Xbox Console History: Release Dates Unveiled

Xbox, one of the three major console brands, has consistently delivered innovative gaming experiences since its debut in 2001. From its humble beginnings, it's evolved into a prominent household name, expanding into TV, multimedia, and the popular Xbox Game Pass subscription service. As we reach the midpoint of the current console generation, let's explore the rich history of Xbox consoles.

Which Xbox had the best games? ------------------------------

Original XboxXbox 360Xbox OneXbox Series X|S

AnswerSee ResultsLooking for great deals on Xbox consoles or games? Check out the best Xbox deals available today!

How Many Xbox Consoles Have There Been?

There have been a total of nine Xbox consoles across four generations. Since the original Xbox launched in 2001, Microsoft has consistently released new consoles with enhanced hardware, controllers, and features. This count includes console revisions with improvements like better cooling and faster processing speeds.

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

1See it at Amazon

Every Xbox Console in Order of Release

Xbox - November 15, 2001

Launched in November 2001, the original Xbox competed against the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2. Its success was largely driven by the launch title Halo: Combat Evolved, establishing a legacy that continues to this day. Many of the original Xbox's best games remain fondly remembered.

Xbox 360 - November 22, 2005

The Xbox 360 solidified Xbox's position in the market, known for its focus on multiplayer gaming. Innovations included the Kinect motion sensor, significantly impacting gaming interaction. With over 84 million units sold, it remains the most successful Xbox console, and many of its best games are still enjoyed today.

Xbox 360 S - June 18, 2010

The Xbox 360 S addressed the infamous "Red Ring of Death" issue of its predecessor with a redesigned cooling system. It also boasted a slimmer design and increased hard drive capacity (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 Xbox One's aesthetic. It was also the last Xbox to use a pop-out disc tray.

Xbox One - November 22, 2013

The Xbox One ushered in a new generation of Xbox consoles, offering increased power and expanded application capabilities. The Kinect 2.0 and a redesigned controller further enhanced the gaming experience. The controller design, with minor updates, continues to be used today.

Xbox One S - August 2, 2016

The Xbox One S supported 4K output and acted as a 4K Blu-ray player, making it a versatile entertainment system. Games were upscaled to 4K, and the console itself was 40% smaller than the original Xbox One.

Xbox One X - November 7, 2017

The Xbox One X delivered true 4K gaming, boasting a 31% GPU performance increase over the standard Xbox One. Improved cooling and enhanced performance for numerous titles made it a powerful option.

Xbox Series X - November 10, 2020

Revealed at The Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X supports 120 frames-per-second, Dolby Vision, and features like Quick Resume, allowing seamless transitions between games. It remains Microsoft's flagship console.

Xbox Series S - November 10, 2020

The Xbox Series S offered a more affordable entry point to the Xbox ecosystem, featuring a digital-only design and 512GB of storage (a 1TB model was later released).

Future Xbox Consoles

While specifics remain unannounced, Microsoft has confirmed work on at least two new consoles: a next-generation Xbox and a handheld Xbox. Microsoft aims to deliver "the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation" with its next home console.