stage for the Xbox brand's enduring legacy. Halo: Combat Evolved was the flagship title at launch, becoming a critical hit that helped Xbox carve out its niche in the gaming world. Over two decades later, both Halo and Xbox remain iconic, with many original Xbox games still cherished today.
Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005
Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360, hit the shelves with a brand already recognized in the gaming community. This console focused heavily on multiplayer gaming and introduced numerous innovations, including the groundbreaking Kinect accessory for motion-based gaming. With over 84 million units sold, the Xbox 360 remains the best-selling Xbox console to date, and many of its games are still celebrated by gamers.
Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010
Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox 360 S brought a sleeker design and significant internal enhancements. The infamous "Red Ring of Death" issue due to overheating was addressed with a revamped cooling system. Additionally, the 360 S offered increased storage options, with models available up to 320GB.
Xbox 360 E - June 10, 2013
Image Credit: iFixitLaunched just months before the Xbox One, the Xbox 360 E featured a design that echoed the upcoming Xbox One, with a more angular and streamlined appearance. It was the last Xbox console to have a disc drive that ejected outward, as subsequent models integrated the drive internally.
Xbox One - November 22, 2013
Image Credit: iFixitThe Xbox One marked the beginning of Microsoft's third console generation, bringing increased power and a broader range of applications. The Kinect 2.0 was introduced alongside the console, enhancing gameplay and camera functionalities. The Xbox One Controller also saw a significant redesign for improved comfort, a design that persists with minor updates in subsequent models.
Xbox One S - August 2, 2016
With the Xbox One S, Microsoft introduced the first Xbox console to support 4K output and serve as a 4K Blu-ray player, turning it into a comprehensive entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console itself was 40% smaller than its predecessor, making it a more compact option for gamers.
Xbox One X - November 7, 2017
Concluding the Xbox One series, the Xbox One X was the first to offer true 4K gaming. It boasted a 31% increase in GPU performance over the original Xbox One, with enhanced cooling to manage the increased heat output. Many Xbox One titles, including Halo 5: Guardians, Cyberpunk 2077, and Forza Horizon 4, saw significant performance boosts on this console.
Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020
Unveiled at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X supports up to 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and features like Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between games. As Microsoft's current flagship console, the Series X continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in gaming.
Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020
Launched simultaneously with the Series X, the Xbox Series S offers a more affordable entry into the latest Xbox ecosystem. As a digital-only console without a disc drive, it's priced at $299 and comes with 512GB of storage, capable of up to 1440p resolution. A 1TB model was later introduced in 2023, providing more storage for gamers.
